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“I’m Sally and I live in Kent. I’m in my late forties (eeek) and if you’d asked me a year ago if I thought I had a drinking problem I probably would of said no… I didn’t really think I did, even though deep down I knew things weren’t right at all and it was causing me problems and they were getting worse.

I started off like a lot of people do probably. A couple glasses of wine in the evening after work. Then it slowly became every night. Then I started drinking earlier and earlier in the day. It was automatic, wine oclock. Before I knew it I was drinking most days and sometimes in the morning as well just to steady myself, and then I had to drive.

I’d wake up feeling shaky and sick, and have that retching which is just dreadful. The only thing that made it better was another drink. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. My body had to have it it wasn’t a choice.

I did try to stop on my own a few times. I’d say right that’s it, I’m done forvever. After a day or two I’d feel so rough and anxious – or I’d start to feel a but better, and I’d end up drinking again either to function or I had convinced myself I was okay.

Eventually I stumbled across Which Rehab and sent a message. I almost didn’t do it to be honest. I was worried I’d get judged and felt so much shame in getting to this point. They called me back and I spoke to Liz.  She was really easy to talk to and identified a lot with her, as she basically said she was ther same as me years ago, and that’s what drinking does, it gets progressive and often without knowing it. There was no judgement at all which was a relief. In fact, the opposite, nothing but encouragement and understanding.

She helped sort out a detox at a place in for me at a rehab just outside Kent, which was also a relief as I didn’t want anyone to know me or notice me. I realise now that it’s all confidential and no one finds out anyway. She explained what my options were and there were a lot. We then chatted about what would be best for my situation. There were a few alcohol rehabs and detox places I could have went to. But I chose one near enough to my house and that I could get there easily, that had seperate rooms and was good value, compared to some other clinics, as private treatment varies in price and isn’t cheap.

I ended up doing a ten day detox and got sober. It was a lot easier than I expected as I got the right medication and seen by a great doctor. I can honestly say the fear I had beforehand was totally unjustified because it was a lovely place to sober up. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. Having the medical support and the staff, and Liz to talk to, and knowing I wasn’t alone and there’s no shame in asking for help and then getting it makes so much sense now. I was so scared before. There’s very little chance I would have sobered up without Liz’s help and the treatment.

Once I felt a bit better, maybe two days into the detox, I went to the classes and therapy the rehab offered and  that’s where I started learning a bit more about why I drink the way I do. Things like triggers and habits and how stress was a big one for me. Stuff I’d never really thought about before. I now know it wasn’t really a choice to drink before, it’s a combination of various factors including nature and nurture as well clinical and situational factors I suppose.

I’m still surprised about the support I still get after leaving the rehab. They didn’t just send me on my way and say good luck. They kept checking in and helped me figure out what recovery would actually look like day to day. Meetings, routine and just staying connected really.

I’m now seven months sober and my life and day-to-day living is completely different. I wake up feeling clear headed and look forward to the day. I’ve got my back energy again and I’m actually doing normal things that I stopped doing years ago, like meeting friends and visiting family, all things that drinking slowly stopped me doing. Other simple stuff like going for walks, cooking meals and long dog walks – my dog basically got a walk round the block before or let out in the garden. I’d forgotten what it felt like to just feel normal again.

My relationships are getting better. People trust me more now and I trust myself a more which is massive.

Some days are harder than others but compared to where I was before it’s like night and day. I really didn’t think life without alcohol was possible for me but it turns out it is. And I never need to drink again. I self care, look forward to things and feel calm and content most of the time. I still know I need to be vigilant but the support on whatsapp and other things I do reminds me I just need to not drink today and try my best, and I do.

If anyone reading this is in the same place I was, I’d just say reach out and talk to someone, anyone. Ask for help. Pick the phone up to someone. Send an email or chat online to any service, whether it local services or AA or Which Rehab. But so something about it because you can change.”

Sally M, Kent. 7 Months Sober.


(Sober date 19/05/2025)