Britain's Hidden Alcoholics on Panorama
20/02/2012
Former Tony Blair spokesman Alastair Campbell is tonight examining the troubling relationship with alcohol that many of Britain’s middle classes experience, as well as discussing his own complex history with drink.
In an enlightening interview with the BBC on hidden alcoholism, Alastair comments on the danger alcohol presents to those seen on the surface as untroubled and successful individuals. Professionals are now the biggest drinkers in the UK, with over 40% of men drinking more than the recommended daily allowance and women drinking far more than in the past. Incidents of liver disease due to alcoholism are now split evenly between men and women which is sad and startling news.
Alastair’s frank and insightful comments bring to light how he was heading “for a very big fall” despite being successful and financially secure as well as in a stable relationship at the time of his heaviest drinking problems. His alcohol consumption eventually caught up with him when, combined with a bout of depression, he had a mental breakdown and ended up in hospital. As with many middle-class victims of alcohol, he kept his level of drinking hidden, refusing to admit the problem even to himself, and very nearly paid the ultimate price.
Today Alastair has recovered completely and takes the view that although government regulation has a role to play, responsibility lies ultimately with the individual to take responsibility for their own lifestyle and the level of drink they consume. You can view his film on Britain’s Hidden Alcoholics on Panorama which is on BBC One on Monday 20th February at 20:30 GMT and then available to view in the UK on the BBC iPlayer.
If you know (or are) someone who has taken to drinking alone or in secret, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Give Wellington Lodge a call today on 0800 8600 461 for discreet and confidential advice with alcohol problems and to get yourself, or someone you know, the help they need.
