I know this is probably a common topic. For me, I’m not sure if it’s a “trope” or just totally misinformed writing, but it’s how many authors approach alcoholism. Some examples are Girl on the Train and The House Across the Lake, among HUNDREDS. If anyone else here has struggled with alcoholism, you know it’s not just "i woke up after downing an entire bottle of whiskey but was able to shower, down a cup of coffee, and solve a murder. "

  • NArcadia11@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Interesting. I’m not an alcoholic but I’ve definitely drank my share of alcohol and I thought The Girl On The Train did a great job capturing the feeling of half remembering something that happened in a black out and the feeling of anxiety and shame that comes with it.

    • lawrenja@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      I remember her cracking open a can of gin and tonic on the train and thinking, wait, they have canned g&t’s in the UK? That’s when I realized you’re supposed to feel bad for her and instead I was like, that’s a great idea.

      • neongecko12@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        Getting on the train and cracking open a can of something alcoholic is pretty standard in the UK. A lot of people use the time on the train to pre-drink before going out for the evening.

        Canned pre mixed drinks are easy to find in most supermarkets.

    • spacecatbiscuits@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Yeah, fully agree. I thought it was a great depiction of alcoholism. Doesn’t need to apply to everyone with a drinking problem.

    • samistahpp@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      True, I think it captured the hangxiety piece great, and it’s been years since I read it. I was mostly just referring to how quickly alcoholics in some stories “bounce back” but I could have used hundreds of other examples😂