Entertainment
Patricia Heaton reveals reasons for quitting alcohol but admits she does miss drinking
Everybody Loves Raymond star Patricia Heaton gave up alcohol three years ago (Picture: CBS / Rex / Getty)
Everybody Loves Raymond star Patricia Heaton has celebrated three years ‘freedom from alcohol’.
The actress, 63, who recently reunited with her show’s cast, has called for anyone battling a problem with alcohol to contact her on Twitter.
In a video posted on the social media network on Saturday, she said: ‘It’s July when we celebrate our nation’s freedom. Also celebrating three years of freedom from alcohol for me.
‘So, just wanted to share that with you. And message me if any of you are thinking about doing that, any of you are doing that now and need some encouragement or anything at all. Have a great day.’
The star gave up alcohol in 2018, describing herself as enjoying it too much and, while she insists she made the right decision, she admits she does miss it.
She said: ‘I miss it terribly, but at the end of the day, I feel better.
‘I noticed that I was looking forward every night to cocktails. And if I happened to go to lunch, I might have a glass of wine or Prosecco.’
Patricia said she looked up statistics that showed women who drank moderately in their 30s and 40s could slip into alcoholism in older years.
The star feared heading down the same path so decided to curb her drinking.
Patricia is married to actor David Hunt (Picture: Getty Images North America)
She said: ‘I think it’s something about your children leaving the house and the things that used to anchor you are no longer there.
‘You’re a little bit at sea, and so you reach for the bottle to dull the uncertainty. I sensed that a bit with myself…
‘I’ve stopped [drinking], and my life has improved significantly. My kids are in their mid-20s and I’ll probably be in my 70s by the time I have grandchildren. I want to be healthy for them.’
Particia married fellow actor David Hunt, 67, in and they share four sons Joseph, Daniel, John and Samuel.
Worried about drugs?
Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
Adfam has local groups for families affected by drugs and alcohol and DrugFam offers phone and email support to people affected by other people’s drug or alcohol misuse.
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