Jo’s Alcohol-Free Transformation

From two bottles a day to a brighter, healthier, connected life

Before Joining Just The Tonic: How Much Were You Drinking?

I’d reached the point where two bottles of Cava a day had become completely normal.
I’d drink while cooking dinner after picking my daughter up from school, and although I wasn’t staying up late, I’d often just pass out early.

Weekends were worse.
I’d feel so awful in the mornings that sometimes I’d start drinking earlier in the day too.

If you relate to this, you may want to explore our resources on drinking too much or learn how alcohol-free support works.

What Impact Was This Having on Your Life?

It had become my “normal”, which is the scary part.

From the outside, I looked completely functional: running a business, being a single mum, holding everything together.
But behind closed doors, my life was tied to the bottle.

I was depressed, exhausted, not sleeping, and stuck in that familiar cycle:
wake up at 3am, swear I’d change, read something online for motivation… then do the exact same thing again the next day.

I knew the science. I knew what I was doing to my body.
I knew I was damaging my relationship with my daughter.
And honestly, I thought if I didn’t stop, I’d die.

But I still couldn’t stop.

That’s when I called Sandra.

What Finally Prompted You to Seek Help?

I got to the classic breaking point.

I knew alcohol wasn’t doing anything for me anymore, but it still felt like my only coping mechanism.
One day after the gym, walking around the playground, I saw Sandra’s advert on Facebook.

It talked about changing your drinking without relying on willpower — and I immediately clicked.

That was the moment everything shifted.

How Did It Feel When You Signed Up?

Honestly?
Petrified.

It felt like a huge investment in my life.
I’m strong-willed, stubborn, and not great with failure — so I was terrified I’d sign up and then still fail.

But at the same time, I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I was.
There wasn’t another option.

When Did It Start Feeling Like the Program Was Working?

The first few days were intense — alcohol wasn’t leaving my mind at all.

But through the daily modules, something subtle started to shift.
I got tiny boosts of belief.
I started questioning that automatic voice telling me to drink.

Eventually, I began seeing alcohol for what it truly is — a highly addictive drug, not a friend or a reward.

For anyone starting out, the alcohol-free mindset modules really do rewire things.

How Did the 1:1 Calls Help?

They were massive.

They came exactly when I needed them.
Early on, my brain was foggy — unpicking 20 years of drinking — but the calls helped make sense of things.

Sandra tailored each call around my specific life, my triggers, my routines.
It was the perfect balance of structure and personal support.

Was It Hard to Fit the Programme in With Work and Parenting?

It was surprisingly manageable.

Because everything is inside WhatsApp, you fit it around your life — work, parenting, everything.
You can read, reply and reflect when it suits you.

And being surrounded by people with the same goal — no judgement, no comparison — was incredibly motivating.

It becomes a real community. Real connection.

What Alcohol-Free Firsts Have You Experienced?

So many:

• Holidays

• Christmas

• Social events

• Yummy-Mummy playground gatherings

• Hosting dinner parties

• The races

• Evening meetups I used to avoid

• And soon… my first alcohol-free festival

I ask myself one question:
“Would alcohol improve this?”
And it never does.

I even do evening yoga now. Before, I’d have been passed out on the sofa.

How Has Life Changed With Your Daughter, Maggie?

The difference is huge.

We dance in the mornings now. We laugh more.
I’m properly present with her.

I’ve restructured my entire routine — I’m awake, alive and get more done in the mornings, so I can give her real time in the evenings.

I used to rush bedtime stories to get back to my wine.
Now we spend 30 gorgeous minutes together reading, chatting and connecting.

I’m finally the mum I always wanted to be.

Do You Feel Proud of Yourself?

Yeah. Massively.

People ask me about it all the time because drinking was so ingrained in my identity.
I’m seeing my uni friends soon and can’t wait to show up as this version of myself.

I’m buzzing. And I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.

What Would You Say to Someone Who Feels Like Nothing Will Work for Them?

I’d say:

Just do it.

We all think we’re the exception — the one person it won’t work for.
I thought that too.

But if you value yourself even a little bit, give yourself the chance to change.

You’ve probably tried willpower, moderation, rules, and beating yourself up.
I did all of that. And I was drinking two bottles a day.

This programme gives you your life back.
It brings back your essence. Your joy. Your energy.

It’s worth every penny.

If you’re curious, start here:
➡️ How the programme works

What Physical Changes Have You Noticed?

The hair!
My hair changed the most — it was brittle before, and now it’s soft, thicker, fuller.

I actually enjoy looking in the mirror again.

Since going alcohol-free:

• I’ve lost 10 pounds in 3 months

• My skin is glowing

• My face is less puffy

• I feel more youthful and energised

The health benefits are huge, but the aesthetic ones definitely help too — they make you feel great inside and out.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much, Jo — your transformation is incredible and inspiring.