Jon Ashworth MP on Parental Alcohol Issues and Parliament's Drinking Culture
I generally advocate for alternative use of language to describe alcohol problems, because, yeah, the stigma associated or embedded with that term, or the idea or the stereotype of alcoholism is so heavy that it does prevent many people from perhaps, yeah, recognising their drinking problem.
Imagine growing up with a parent struggling with alcohol addiction. Jon Ashworth MP doesn't have to imagine; he's lived it. In this episode of 'The Alcohol Problem Podcast', Jon sits down with Dr. James Morris to share his deeply personal experience of his father's battle with alcohol, which ultimately led to his death in 2010. Jon's candid conversation sheds light on the emotional toll of parental alcohol problems and his relentless campaign to support those affected by similar issues.
But the discussion doesn't stop there. Jon also dives into the drinking culture within Parliament, revealing the challenges of advocating for change in a place where alcohol flows freely. He talks about the need for a shift in language to reduce the stigma around alcohol problems, preferring terms that don't carry the heavy baggage of 'alcoholism'.
The conversation takes an insightful turn as Jon discusses the impact of Covid-19 on alcohol abuse and the ongoing debate around minimum alcohol pricing, especially its effects on traditional cider makers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the broader implications of alcohol misuse, both at home and in the workplace. It's not just about statistics and policies; it's about real lives and real change.