He Tried to Control His Drinking for Years. It Never Worked

Kev spent years surrounded by drinking, nightlife and DJ culture, often drinking more than 10 pints plus shots while working a night behind the decks. What started as fun eventually became something he struggled to control. In this episode of One for the Road, Kev shares how alcohol, cocaine, anxiety and partying became wrapped up in his identity. He talks about questioning his relationship with alcohol, repeatedly trying sobriety, convincing himself he could moderate, and eventually realizing he simply didn’t have an off switch. Chapters: 0:52 - Growing Up in Manchester & Early Childhood 1:44 - Dad's Alcoholism & Football Culture 2:33 - Sneaking Into Clubs & First Drug Experiences 5:27 - How DJing Became a Gateway to Heavy Drinking 8:10 - The Ego Trip & Loneliness of DJ Life 13:50 - Cocaine, Mental Health Decline & Groundhog Day 16:37 - The Dark Side of COVID Lockdown & Drinking Alone 33:36 - Rock Bottom in the Bath & Spiritual Awakening 36:41 - Yoga, Running & Building a Sober Life in Lisbon Kev also shares the night he broke down crying in the bath and knew something had to change, the frightening alcohol-fuelled incident in Lisbon that could have cost him his life, and why his previous attempts to quit drinking didn’t last. Today, Kev is sober and has completely changed the way he lives. He and Dave discuss sobriety, alcohol addiction, mental health, relapse, moderation, nervous system regulation, identity and what life can look like without alcohol. If you’re questioning your drinking, trying to quit alcohol, sober curious, or already in recovery, Kev’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to wait for everything to fall apart before making a change. Keywords you’re naturally hitting: quit drinking, alcohol addiction, sobriety, alcohol recovery, sober curious, moderation, mental health, recovery, life without alcohol. Information on Coaching with Dave: https://www.soberdave.co.uk/ Connect with Kev:   / shiftwithswindells