How much were you drinking and what problems was it causing?
I was drinking 1-2 bottles of wine most evenings. I was very tired to the point of exhaustion most days. Sleep deprived, forgetting things and having a ‘brain fog’ for most of the time. I was not handling any stress well, and making a lot of mistakes. I was experiencing heightened anxiety and had continual low level depression. I had 2 falls over the last year and on both occasions had lengthy physio treatment. My key relationships were suffering, and my social life was non-existent. I experienced severely low self-esteem, and loss of confidence.
What was the key reason you wanted to change- what motivated you?
I wanted to regain a sense of joy in life – my relationships, home, hobbies, work, family and friends. I wanted to be free from the continual sense of overwhelm, and experience good energy levels and laughter again. To watch a good film and not fall asleep , to wake in the morning refreshed and enjoy early morning country walks as the spring set in. I wanted to like myself again.
How did you discover me?
A pop up on Facebook.
Were you sceptical this method would work?
Not really. I was desperate and I noticed I was experiencing some excitement about it.
Did you try before to cut down or have a break from alcohol?
Oh yes! Many times. Dry January, dry December, dry Christmas Day, dry holidays. I had downloaded an app to count units, and gradually reduce my drinking. I downloaded all the information about AA, but decided it was not for me. In 2019 I gradually reduced my units to zero and stopped for 4 months, joined a gym and weightwatchers. I was 4 months alcohol free and lost 2 and a half stone in weight. It was all about willpower, and when a ‘curved’ ball hit my life in the autumn I started drinking again, and within the same amount of time was back to daily wine.
What amazing results did you get?
3 months with Just the Tonic and I have changed my relationship with alcohol, I believe for life. I have regained confidence and self-esteem, and no longer experience anxiety and depression. I sleep well. I found a group of people and an amazing coach, who literally transformed the way I looked at alcohol, and was freed from its domination over my life.
Did you enjoy the group structure?
The group phone calls facilitated by Sandra were the highlight of every week throughout this time. A wonderful group of women who I felt safe with, who I laughed and cried with, who I could be honest with, who virtually became my healers and helped me to transform the way I looked and lived. They helped me like myself again, develop goals and ambitions and much more. I will be forever grateful.
What would you say to someone thinking of signing up to work with me?
Be open-minded and don’t expect this to be anything like what you may have tried before.
Be prepared to manage your time to give this programme top priority.
Diligently do the work involved, and allow the process to change your mindset about alcohol.
Go with the flow, be yourself, be honest and real with others – and simply enjoy the ride!
What are you most excited about now that you are alcohol free?
Staying with the JTT process for another 6 months, and staying alcohol free. Treating myself to many things that have simply been impossible over the last few years (and having more AF money released into my budget to be able to do this!). I am looking forward to living a full and free life and enjoying every moment I can, without alcohol dominating my thoughts and decision making. I am looking forward to enjoying enriched relationships on every level, feeling healthy and energised, new and fresh opportunities to contribute into the world and have fun in the process, and the restoration of some of the things that have been life-giving in the past.
Thank you Sandra and JTT for a fabulous 3 months intensive!