Oliver ~ 7030 days

“My drinking started at 16 and from the get go it became a huge crutch for the pain I was carrying. I wanted oblivion and peace of mind, and alcohol offered both. Initially it was fun and some elements of my 20s are still cherished times, but eventually the mood changed as it does for all problem drinkers. I became an isolated lone drinker and frankly I preferred it that way. Eventually my life plummeted off a cliff and so did my health.

I had a medical detox and flew solo for a year before realising I needed a community of some sort. I joined AA and for 10 years it was my home. I still say take a look at AA before you write it off. I left AA in lockdown and have used podcasts and writing as my main sober tools. You’ll need a plan to stay sober, it may well be therapy of some sort.

Alcohol abuse is often from historical events, or creating trauma ourself from our drinking years. It helped me to be unpicked. It can be painful, but it’s vital work. Lastly don’t be afraid to dream long term, sure keep it in the day on the hard days, but dream big and chase your vision in the good days. I have a superb life now which involves dog walking, time with my family and not being a destructive force in my own life or others.

My favourite past time is walking around Bristol and taking in the street art. It’s the freedom it brings and I find the work inspiring too. The clarity of thought I have from being sober and not being a full on berk all the time is just such a relief. No drama, no conflict, and my interest in taking care of my diet and health has made me fitter in my 40s than I ever thought possible. The online community is superb and there’s very little toxicity.

We all have a role to play in supporting each other, and not knowing who you’ve helped is as much of a part as those you clearly have. Even after all these years I still enjoy waking up most days clear headed and ready to head into the day. I lost nothing, but gained so much when I stopped drinking.”