Keep up to date with the latest tips and helpful advice to keep you on track

An Alcoholic Says Sorry

An alcoholic says sorry About a year ago I wrote an article apologising for the hurt and pain that I caused by my drinking behaviour. For some time time now I have been meaning to record the video version of that apology. This is that video. An alcoholic says sorry Hi, John here.  I recently … Read More >

The Best Way to Help an Alcoholic

If you are reading this then you have probably found Bottled Up when you were searching for information on how to help the alcoholic in your life.  Most people who come here are looking for two things that they believe can change the alcoholic in their lives.  You are probably looking for the same things. … Read More >

Daughter and mother open up about the pain caused by their alcoholic

An alcoholic affects at least 3 other people. Here 2 of them talk about the aftermath of alcoholism. Cassia (daughter) writes Ironically, it all started with Big Bang Theory - The Guitarist Amplification (Season 3, Episode 7). Relating to a character in a comedy isn't something I expect to happen. Even more so something that … Read More >

John McMahon interviewed by Harris House

Last year I was interviewed by a treatment provider (Harris House) about our work in Bottled Up.  These are my  responses to their questions. Dr. John McMahon, co-founder of Bottled Up, is an expert on addiction whose passion is to help and support the families of addicts. Here, John shares about his personal experience with addiction … Read More >

Is Alanon for me?

Alanon is an organisation that some people find useful and others don’t.  It is the main family group for people who live with an alcoholic.   If you are someone who hates being in groups, hates talking about yourself  and your life, and hates being given advice then Alanon is almost certainly not a place that you will … Read More >

Live with an alcoholic: A Survival Guide to Xmas

Christmas - a magical period or a time of dread? Xmas is surrounded by hype, with the media presenting it as a magical time when everybody is happy and love and joy abounds.  For many, expectations run high that the festive season will be wonderful.  However, for people who live with an alcoholic the lead … Read More >

How Can I Change My Partner’s Drinking?

The self-help field has become exactly that - self help. But I want to help my drinker instead! If you have been around the field of recovery for a while this may not be a question that you would ever verbalise in public. You cannot change your drinker (drones the Greek Chorus in the background); change must … Read More >

Can I Drink Again Safely?

Another question I’m often asked is do I have to give up drinking for the rest of my life?  Will I be able to drink again safely, maybe later?

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Cravings for Alcohol

Hi there, another question I get asked quite often is what do I do if I get craving for drink? How do I handle that?

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If I Stop Drinking I’ll Lose My Friends

Hi years ago I used to work in an alcohol rehab and I’ve seen many people come and go, some being successful, some not being successful.

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