Bottled Up: Help for families of alcoholics and those struggling with alcoholism
Bottled Up is a podcast offering help and support for families of alcoholics and people struggling with alcoholism. Hosts Dr. John McMahon and Lou Lewis share kitchen-table conversations with advice, coping strategies, and encouragement. The show draws on their personal experience: John was an alcoholic, and Lou is a trained relationship counsellor who was married to an alcoholic for 29 years. They explain the Bottled Up program, which helps partners of alcoholics make changes that can empower them and influence their drinkers to change. Listeners can find more resources at bottled-up.com.
Episodes
Drinking and driving + Q&A
What do you do when someone you love drinks and drives? In this Q&A episode of Bottled Up, John tackles this particularly difficult dilemma and explores the choices, responsibilities and potential consequences involved when a loved one’s drinking puts other people at risk. We also answer listeners’ questions about what happens when the drinking stops but the damaging behaviour continues, wheth
Why Change Works
Change can feel impossible when alcohol has taken over family life – but you’re not powerless. In this episode, John talks about why change works and how families can help create the conditions that encourage it. John talks about why problem drinkers often fear life without alcohol, the importance of allowing consequences to happen, setting boundaries and building positive alternatives. Crucially,
Have you thought about counselling?
If you’re struggling and wondering what to do next, perhaps it’s time to talk. Living with problem drinking can leave you exhausted, confused and questioning your own judgement. Sometimes, simply talking to someone who genuinely understands can make an enormous difference.In this episode John talks through Bottled Up’s one-to-one counselling and how it can help anybody affected by problem drinking
After the drinking stopped
In this episode John talks about what happened to him after he stopped drinking. For many family members and drinkers they do not realise that stopping drinking is only the start of a better life. John reflects on his own difficult early months of sobriety, from cravings, isolation and low self-esteem to gradually rebuilding a life without alcohol. He discusses the role Alcoholics Anonymous and a
What is a Dry Drunk? (aka white knuckling)
In this episode, John talks about the Dry Drunk (also known as white knuckling). John explores the difference between simply stopping drinking and genuine recovery. He explains the idea of the “dry drunk”, or “white knuckling” — when alcohol has been removed but the underlying issues remain – anger, resentment, shame, guilt, personal insecurity and other deep-rooted difficulties. John discusses wh
The Elephant In The Room (AKA denial)
In this episode John talks to Ben about one of the most confusing and frustrating aspects of addiction: denial. The deception, dishonesty and lies can be maddening. But is something more powerful and complex at work? Drawing on John's own experience of alcoholism and his experience as a professor of addiction and counsellor, John explains why many drinkers genuinely struggle to recognise the probl
Q&A
In this episode John answers your questions. He looks at the question of tough love or punishment, setting boundaries, and deaing with anger.For 1-2-1 counselling with John visit: https://bottled-up.com/1-to-1/Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we strongly advise people not to remain in violent or abusive relationships. We understand fully that in many cases circumstances can become untenabl
Intervention Derailed!
In this episode Lou and John discuss the common mistakes that derail interventions, the importance of preparation, involving trusted family and friends, understanding your legal and practical options, and the importance of speaking from personal experience rather than blame. Many families reach the point where they know something has to change, but a well-intentioned intervention can easily go off
Understanding and using an Intervention
Family interventions are one of the most effective yet least-used ways of helping someone with a drinking problem. Many families assume they are too complicated or fear making things worse, but a well-planned intervention can become a powerful catalyst for change. In this episode, John and Lou talk about John's new book "How to Plan and Deliver an Effective Intervention" and explore a practical, s
Ready to leave?
