Glorious Rock Bottom: 'A shocking story told with heart and hope. You won't be able to put it down.' Dolly Alderton

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It also opens an interesting discussion about how as a society we see alcohol and the pressures that come with not drinking. Being in a relationship with a person with an addiction can feel soul destroying, as the destructive behaviour can erode the trust in a relationship and cause long-lasting damage, I am pleased that Bryony was able to overcome it and turn things around between her and her partner. The inclusion of her internal monologue allows us to understand the nature of her relationship with alcohol.

In some other ways this book made me feel a little sad though, as Bryony was honest about her ability to overcome her addiction thanks to a lot of the privileges and support she had, I reflect on those who are not able to secure the help they need because of lack of access to finances and practical support, I think of how our country could better support those in need.Bryony Gordon is a respected journalist, a number-one bestselling author and an award-winning mental health campaigner. I was sad to read that all was not well after her marathon, but glad she sought the help she needed. One day we had to lie down on a giant piece of paper and let someone draw an outline around our bodies with a marker.

Ok, so she hid behind excess and those naughty non taxable drugs rather than prescribed numbing medication but still deserves the sympathy. And then, a chink of light as the hard work begins – rehab; AA meetings; endless, tedious, painful self-reflection – a rollercoaster ride through self-acceptance, friendship, love and hope, to a joy and pride in staying sober that her younger self could never have imagined.

While simultaneously describing the gregarious life and soul of the party she appears to be, Bryony lets us in on the fact that her interactions with her friend are underlined by the question of when they will have their next drink or line of cocaine. Of course, Bryony Gordon is an extremely successful journalist and her groundbreaking work for mental health paints her as someone in complete control. I also find many of those who have been able to overcome an addiction go on to live happier and more fulfilled lives than many of those who never experienced such challenges.

I have read an number of Gordon's previous books (the wrong knickers, mad girl etc) and what I loved about this book is that it is a reflection of the journey you go through with addiction. No, it is not easy but no matter how much pain you have to put yourself through to get it, it is by far the most wonderful thing one can possibly do. This very readable book is a crucial reminder that change - of any kind - isn't going to happen with a quick fix but that sometimes it can truly hurt and undo us but that there is a way out of the darkest places. Can't rate it enough for anyone that is doubting their relationship with alcohol or experiencing its interference and negative effects on a regular basis. We still judge mothers so harshly and that shame around parenting and addiction hurts far more than it helps.Reading this book has helped me enormously with my journey and I will revert back to it for help and guidance. First Bryony Gordon faced her demons, then she fought them (and is still fighting-you’re always an addict and she’s thankfully in recovery now), and then she wrote it all down and revealed everything to the public. For me one of the most memorable parts is when she's sober for the first time at Christmas, and is able to observe how other people handle alcohol - sipping it slowly, just having one glass, choosing not to drink because they need to get up early etc, and the understanding that it's been a totally different experience for her, she could never have behaved in a reasonable, "sensible" way around alcohol. This is how my brain works: a thought is not just a thought but an absolute command, and as soon as it comes into my head I have to action it or risk broiling my brain alive in its own toxic juices.

Alcoholism is often misunderstood, viewed as a choice rather than a disease, and I hope that this memoir will encourage empathy and understanding. You are not alone, going mad or worthless, there is hope and a guaranteed better life without alcohol. In Glorious Rock Bottom Bryony opens up about a toxic twenty-year relationship with alcohol and drugs and explains exactly why hitting rock bottom - for her, a traumatic event and the abrupt realisation that she was putting herself in danger, time and again - saved her life.

In Glorious Rock Bottom Bryony opens up about a toxic twenty-year relationship with alcohol and drugs and explains exactly why hitting rock bottom – for her, a traumatic event and the abrupt realisation that she was putting herself in danger, time and again – saved her life. In 2017 she won the MIND Making A Difference Award for her work in changing the perception of mental health in the media. And even though I've read a few memoirs like this I was gobsmacked by Gordon's bravery in admitting the extent of her addiction, including cheating and the times she put her child second not because I'm shocked it happened, but that she'd say so.