It might help that unexplained ache or pain you have

“There are obvious health benefits to cutting down or stopping drinking, but there are also some more unexpected effects. One of the women I work with had problems with her neck and was getting treatment from a physiotherapist. When she stopped drinking, the pains quickly stopped and her physio said it was because her face had changed. She’d been carrying puffiness and when this reduced (combined with a reduction in alcohol-induced inflammation), the issue disappeared. All the different ways people feel better never fail to amaze me.”

It can help you feel more confident at work

“One of the things that shocked me when I stopped drinking was how much sharper I felt at work. Obviously, I didn’t have to get through hangovers and had more energy, but just on a day-to-day basis I felt more confident and that I could trust my decision-making more. I started to back myself more and lost some of my anxieties.”

The physical changes are shocking

“We’ve all heard that alcohol can affect your skin, but the extent of the changes is often amazing. One of my clients said ‘don’t spend money on a face lift, get control over your drinking’. I get all my clients to take a selfie in week one and we compare after a few months of not drinking and we’re always shocked by the result. There’s also a spark that people seem to get in their eyes when they’ve had a bit of a break from alcohol. Plus, their hair is healthier, it’s easier to start losing weight and every single person I’ve worked with has noticed better quality sleep. They tend to go through a period of time where it’s not as good but then when our bodies start to adjust, you begin to get more restorative sleep. People often start dreaming more too.”

It helps to address the elephant in the room

“If you’re trying to drink less, it helps to call out the elephant in the room, particularly if you’re someone who’s tried to encourage other people to drink in the past. I remember saying to my friends: ‘I know, who would have thought it?’ Ultimately, they want to know that you’re still going to be good fun and that you’re not judging them. Being careful not to judge is the single biggest thing that can make a difference. If you’re not drinking, it can also help to tell someone. Sometimes I talk to my clients about how it can be useful to have a wingwoman or wingman to confide in – whether that’s saying you’re having a break from alcohol or trying to cut down. You don’t have to go into depth about why, you could just say you’re having a bit of a health kick. It means you’ve got that extra layer of accountability.”

“I’m a professional sobriety coach – these are the 5 things regular drinkers can learn from sober people”