Peggi: Tell me about you first. How old are you? What are some of your favorite things to do? Riley: Hi. I’m Riley. I’m 13, almost 14. I love to dance. I dance competitively. I love to go out with my friends. And I love binge-watching TV shows. Oh, and sleeping. Peggi: Tell me about your mom. Riley: My mom is one of the hardest working, most talented, funniest moms I could ask for. Even though we have had our ups and downs (and will have many more, and that is fine), I would do anything for her. Peggi: What’s different about your mom now that she doesn’t drink alcohol? Riley: Um, what I have noticed between my mom drinking and not drinking. When she was drinking, she was almost in one of those hamster bowls. She was living life in a foggy dark place. By that, I mean alcohol was shielding her from the real world. And she seemed sad and lazy and it made me sad when she was like that. I almost felt alone because I felt like she just was so blocked out she was also blocked out from me. I felt almost unsafe. When someone is drunk, you can’t rely on them. They aren’t aware of their surroundings and don’t understand what is really happening. What is different is now she is living life and she can see better. She is more full of life. She is more aware of everyone. Overall, she is just more happy. And it makes the energy, my energy much better too. It also lets me know I have someone to trust who will always be there. I feel safe. Life is brighter! Peggi: What advice would you give other kids who are experiencing parents who drink too much? Riley: I would like to tell them to not be afraid to stand up to their parent to tell them that something is wrong. Even if they don’t listen at first. And I think it is important to be assertive, but with love. Of course, you love them, but be direct to get your point heard. And if something were to happen, always call someone who can help. Peggi: Do you feel pressure (or witness pressure) at your age to try alcohol? Riley: I personally don’t feel pressure because I know how my parents were and I don’t want to go down the wrong path, especially at such a young age. Of course, I have witnessed it and have seen people drawn to it. I think they want to feel a sense of adrenaline and dopamine (Mom taught me about dopamine.) They want to fit in.
Peggi: What would you say to Big Alcohol who is targeting girls her age with “alcopops” (Vizzy, Truly, White Claw, etc.)? Riley: Everyone thinks White Claws are healthy and I think that is actually what they want you to think. And they also want you to think you need these drinks to have fun. What I would tell them is that they are annoying because they are making these drinks look fun and healthy on purpose because they know that is what we want. To be fun and healthy. Mom told me that for anything that we buy, companies study people and what they are selling to figure out what they need to do to get us to buy their thing. So, they know what alcohol does. It’s not cool. Peggi: When you grow up, what do you think you would you tell your kids about alcohol? Riley: I understand at some point that my kids might have a drink. I would want them to know though what it can do to you, even if you just have a drink here and there. ESPECIALLY at an early age. I would want them to know that it runs in the family and that is something they need to be aware of. No matter what, I want to have a relationship with my kids where we can talk honestly about issues like this. Peggi: Is there any question you wish I would have asked you? Riley: Although there have been a lot of rough times that included alcohol in my family, I have learned and seen what alcohol has truly done to those who were drinking and those around it. I know that it will forever affect me and my life. I love my mom and I am so proud of her.
Quick Round:
Peggi: Your favorite color. Riley: Green Peggi: Your favorite animal. Riley: Giraffe Peggi: Your favorite food. Riley : Chicken Wings Peggi: Your favorite song.
Riley: Shoot. I don’t know. I love a lot of different types. My favorite artists are Eminem, Lana Del Ray, and Deftones. Peggi: Your favorite book. Riley: Where the Red Fern Grows Peggi: Your favorite movie. Riley: American Pie (my mom is freaking out right now.)
HOLA SOBER | MADRID
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