Professor John Sutherland's candid account of his battle with alcoholism has left an indelible mark on those who have read his memoir, 'Last Drink to LA'. In it, he recounts hitting rock bottom in 1983, shortly after accepting a prestigious professorship at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), a moment that marked a critical turning point in both his personal and professional life.
Accepting the visiting appointment was a career-defining opportunity, but one that came with immense pressures. His marriage was strained, and his drinking had escalated into frequent binges, threatening to derail his promising academic career. The move to Caltech was also influenced by the 'dark age' for UK universities in the early 1980s, marked by punitive policies implemented by the Conservative government led by Keith Joseph.
At this time, many mid-career academics were being pushed out of their positions through 'early retirement' schemes, leaving them feeling their careers were being prematurely curtailed. Amidst this professional turmoil, Sutherland sought help for his alcoholism, attending the Maudsley Hospital where he was prescribed a rigorous treatment regimen involving fortnightly counselling sessions.
However, as Sutherland openly admits, he struggled to reach the milestone of 18 months' sobriety, which was seen as crucial for permanent recovery. His memoir offers a poignant dual narrative, intertwining his personal struggle with the broader socio-political context of the time and shedding light on the immense pressures faced by individuals navigating significant life changes against a backdrop of national policy shifts.