Ulrika Jonsson discusses her path to sobriety in a recent podcast episode, describing alcohol as a friend she had to leave behind.
Ulrika Jonsson, a popular British television personality, has opened up about her struggle with alcohol dependency and her journey towards sobriety. In an honest and revealing conversation with Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews on the Untapped podcast, Jonsson shared her experiences and the signs that led her to seek help.
Dr Richard Piper, the CEO of Alcohol Change UK, has identified several common indicators of alcohol dependency. These include drinking earlier in the day than previously usual, choosing alcohol over other activities, and drinking in a way that affects relationships with close people. Such behaviours suggest a growing reliance on alcohol that extends beyond social drinking habits.
Jonsson's story resonates with these indicators. She admitted to starting her day with alcohol and hiding her drinking habits from her family. Her friends' concerns, such as one who said, "I couldn't understand a f*** word. You have a problem and I can't help you," were the wake-up call she needed.
Jonsson's realisation that she was an alcoholic was "desperately weird," she said. Despite being told she wasn't an alcoholic, she continued to drink, until a hangover day much like any other prompted her to quit. Not remembering when the last non-drinking day was, hiding alcohol from family, and thinking about where the next drink would come from were signs that alcohol had taken a hold of her life.
However, Jonsson's story doesn't end there. She found benefits in sobriety, including a better understanding of herself. She attends meetings almost "religiously" and considers sobriety her "priority."
Dr Piper emphasises that there is a sliding scale of alcohol harm happening across the drinking spectrum. For those concerned about their drinking or someone else's, help is available. Drinkline, a free and confidential helpline, is there to provide support and advice.
Jonsson's story serves as a powerful reminder that alcohol dependency can affect anyone and that seeking help is a courageous step towards a healthier life. It's never too late to take control and prioritise sobriety.
Ulrika Jonsson's struggle with alcohol dependency led to behaviors that affected her relationships with family, such as hiding her drinking habits and choosing alcohol over other activities. This reflects the common indicators of alcohol dependency identified by Dr Richard Piper, the CEO of Alcohol Change UK. Jonsson's realization of her addiction was a wake-up call, as she experienced symptoms like forgetting the last non-drinking day, thinking about the next drink, and prioritizing alcohol over wellness and mental health. However, Jonsson found benefits in sobriety, prioritizing it as an important aspect of her health-and-wellness journey. Dr Piper emphasizes that help is available for those concerned about their drinking or someone else's, with resources like Drinkline offering free and confidential support. Jonsson's story underscores the importance of seeking help for alcohol dependency and the potential for a healthier life through sobriety.
