High-Functioning Alcoholism Became Unbearable. School of Rock Bottom 36: Rupert Hill

Actor Rupert Hill was a very high functioning and pleasant drinker who could hide his alcoholism behind a successful career as an actor and publican which also helped fuel the denial. Over decades, Rupert's drinking became more and more unstainable - he found himself wanting a drink before going on stage and even in the middle of the night. Rupert decided to announce that he was sober on social media and has had the word "FREE" tatooed on the wrist of his drinking hand as a reminder to never go back. Rupert explains his slow decline into alcoholism and how and why he got sober - finding solace outside 12 step fellowship, self-help & gaining knowledge. Huge thanks Rupert for being so candid to help others! More on Rupert - Studied drama and theatre at Middlesex. Acting credits include TV shows like Holby City, Casualty and Coronation Street (Jamie Baldwin). Recent work includes Hollyoaks, Four Lives and Whitstable Pearl. He appeared in over 15 stage productions including Lady Chatterley's Lover and Wuthering Heights & directed the national tour of The Full Monty. Film credits include Awaiting and Entity &  features in 25+ radio plays. Rupert writes & directs his own films including; Molehills, Roll With The Punches and The Lookalike & recently wrote, co-directed, and starred in Operation Magpie, winning 'Best Actor' at Manchester Lift Off Festival. Debut play HUSK will stage at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, in September, focusing on alcohol addiction and he directs The Arden Drama School showreels and showcase. Rupert co-owns The Castle Hotel and Gullivers pubs in Manchester's Northern Quarter & recently took over The Lloyds in Chorlton. 0:00 Intro 3:15 Rupert's rock bottom 5:15 The beginning of Rupert's acting career 10:15 'Hair of the dog' turns to addiction 18:10 Drinking in the middle of the night & hiding it 21:55 Alcohol causing mental health problems? 25:40 The power of 'being present' 29:15 Sobriety & close relationships 33:15 Drinking turns unstainable & recovery 39:05 Being a sober publican! 42:35 Rupert's new play HUSK 46:15 How Rupert maintains his recovery For anyone struggling with these topics Rupert suggests reading Alcohol Explained by William Porter. This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Rupert Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rupertsinclairhill Twitter/X - https://x.com/RupertHill Go see his new play! https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/husk Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/3zqqR2J YouTube - https://bit.ly/45UHYWv Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ #functioningalcoholic #recovery