Rethinking Alcoholism: Beyond Stereotypes and Towards Inclusive Recovery
Episode Overview
The podcast explored how the 'alcoholism' model dominates public understanding of alcohol problems. Dr. James Morris highlighted the impact of 'othering' and stereotypes on recognising alcohol issues. There was a call to move towards a continuum model for alcohol recovery. Challenges in the current binary approach to alcohol problems were discussed. The importance of language and stigmatization in alcohol issues was emphasised.
I think the main way it prevents progress is through ‘othering’, essentially the process of classifying alcohol problems as belonging...
Why do we often picture an 'alcoholic' as someone who’s hit rock bottom? In this thought-provoking episode of the Alcohol Alert Podcast, Dr. James Morris from London South Bank University takes us on a journey through the evolution of the 'alcoholism' model. He dives into how this model, heavily influenced by Alcoholics Anonymous, has shaped our understanding of alcohol problems, often focusing only on the most severe cases. Dr.
Morris highlights the harm caused by this narrow view, explaining how it creates an 'us vs. them' mentality that distances people from recognizing their own drinking issues. He argues for a shift towards a continuum model that acknowledges a broader spectrum of alcohol problems and promotes more inclusive recovery paths. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in breaking down stereotypes and fostering a more compassionate approach to alcohol recovery.