The following is an extract from Jill’s book ‘High Sobriety’, a memoir of Jill’s experiences taking 12 months off alcohol. ‘High Sobriety’ is available for purchase here.

Habit is a peculiar beast: she’s not easily tamed, and she’s not afraid of a dare. My body might be learning that I don’t need alcohol to feel good, but my brain is following a more familiar script.

As I attempt to order a lime and soda in a bar with friends one night, I’m shocked to hear the words ‘vodka, lime, and soda’ come out of…

The following is an extract from Jill’s book ‘High Sobriety’, a memoir of Jill’s experiences taking 12 months off alcohol. ‘High Sobriety’ is available for purchase here.

I obviously haven’t inherited Mum’s constitution. But after pledging to go alcohol-free, hangovers are, for now, a thing of the past. When you’re used to feeling dreadful a couple of mornings a week every week for as many years as you can remember, it’s a novelty to wake up feeling rested and fresh.

The first sober weekend is glorious. On Sunday, I can’t help but feel quietly…

The following is an extract from Jill’s book ‘High Sobriety’, a memoir of Jill’s experiences taking 12 months off alcohol. ‘High Sobriety’ is available for purchase here.

The first few alcohol-free days are actually quite fun. It’s a whirlwind of exercise, wholesome meals, and the thrill of taking control of a situation that had been careering away from me like an empty shopping trolley down the face of Everest. I start writing a list of all the things I hope to achieve during my vacation from booze. This love of lists comes from…

The following is an extract from Jill’s book ‘High Sobriety’, a memoir of Jill’s experiences taking 12 months off alcohol. ‘High Sobriety’ is available here from February 4.

It’s hard not to succumb to a drink at the end of the day. It’s really fucking hard. There are times this week when I would gladly raffle off a vital organ for one sip of beer. One evening, being around a friend as she blithely chugs back a Peroni is so teeth-grindingly excruciating that I have to use all my powers of restraint not…