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Referrals for alcohol issues in Jersey stand at a five-year high, partially fuelled by “problem drinkers” in their 40s and 50s… and among them was Dan Liot.
But, five years ago at age 41, he made a choice to seek help to overcome his drinking problem – a journey that took him from “dark moments” to helping others with their own sobriety journey as the ‘Jersey Sober Walker’.
He opened up for the latest Bailiwick Podcasts episode.
Overall referrals to Jersey’s Alcohol and Drugs Service increased to 513 last year, compared to 467 in 2022 and 460 in 2021.
And the number of islanders referred to the service specifically for alcohol was the highest in five years (436 referrals) in 2023.
The highest number of referrals per age group was in 35 to 49-year-olds (185), with the second highest (165) in 50 to 64-year-olds.
But Dan is determined to show others that there is hope.
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He had previously alcohol drunk every single day, and, despite wanting to stop, found himself repeatedly turning back to drinking due to work and personal life circumstances.
Fed up of the dependence and repeatedly feeling hungover, he suddenly decided to make a change.
"I woke up one morning on the 11th February 2019 and I didn’t want to feel like I did - didn’t like who I’d become over the years of alcohol abuse so I decided to do something about it," he said.
He resolved to book a GP appointment, which led to a referral to the Alcohol and Drug Service.
His alcohol consumption was found to be "off the charts", and he was prescribed medication to help suppress his desire for alcohol – but, disliking the idea of taking pills, he decided to go about things another way, and went "cold turkey".
It was the beginning of a transformative journey that started with "dark moments" and ended up with him becoming the 'Jersey Sober Walker', to promote the benefits of sobriety and the growing community of individuals embracing it in the island.
His journey also saw him team up with another alcohol-free influencer known as Sober Jo, and more recently, co-ordinate 'I'm Glad You Exist' walk and talk events promoting the positive mental health message, brand and podcast of the same name.
To mark his five-year sober-versary this month, not only did he hold a special walk with the IGYE community, but shared his story with Express on the latest episode of The Interview for Bailiwick Podcasts.
Listen to Dan Liot's story below or find it wherever you get your podcasts...
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