Do you really need to lose your job, wreck your marriage or wake up in a police cell before you’re allowed to question your drinking?
Absolutely bloody not.
This week, Vic and Ulrika are tackling the myth of rock bottom — the idea that you need to spectacularly fuck your life up before booze becomes a problem.
Neither thought they fitted the stereotype. Vic was the social party girl, Ulrika drank more at home, and both were fairly convinced they weren’t extreme drinkers.
Then the stories start coming out.
Ulrika remembers kneeling in the cupboard under the stairs necking rum from the bottle. Vic casually mentions blowing off a finger with a firework while pissed. Suddenly, their definition of “not that bad” starts looking slightly questionable.
They look back at the signs they ignored, the endless drinking rules, comparing themselves to people who were “worse” and all the ridiculous ways we convince ourselves everything is fine. For Vic, there wasn’t one dramatic collapse, but years of what she calls “little weekly pebbly bottoms.” Oh and Vic has a little cry about being a total booze bag for most of her life.
So, if you’ve ever woken up wondering why there’s a traffic cone on your head, or reassured yourself your drinking is fine because someone else is worse — this episode is for you.
And yes, we’ll finish with a spectacularly cheesy J.K. Rowling quote:
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”
Lovely. Stick it on a cushion.
Enjoy!
Have you got a story, weird drunk confession or a question for Vic and Ulrika?
Email vicandulrika@soberawkward.com. Your message could inspire a future episode.
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Victoria’s brutally honest and hilarious memoir about motherhood, anxiety and ditching the booze.
👉 Get A Thousand Wasted Sundays
A Year of Trying (and Failing) to Be a Better Parent—Vic’s funny and painfully relatable memoir about the messy reality of motherhood.
A 30-day sobriety kickstart filled with relatable support, practical tools and plenty of awkwardness to help you begin life without booze.
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Sober Awkward shares personal experiences and community support, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you are physically dependent on alcohol, suddenly stopping can be dangerous. Please speak to a doctor or alcohol-support service for advice on withdrawing safely.
Drinkline — National Alcohol Helpline
Free and confidential support if you are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking.
Call 0300 123 1110
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