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 overwhelming anxiety and Lou encourages listeners to acknowledge and comfort their fears rather than suppress them. The episode puts the emphasis on self-care, recognising that anxiety is a normal response to a very difficult and abnormal situation.
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 untenable. We discuss this fully in our Podcast \"Should I Stay or Should I Go\".
For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.com
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 had an addiction to alcohol. He has been sober for over 40 years.
Lou Lewis is a professional counsellor and the co-founder of Bottled Up with John. Lou's first husband had an addiction to alcohol for many years, from that experience and her counselling Lou has a deep understanding of the difficulties of living with problem drinkers.
John and Lou are married and live in England. They founded Bottled Up in the hope that it would help change your life.
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