Drug addict who did coke in loo at Xmas turns life around and is unrecognisable

A British model and recovered alcoholic has opened up about how she spent December 25 before giving up booze and drugs – and shared some advice for those struggling with addiction.

Stunning Eliza Rose Watson has been sober for almost five years, but still remembers how difficult Christmas can be for those on the wagon.

She admitted that at the worst point of her addiction she would steal from her mum and family members to buy more substances – and would down neat spirits like it was water.

Eliza said: “Really, Christmas Day was no different to any other day – there were years when I sometimes missed it altogether and really had no idea of what was going on.

"If I ran out of cocaine it would be a nightmare trying to get more and I would spend all day obsessing over it."

She added: "The holiday was more like a pain in the bum because I couldn't go out partying.

"And while it was socially acceptable to drink all day, the people I was with didn't drink like me or use drugs.

“I would sneak off to the loo for a line and I really thought that no one realised what I was doing, but in reality they did.

“Especially at gatherings like Christmas, I also felt I ‘needed’ to use and drink just to fight the hangover and seem happy and sociable."

Eliza began her recovery in 2016 and is now an avid fitness enthusiast, but she noted that her first clean Christmas was “incredibly hard”.

She said: “I had been drinking and using drugs in most gatherings for 10 years, so it was really hard to know what to do with myself that first Christmas.

“One reason I found it so hard was that I had shamed myself and let my family down many times in these same situations, so the first time I was with all of them and sober was daunting.

“I didn’t really know what to do with my hands, I was used to always having a bottle in them or I was sneaking off to use drugs, I swapped it all for chocolate."

And, she advised anyone who is struggling this December to talk about how they are feeling.

Eliza said: “People said ‘pick up the phone when you are feeling uncomfortable, instead of a drink or drug.

"It is much easier to put down’. It sounds trite but it's very true.

“Having someone who knows how you’re feeling, who has been through it, is so important.

“Once you do you’ll find you are not so ‘abnormal’ after all."

The model also makes sure that she had an “escape route” when attending a party so will book an Airbnb or have her car nearby so she can leave when she needs to.

Eliza said: “After almost five years in recovery I am much more comfortable in social settings, but there are some situations like clubs and parties where it can get too much.

“I know any sober person would probably feel a bit uncomfortable surrounded by drunk or drugged up people by the end of the night but they won’t have the guilt and pressure hanging over them.”

Now, she enjoys the festive season a lot more.

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She added: “I used to have to fake feeling happy and connected to my family and like an outsider but now it's a really nice time to get together with loved ones.

“This year, I’ll travel to see my mum's side of the family for a few days and then come back to see my dad.

“The good thing about recovery is you really do appreciate the small things, like simply being there for people, being able to give gifts, showing up on time, the stuff people tend to take for granted.

“Even five years on I’m still very grateful for these things.”

If you are struggling with drug addiction or dependancy visit talktofrank.com for further resources. And, if alcohol is becoming a problem for you reach out to your GP for advice or visit drinkaware.co.uk for further information.

The NHS recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol per week for both men and women.

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