Robert Trathen
When Elizabeth Cracroft looks back on her twenties, it’s hard for her to reconcile that young, lost woman with the confident 40-year-old she is today – a criminal defence lawyer, devoted mum to nine-year-old Scarlett and the creator of a transformative theatre show about to kick off its seventh season. It’s been 16 years since Elizabeth touched alcohol. Her sobriety date – July 22, 2009 – is etched in her brain. She was just 24 when she realised she needed to address her addiction if she wanted to see 30.
“I was really unwell, my liver was swollen and a counsellor told me bluntly I’d be lucky to see out my twenties if I didn’t stop,” she recalls.
“I was working full-time, but I was drinking before, during and after work. “My friends had had enough and my family – good on them – had strong boundaries and gave me tough love. I didn’t really have anyone left.”
The first drink
Elizabeth’s relationship with alcohol began innocently enough as a teenager. A raspberry RTD at a party gave her something she’d been longing for – relief.
“I was 16, I’d just moved schools, my parents had split up and I felt uncomfortable in my own skin,” she says.
“That first drink made me feel normal, confident, like I belonged. I was hooked.”
Studying a Bachelor of Communications at university, Elizabeth was drinking every day.
Hitting rock bottom
“There was no off switch,” she admits.
“I was drinking at lectures, carrying alcohol in my drink bottle and blacking out many nights. I’d lose my values, make decisions I regretted and wake up with no memory of what I’d done.”
Elizabeth spent six months in residential rehab and post-treatment houses learning discipline, accountability, and the importance of community and perspective.
Finding connection and purpose
“Rehab teaches you the importance of growing up, being responsible, caring for others and making amends when you need to,” she explains.
“You’re stripped back and confronted, but also surrounded by people who get it. “For the first time, I felt part of something where no one judged me. People liked me for me. Connection is the antithesis of addiction, and that sense of connection and giving myself over to something bigger saved my life.”
Returning to acting
Later, Elizabeth found herself drawn back to acting, a passion she’d abandoned during her drinking years. She started taking improv classes – and the seed of REHAB was planted.
“I wanted to tackle the stigma around addiction,” she reflects.
“Especially in New Zealand, where drinking is such a big part of our culture. Getting sober young made me feel like an outlier, and I know how much shame and secrecy surround addiction. I wanted to create something that showed addiction doesn’t discriminate and that recovery is possible.”
A dark comedy with a message
REHAB is an improvised dark comedy set inside a rehabilitation centre. It features an eclectic mix of characters – from a basketball coach to a commercial real estate agent – navigating group therapy, strict rules and the hilariously awkward realities of recovering from addiction.
“I’ve had people tell me they were inspired to go to a recovery meeting after seeing the show,” says Elizabeth.
“Others say it helped them recognise their own issues and managers have told me it gave them insight into supporting staff who are struggling. Without fail, people say, ‘I didn’t expect it to be so funny!’ The comedy allows us to talk about something difficult without shame or judgement.”
Beyond the stage
Elizabeth’s commitment to breaking stigma extends beyond the stage. She’s a trustee of Te Hapori Charitable Trust, the community advisory group for the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court. By day, she’s a criminal defence lawyer – something she went back to school at 33 to study for.
Pursuing law through adversity
“I studied law as a solo mum, through Covid, but I was passionate about wanting to work in criminal defence,” she tells.
“Many of my friends and peers had been through the justice system because of their addiction. Most of them found it an opportunity to finally seek help.”
A mother and role model
Scarlett has watched her mum juggle law school, solo parent, and create a hit show – all while maintaining sobriety.
“She’s seen me find myself and grow into myself,” Elizabeth says with pride.
Sharing her story loudly
“I found myself in recovery, then I found a different version of myself when I became a mum. “The saying goes, ‘We recover loudly so others don’t suffer silently.’ That’s why I share my story. Addiction doesn’t discriminate – I want to open people’s eyes and make them realise that more people deal with this than they possibly expect – that it’s not “those” people, but maybe your mother or sister or colleague. But recovery is possible and it’s life-changing.”
REHAB is on at Takapuna’s PumpHouse Theatre from October 22-25. For tickets, see pumphouse.co.nz
