"Ulrika Jonsson discloses her path to abstinence in a fresh episode of her podcast, confessing that alcohol was once a companion to her"
Ulrika Jonsson, the beloved TV presenter, has bravely shared her personal struggle with alcohol and her decision to quit drinking in an episode of the Untapped podcast. In a candid conversation with Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, Jonsson revealed that she has been sober for a year.
Jonsson's friends and family had long recognised her problem with alcohol, and her best friend even phoned her to express concern. However, it took a "hangover day much like any other" for Jonsson to realise that she needed to make a change.
Dr. Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, explains that there is a sliding scale of alcohol harm affecting millions of people. Signs that alcohol has taken control of one's life include drinking more than 14 units of alcohol every week consistently, not recalling the last day when no alcohol was consumed, frequently thinking about where the next drink will come from, and hiding alcohol from family members while being defensive or dishonest about drinking habits.
Jonsson admitted to experiencing these tell-tale indicators, as she had been hiding her drinking from her son and would frequently make plans to obtain alcohol. However, she did not stop drinking despite others telling her she wasn't an alcoholic.
Upon quitting drinking, Jonsson found that she was able to know herself better and prioritise her sobriety, recognising that "without my sobriety, I can't be there for my children". She attends sobriety meetings almost "religiously" and is grateful for the support she has received.
Dr. Piper emphasises that alcohol harm operates on a sliding scale, affecting many people, from poor sleep and hangovers to more serious health conditions like high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. Jonsson's decision to share her story is a powerful reminder that seeking help and support is essential for those struggling with alcohol misuse.
Ulrika Jonsson, in her journey towards sobriety, found that prioritizing her health and wellness became crucial for her family life, as she noted, "without my sobriety, I can't be there for my children." Recognizing the signs of alcohol control in her life, she had been hiding her drinking habits from her son and making plans to acquire alcohol, which align with the indicators Dr. Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, highlighted. These signs included drinking more than 14 units of alcohol weekly, hiding alcohol from family members, and feeling the frequent need to secure the next drink.
Dr. Piper's observations demonstrate that alcohol harm is not exclusive and can impact anyone on a sliding scale, ranging from everyday issues like poor sleep and hangovers to severe health conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. In this light, Jonsson's decision to share her story serves as a powerful testament to the importance of seeking help and support in addressing mental health and alcohol misuse, which is integral to overall health-and-wellness.