Deciding whether to leave a loved one who has a drinking problem is one of the most difficult choices anyone can face. In this episode, Lou and John explore how to recognise when that moment has arrived, balancing compassion with the need to protect yourself and your family. They discuss the importance of safety, seeking objective advice, understanding your legal and financial position, and avoidi
Parenting - a conversation
This episode explores one of the hardest aspects of living with a problem drinker: trying to protect your children. Drawing on their own family experiences, Lou once again talks with Ben and they discuss the fear, guilt and uncertainty of raising children alongside a problem drinker, balancing honesty with protection, and deciding when and how to explain addiction. They reflect on shielding childr
A father's story - living with a drinker - part 2
In this second part, Lou and John talk to Ben about children, recovery and the lasting impact of addiction. Ben discusses protecting his children and deciding when to talk to them about their mother's drinking, and the difficult balance between shielding loved ones and confronting reality. He reflects on his wife's unexpected sobriety, his own struggles with anxiety, depression and complex PTSD, a
A father's story - living with a drinker - part 1
In the first of a two-part special, Lou and John interview Bottled Up producer Ben about the early years of living with a partner's alcohol addiction. Ben describes the gradual realisation that something was wrong, the shock of discovering hidden alcohol, the confusion, fear and denial that followed. The conversation explores secrecy, broken trust, emotional isolation and trying to understand addi
Lies & Denial
In this episode, Lou and John discuss one of the most painful aspects of alcoholism for families: denial, lies and broken trust. John explains that denial is not simply dishonesty but a genuine belief that alcohol is a solution rather than a problem and reflects on how he genuinely believed alcohol was helping him cope with anxiety, low self-esteem and emotional pain, making it difficult to recogn
ANXIETY
In this episode, John and Lou talk about anxiety when living with a problem drinker. They explain how the constant uncertainty drives hyper-vigilance, exhaustion and fear. Lou and John talk about practical ways to manage anxiety, including relaxation, exercise, nature, meditation, counselling and building supportive routines. John shares how the serenity prayer helped him cope with overwhelmi
DEPRESSION
In this episode Lou and John talk about depression. They explore the difference between feeling sad and being clinically depressed, including the warning signs of exhaustion, hopelessness, isolation and losing interest in life. They discuss how suppressed emotions, especially anger, can turn inward and contribute to depression, and why talking honestly with others can break the sense of being alon
ANGER
Join Lou and John as they talk about the anger and frustration that can come from living with a problem drinker and advice on how to cope.Anger can happen for many reasons – trust is repeatedly betrayed, hope is dashed, promises broken, children are affected by a problem drinker's behaviour, family life suffers, resulting in partners and loved ones feeling powerless, confused and unheard. Anger sh
Q&A - Talking to teenagers, Jekyll & Hyde drinker, dealing with denial
In this episode John and Lou answer your questions. They look at the question of talking to a person in denial about their drinking, the changes in a drinker, talking to teenage children about their parent's drinking. They also explore accepting somebody’s alcoholism whilst not condoning it, influencing your drinker in a positive way, and problem drinkers taking responsibility for their actions an
Help! My friend has a drink problem
Talking to a friend about their drinking can be very difficult. You may worry about upsetting them, damaging the friendship, or pushing them away entirely. Often you are also not in the strongest position as a friend – you may not have enough contact to influence as much as you would like, or you may not be able galvanise people into acting together. In this episode, John and Lou discuss how to ap
Living with a binge drinker - how to cope
Living with a binge drinker often feels impossible. It can leave you constantly on edge, scanning for the next crisis. You will probably experience hypervigilance and catastrophising as drinking cycles repeat unpredictably. In this episode Lou and John help you recognise the difference between real concerns and imagined fears, and encourage you to be kind to yourself. Lou talks of avoiding rehears
3 Strategies To Change Your Life
In this episode Lou and John outline three key strategies to help change your life when living with an alcoholic. STOP doing things which don't work. START taking care of yourself. Get SUPPORT.These strategies will improve your life, they may also start to bring about change in your drinker. We know how tough it is, but it is possible, and these strategies work.Please be very clear that, at Bottle
How to detach from a drinker - you MUST do this!
In this episode, Lou and John talk about how to detach from your drinker. Detachment is essential to leading a more stable, healthy and happy life, even if your drinker's state is not improving. John and Lou explain how “learned helplessness” can trap you, making change feel impossible, and why detaching from a drinker's behaviour — not the person — breaks that cycle. Detachment helps you step bac
You are not to blame!
We have said it before, but it needs repeating - you are not to blame for an alcoholic's drinking. Drinker's are adults who make their own decisions. But living with a problem drinker can cause you to search for answers, which result with you believing you are to blame. By blaming yourself you will probably feel ashamed – again you must not take on this burden. It destroys your confidence, your se
Tough love. Let the negatives happen!
