Ex-addict aims to help others with memoirs (From Thisisdorset)

Ex-addict Gaynor Goodchild aims to help others with memoir One Little Speck

1:00pm Sunday 23rd September 2012 in Latest

A BOURNEMOUTH counsellor and volunteer worker has written a memoir detailing her years of substance abuse.

Gaynor Goodchild, 49, can trace her addiction as far back as her first sip of whisky at age 13. Stemming from a broken home, her addictions quickly blossomed, moving into alcohol dependency, drug use, and harmful relationships.

Her experiences are recorded in her memoir One Little Speck.

“I wanted to write this book to help other people going through similar situations, especially women” she said, citing her relationships as a major aspect of her problems.

“During my addiction, I seemed to attract people like myself – other addicts, resulting in destructive relationships. Admitting you’ve got a problem and seeking help is the hardest part. There are so many addicts out there”.

Miss Goodchild is now a qualified counsellor and is astounded by the continuing success of her book.

“The book’s gone absolutely mad,” she said.

“I get calls from my publisher saying ‘Your book’s doing so well!’ It’s really quite extraordinary,” said Gaynor.

Miss Goodchild attributes much of her runaway success to the digital age, with more than 1,000 copies sold via the Amazon e-reader Kindle. She is also planning a book launch in the near future, where she will speak about her ordeals.

“It just goes to show you can turn your life around.”