Entertainment
Denise Welch celebrates 10 years of sobriety with before and after photos: ‘The best decision I ever made’Tori Brazier
The TV star gave up alcohol and shared all the positives she’d experienced over 10 years (Picture: Rex/denise_welch/Instagram)
Denise Welch has marked a decade of sobriety with side-by-side photos and a deeply personal reflection on how her life has changed for the better.
The Loose Women panellist, who recently opened up about her fears of ‘being burnt alive’ during her stalker hell, after Toraq Wyngard was jailed for more than seven years, heralded it as ‘the best decision I ever made’ as she revealed the positive impact her giving up alcohol had had on her nearest and dearest.
She also said she was ‘happier and healthier’ in her 60s than 20 years ago.
Sharing two pictures of her face from before she stopped drinking and now, the soap star commented on the differences she could see – especially in her eyes.
‘Got a few more lines and wrinkles but it’s in the eyes. They have it,’ she wrote.
‘10 yrs ago today I took my last alcoholic drink. Not a sherry trifle since and it’s been the best decision I ever made. It changed my life and the lives of everyone I love and who loves me.’
Denise shared side-by-side photos of herself then and now (Picture: Instagram/denise_welch)
She went on: ‘I self medicated for years and the memory of those times haunt me. Guilt and shame are very different. Guilt is something most of us have. Especially mothers.
‘Shame is another animal. It took me years to overcome and I still have nightmares that take me days to recover from. The thought of going back there terrifies me.’
Moving on to the best aspects of her kicking booze, the 63-year-old shared that she was ‘most proud of’ the ripple effect of her sobriety on her family.
‘My children are free to live amazing lives because they don’t have to worry about mum,’ she reflected. ‘My husband and I have a wonderful marriage because we take time to nurture and care for it. My dad died knowing that I was in a good place with a good man. My sister looks at me with respect which vanished for a long time.’
She spoke about the improved relationships within her family (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)
Reaching out to others, she continued: ‘If alcohol is making you miserable, sad, anxious, ashamed rather than a bit giddy on a Saturday night then you’re drinking too much.
‘Stopping isn’t easy and staying sober is a lifestyle but it’s a much much better life. So today I’m happier and healthier in my 60’s than I was in my 40’s and 50’s.
‘Today I’m thinking of all those on the threshold of a major change and I can tell you it will be the best thing you’ll ever do.’
She then quipped: ‘And to my friends who love a drink and don’t have a problem…..raise a glass to me today on my anniversary!!!’
Pals rushed to congratulate her, including co-host Nadia Sawalha, who shared Denise’s post to her Story, writing: ‘Love this post from @denise_welch. Congratulations darling.’
‘This is strength and courage. Well done you ❤️❤️❤️,’ commented Strictly Come Dancing runner-up John Whaite.
Former Hollyoaks co-star Jamie Lomas left congratulations too.
‘Well done my friend, such an amazing achievement👏❤️,’ he posted.
More: Loose Women
Denise previously clashed with Loose Women colleague Carol McGiffin as she told her she should ‘drink less’ after they were considered the ‘party girls’ in the past as they frequently drank together.
The TV personality – who branded her relationship with alcohol ‘destructive’ – recalled the moment she decided to give up drinking, after her partner Lincoln Townley, who she married in 2013, also became sober after suffering from alcoholism.
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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