Tony Worsdall’s journey to sobriety 

Liz Nicholls

Berkshire’s Tony Worsdall shares his journey to sobriety and becoming a sobriety coach 

Like many people of my generation, I began drinking alcohol at the age of 14, drinking cheap alcohol in the fields before Ed Sheeran made a great song out of the experience! It was a rite of passage, something we did to feel a sense of belonging. Drinking and smoking were the things that marked the transition into adult life and made me feel part of the “scene” which included regular club and discos in the days of reggae, James Brown and soul. 

My 40+ year career in professional services was closely tied to regular alcohol consumption. I never hit “rock bottom”, and I always believed my drinking was just part of life. Starting my own business 25 years ago brought its challenges, and alcohol was my go-to stress reliever and “social glue” when my teams needed to unwind. There were a few moments I’d rather forget (if I could remember them!). 

As time went on, I realised that alcohol was not serving me well. During the periods when I took a break from drinking, I felt healthier and more capable. I became curious about alcohol and began devouring everything I could find on the subject. Despite learning the harsh truths about alcohol, I couldn’t see an easy way to give up something that had been a part of my life for more than 40 years. 

In 2020, support for “grey-area drinkers” was limited. A TEDx talk by Jolene Park (which you can watch at sobersixty.com, helped define this concept). I discovered that changing lifelong habits was possible with the right support, which I found through The Sober Club. 

I finally broke free in January 2020. The fear of the impending lockdown and retirement, combined with extra time on my hands, propelled me into action – an action I’ve never regretted and wish I had taken years earlier. 

In 2022, I decided to train as a sobriety coach to give back to people who, like me, saw no easy way to give up something that had been a part of their lives for many years. SoberSixty, named because I began this journey in my 60th year, launched last February. I work with individuals who have decided to change their relationship with alcohol, particularly “grey-area drinkers”. Working as a coach and helping clients set and achieve their goals has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a reminder that encouraging open conversations, especially among men, about anxiety and concerns is vital in our increasingly digital world. 

For anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, here are three things you can do: 

1. Read and listen to as much as you can about the subject, including personal journeys and the science behind this drug. 

2. Find your tribe – like-minded people are essential to maintain your resolve. 

3. Tell someone – be accountable to someone you trust and to yourself. 

P.S. Today I celebrate five years of my alcohol-free life. I’m so grateful to the people I’ve met and worked with along the way who have helped me understand how rewarding and fulfilling life can be. Here’s to the next five years of this wonderful life. sobersixty.com