Ann is the best-selling author of the book Drink, that anonymously interviewed alcoholic women and told their stories. Some AA members were unhappy with her writing it. Ann discusses all the different paths, programs, etc. to recovery as well as the stigma and shame with alcoholic women.
Ann and I discuss her thoughts on burnout in women and how it can lead to alcoholism, as well as other contributing factors to the rising number of women who are alcoholics. She describes how society asks the question “What happened to that woman?” instead of “What’s wrong with that woman?” (looking at the trauma behind the addiction).
Our discussions leads to all the propaganda and sensationalizing of alcohol/alcoholism with our youth. Normalizing overwhelm and talking about different ways to cope with it. Ann shared how writing is her therapy and keeping gratitude journals–being grateful for all the good and the bad.
You can find Ann on her website https://www.anndowsettjohnston.com and her book Drink wherever you buy your books!
Other resources mentioned: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp