Louis Theroux has fronted some harrowing and unforgettable documentaries over the years.
But even after the first few minutes of Theroux’s latest BBC documentary, which aired last weekend, it became clear that this one was going to be particularly difficult to watch.
Entitled Drinking To Oblivion, the documentary saw the filmmaker visit the alcoholism unit of King’s College Hospital London to meet addicts in the throes of recovery and relapse.
It’s still available to watch on iPlayer, but be warned: it’s a real tear-jerker, and incredibly sobering, if you’ll excuse the phrasing.
While Louis is his usual candid, funny self, his new piece isn’t a laugh-a-minute by any stretch. If you can stomach it long enough though, it might just change your life.
This is the face I use when I'm about to watch one of my programmes on tv. #bbc2 #DrinkingToOblivion pic.twitter.com/szLc0ObIxH
— Louis Theroux (@louistheroux) April 24, 2016
Particularly striking was Louis’ interaction with Aurelie and Joe, two functioning alcoholics and genuinely decent people who struggle daily with alcohol obsession.
"It's not a life."
Aurelie has been drinking since she was 13 years old. #LouisTheroux pic.twitter.com/0Q4EvIzQ0W— BBC Two (@BBCTwo) April 24, 2016
Even the most ardent non-believer would have to concede after watching this that alcoholism is a major problem in the UK. But is the addiction genetic or learned?
Many viewers went on Twitter and other internet comments sections after the show aired to express how much the film is helping them beat their personal demons.
By examining the stigma attached to alcohol addiction and the people who suffer from it, the documentary seems to have touched a lot of people online.
https://twitter.com/HarryNicholas_/status/724738372716105728
Lying awake worrying about Joe and Aurelie from @louistheroux documentary #DrinkingToOblivion – terrifying insight into UK alcoholism.
— Nance Veitch (@NanciVeitch) April 25, 2016
Wow..what a hugely insightful, sad & remarkable documentary from @louistheroux Really exceptional television. #DrinkingToOblivion
— Jess (@Jesseleanor) April 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/b0redinbucks/status/724342210569900034
#DrinkingToOblivion highlights what a wonderful NHS we have. Care & compassion. Please don't let it be destroyed
— Taranjit 💙 (@DentistWhoRuns) April 24, 2016
.@louistheroux's #DrinkingToOblivion is absolutely heart-breaking. It demands to be watched.
— Verity S (@veritystockdale) April 26, 2016
#LouisTheroux #DrinkingToOblivion reaffirmed this table of UK #drug harms for me. Down with misguided #drugs policy! pic.twitter.com/hJiXKw3BIf
— 🔻Nick Chowdrey (@nickchef88) April 26, 2016
The finished film is enough to make you give up the booze for life though. Give it a watch. It’s essential viewing for British audiences.
Have you turned you life around after battle alcohol addiction? If you’d care to share your story, then you can contact us Hello@JOE.co.uk, or message us on Facebook.
