Bringing to life the dilemmas and uncertainty experienced by family members in the face of their loved one’s struggle with addiction, through dramatic monologue, autobiography and poetry. This presentation shows the ways addiction reaches into and disrupts the lives of all those related to the addicted person, who may be their child, parent, sibling, partner.

Sources range from Amy Winehouse’s father Mitch and footballer Peter Shilton’s wife Steph. As well as current auto-fiction writers Julie Myerson and Douglas Stuart, 20th century autobiographical writer Caitlin Thomas, wife of poet Dylan Thomas, & earlier classical authors such as Anne Brontë.

Post show Q&A, with time for discussion of the issues raised and to consider how the creative arts can be used to publicise the plight of the family affected by alcohol, drug, gambling and other addictions.

Addiction–It’s a Family Matter. Who Cares? is a collaboration between psychologist Jim Orford & poet/writer Christine Hollywood.