Let the negatives happen. We've said it before, we'll say it again! It sounds counter intuitive to being a caring person who has spent a long time trying to cope with their drinker's addiction – and the all-consuming fallout. But if an alcoholic does not appreciate the negative consequences of their drinking then there is no reason for them to change. Think of it as tough love.In this episode
STOP Pleading with your drinker
You're not doing anything wrong, but STOP PLEADING with a drinker. It won't work for you as it will leave you hurt and emotionally exhausted. Pleading also leaves the drinker feeling even more guilty. This can actually drive them to drink more. A drinker doesn't need reminding of how bad they are, but actually the potential they have to be a good person. IN any other circumstances your behaviours
STOP Policing your drinker - how to deal with an alcoholic
In this new series Lou and John look at Stop Policing the drinker. One of the four Ps (Picking a fight, Punishing, Policing and Pleading). They do not work, so don't do them.If your words aren't getting through to a drinker, you may well take action. Through anxiety this action often comes in the form of Policing the drinking. Searching for alcohol around the house? Every family member has probabl
STOP Punishing the drinker - how to deal with an alcoholic
In a new series Lou and John look at Stop Punishing the drinker. It might be what you want to do and it is probably understandable! But, it will only cause an alcoholic to feel more ashamed and often assists them in justifying their drinking. Known as the four Ps, they are Picking a fight, Punishing, Policing and Pleading. They do not work, so don't do them.Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up
STOP Picking a fight - how to deal with an alcoholic
In this new series, Lou and John address the things you should never do with a drinker. First up, stop picking a fight with a problem drinker. You won't win, there could be unforeseen consequences for you and the drinker, and you will only feel worse about yourself.A new series in which John and Lou talk about the stopping doing things that don't work. Known as the four Ps, they are Picking a figh
What I wish I had known - Recovery
In this episode John talks to Lou about what he wishes he had known about the early stages of recovery. Lou and John explore John’s thirties as an “alcoholic motorway”: chaos everywhere, seemingly no exits, and denial hardened into identity. John recalls losing his marriage to drink, then ironically treating separation as permission to drink “like a gentleman” (he didn't). John shares the fear man
What I wish I had known - the warning signs
In this episode of the series "What I wish I'd known", Lou talks to John as he reflects on the early indicators of his problem drinking. John describes how denial appeared as the belief he could change “tomorrow” — a tomorrow that never arrived. As his peers matured, he remained stuck, deliberately choosing environments where heavy drinking was normal. John explains how comparing himself to other
What I wish I had known - during my marriage
In this episode in our new series "What I Wish I Had Known", Lou and John reflect on being married to a problem drinker and the painful dance which often takes place between the spouse and their partner as they try to navigate addiction. Lou shares how appealing to her husband’s love often furthered his guilt deepening his shame and triggered further bingeing. John explains that addiction is less
What I wish I had known - at the start of our relationship
In this episode Lou talks with John and reflects on what she wishes she’d known at the start of her relationship with her drinker. Lou and John discuss how early signs of problem drinking can be overlooked when falling in love. They explain the importance of addressing problem drinking as soon as possible, and the early love you feel gives you rare leverage to set boundaries. This episode encourag
Q&A - dignity, covering up, making excuses, condoning, drinkers taking responsibility
In this episode John and Lou answer your questions. They look at the question of not covering up for your drinker, retaining dignity and not making excuses. They also explore accepting somebody’s alcoholism whilst not condoning it, influencing your drinker in a positive way, and problem drinkers taking responsibility for their actions and behaviour.Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we stron
No cloistered life - from drunk to doctor in a decade
You may know that John was an alcoholic for many years. It has had a profound effect on his life. Now sober for more than 40 years John has written his autobiography "No Cloistered Life". It's a remarkable story, funny, moving, insightful and hugely inspiring, going from "drunk to a doctor" in a decade.No Cloistered Life is a memoir charting a course through addiction, recovery, and a search for m
Relapse - for families, friends, and drinkers
Relapse is common. Whether you’re the family or friends of a problem drinker, or a person with an alcohol addiction, setbacks can be difficult to cope with. In this episode Lou and John talk about relapse, how to cope with them, how to look for the positives, and how you can learn from the setbacks, and progress is what you are looking for – not perfection.Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up
Recovery for the drinker
In this episode John and Lou look at recovery from the point of view of the drinker. It's an important listen for drinkers and family and friends. They consider the difficulties, the treatment and help available, the importance of maintaining recovery and keeping going when times are tough or when there is a relapse.Start by stopping. That's what drinkers need to do to commence their recovery. It
Christmas Fallout
Christmas with a problem drinker can be extremely difficult for a whole manner of different reasons. Whether you are experiencing your first Christmas with somebody who you think might have a problem with alcohol, or this is your umpteenth Christmas with a drinker, in this episode Lou and John guide you through ways to help with the Christmas fallout and how you can improve your life in the year a
Coping with Christmas
Christmas is usually very difficult when you're having to deal with a drinker. The drinking may increase, the aggravation and stress may reach new levels, and when everybody is in a party mood, you might just want to hide away. In this episode Lou and John guide you through ways to help you cope with Christmas.Magical thinking or realistic expectations (manage your expectations!).It's alright to b
Q&A 2 with Lou and John
Join Lou and John for a question and answer episode. Questions include: Is it possible to rebuild your relationship with your drinker? Are non-alcholic drinks a good idea? What is grief in a relationship?Whether you're a person struggling with an alcoholic in your life, or a person struggling with alcohol, Bottled Up can help. For more advice, guidance, and 1 to 1 counselling and information on th
Motivation to change
People need motivation to stop drinking. But what motivates one person to quit alcohol, may not motivate another person. In this episode John and Lou discuss what motivates change, where you or your partner can find motivation to change and how to sustain the change which leads you to life without alcohol. With John's professional research, personal and professional anecdotes and observations, and
Assessing your drinking
If you have come to this podcast concerned about your drinking, or that of somebody else, well done! It's a difficult step to take and should be applauded! In this episode John and Lou talk about how to assess your own drinking with four criteria – wellbeing, wealth, welcome (are you welcome?), and welfare. This assessment is something you can make personal to you, and is an important step in maki
Is there a problem with alcohol?
