Alcohol

A collection of resources discussing Alcohol.

Elizabeth Vargas is an American television journalist best known as the co-anchor of World News Tonight and 20/20 on for ABC. She was at the top of her field for decades, known for her strong reporting around the world. Despite having support, resources, and what most would call a privileged life, Elizabeth Vargas says she just could not stop drinking. After struggling with and hiding an alcohol use disorder, she opens up in an interview with Diane Sawyer, discussing what alcoholism did to her life.

Addiction, Documentaries

‘It’s Not Alcoholism Until After College’ – The Alarming Reality of Binge Drinking

Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Drinking Culture, Personal Stories, Recovery, USA, Youth

This documentary primarily follows a young woman named Rachel, who struggles with the concept of alcoholism, believing that, although she engages in binge drinking, she is not an alcoholic. According to her, "They always say, it's not alcoholism until after College. College is like the excuse to binge drink." There are a few other people who share their stories as well, but they are already past the point of recognizing their problems and have sought help.

Addiction, Documentaries

Adrian Chiles – Drinkers Like Me

Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Depressants, Drinking Culture, Personal Stories, Public Health, United Kingdom

In this intimate BBC2 documentary, Adrian Chiles takes a hard look at his relationship with alcohol. He wants to understand why he and many others don’t see themselves as addicted, even though they struggle to enjoy life without drinking. Adrian, who drinks nearly every day, starts a diary and quickly realizes his intake is well above the recommended limit. Hoping to understand the roots of his habit, he visits his parents and reflects on how underage pub visits were more about friendship and belonging—a social draw that’s stayed with him since his teens.

Addiction, Documentaries

Drinking for England BBC2

Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Depressants, Drinking Culture, United Kingdom

This BBC2 documentary explores Britain’s drinking culture in the 1990s and the deep-rooted connection many Brits have with alcohol. It follows the lives of heavy drinkers who express their often tragic—yet occasionally humorous—experiences through poetry and song. Among them are a man who consumes at least ten pints of beer each night, a fashion model who drinks until she passes out, and a woman undergoing detox in a private clinic.

Addiction, News / TV Specials

Alcohol at Home – Britain’s Secret Drinkers

Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Depressants, Drinking Culture, Public Health, United Kingdom

It is commonly believed that binge drinking culture in Britain is their most serious drinking problem. However, experts in this short video, featured on the BBC programme ‘Tonight’, discuss a different concern – at home drinkers. According to a study discussed in the video, more and more people are regularly drinking alcohol at home, sometimes every night of the week. For some, it’s seen as a reward after a long day at work, and for others, it’s a way of relaxing. Unfortunately, many people appear unaware of the consequences of such behaviour.

Addiction, Documentaries

Beating Alcohol Addiction Through Evidence-Based Treatment

Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Alcoholics Anonymous, Canada, Depressants, Evidence-Based, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Naltrexone, Personal Stories, Prevention & Treatment, Recovery, Science & Research, Twelve-Step Programs

This documentary follows Mike Pond, a therapist managing his alcohol addiction. He was only ever offered one treatment after losing his practice, his house, his family, and becoming homeless: Alcoholics Anonymous. This abstinence-based treatment approach did not work for him, so he started looking for other ways to heal himself and others. Mike is an advocate for “compassionate, evidence-based treatments” and feels that “harm reduction, or any positive change, offers clients the best chance of beating addictions.”

Addiction, Documentaries

UK Drinking Culture: A Royal Hangover

Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Celebrities, Depressants, Drinking Culture, Public Health, United Kingdom

This documentary provides insight into the United Kingdom’s reliance on alcohol and the history of their binge drinking culture. In comparison to other countries, binge drinking is more socially acceptable in the UK. Unfortunately, they spend about 21 billion pounds every year because of this problem, with about 1.6 million people being dependent on alcohol. Russell Brand used to be one of them and you’ll hear his speech on this topic, including his own experiences with substance abuse.

Addiction, Documentaries

Vodka: Friend & Foe of the Russians

Alcohol, Depressants, Drinking Culture, Public Health, Russia

This documentary delves into the drinking culture of Russia, with a focus on the country’s deep-seated dependence on vodka. The film takes viewers on a tour of both legal and illegal alcohol distilleries, highlighting the differences in manufacturing and distribution requirements between the two sectors. By showcasing the production of counterfeit alcohol and the stores that sell it, the documentary sheds light on the dangers of this illicit market.

Addiction, Documentaries

New Zealand Drinking Culture – PROOF with Guyon Epsiner

Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Depressants, Drinking Culture, New Zealand, Public Health, Youth

Follow Guyon Epsiner, an award-winning journalist living in New Zealand, as he talks with several individuals who provide insight into the effects of alcohol and drinking culture, specifically the associated harms felt by community members. He even speaks to someone from the alcohol industry who tries to argue for the potential benefits of alcohol. This documentary, however, can see through this and dives into the predatory nature of these companies, such as how poorer communities are riddled with liquor stores, and how the harms that communities endure are ignored.

Addiction, Movies & Short Films

The Lois Wilson Story: When Love Is Not Enough

Al-Anon, Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Alcoholics Anonymous, Twelve-Step Programs

This movie features Barry Pepper as Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and Winona Ryder as Lois Wilson, who subsequently created Al-Anon. It was written by William G. Borchett who was close friends with Lois. The novel and film “describe in compelling detail Lois’s comfortable beginnings, her attraction to a clever and persistent young man, her years of despair as drinking claimed an ever-increasing part of Bill, her joy when he sobered up, and her frustration as AA came to dominate Bill’s life”