The Archers

[Aotea2012]

I’m a real Archers fan…been listening to it since I was 12! One of the characters -Alice- has had difficulty with alcohol. It’s been a developing story line for quite a few years. As someone in the same boat…many of her difficulties have mirrored my own life and the whole thing has been very well handled by the programme. We have heard her go from over drinking socially with her husband, to secretly drinking on her own, to her being drunk in work and losing her job. She gets pregnant and we hear how she struggles with alcohol in pregnancy. She finally faces up to her difficulty and goes into rehab only for it all to fail and her go back to drinking. There are many dramatic scenes when she was drunk and would create chaos. We hear how it affected her friends and family and then listen to her go through the breakdown of her marriage and loss of her child. Eventually a couple of years ago with the help of a friend she stoped drinking and has remained sober for 2 years now. We’ve heard how she’s struggled at times but has remained resolute. She now runs the local riding school, has managed to gain joint custody of her child who she successfully co parents with her ex husband. She recognises how far she’s come and has finally started a new relationship. She’s been honest about her difficulties with her new partner and we’ve heard how the relationship has developed. Both Alice and her new partner have now been introduced to respective families. This weeks omnibus covers how the mother of her new partner has now found out about Alice’s past problems. Brandishing her as an alcoholic we hear her beg her son to end the relationship explaining that it’ll only be a matter of time before she relapses. An exasperated Alice tearfully questions how long it will be before her past mistakes are forgotten and people stop judging her. It’s a powerful storyline and it underlines a few things for me…I’ve been sober for nearly 3 years now. I’ve rebuilt my life and health and have used my experience of alcohol problems in my work to strongly influence things for the better. I suppose the question Alice poses in the Archers are as relevant to me as her and many members of this forum. I’d be really interested in views. Even though we’ve faced up to our problems, dealt with them and have remained sober are we still alcoholics who can’t be trusted not to relapse? Are we weakened individuals because of our addiction? Is this society’s problem and misconception or is it our reality?

[winzie]

Hi Aotea2012

I have given your post some thought, I don't listen to the Archers but can relate to other situations. Unfortunately other peoples reactions can be very hurtful and damaging and as such I have been careful who I choose to spend time with.

As for your question on Alcoholics, the clinic I attend are quite clear there is no such word instead they look at levels of dependency and how this affects all aspects of your life. With this in mind I have found this a much easier way of dealing with a reliance on alcohol.

I haven't had any alcohol for 18 months, initially I found this quite difficult as it is being advertised everywhere with no mention of the damage it can do to your body. I certainly wouldn't drink again after the impact on my body which is now restricting my life.

I think also it is important to put it into perspective we chose alcohol, others choose different methods of coping which unfortunately don't have the same stigma.

I believe we can become stronger people and live fulfilled lives, perhaps social media is good at mentioning those well known celebrities that haven't drunk for years.

I hope this is helpful

Winzie x