Margaret’s Story: Finding Freedom From Daily Drinking at 73

Another inspiring alcohol-free success story from the Just The Tonic community.
(See more real experiences on our testimonials page.)

Can you tell me about yourself?

I’m 73.

How much were you drinking before joining Just the Tonic?

Every night. When I was at home, I would always drink at least a bottle a night.
Sometimes more. Sometimes I’d turn to the gin trolley. Really, I think as I got drunker, I just craved more and more. So I wasn’t in a great place.

How long had you been drinking like this?

It probably started before I retired. The last job I had was particularly stressful. I was getting in from work late, I was drinking and still working. But I think that drinking routine still came along with me.

I retired in 2008, so I was only 56. I thought I would just be a social drinker, but everything else disappeared except the bottle of red wine.

What made you decide to get help?

I was sick of it. I’ve had a few falls. I had a very dramatic fall last year in September when I was on holiday, and that rang alarm bells for me.

I live on my own, and I really thought, I need to pull myself together now. I need to do it. I want to live a full life again. I don’t want to make excuses to sit in the house and drink.

(If you relate to this, read the guide on the signs of alcohol dependence — it helps many people understand this stage.)

What was the impact on your life?

I woke up feeling guilty and thinking, what did I do last night? Did I say anything to anybody? Did I order something on the internet that was ridiculous, like a yellow diamond? Yes, done that.

I’ve tried to do things on my own and failed miserably. I was more worried about the physical — me falling over, being bruised, having huge scars.

How did I know the next fall wouldn’t be the last one? I was deluding myself that I was in control of it.

What was your rock bottom?

The dramatic fall on holiday. I’m not very steady on my feet because of a neurological condition, which I hold in check when I’m sober. When I’m drunk, I tend to lose control, particularly of my feet, and I fall over. The number of times I bang my head, I don’t know.

What changed when you quit?

Everything. I feel so much better. I’m proud of myself. I feel like I’m Margaret again — I’m not Margaret running around the corner shop because she forgot to get a bottle of wine.

The best thing is being present, being present in the moment. I just feel like I’m Margaret again.

(You can explore the full programme that supported Margaret on the
Alcohol-Free Coaching Programme page.)

How do you feel about alcohol now?

I have no desire for it. I’ve been through a birthday, I’ve been through social things with friends who have always been my drinking partners. All of those things are as good as, if not better, than they were before.

That fear that I had of no longer fitting in hasn’t manifested at all.

What was the programme like?

The help that I’ve been given has been amazing. I’m not a joiner, but I’ve enjoyed being part of that community.

JTT helped me to move something that I’ve been stuck with for 60 years in one session. I actually cried at the end of it, and I never cry. It was the sluice gates opening. I started to look forward as a positive.

(You can learn more about how group support works inside the
Upgraded Life Community.)

What would you tell others struggling?

I would say I felt that. Other people have felt that — it’s natural, it’s human. You’ve been doing it for years, it’s become part of your being.

Give it a try. You may well surprise yourself. The support’s fantastic. Not being judged if you slip along the way is great.

This worked for me. I think it’s one of the best decisions I ever made.

Ready to Start Your Own Alcohol-Free Transformation?

If Margaret’s story resonates with you, you don’t need to keep struggling alone.
Learn how the Just The Tonic Alcohol-Free Coaching Programme helps people of all ages break long-term drinking habits and feel like themselves again.

👉 Start here:
Join the Alcohol-Free Programme