The first drink I had after my first period of sobriety (1 year and a bit) cost me upwards of £50,000, years of wasted life, the end of some of my dreams, the chance to be truly present as some people close to me died, my sense of self and my place in the world, drifting away from true friends and very nearly my life.

The last drink I had 10 and a bit months ago cost only £1. That drink finally made my body give up which put me in hospital and so is the only one that I’m glad I drank and am grateful for

I remind myself of this near daily