Abbi-Sapphire Clarke, 29, from Barrow-in-Furness, has shared her story of overcoming a 10-year addiction to alcohol and drugs. At the peak of her addiction, she was ordering a bottle of vodka every night through delivery apps and spending £1,000 on alcohol in six months. She barely left her home for two months.
A wake-up call
Her turning point came in April 2026 after a series of drug-induced panic attacks led to multiple ambulance callouts. She decided to quit cold turkey, but experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, shaking, loss of appetite, and extreme weakness.
“It was quite brutal to be honest, it was very dangerous and the doctors were all quite shocked I did that,” she said. “I just didn't think my family would understand me needing to be weaned off and would think I was still using for the sake of it. I wouldn't advise anyone to do that.”
From early exposure to addiction
Abbi-Sapphire was surrounded by alcohol from age 13 and was “brought up” in pubs. She progressed to drug use at 15, experimenting with ecstasy, ketamine, and acid. Initially only using drugs at weekends, it gradually crept into her weekdays.
She also became dependent on painkillers and sleeping tablets after a traumatic operation. At her worst, she consumed too much “every single time” she woke up.
Finding support
After initially attending AA groups, which “didn't suit” her, she switched to SMART Recovery groups, an evidence-based programme rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She is now four months sober and has been chronicling her journey on social media.
“It's been so good sharing on social media as there's a community of people in the same situation as me,” she said. “I've been in touch with a few people but I'm not an expert. They do ask for advice and I'll say to go to a recovery group and the doctors.”
Advice for others
She urges others battling addiction to “be honest” with themselves and those around them. “I messaged every single person I know when I got sober saying how bad my addiction was. You can't give yourself a corner to hide in. Take it day by day.”
The NHS advises that stopping drinking completely overnight could be harmful if you are physically dependent, and recommends seeking medical advice. Severe withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations, severe tremors, and seizures, in which case you should call 999.
