Lessons to be learned from early death of alcoholic father, Bay Roberts woman says

A woman in Bay Roberts is sharing the story of her father's battle with alcoholism and subsequent untimely death, in hopes of educating others.

Jessica Mason lost her father when he was 35 she was 15 at the time, and had never known him outside of his addiction to alcohol.

While intoxicated, Mason said her father became disoriented while walking on a trail in Cold Lake, Alberta in November 2012. Hedied of hypothermia.

"He was an alcoholic my entire life," Mason said.

Whatever problems they're trying to drown can be helped in better, less destructive ways.- Jessica Mason

"Because of his addiction he would have massive outbursts of rage, resulting in abusive behaviour, directed both towards myself, my brother and our mom."

Mason reached out to CBC News to tell her story for Alcohol Awareness Month 31 days set aside to focus on the consequences of alcohol abuse.

Now a parent herself, Mason recognizes that her father missed opportunities and could have been much more had he not been gripped by his addition to alcohol.

Creating awareness

"I want to raise awareness and end the stigma attached to the addiction that turned him into the man he became, so that others can get help before it's too late," she said.

It hasmade her view drinking from a different lens, and is first to tell a friend that he or she has had too much.

"I missed out on a great deal of sentimental things, because of my fathers addiction," Mason said.

"Whatever problems they're trying to drown can be helped in better, less destructive ways."

Mason doesn't want her father's death to be in vain, and is hopeful her story will save others.

The Department of Health and Community Services provides treatment for addictions, such as alcohol. A list of services can be viewed here.