Alex Clapp: From Darkness to Clarity
Episode Overview
Alex's drinking started in a binge-drinking culture. His career in a 'work hard, play hard' environment worsened his habits. Serious eye health issues led him to drink even more. A heartfelt plea from his son motivated him to seek help. He now runs alcohol-free events through Claritée.
I've got to change. I can't drink anymore.
Alex Clapp's journey from the depths of alcohol addiction to running alcohol-free events is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Alex shares his story of how he started drinking heavily as a teenager in a culture that normalised binge drinking. His career in a 'work hard, play hard' environment only exacerbated his drinking habits. Things took a turn for the worse when Alex faced serious eye health issues that led to partial blindness.
This health scare pushed him further into the bottle, leading to a dark period where he felt completely lost and alone. However, a heartfelt plea from his 16-year-old son became the turning point for Alex. He sought help, went to rehab three times, and finally accepted that he couldn't moderate his drinking. Today, Alex is two years sober and runs Claritée, an organisation that promotes alcohol-free events.
These events offer people an opportunity to socialise and have fun without the influence of alcohol. Alex believes that these events challenge social norms and provide alternative choices for fun and connection. He also advocates for giving back to the community through volunteering, which he says can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Alex's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding support and community on the journey to sobriety.