Glorious Rock Bottom: 'A shocking story told with heart and hope. You won't be able to put it down.' Dolly Alderton

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I wanted to shake everyone, ‘DRINK’ I wanted to shout, “you’re allowed to drink so why aren’t you drinking properly! Support, understanding and compassion are crucial - particularly from people who have also been through it. I have loved Bryony Gordon’s writing ever since ‘Mad Girl’ - the first time I’d ever seen the symptoms of Pure OCD put into mainstream public consciousness. Would recommend for anyone wanting to educate themselves on addiction (especially from a female POV), or seeking help with growth and wellness. It's very hard to break through shame, fear and social conditioning to speak about addiction or mental health issues and here Gordon pulls no punches about either.

Perhaps for those impacted by addiction will get the most out of it, gain an understanding from the other side. Her previous books and campaign work for mental health charities have done brilliant things in terms of opening up the conversation and helping people speak up and get help.Bryony Gordon is a respected journalist, a number-one bestselling author and an award-winning mental health campaigner.

Bryony Gordon] has now charted the whole journey through her through alcoholism and subsequent recovery in her no-holds-barred new book. As I painted my body with glitter, purely because it looked nice, I wondered if I was taking part in an elaborate con.

In a recent interview with Fearne Cotton, Bryony states the importance of showing her readers that they are not the “worst person in the world because they haven’t heard anyone speak about it. For me one of the most memorable parts is when she's sober for the first time at Christmas, and is able to observe how other people handle alcohol - sipping it slowly, just having one glass, choosing not to drink because they need to get up early etc, and the understanding that it's been a totally different experience for her, she could never have behaved in a reasonable, "sensible" way around alcohol. Alcoholism is often misunderstood, viewed as a choice rather than a disease, and I hope that this memoir will encourage empathy and understanding. I also find many of those who have been able to overcome an addiction go on to live happier and more fulfilled lives than many of those who never experienced such challenges.

I was sad to read that all was not well after her marathon, but glad she sought the help she needed. Of course, Bryony Gordon is an extremely successful journalist and her groundbreaking work for mental health paints her as someone in complete control. The honesty is so appreciated and I had to keep reading portions aloud to my husband as I knew he would totally relate to Harry. And then, a chink of light as the hard work begins – rehab; AA meetings; endless, tedious, painful self-reflection – a rollercoaster ride through self-acceptance, friendship, love and hope, to a joy and pride in staying sober that her younger self could never have imagined. This is how my brain works: a thought is not just a thought but an absolute command, and as soon as it comes into my head I have to action it or risk broiling my brain alive in its own toxic juices.

p>Read about how we’ll protect and use your data in our Privacy Notice. And then, a chink of light as the hard work begins – rehab; twelve-step meetings; endless, tedious, painful self-reflection – a rollercoaster ride through self-acceptance, friendship, love and hope, to a joy and pride in staying sober that her younger self could never have imagined. We still judge mothers so harshly and that shame around parenting and addiction hurts far more than it helps.