Do you think there is a problem with alcohol? It may be a question you are asking yourself, or somebody you know or live with is struggling with alcohol and it is affecting you and the family. In this episode Lou and John look at the signs and symptoms associated with alcohol problems, how to assess a possible problem and first steps to address problem drinking.Whether you're a person struggling w
How to reduce your drinking
Many people want to reduce their drinking and there is no doubt that it will be beneficial to you in many ways. Whether you're living with an alcoholic, a heavy drinker, or want to moderate your behaviour, in this podcast John and Lou talk through what you need to consider when reducing your drinking and methods you may want to consider.Whether you're a person struggling with an alcoholic in your
Controlled Drinking - can it work?
This podcast is for the family and friends of problem drinkers and also those who are concerned with their own drinking. Controlled drinking can be a solution for some drinkers. It requires discipline and breaking the habit. In this episode John outlines what is has to be done to attempt controlled drinking. Please understand controlled drinking does not work for everybody.Please be very clear tha
Q&A with Lou and John
Lou and John answer listeners questions and concerns. Topics answered include getting your social life back, how to ignore your drinker undermining your progress and trying to talk to an alcoholic who finds the subject very difficult to confront. If you have a question for Lou and John please email john@bottled-up.com with the title "Podcast question".Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we st
Quick Take - The Reason I Stopped Drinking
For John it was looking in the mirror and seeing what he had become which finally stopped him drinking.Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we strongly advise people not to remain in violent or abusive relationships. We understand fully that in many cases circumstances can become untenable. We discuss this fully in our Podcast "Should I Stay or Should I Go".For more information on the service
An Alcoholic's Story
In this episode we learn how an alcoholic may think and feel, and their struggles, as John talks openly about his many years addicted to alcohol. Of course every recovering alcoholic will cite different causes and reasons for their addiction, but through John and Lou’s conversation you can understand more about an alcoholic’s mindset, their behaviour and find common threads from which you may be a
Quick Take - Relapse during recovery
Relapse can happen. But the alcoholic can learn from it and actually improve their chances of recovery.It took John two years to get sober. Here he talks about relapse and the process of recovery – it's extremely useful for both families and problem drinkers.Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we strongly advise people not to remain in violent or abusive relationships. We understand fully tha
Recovery - what next?
In this episode Lou and John talk about the complicated road of recovery. The alcoholic has stopped drinking. This is a big moment. It is hopefully the end of so many painful moments which have taken their toll on you. But recovery can be the end, but it can also be the start. It is a delicate moment in which both the drinker and the family rediscover who they are, how they have changed, how they
Quick Take - The big stick in an Intervention
When encouraging change there needs to be carrot and stick. The Intervention is the ultimate stick. There have to be consequences for the alcoholic if they do not respond to the intervention. Plan the intervention carefully and be prepared to stick to the consequences the alcoholic will face if they do not change.Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we strongly advise people not to remain in v
Staging an Intervention
Are you considering staging an intervention? Then it is important to plan the intervention properly. There is a lot to consider and if done correctly there is a good chance that the intervention will be successful. But, if you are not able to follow through on what is required you may find that you are disappointed with the results of your efforts.We don't want you to go through the pain and traum
Quick Take - Tools for talking
Talking to an alcoholic about your concerns and the problems they are causing is often very difficult. Using our S.H.A.R.E. tool you can create an inventory which grounds your conversation in facts, not emotions. This will give you a solid foundation from which to talk to the alcoholic and try to encourage them to make changes .Creating change when living with an alcoholic can be very difficult. W
Make a plan for change – use S.H.A.R.E.
