Ep 26. Drinking to Oblivion

Louis Theroux is a renowned documentary filmmaker who has covered many topics over his career, from subcultures to religion and everything in between. In season 1 episode 26, he takes on a particularly difficult subject: alcoholism. The episode is titled "Drinking to Oblivion," and it explores the devastating effects of alcohol addiction on both individuals and society as a whole.

Louis begins by introducing us to some of the people he will be following throughout the episode. We meet a middle-aged man named Joe who has been struggling with alcoholism for years. Despite multiple hospitalizations, he continues to drink himself to the brink of death on a regular basis. We also meet a young woman named Kate who is preparing to enter rehab for her own addiction.

Throughout the episode, Louis interviews various experts on alcohol addiction and its effects, including doctors, therapists, and social workers. He visits a rehab facility where patients are detoxing and beginning their recovery journey, and he speaks with people in recovery who have managed to overcome their addiction.

One of the most striking moments of the episode comes when Louis meets a doctor who specializes in treating liver disease, which is often caused by alcohol abuse. The doctor shows Louis images of diseased livers and explains just how quickly alcohol can cause irreparable damage to the body. It's a sobering moment that highlights the seriousness of this issue.

The episode also touches on the broader societal impacts of alcoholism. Louis speaks with police officers who deal with the fallout from drunken brawls and drunken driving accidents. He visits a homeless shelter where many of the residents are there due to alcohol addiction. And he talks with family members of those struggling with addiction, who are often left feeling helpless and frustrated.

Overall, "Drinking to Oblivion" is a difficult but important watch. It paints a vivid picture of the devastation caused by alcohol addiction and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who are struggling with it. The episode is not judgemental or sensationalistic; rather, it approaches the subject with empathy and a desire to understand. While it can be hard to watch at times, it's a reminder of just how important it is to take addiction seriously and to support those who are trying to recover.