TikTok Creator Shares Where She Used to Hide Her "Empties" to Shed Light on Alcohol Misuse

Issy Hawkins, who labels herself "That Sober Actor" to her 115k TikTok followers, is known for her advocacy against harmful drinking. She discusses the dangers of alcoholism and dependence on her page to connect with people who are struggling with their sobriety.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), alcohol misuse is "when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol." Their advice for adult men and women is "not to regularly drink more than 14 units (a unit is 8g or 10mL of pure alcohol) a week."

Aside from short- and long-term health risks, the NHS also warns of the interpersonal impact of alcohol dependence. They state it "usually affects a person's quality of life and relationships, but they may not always find it easy to see or accept this."

However, it is not easy to spot alcohol misuse because "severely dependent drinkers are often able to tolerate very high levels of alcohol in amounts that would dangerously affect or even kill some people." The statements made by the NHS are supported by some of the anecdotes shared by Issy Hawkins on TikTok.

She mentioned that she did not like the person she became when she had alcohol in her system. "I was capable of anything. I was capable of stepping over anybody," Issy added.

One of the things she did was lie and hide the extent of her alcohol misuse. How she evaded scrutiny from her loved ones was the subject of a video she made about hiding her "empties" at the back of her wardrobe.

Issy recalled the time her family moved. She had to share a room with her sibling, and they didn't have a wardrobe.

TikTok: issyhawkins_

Irrationally, one of her first thoughts was to worry about where she would hide her empty alcohol cans and bottles in the room.

Instagram: @issyhawkins_

The room was in complete disarray, but she stashed her empties in a huge garbage bag to conceal them.

TikTok: issyhawkins_

Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, an emotion researcher, emphasizes that emotional responses to alcohol consumption often stem from deeper psychological needs. She states that many individuals use alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, inadvertently creating a cycle of dependence. Understanding these triggers can be instrumental in breaking the cycle of misuse.

Dr. Barrett suggests that individuals can benefit from identifying alternative coping strategies, such as mindfulness or physical activity, to manage their emotions without resorting to alcohol.

Practical Strategies for Recovery

Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, a renowned life coach, advocates for practical strategies to help individuals overcome alcohol dependency. She suggests that journaling can be an effective tool for self-reflection, allowing individuals to track their feelings and triggers related to alcohol consumption.

Additionally, establishing a daily routine that incorporates healthy habits—like exercise, social interactions, and hobbies—can provide structure and promote a sense of accomplishment. Dr. Vanzant emphasizes that small, consistent changes can lead to significant progress in recovery.

Issy hid the bag under the curtain and piled her clothes on top of it. Her mom eventually found her bag of empties and confronted her about it.

TikTok: issyhawkins_

She might have learned about hiding her bottles from her parents. She said she used to find theirs also hidden inside their wardrobe when she was younger.

TikTok: issyhawkins_

Issy added that hiding these bottles and being secretive about it almost felt like a ritual. She said it was something she didn't miss because it was a giant web of lies she couldn't remember.

TikTok: issyhawkins_

The Importance of Open Dialogue

Dr. Terri Orbuch, a relationship expert, highlights the significance of open dialogue about alcohol use within families and friendships. She explains that discussing one’s struggles can reduce feelings of isolation and shame, fostering a supportive environment for recovery.

Encouraging honest conversations about alcohol can help loved ones understand each other's experiences and build a collective approach to address misuse. Dr. Orbuch recommends setting aside time for these discussions in a safe space to enhance emotional support and connection.

She described the constant dread of someone finding her empties and having to explain why she had them.

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Issy said she was 14 when she first hid a bottle of alcohol. Back then, she kept her bottle in a box where she stored her socks and took a sip each time she opened it.

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Issy said she viewed alcohol as a relief even when she was a teenager, but she doesn't anymore.

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From a public health perspective, experts emphasize the need for community-based interventions to combat alcohol misuse. Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism points out that local campaigns can effectively raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive drinking.

Programs that provide resources and support for individuals struggling with alcohol can empower communities to address these issues collectively. Initiatives might include counseling services, support groups, and educational workshops tailored to inform and engage the public about responsible drinking habits.

Things changed for her when she found herself checked into rehab at 21.

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Even after rehab, Issy struggled to face the world. In her interview with Alcohol Change UK, an organization for which she is also an ambassador, she stated that she didn't know how to be part of a society that expected her to drink as a newly sober person.

She now advocates for taking young people's struggles with alcohol misuse seriously. Issy said she was 18 when she first realized her problem but delayed getting help because others dismissed her concerns.

Building Healthier Patterns

Addressing alcohol misuse requires a multifaceted approach that includes personal reflection, open communication, and community support. Experts like Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett and Dr. Terri Orbuch remind us that understanding emotional triggers and fostering conversations about alcohol can be pivotal in recovery journeys.

Moreover, incorporating practical strategies, as advised by Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, can empower individuals to replace unhealthy habits with healthier alternatives. By recognizing the importance of collective support and education, we can work towards a healthier relationship with alcohol in our communities.