WHY IT PAYS TO STICK T GIVING UP ALCOHOL ‘I look & feel 20 years younger’

Every new year a third of us make a vow to change our ways – but research has shown one in ten fails in their quest. And a recent poll revealed only half believed they’d be able to keep their promise. Here, three women tell Closer how ditching a vice can

isa Johnson, 45, is single and lives in Bolton. She says, “I started drinking when I was a teenager, just like all my friends. It wasn’t excessive, but I enjoyed it. And I carried on enjoying it for many years.

“When I was young I worked as a photographer, but I gave that up when I was in my 30s to care for my elderly parents. I’d never drink during the day, but I would reward myself with a glass or two of wine once they’d gone to bed for the evening at about 9pm. I always saw alcohol as my little treat at the end of the night.

“My father died first, and then my mother in 2012. I was absolutely devastated and really missed them. So, in 2013, I went on holiday to cheer myself up and it was there that I met my ex-partner. He was a heavy drinker and gradually my drinking increased, too. It was still mostly wine and I only started drinking in the evening, but it still took a toll on me.

HUNGOVER

“I wasn’t working because I was depressed, so would wake up late and felt hungover most days. My face became bloated too, and I began to put on weight.

“I went to the doctor in March 2017 as I felt under the weather and he told me I was putting my health at risk. When I got home, I rang one of my sisters and we both laughed, calling him ‘the crazy doctor’ and saying he was overreacting. By then, though, I was probably drinking at least a bottle of wine a day.

“But, a few months later, I collapsed and ended up in hospital. When I woke up, I was in agony. I went through a period of lots of tests, which revealed that years of drinking had damaged my liver. The doctor told me that if I carried on drinking as much as I was, I’d die. I was devastated and vowed to stop there and then – and I did. I went completely ‘cold turkey’ and I haven’t looked back since.

“It wasn’t difficult – the realisation that I’d damaged my health was the wakeup call I needed. I simply don’t want to drink again and I never want ant another hangover.

“It didn’t take long for me to feel the benefits. After just a couple of months I was sleeping better, had lost weight and had a real spring in my step because I didn’t feel so sluggish. Friends walked past me in the street because they didn’t recognise me! And when I looked in the mirror, I was always surprised at my reflection – I was less bloated and looked younger. I felt the best I had in years.

CLEAR HEAD

“I think you get used to constantly feeling a bit tired and under par. Alcohol disturbs your sleep, so you forget what it’s like to bounce out of bed in the morning and look forward to the day with a clear head. I look and feel 20 years younger. Luckily, I’ve never had any wobbles. The doctor said as long as I gave up the booze, my liver should regenerate.

“I’ve recently completed a course to be a palliative nurse in a hospice. At the moment I volunteer and I’m hoping to get a placement soon. I’ve also got a rescue dog, Snoop, so I exercise with him every day and I love our walks around town. I feel I’ve been given my life back and I know I will never have another drink again.”

Mel Fallowfield, 45, is a mum of two from London. She says, “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of 2017, it was a horrendous shock. And as my consultant asked questions about my lifestyle, I felt a complete fool – especially as one was whether I smoked. I had to admit I’d been a heavy smoker for 30 years, and while he didn’t explicitly spell out that it was a contributing factor, I was sure it was. When I left his office, I knew I never wanted to hear the words “you’ve got cancer” again – and by smoking as heavily as I did, I knew I was certainly risking lung cancer. It was the wake-up call I needed and I gave up for good two days later.

“Despite the cancer diagnosis, for which I had radiotherapy, it wasn’t easy. It felt I’d given up a part of my identity. I loved smoking – I liked the smell (I still do!) and it was the first thing I did every morning and the last thing at night. However, I loved living more and that’s what I reminded myself whenever I felt tempted. I started vaping, which I believe is considerably better for you, but even so I had to fight the craving for a cigarette. It wasn’t just the nicotine, it was the whole routine that I was addicted to. But I quickly felt the benefits. I had more energy than ever and I felt more in control of my life – my actions were no longer dictated by my desire to have a cigarette. I didn’t feel guilt that I was ruining my health, which had been plaguing me ever since I had my children. The unsightly nicotine stains faded from my fingers and, within a month, I realised I could exercise without feeling out of breath. I am now in remission and look and feel so much healthier for not smoking. I know only too well how hard it is to give up, but would advise anyone to do it.”