‘My quitting alcohol is not just for a better sleep score’: Comedian Aideen McQueen on her severe addiction and the one thing she changed that finally allowed her kick the demon booze habit
Comedian Aideen McQueen says she has recovered from severe alcohol addiction with the help of 12-step recovery, after years of relapsing and drinking heavily. She credits becoming involved in meetings and volunteering to support other people with giving her recovery a firm foundation, as her comedy career continues to grow.
McQueen says her drinking progressed to morning alcohol and a four-week binge that ended with her in a psychiatric ward. She now attends meetings every other day, volunteers and says she has found purpose and can concentrate more; she asks people who offer her a drink to let her have Guinness Zero instead.
- McQueen says helping others in 12-step recovery supported her sobriety.
- Her drinking led to a four-week binge and psychiatric care.
- She now attends meetings regularly and has found a sense of purpose.
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Aideen McQueen is an Irish comedian who has spoken about living with alcohol addiction. Alcohol dependence can develop over time and affect a person’s health, work and relationships; recovery may involve ongoing support as well as stopping drinking.
Twelve-step recovery programmes use regular meetings and peer support to help people work towards sobriety. McQueen says taking part in meetings and volunteering to support others have helped her maintain recovery, while her comedy career continues to develop.