A FORMER binge drinker from Chippenham has transformed her life after saying no to drinking thanks to a Wiltshire substance misuse service.

For more than ten years, Mary Devers, of Hazel Copse, struggled to curtail her drinking habits of at least a bottle of wine a night – a routine that began to take its toll physically and mentally.

Then 18 months ago, her children persuaded her to try and tackle the root of the problem via the Wiltshire Substance Misuse Service, Turning Point, and in August, she successfully gave up drinking all together.

She has told her story to highlight a study by Public Health Action stating that one in three adults in the South West are consuming too much liquor – at levels that pose an increasing risk of damaging their health.

The health worker said: “Now I feel like a different person. It’s like the fog has lifted. I have so much more energy, have lost weight and have a much better self-esteem,” said the 52-year-old.

“I couldn’t have done it without Turning Point, they were marvellous. It also helped being around other people who were going through the same thing. You didn’t feel alone.

“The thoughts keep creeping in that you can have a little drink but through their help and my will power, I managed to get through but it didn’t happen overnight. Now I feel more like myself and the worry has gone.”

Turning Point, commissioned by Wiltshire Council, used cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and counselling work to help Mrs Devers quit drinking. She now enjoys a glass of tonic, fruit juices and grape juice.

Due to her alcohol intake, her relationship with her eldest daughter became strained, something that has greatly improved since abstaining from alcohol.

“My children said they were so proud of me, they’re really chuffed with how far I’ve come. I wanted to stop because of my health and my family were worried,” she said.

Maggie Rae, Wiltshire Council corporate director, said: “We aim to promote a sensible approach to alcohol in Wiltshire’s communities and an awareness of both the damage that excessive alcohol consumption can cause and what people can do to reduce the risk.”

The study, surveyed 500 adults with six focus groups, was commissioned to coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week by Public Health Action.

The report shows how just 21 per cent realise alcohol is linked to a heightened risk of breast cancer, 23% associate it with dementia and 53 per cent with a stroke.

“This study is further evidence that large numbers of people drinking at a risky level don’t realise how much they’re drinking, and don’t know about the risks associated with alcohol,” said Jackie Ballard, chief executive of Alcohol Concern in Corsham.

Keith Humphries, cabinet member with responsibility for public health, said: “We will continue to work with our partners and communities to tackle alcohol-related harm and the anti-social behaviour associated with it.”

Wiltshire Council’s Alcohol Strategy can be found at the strategy can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/alcohol-strategy.pdf