‘It wasn’t easy’: Denise Welch celebrates 11 years sobriety and admits quitting alcohol ‘changed her life’ in poignant post
- Anyone experiencing similar issues can contact AA on 0800 917 7650 or email the helpline at help@aamail.org
Denise Welch has celebrated 11 years of sobriety and took to social media to reflect on her decision to quit alcohol as she marked the milestone.
The Loose Women star, 64, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share two snaps of herself, taken 11 years apart, talking about how sobriety changed her life.
She admitted that her “disastrous” relationship with alcohol affected her relationship with husband Lincoln Townley and the lives of her sons Louis, 22, and Matty, 34, whom she shares with her ex Tim Healy.
The Coronation Street actress went on to say that while getting sober “wasn’t easy,” it ultimately changed her life and that of her loved ones.
In a poignant caption, she wrote, “11 years sober today!!! Giving up my disastrous relationship with alcohol changed my life, my husband’s life and my children’s lives. Plus the lives of everyone who loves me.
Sobriety: Denise Welch has celebrated 11 years of sobriety and took to social media to reflect on her decision to quit alcohol as she marked the milestone
Alcohol: The Coronation Street actress shared that while getting sober was ‘not easy’ it changed her life and those of her loved ones
‘It was not easy. Addiction is a cruel and frightening disease. But together @lincolntownley and I realized we were destroying many lives, including our own, and we did.
“I now have a wonderful marriage that is the foundation of my life. Our children are happy and I hope those of you who are struggling find the strength to stop.
“If alcohol no longer makes you happy, if your drinking is making other people’s lives miserable, it’s time to stop. There’s help if you need it.’
Her Loose Women co-stars and celebrity friends quickly took to the comments section to share their support for the Hollyoaks star.
Alison Hammond of This Morning wrote, “Well done darlings, very proud of you.”
As Nadia Sawalha gushed, ‘I’m in awe.. day by day for 11 years! And look what it brought you! So happy for both of you.’
Michelle Heaton, who has spoken openly about her own addiction, said, “Yes, my superstar friend!! Xx I’ll be 2 years old next week.’
And Ruth Langsford commented, “You are wonderful and such a great help to others.”
Denise responded to her supportive friends, commenting, “I’m honestly so touched and overwhelmed by your comments and support. Thank you so much.’
Denise and Lincoln married in Portugal in July 2013, after getting engaged in August 2012.
Lincoln previously credited his wife for helping him get sober, making him one of the most in-demand performers in the country.
Kind words: Her Loose Women co-stars and celebrity friends quickly took to the comment section to share their support for the Hollyoaks star
Struggle: She admitted her ‘disastrous’ relationship with alcohol affected the lives of her sons Louis, 22, and Matty, 34, (both pictured in May 2015) who she shares with her ex Tim Healy
Romance: Denise’s husband Lincoln Townley previously wrote that his wife helped him get sober, making him one of the most in-demand artists in the country
Speaking to The Mirror in June 2019, the London-born art sensation said of his other half: “Drinking has never brought anything good into my life, except Denise.”
“We got to the point where we knew the best way to do it was to embrace sobriety together,” he added.
He spoke about their shared journey to sobriety, sharing, “We know each other in a very dark time and we wanted to create something from what we had. We’re here and we’re both very happy and that’s how it works for us.’
Lincoln added that it’s “not hard” to stay sober as the couple have enough going on in their lives to keep them busy and focused.
Anyone experiencing similar issues should contact AA on 0800 917 7650 or email the helpline at help@aamail.org.