Creating change when living with an alcoholic can be very difficult. With the S.H.A.R.E. tool you can make a plan by assessing your Safety, Health, Ambition, Relationships and Environment. Once you have a secure assessment of where you find yourself, you will find it easier to identify and focus on what needs to change and how. In this episode Lou and John discuss how assessing your Safety, Health
Quick Take - There are no rules when making decisions living with an alcoholic
Living with an alcoholic can often seem impossible. There can be expectations we, or others, put upon us, which can do you harm because you feel you have to follow them. But, there are no rules, you are living in exceptional circumstances, whatever the decisions you take will be difficult and entirely understandable. You need to make decisions which you believe to be in your interest, which look a
A parent's experience living with an alcoholic
As a parent, living with an alcoholic is extremely difficult. You're constantly on edge, protecting your children and trying to hold a family together, as you and your children live through trauma and make sense of what is going on. Relationships with the alcoholic will suffer and the reactions of you and your children are entirely understandable. In this podcast Lou talks about her experience as
Quick Take - Dinner Is In The Bin...
You might not actually decide to throw dinner in the bin! But it's indicative of setting boundaries to create changes in behaviour. Change in an alcoholic can happen, but there has to be both carrot and stick. By estabishing boundaries and expectations you can create change. What start as small ripples can become waves. For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up
Strategies for change - L.O.V.E.
If there is no reason or incentive to change, alcoholics will continue to drink. In this essential episode Lou and John talk through four strategies based on scientific evidence of how people change, and provide you with practical ways that you can influence change in an alcoholic. Under the acronym L.O.V.E. they're innovative and bold, and might take a little getting used to!Let the negatives hap
Quick Take - You make the decisions, not alcohol
Don't let alcohol make the decisions. You can make decisions which bring back who you really are, in doing so, you will create positive change for you.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scotland. He has led prominent studies into alcoh
The hidden struggles - Lou's life with an alcoholic
In this moving episode, you may well recognise much of Lou's story in your own life – the pain, heartache, disappointment, frustration, anger and anxiety – but also the hope and the love. Through these incredibly difficult times Lou navigated family life for 27 years, bringing up two children, whilst living with a binge drinker. Lou talks with John of first realising her husband had an a
Quick Take - You're Not Powerless
Empower yourself. Know that you are not powerless. You are not helpless. Whilst you can't make a person change, you can take control of the circumstances which bring about change in an alcoholic. For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scot
Empower Yourself
Empower yourself when living with an alcoholic. Take control by emotionally detaching, establishing clear expectations and consequences. These actions will hope create change. Join Lou and John for a conversation as they talk about how to empower yourself through detaching and taking control.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a prof
Quick Take - Breaking Point?
Your body and mind may be telling you, you have had had enough. Emotions and their physical symptoms are signs you need to look after yourself and you may be at breaking point. It is essential you look after yourself, before trying to look after anybody else.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer
Part 2 - Surviving the emotional rollercoaster
Living with an alcoholic sometimes seems impossible. You will experience so many different emotions, hope, anxiety, anger, and depression. Join Lou and John for a conversation as they talk about the emotions you experience, how to handle them, and how to live a full life.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a professor and was the sen
Quick Take - Use anger as fuel for change
You will get angry, it's natural and it's legitimate. You must not be hard on yourself if you do get angry, it's what you do with that anger that matters. Lou suggests to use anger as fuel for change. Turn your negative into a positive, so you can become more in control of your emotions and live a better life as you find your way through very difficult circumstances.For more information on the ser
Part 1 - Surviving the emotional rollercoaster
Living with an alcoholic is very difficult and sometimes feels impossible. You must not feel bad about yourself, but it is likely you may experience so many different emotions, hope, anxiety, anger, and depression. These emotions are entirely understandable, but they can be destructive. Join Lou and John for a conversation as they talk about the emotions you experience, how to handle them, and how
Quick Take - Embrace Change
When you make changes that benefit you, it can prompt changes in your drinker. Lead the dance, don't follow.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scotland. He has led prominent studies into alcohol addiction for more than 15 years. Before
Take Care of Yourself
When living with an alcoholic you're so concerned about helping your drinker, it doesn't always occur to you that you also need help. You must take care of yourself. Join Lou and John as they talk about the ways you can look after yourself and create change. Start doing the things you like to do once again. Turn what might be difficult moments into opportunities. Look after you. This will create a
Quick Take - Talk about it
Many people don't talk about their situation of living with an alcoholic. By talking to other people, we get rid of the stigma. You are not at fault. Alcoholics are not children. They make their own decisions. Don't take on the blame, the shame, and the guilt. Talk to people and you will start to feel better.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John
Is it my fault?
