A South Tyneside man who admits to spending around half a century fighting against the ‘demon drink’ is now reaping the rewards after ditching alcohol, thanks to the Dry January campaign. Bill Scott, a local volunteer with Change4Life South Tyneside Health and Wellbeing Champions Network, admits to having continuously battled alcohol and mental health issues throughout his life. “From the age of 14, I started drinking heavily and have fought a constant battle with mental health issues and alcohol over the years,” said Bill, aged 66, who also works in the field of mental health across the region and runs a support group for adults like himself, who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD).
“I tried many times to give up the drink but kept going back to it. The problem is that alcohol is seen as being socially acceptable and people actually question you when you don’t have a drink especially if you’re out with friends in a bar.” However, it was back in December 2014 that Bill, of Westoe, South Shields, finally ditched the booze and has been sober ever since. He said: “I’d heard about Alcohol Concern’s Dry January campaign which challenges people to stay off alcohol for a month but it was only when the campaign was raised at the Champions Network that I really thought about it.” Bill, who raises awareness of positive health messages throughout the local community via the Champions Network, is pleased to be an advocate for the campaign which has been changing the conversation about alcohol over the past five years. “I went on the Dry January website, signed up to take part and actually found the support I needed to quit drinking,” said Bill. “I was astonished at the amount of supportive messages I received which really helped me get through it and I can honestly say that I’ve not had a drink since and feel so much better for it.” Bill, who also supports others with mental health issues and dual diagnosis, said nothing had motivated him enough to give up before. He admitted that he often punished himself for drinking, feeling ashamed because he thought that he should know better because of his role. “Something just changed in my brain and made me think I really don’t need it,” he added. “I hate feeling that I have to rely on anything so the thought of alcohol having a hold on me was not good. I don’t take tablets if I have a headache or a cold and fight off infections by using natural remedies.” However, Bill was determined he wanted to carry on socialising with friends in his local pub and know that he would be strong enough not to give into a drink when others were having alcohol around him. “As soon as I’d go into the pub a beer was waiting for me before I’d even asked for it, he said. “But now instead I have posh lemonade which I don’t need to ask for as they already know my order. “I feel so much better not relying on alcohol and hope that other people will take up the challenge and give up alcohol as there is so much support out there for people.”
Councillor Moira Smith, South Tyneside’s Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, praised Bill for his efforts in giving up drinking. She added: “It’s very brave of Bill to share his story and I’m sure that other people will be inspired to give up alcohol even if it’s just for a month. “The rewards for accepting the challenge are more money to spend on nice things, better skin, more energy, a smaller waistline; and, of course no hangovers. “There are lots of alcohol-free activities and attractions throughout the Borough that people can enjoy which can also help to distract you if you’re feeling tempted to have an alcoholic drink. “I would encourage anyone thinking about taking up the challenge to do it and make the most out of hangover weekends by walking along our beautiful coastline or visiting the Word, National Centre for the Written Word, which is a new state-of-the-art cultural venue at South Shields’ Market Place.”
Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing Councillor Tracey Dixon added: “Long-term alcohol misuse is a major risk factor for a wide range of serious conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, liver disease and cancer. “As well as health problems, it can lead to social problems such as unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness. “We are continuing to work closely with partners in South Tyneside to reduce alcohol consumption among adults and young people, and educating them about the effects alcohol can have on their health and behaviour. “Dry January is a fantastic campaign that allows conversations around alcohol to take place and really get people thinking about how much they are drinking.” Sue Taylor, Partnerships Manager at Balance, said: “Bill’s story is truly inspirational and shows how for many people, signing up to Dry January can be the first step towards reassessing their drinking habits and making positive long-term changes. “The North East has topped the national table in terms of Dry January sign up rates over the last three years and with Bill taking the brave step of sharing his experiences, hopefully even more people will be encouraged to take a break from alcohol and feel better for doing so. “There around 60 different medical conditions, including at least seven different types of cancer, associated with drinking and whether you cut out alcohol for just one month or decide, like Bill, to avoid alcohol altogether, you will be making a positive change for your health.”
To sign up to Dry January, find out more about the campaign and to access a wealth of support and advice, visit the Dry January website at www.dryjanuary.org.uk. For more information about Balance, visit www.balancenortheast.co.uk
Dry January is not a medical detox programme and should not be attempted by people with an alcohol dependency problem. Please contact Alcohol Concern for more details by visiting http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/dry-january or speak to your GP.
