Erica Barnett shakes-up and stirs the conversation around alcoholism and addiction

When Seattle-based reporter Erica Barnett took her first sip of alcohol as a young teen, she had no idea the impact that moment would later become. Nor did she realize how inadequate rehabilitation centers, inspirational self-help mottos, and truisms about a “rock bottom” (something Barnett never truly felt) would be for her.

In this talk, Barnett discusses her new book "Quitter: A Memoir of Drinking, Relapse, and Recovery." Her story gives a unique spin on the genre of rock-bottom recovery memoirs. She uses her personal experience with alcoholism, to spotlight the crisis of addictions in America. Barnett highlights the lack of rehabilitation options available to addicts, while also exploring the rise of alcoholism among American women over the last century.

Barnett was joined in conversation with Seattle native and fellow author Claire Dederer.

Erica C. Barnett is an award-winning political reporter. She’s worked for the Austin Chronicle, Seattle Weekly, and The Stranger. She now covers addiction, housing, poverty, and drug policy at her blog, The C Is for Crank.

Claire Dederer is the author of two critically acclaimed memoirs, "Love and Trouble" and "Poser." Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Paris Review, and The Atlantic.

This talk was presented via live stream by Town Hall Seattle on June 28.

Please note this talk does contain language of an adult nature.