The last month has been a breeze so far! This isn’t something to celebrate yet, because it’s only the beginning of my journey; as determined as I am, at this early stage I’m still convinced I’ll never drink again. I’m profoundly grateful for the doctor I saw while I was in hospital. In plain terms he told me, “If you have one more drink you could die.” That might sound like harsh news, but for me it was the decisive push I needed to stop drinking for good.

This is a big lifestyle change, because I loved my beer and had been a heavy drinker since I was legally allowed to. Alcohol made me miserable and hollow; I felt ashamed every time I poured that poison down my throat. I never imagined I would end up with kidney disease—I’m far too young for that. Do I miss drinking? No, not at all. I’ve developed an outright hatred for it; it was a lousy, unreliable friend. There are no cravings and no temptations now. I’m not new to sobriety — I recently went seven months without a drink, so I know I can do it. I have the tools I need: two stints in rehab, psychiatrists, case workers, doctors, and the unwavering support of my family.