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Bottled Up - problem drinking
Understanding and using an Intervention
Season 1, Ep. 72
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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, step-by-step approach to preparing and delivering an intervention with confidence, compassion and purpose. They discuss why success isn't measured solely by whether the drinker accepts help. Even when the outcome isn't immediate, the process itself can empower families, strengthen boundaries and help loved ones regain hope, clarity and control.
Download the book here: https://bottled-up.com/bottled-up-books/intervention-book/
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.
The Bottled Up program is innovative and advocates that the partners of alcoholics can introduce changes to their lives, which will empower them and influence their drinkers to change. If you live with an alcoholic partner, or are looking for help to quit drinking, then Bottled Up is for you.
For more help and advice visit www.bottled-up.com
For advertising and sponsorship opportunities email info@snapper-films.com
More episodes
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73. Intervention Derailed!
21:06||Season 1, Ep. 73In 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 course before it has even begun. John and Lou explore the difference between emotional, spur-of-the-moment confrontations and a carefully planned intervention that gives a drinker the best chance of choosing recovery. Even when an intervention doesn't succeed, the process can empower families with knowledge, confidence and hope.Download the book here: https://bottled-up.com/bottled-up-books/intervention-book/You can buy the new book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Plan-Deliver-Effective-Intervention/dp/B0H7N7TTC7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15TLHJG2HWXB3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1aduMjkxp1noSrWAmgxtEw.4K_dPeGHsdbdPbcxiY_QBYWyXcYxW12byxFqz6UL6_I&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+mcmahon+intervention+bottled+up&qid=1784480832&sprefix=john+mcmahon+intervention+bottled+up%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1For 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.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 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.
71. Ready to leave?
16:16||Season 1, Ep. 71Deciding 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 avoiding rushed decisions driven by guilt or fear. The conversation also examines children, boundaries, and preparing emotionally and practically, helping listeners make informed decisions while remembering that, apart from safety, the final choice is always their own.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.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 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.
70. Parenting - a conversation
22:13||Season 1, Ep. 70This 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 children from trauma, preserving healthy relationships with both parents where possible, and the importance of kindness towards yourself when there are no perfect decisions. They discuss getting help as early as possible, resilience, compassion and using painful experiences to help others.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.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 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.
69. A father's story - living with a drinker - part 2
34:55||Season 1, Ep. 69In 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, and the challenge of recovering when trust and communication remain damaged. Lou, John and Ben explore shame, hope, healing and the importance of seeking help early.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.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 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.
68. A father's story - living with a drinker - part 1
35:55||Season 1, Ep. 68In 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.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 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.
67. Lies & Denial
26:55||Season 1, Ep. 67In 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 recognise the damage it was causing. The discussion highlights how drinkers often lie both to others and to themselves, protecting the addiction and avoiding shame. The conversation offers reassurance to partners and families, helping them understand that much of the deception is driven by shame, fear and addiction rather than a lack of love.This episode will be followed soon by another episode in which we talk to people about their experience of having to cope with the lies and denial.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.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 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.
66. ANXIETY
23:54||Season 1, Ep. 66In 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.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 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.
65. DEPRESSION
11:44||Season 1, Ep. 65In 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 alone. John and Lou also consider when to seek medical help, how counselling, groups and medication may support recovery, and why extreme emotions may be telling you something important about where you find yourself.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.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 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.