An intimate look at the modern female alcoholic

Ann Dowsett Johnston shares her personal experience with alcoholism in her book “Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol.”

Ann Dowsett Johnston first wrote about women and drinking in a series of newspaper articles. Later she shared her personal experience in her book “Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol.”

Men are more likely to drink alcohol and drink in larger amounts, but Johnston makes the case that she is the poster child for the modern alcoholic: Female, professional, well-educated and “high bottom.”

Johnston says high bottom means that she had a growing problem with white wine, but she never crashed a car, didn’t lose her job and was even able to win awards at work. Johnston eventually entered rehab, but before that, her rock bottom looked pretty good from the outside.

Health reporter Taunya English spoke with Johnston about life as a “high bottom” alcoholic and how she was able to recover. 

Here’s an excerpt from Johnston’s book “Drink.” The paperback version will be released in June.