I felt so many emotions watching Channel 4’s The Virtues starring Stephen Graham over the last four weeks. I am grateful that addiction is being shown in such a real way, but it also made me feel sad and uncomfortable at times watching it. As a recovering alcoholic it took me right back into my time in active addiction and reminded me just how sad and lonely that time was for me. However, given the stigma that still exists around addiction, these authentic portrayals are very much needed to help others who may currently be struggling and feeling to ashamed to seek help.
Addiction is everywhere and it’s killing people all the time. But if we don’t see the reality of addiction, then we won’t know how to help and support people in our families or workplaces or friendship groups. If we don’t face up to the problem and educate people on the reality of it, then the shame around addiction will grow and more people will die.
The Virtues really brought home the impact that shame and stigma can have. We saw Stephen Graham’s character, Joseph, as an isolated individual, who had been through so much trauma. He was then faced with the reality of his young son moving to the other side of the world. Feeling so alone, I imagine he felt as though alcohol was his only friend. But in fact, as I know only too well, if you think you need it, it’s always your worst enemy.
When Joseph finally did open up to somebody, after tracking down his long-lost sister in Ireland, her response was so good, and really demonstrated how you don’t need to be an expert in addiction to have a loving and supportive conversation about it. She didn’t hide from the problem and she tried to talk openly to him about it in a non-judgmental way. Having that kind of support is a significant step for anyone in active addiction who wants to move into recovery. It shows them that they don’t need to do it alone. In those scenes, we saw so much compassion. It’s so hard to say ‘please help me’ when you’re struggling, so knowing you won’t be judged is vital.
What was also really important to me was the humanity shown in the character of Joseph and his past. We didn’t just see somebody drunk and rowdy in a pub. We saw the complex problems that led him to the terror of addiction. Often, the drinking is just a symptom of a much deeper problem.
When addiction is represented well in the media, people who are struggling can identify with it. If people can relate, they may move away from denial and see light at the end of the tunnel. It can encourage people to speak out and seek help.
So many people in our recovery community spoke to me about The Virtues. And I imagine many of these conversations are still taking place across the country because of Shane Meadows’ superb drama.
So I want to thank everybody who was involved in bringing The Virtues to our screens. It was such a raw and honest portrayal of addiction and yet it shows that recovery is absolutely possible.
Beth is a manager at George Street Social, a recovery café in Newcastle ran by the Road to Recovery Trust to create a safe space for people in recovery from addiction
- If you need help with a drinking problem, call the Alcoholics Anonymous national helpline for free on 0800 9177 650 or email help@aamail.org.
- For advice on how to reduce drinking, visit Drinkaware’s website or Alcohol Concern.
- Find alcohol addiction services near you using this NHS tool.