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 addiction. Ben reflects on finding support through Bottled Up and counselling, and learning that he could not control another person's drinking. Lou and John also talk about the importance of self-care, friendship, exercise and maintaining hope during the chaos.
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.
","author_name":"Bottled Up"}