Vicky Pattison: My alcoholic dad was my hero

COA Lives returns for Series 2 with Nacoa patron, broadcaster and author Vicky Pattison.

In this deeply personal conversation with Jonathan Ashworth, Vicky opens up about growing up with her dad’s alcoholism and the complicated relationship she developed with alcohol herself.

She reflects on loving her dad while struggling with the impact of his drinking, the fear that she might follow the same path, and the words that stayed with her for years: “You are your father’s daughter.”

Vicky also talks about making her powerful documentary Vicky Pattison: Alcohol, Dad and Me, confronting her own relationship with drinking, and understanding that our childhoods do not have to determine our futures.

Now looking towards becoming a mother herself, Vicky explains why breaking the cycle has become so important to her — and why children affected by a parent’s drinking need to know that they are not alone and that a different future is possible.

A moving, funny and incredibly honest conversation about alcoholism, family, identity and learning that you don’t have to make the same decisions your parents did.

COA Lives is presented by Nacoa patron Jonathan Ashworth and shares the stories of people affected by a parent’s drinking.