Holding my Breath is a book for those who love someone who is addicted to alcohol and drugs.It also gives a personal insight for anyone working with the many people who suffer like this. It is the biography of my brother Colin who died last November.It is not a self-help story of success, but rather one of suffering with moments of hope and humour. Of impossible behaviour and incredible kindness, all bound together in the same person.


Every one of us knows someone with a drink or drugs problem. Maybe it's your friend, partner, child or parent. Or perhaps you work with people with substance dependencies. Hopefully reading about the experiences and ups and downs of my brother and me will help you to know you're not alone. The purpose of this book is threefold: to make visible the man below the addictions; to offer some ideas for those struggling to stay connected to and help their dear relative and friend; and finally to raise money for the Open Road drug and alcohol services who were there every step of the way.