I didn't know whether to put this in the Starting Out thread at or not, because I think it could be useful to those who aren't sure if they can have another drink. I'll put it here for now and can always copy it if anyone thinks it can go there too.
We have a soap opera over here, the longest running in the UK. It's called Coronation Street or 'Corrie' affectionately.
Anyway they have been portraying an alcoholic on and off for some years now, and they are making a VERY, VERY good job of it. I only watch Corrie occasionally and retuned in only to see a well publicised disaster storyline just before Christmas. Anyway Peter the character with the drink problem was cripped during that event, he's long term sober but a rival in love encourages him to drink again pretending to be his 'friend' and confident. Peter does drink again and all the excuses, lies, fights, weedling, whining all us alchies do(sorry if you don't accept this label but I use it collectively) come right out. You can see what's going on on his face. He has one glass of wine and hides it from his wife and child, scared he'll upset them. He then goes for a night out in the pub, you can see he's angry about his injuries and he really struggles not to have a drink. His friend then offers him an opportunity to get away and drink. He then has a couple of pints. It's not too serious right now and he keeps saying he can stop at any time. Sound familiar.
It is absolutely brilliant. Most soaps pass over drink problems with a cursory glance, but this is a great portrayal.
If you can watch the most recent episodes they are available on iplayer accessible from the ITV website, not sure if you can view from abroad though.
Apart from the struggles I think it's an excellent reminder to members old and new that even after a period of sobriety, that first drink, just one drink sets the whole process off again. Many think(and there have been posts here - sorry if I offend anyone) that "Oh, it was only 1 glass of wine, one drink and I stopped so I'm ok" but it leads right back to where you came from eventually.
If you can watch it I think it's a very useful reminder of what is waiting for us out there.
Here is the link to the TV Channel website ITV Home but as I say not sure if those not in the UK can view it.
We have a soap opera over here, the longest running in the UK. It's called Coronation Street or 'Corrie' affectionately.
Anyway they have been portraying an alcoholic on and off for some years now, and they are making a VERY, VERY good job of it. I only watch Corrie occasionally and retuned in only to see a well publicised disaster storyline just before Christmas. Anyway Peter the character with the drink problem was cripped during that event, he's long term sober but a rival in love encourages him to drink again pretending to be his 'friend' and confident. Peter does drink again and all the excuses, lies, fights, weedling, whining all us alchies do(sorry if you don't accept this label but I use it collectively) come right out. You can see what's going on on his face. He has one glass of wine and hides it from his wife and child, scared he'll upset them. He then goes for a night out in the pub, you can see he's angry about his injuries and he really struggles not to have a drink. His friend then offers him an opportunity to get away and drink. He then has a couple of pints. It's not too serious right now and he keeps saying he can stop at any time. Sound familiar.
It is absolutely brilliant. Most soaps pass over drink problems with a cursory glance, but this is a great portrayal.
If you can watch the most recent episodes they are available on iplayer accessible from the ITV website, not sure if you can view from abroad though.
Apart from the struggles I think it's an excellent reminder to members old and new that even after a period of sobriety, that first drink, just one drink sets the whole process off again. Many think(and there have been posts here - sorry if I offend anyone) that "Oh, it was only 1 glass of wine, one drink and I stopped so I'm ok" but it leads right back to where you came from eventually.
If you can watch it I think it's a very useful reminder of what is waiting for us out there.
Here is the link to the TV Channel website ITV Home but as I say not sure if those not in the UK can view it.
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