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Niall Harbison@NiallHarbison · Feb 19, 2025

This was me 4 years ago. I was in ICU in hospital as I’d just nearly drunk myself to death. I’d been an alcoholic and…

9 tweets1 min read♥ 41.4Koriginal

Summary

The author shares their 4-year sobriety journey after nearly dying from alcohol poisoning, offering insights on recovery: quitting takes persistence, alcohol worsens mental health, sobriety brings new experiences and relationships, reclaimed time, and support from others. They emphasize that recovery is possible even from rock bottom.

Summarized by ThreadOut AI from the full thread. May miss nuance — read the thread below.

  1. #1

    This was me 4 years ago. I was in ICU in hospital as I’d just nearly drunk myself to death. I’d been an alcoholic and suffered depression and anxiety for over 25 years. I’m completely sober now and wanted to share some learnings that may help someone (1/8) 🧵

  2. #2

    If you’ve tried quitting before and keep failing don’t give up. I must have had 1000 attempts at quitting alcohol and Valium. It’s never too late. I was 41 and miserable in life and didn’t want to go on. Keep trying no matter how hard it seems (2/8)

  3. #3

    There is nothing worse in the world for depression and anxiety than alcohol. I can’t stress enough how much worse it makes it even if there is a quick short term gain. I still suffer small bouts of depression and anxiety but it’s 5% of what it was with booze involved (3/8)

  4. #4

    You’ll make lots of new friends and have so many great experiences without alcohol. I used to be so worried I’d be boring or unable to function without alcohol. Its not always easy but you realise there is a whole world beyond the bar or wherever you drink (4/8)

  5. #5

    I found I became a lot more reliable in many ways. When drinking I was making every selfish excuse to get the next drink. You will be there more for others when they need you. That makes you feel so much better about yourself (5/8)

  6. #6

    You get so much time back. With hangovers gone and time spent drinking (alone in my case) recouped it’s amazing how much you can get done in your life. There are SO many more hours in the day. Time really does seem endless (6/8)

  7. #7

    People are really really nice if you ask them for help. They’ll make plans for you that don’t involve alcohol, check on you and be very supportive of the effort you are making. Personally I’ve found by telling people my problems they are so respectful and kind. (7/8)

  8. #8

    I don’t want to sound like I’m gloating and saying “look at me I’m so amazing and healthy”. It's not easy and I have to battle hard on my mental health. I just want to show that you can be rock bottom with no hope but there is always a way back in life. Big love❤️ (8/8)

  9. #9

    I share a lot more of the ups and downs and real life on my insta here… instagram.com/niall.harbison The reason I share this is the hope it even helps one other person somewhere 🥰❤️