In tonight’s episode of Intervention, we meet Amber, a purger/alcoholic who consumes a staggering 10,000 calories in food and drinks 18 beers and 2 bottles of wine per day. There is no question she is a sick girl.
She grew up the youngest of 4 siblings and, according to her mother who’s in serious denial, she had a “normal” childhood. In the same breath she fully admits that she didn’t exactly raise her children to talk about their feelings. As a result, Amber kept a devastating secret; She was molested by a 14 year old boy when she was 7 and didn’t tell anyone about it until 2 years ago. Honestly, I don’t blame her for drinking.
The most devastating part about Amber’s illness is the effects it has on her young daughter, Kalea. Her ex-husband only lets Amber see her when she’s sober. Before we give him the Father of the Year title, it’s important to point out he starting dating Amber when she was 19 and he was 32. He described it as “love at first sight”. A real romantic sentiment from a man who made his child bride sign a pre-nup.
Divorced and rarely sober enough to see her daughter, Amber lives with her parents. She spends most of her time drinking, binging and purging. She purges so much that her teeth regularly fall out and she glues them back into her mouth. She describes the purging as making her feel better and she feels anxious if she goes too long without alcohol. Her siblings stop by and give her parents self righteous speeches on how they would be handling Amber. Her mother tells the audience she has no idea why anyone would choose to have children. Her father shrugs his shoulders and wonders why it’s all happening. What ends up happening is I start hoping her family gets the intervention.
I started rooting for Amber the way I root for the bad guy in a good movie. I know what she’s doing is wrong, but I like her more tha nI like the “good” guys. When Amber’s family finally comes together for the climactic intervention, they ambush her with all the things she’s done wrong, neglecting to tell her they love her. Amber predictably leaves her intervention. While taking a breather outside, she opens a bottle of wine and drinks it straight from the bottle. Amber doesn’t trust anyone, including her family, so she makes them all sign a contract that they will go to family counseling at Betty Ford if she agrees to go to rehab. Amber goes to rehab. Her family does not go to counseling.
The episode ends with Amber’s progress two months later. She doesn’t binge and purge as much as she did, but upon learning her family did not make good on their promise of counseling, she relapses.
Intervention sheds light on Amber’s struggles, but it’s her family who really needs the help.
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Christine is an improviser/comedian currently living the Boston area. She has studied and performed at The Second City and Annoyance theaters in Chicago. You can currently see her perform at ImprovBoston in Cambridge, MA.
Amber: You are in Portland, Or – I am in Oregon too –
Contact me. I am just watching you right now and we are the same and should be in-touch. I’ve actually never watched this show before…must be a reason to watch it tonight.
Amber: I am so sorry that your family did not do as they promised and attend treatment. Please don’t give up on yourself!! You are beautiful and you have a beautiful daughter. I wish the very best for you.
Umm… i want to meet chris
HOT! and im not 19.. or bulimic.. I got this
What gives people the impression that Amber wrote this, or even knows about this post? Weird.
Amber, I heard about this program from my parents today. They, too, think I need an intervention. I can relate. It seems my parents know of your family (Mt. Scott, right?).
I want to say that you are loved by me & I’m sure others watching your story – From the episode, your Father seemed the most kind and heartfelt, and while that was refreshing it certainly was not enough for you to know that even outsiders can see your struggles; familial & addiction-wise.
I will think of you kindly, and hope that you have the singular strength to amend YOUR life for YOURSELF, and your DAUGHTER. All the best sweet Amber, Tobi
Amber, your family sucks. Ditch them and then work on your issues. They’re just going to continue to bring you down.
I cannot believe how selfish Amber’s family is. Putting her down during the intervention is no way to make things better. I can see why she has low self esteem. Amber is a good person…You can see goodness in her eyes. If this is what she has had to deal with her whole life…such a shameful family and ex husband. I wish I could do something to help her.
Hey Amber. I’m bulimic too, so I know how difficult it is and how it becomes a go-to solution after meals.. And given how ridiculously in denial your family is, I’m guessing you’re still purging every now and then. I’m not condoning bulimia in any way, but what’s most important to defeat is your alcoholism so you can stay with your daughter. Your ex-husband doesn’t seem to have much compassion for anyone but himself so just stay sober and that way you won’t need to put up with any of his bullshit and you can have to right to see your daughter. Sending my best wishes for you, Rose.
I’m watching the replay of this episode right now and can relate to Amber. The family does seem very out of touch – no one said that they loved her during the intervention? – and her ex-hubby seems like a cold, self-righteous prick. Whatever happened to “For better and for worse”? Your wife had a problem, and you kick her to the side because she’s no longer a perfect Stepford Wife? Well, at least he seemed relieved that he got the pre-nup signed.
Amber, I saw so much of myself in you. This episode was an intervention for me. Thank you for going through all that. Your family has done something tha I know you will never be able to get over fully, but know that you weren’t alone. You helped me.