A BROMSGROVE man who quit drinking after a serious health scare has backed a campaign encouraging others to think about how alcohol fits into their everyday lives.
Matthew Guest from Bromsgrove decided to stop drinking four years ago after realising how much alcohol was affecting his mental health.
For years, drinking was just a part of his life, and he consumed alcohol to socialise and cope with an always‑busy mind.
He said: “Those first few drinks felt like they took the edge off, but the calm never lasted. Looking back, I can see how much alcohol was actually making things worse.
“My sleep was poor, my anxiety was higher, and I constantly felt foggy. I knew it wasn’t helping, but like a lot of people, I pushed that thought aside.
“A serious health scare forced me to stop and reassess. That moment changed everything.
“I made the decision to quit drinking completely, and although it wasn’t easy at first, it was absolutely the right choice. The benefits came gradually but steadily — better sleep, a more stable mood, clearer thinking, stronger relationships and a sense of control I hadn’t felt in years.
“More recently, I was diagnosed with ADHD, which helped me understand why my mind had always felt overloaded.
“Alcohol had seemed like a quick fix, but it was actually making things harder.
“Sobriety has become one of the most important parts of my well-being. Four years on, I feel more grounded, more present and more like the person I want to be.”
Research shows even small shifts in drinking habits can lead to better sleep, improved mood and clearer thinking.
Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team is looking to show residents how small changes to their drinking habits can make a positive difference to their wellbeing.
Coun Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said: “A huge thank you to Matt for sharing his story.
“Honest conversations like this help people realise they’re not alone. Public Health is here to support residents to stay well, and that includes helping people think about their relationship with alcohol.
“This isn’t about telling people not to drink, it’s about helping everyone feel confident in their choices, understand the impact alcohol can have, and make small adjustments that could improve their wellbeing. We want to create a supportive, judgement‑free space where people can reflect on their habits and get help if they need it.”
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/alcohol for more information and support around alcohol, including tips for cutting back.
Call 0300 303 8200 or visit the Cranstoun website if you are struggling with alcohol intake.
