Calum Best speaks out about his dad’s drinking

Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview.

Calum Best interview

The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit.

Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see his dad, footballing legend George Best.

“I’d come over at 15 and I’d be thrilled to see him. He’d be at the airport. I’d run ‘dad, how are ya?’ We’d go straight to the pub and I’d spend my next two weeks there.”

Alcohol was always there and over time, George’s drinking took its toll on his health. At the hospital for a liver transplant, Calum remembers his dad telling him ‘It’s going to be different’ “and you think to yourself, ah this is where it’s all going to change. I thought this was going to be the beginning of a new chapter…” but sadly George’s sobriety didn’t last.

After his father’s death in 2005, Calum became depressed and turned to alcohol to cope . “I was lost and I was in such a dark place. It was for me the hope and dreams of all my youth. He was my everything. I lost him and I lost all hope.”

Calum feels he has turned his life around over the last few years and wants to help others in similar situations know they are not alone.

“It’s a hard one to figure out what to do when you have a relative that’s alcohol-dependent. But there is help, there are places to call, there are people to talk to. And talking I think is key.”

Watch the interview now (and you can also find out the story behind Calum’s big beard!)

Read more on the Channel 5 website.

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Calum Best speaks out about his dad’s drinking

Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own batt...

Calum Best speaks out about his dad’s drinking

Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own batt...

  • About Nacoa

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • About Nacoa

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Contact us Person looking at Nacoa's website for people affected by a parent's drinking to show different ways to contact for support or to get involved with the charity to help other children of alcoholics

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Amy Dickson

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Carolyn Jones

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Ceri Walker

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Dr Anne-Marie Barron

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Dr Piers Henriques

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Hilary Henriques MBE

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Jane Elson

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Josh Connolly

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Katy Stafford

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Laura Leadbeater

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Laurence McAllister Alleyne

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Peter Irwin

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • The Nacoa Promise

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Get involved

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Donate in memory

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Gift in your will

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Some Punjabi and Sikh parents drink too much…

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Books, videos and media

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Help and advice

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Information

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Personal experiences

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

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    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Books, videos and media

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • FAQs

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Help and advice

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Information

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Personal experiences

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Concerned others & professionals

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Books, videos and media

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • FAQs

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Help and advice

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Information

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Personal experiences

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Young people

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Books, videos and media

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • FAQs

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Help and advice

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Information

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Personal experiences

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

  • Topics

    Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview. The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit. Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see

Nacoa Patron Calum Best talks about growing up with his dad’s drinking and his own battle with alcohol in a searingly honest TV interview.

Calum Best interview

The Channel 5 News interview with Matt Barbet forms part of a special series on alcohol called Britain Over the Limit.

Calum talked openly about his visits to the UK to see his dad, footballing legend George Best.

“I’d come over at 15 and I’d be thrilled to see him. He’d be at the airport. I’d run ‘dad, how are ya?’ We’d go straight to the pub and I’d spend my next two weeks there.”

Alcohol was always there and over time, George’s drinking took its toll on his health. At the hospital for a liver transplant, Calum remembers his dad telling him ‘It’s going to be different’ “and you think to yourself, ah this is where it’s all going to change. I thought this was going to be the beginning of a new chapter…” but sadly George’s sobriety didn’t last.

After his father’s death in 2005, Calum became depressed and turned to alcohol to cope . “I was lost and I was in such a dark place. It was for me the hope and dreams of all my youth. He was my everything. I lost him and I lost all hope.”

Calum feels he has turned his life around over the last few years and wants to help others in similar situations know they are not alone.

“It’s a hard one to figure out what to do when you have a relative that’s alcohol-dependent. But there is help, there are places to call, there are people to talk to. And talking I think is key.”

Watch the interview now (and you can also find out the story behind Calum’s big beard!)

Read more on the Channel 5 website.

You are not alone

Remember the Six "C"s

I didn’t cause it
I can’t control it
I can’t cure it
I can take care of myself
I can communicate my feelings
I can make healthy choices

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