Living with an alcoholic is extremely stressful. Not only are you having to cope with the alcoholic's behaviour, you can also feel very guilty. You can start to believe that your situation is your fault, you blame yourself and you can feel ashamed. You are not to blame, you should not feel shame, you should not feel guilty. In this episode join Lou and John as they discuss why people living with a
Quick Take - The Patience of a Saint
Living with an alcoholic can seem impossible. All your natural, and completely justified, reactions to their behaviour don't seem to work. Why? Because you're not just talking to somebody you love, you're also talking to their addiction. Learn how to change what you do so you can make progress.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a pr
Struggling with an alcoholic - STOP doing these things
This episode is essential for anybody living with an alcoholic. Lou and John talk about four things you must stop doing to make your life with an alcoholic better. Stop Picking a fight, Stop Punishing, Stop Policing, Stop Pleading. They call them the 4 Ps and they will help change your life.In this revealing and moving episode Lou and John draw on all their combined experience of living with an al
Quick Take - A Friend Like Me
Shortly after getting sober, John had a breakthrough. It was the road to recovery – recovery from alcoholism and recovering who he really was.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scotland. He has led prominent studies into alcohol a
Hope - for you and the alcoholic
Hope can sometimes seem very far away, or so close that the thought of it sometimes seems to good to be true. But there is hope, real hope. It is there in the thousands of people who are in recovery in the UK, seeking to change and heal themselves and their relationships. Join John and Lou for a kitchen table conversation as they talk about hope. There is hope to be found in both Lou's and John's
Quick Take - Alcohol is the missing piece of the jigsaw
Alcohol is the missing piece of the jigsaw for many alcoholics. In this clip from episode 3, John talks about how alcohol gave him "liquid personality" and it felt like the bit of him that "god left out". Lou and John also talk about the importance of stopping drinking before addressing personal issues - because alcohol is a mind-altering drug.For more information on the service Bottled Up provide
Why can't alcoholics recognise the problem?
In this fascinating episode, join John and Lou for a kitchen table conversation as they talk about the key subject, "Why can't alcoholics recognise the problem?". It is an essential episode for people wanting to understand the complexities of alcohol addiction. John has been sober for over 40 years, but he had a problem with drinking for many years. In this episode Lou talks to John about why he c
Quick Take - Checklist for making your decision to stay or leave an alcoholic
Deciding to stay with, or leave, your alcoholic partner is a big decision. In this clip from episode two, here is the checklist you will want to consider.For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.comDr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scotland. He has led prominent studies into al
Should I stay? Or should I go?
Please note, if you are under any threat, go. Seek help and advice, and remove yourself from a dangerous situation. Safety first.In this episode of kitchen table conversation, John and Lou look at one of the big and often difficult decisions, "Should I stay? Or should I go?". They talk you through what you should consider before making a decision, and what to do if you are under any threat. We und
Quick Take "They're not there" - Alcohol creates an absence in your relationship - living with an alcoholic
In this clip from Episode 2 "Is my partner an alcoholic or am I making a fuss?", John and Lou discuss the effect of alcohol on a relationship. If your partner is lying on the sofa drunk, then physically your partner might be there, but mentally and emotionally they are not present. This repeated absence can make it seem impossible to have a relationship. Listen and subscribe to our series for help
Is my partner an alcoholic or am I making a fuss?
Join John and Lou for a kitchen table conversation as they consider one of the fundamental questions of problem drinking - assessing whether your partner is an alcoholic. You might think there is a problem, but you are unsure. This could be through fear of recognising the issue, uncertainty as to what the symptoms might be, or you may be told by your partner, or others, that you are making a fuss.
Meet your hosts John and Lou
John and Lou are here to help you change your life. In this short episode they talk a little about their experiences with problem drinkers and alcohol addiction.Dr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scotland. He has led prominent studies into alcohol addiction for more than 15 years. Before this, for many years, John h
