Bottled-up

Bottled-up Bottled Up helps people who live with a problem drinker, and people struggling with alcohol.

Founded by Dr. John McMahon and Lou Lewis, they are experts in addiction and counselling, through their own experiences they want to empower you to make change. Lou and John created Bottled Up because, just like you, they have also suffered the effects of alcoholism. Because they know that sense of being alone, not knowing where to turn. They started Bottled Up to help and support you and others l

ike you. Lou was married to an alcoholic for 29 years till his death and talks openly about the mistakes she made, the times she got it right and the lessons she learned. John was an alcoholic and addict (clean and sober since 1984) and is completely frank about his drinking and recovery. Between them they provide a rare insight into both sides of the issue, the drinker and the partner. But they bring more than personal experience, they also bring professional training and experience. Lou is a therapist with her own counselling practice, so she brings a knowledge of strategies for change. John is a psychologist who taught addiction counsellors at the Centre for Alcohol and Drug Studies at Paisley University and who has published widely and presented his research at many international conferences.

10/04/2026

Don't make excuses for a drinker. Listen here: https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularity

Let the negatives happen. We've said it before, we'll say it again! It sounds counter intuitive to being a caring person who has spent a long time trying to cope with their drinker's addiction – and the all-consuming fallout. But if an alcoholic does not appreciate the negative consequences of their drinking there there is no reason for them to change. Think of it as tough love.

09/04/2026

Listen here: https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularity

Let the negatives happen. We've said it before, we'll say it again! It sounds counter intuitive to being a caring person who has spent a long time trying to cope with their drinker's addiction – and the all-consuming fallout. But if an alcoholic does not appreciate the negative consequences of their drinking there there is no reason for them to change. Think of it as tough love.

In this episode Lou and John talk through this strategy for change, based on scientific evidence, of how people change, and that by letting the negatives happen, you can influence change in an alcoholic.

Let the negatives happen is part of the acronym L.O.V.E. which can be heard in our previous podcast (episode 24) they're innovative and bold, and might take a little getting used to!

Let the negatives happen
Optimise time together
Value your drinker
Encourage change

Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we strongly advise people not to remain in violent or abusive relationships. We understand fully that in many cases circumstances can become untenable. We discuss this fully in our Podcast "Should I Stay or Should I Go".

For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.com

Dr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scotland. He has led prominent studies into alcohol addiction for more than 15 years. Before this, for many years, John had an addiction to alcohol. He has been sober for over 40 years.

Lou Lewis is a professional counsellor and the co-founder of Bottled Up with John. Lou's first husband had an addiction to alcohol for many years, from that experience and her counselling Lou has a deep understanding of the difficulties of living with problem drinkers.

John and Lou are married and live in England. They founded Bottled Up in the hope that it would help change your life.

08/04/2026

What makes an alcoholic change? Listen here: https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularity

Let the negatives happen. We've said it before, we'll say it again! It sounds counter intuitive to being a caring person who has spent a long time trying to cope with their drinker's addiction – and the all-consuming fallout. But if an alcoholic does not appreciate the negative consequences of their drinking there there is no reason for them to change. Think of it as tough love.

06/04/2026

Let the negatives happen! Listen here: https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularity

Let the negatives happen. We've said it before, we'll say it again! It sounds counter intuitive to being a caring person who has spent a long time trying to cope with their drinker's addiction – and the all-consuming fallout. But if an alcoholic does not appreciate the negative consequences of their drinking there there is no reason for them to change. Think of it as tough love.

In this episode Lou and John talk through this strategy for change, based on scientific evidence, of how people change, and that by letting the negatives happen, you can influence change in an alcoholic.

New podcast! Listen here: https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularityLet the negatives happen. We've said it b...
06/04/2026

New podcast! Listen here: https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularity

Let the negatives happen. We've said it before, we'll say it again! It sounds counter intuitive to being a caring person who has spent a long time trying to cope with their drinker's addiction – and the all-consuming fallout. But if an alcoholic does not appreciate the negative consequences of their drinking there there is no reason for them to change. Think of it as tough love.

In this episode Lou and John talk through this strategy for change, based on scientific evidence, of how people change, and that by letting the negatives happen, you can influence change in an alcoholic.

Let the negatives happen is part of the acronym L.O.V.E. which can be heard in our previous podcast (episode 24) they're innovative and bold, and might take a little getting used to!

Let the negatives happen
Optimise time together
Value your drinker
Encourage change

Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we strongly advise people not to remain in violent or abusive relationships. We understand fully that in many cases circumstances can become untenable. We discuss this fully in our Podcast "Should I Stay or Should I Go".

For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.com

Dr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scotland. He has led prominent studies into alcohol addiction for more than 15 years. Before this, for many years, John had an addiction to alcohol. He has been sober for over 40 years.

Lou Lewis is a professional counsellor and the co-founder of Bottled Up with John. Lou's first husband had an addiction to alcohol for many years, from that experience and her counselling Lou has a deep understanding of the difficulties of living with problem drinkers.

John and Lou are married and live in England. They founded Bottled Up in the hope that it would help change your life.

New podcast! https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularityYou're not doing anything wrong, but STOP PLEADING wit...
30/03/2026

New podcast! https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularity

You're not doing anything wrong, but STOP PLEADING with a drinker. It won't work for you as it will leave you hurt and emotionally exhausted. Pleading also leaves the drinker feeling even more guilty. This can actually drive them to drink more. A drinker doesn't need reminding of how bad they are, but actually the potential they have to be a good person. In any other circumstances your behaviours might work, but remember, you're pleading with a person who has an addiction.

Please be very clear that, at Bottled Up we strongly advise people not to remain in violent or abusive relationships. We understand fully that in many cases circumstances can become untenable. We discuss this fully in our Podcast "Should I Stay or Should I Go".

For more information on the service Bottled Up provides, visit: www.bottled-up.com

Dr John McMahon is a professor and was the senior lecturer for addiction counsellors at the University of the West of Scotland. He has led prominent studies into alcohol addiction for more than 15 years. Before this, for many years, John had an addiction to alcohol. He has been sober for over 40 years.

Lou Lewis is a professional counsellor and the co-founder of Bottled Up with John. Lou's first husband had an addiction to alcohol for many years, from that experience and her counselling Lou has a deep understanding of the difficulties of living with problem drinkers.

John and Lou are married and live in England. They founded Bottled Up in the hope that it would help change your life.

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https://pod.link/1824729126?view=apps&sort=popularity

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