'My drinking was at the extreme': Ex-Sunderland AFC star Kieron Brady discusses his drink demons

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Kieron Brady, a member of the Sunderland squad which gained promotion in 1990 and reached the FA Cup final two years later, has spoken about recovering from his own “hellish” problems at the start of Alcohol Awareness Week 2020.

His comments come as a new national survey finds stress, anxiety and other mental health reasons have driven four in 10 drinkers – the equivalent of 740,000 people across this region – to alcohol since the coronavirus pandemic erupted.

Mr Brady, 49, who now supports people with alcohol problems, said: “One of the things I say to people who think they might be drinking too much, or on that path, is to assess their drinking as honestly as they can.

Former Sunderland winger Kieron Brady, pictured during a visit to the Sunderland Echo's offices in 2018, has spoken about his battle against alcohol.

"If it is costing you more than money and becoming problematic in your personal and professional life, now is the time to look at how much you’re drinking, the reasons why and make a change.”

After a rare vascular problem prematurely ended the Glaswegian winger’s career, his drinking escalated until his mid-30s when he went into recovery.

He has been sober since June 2009 and has since married and started a family, which he never thought possible beforehand.

Mr Brady added: “I found out the hard way. Recovery has taught me that life events do lead people to turn to alcohol, mainly for solace, but I was already drinking far too much.

Former professional footballer Kieron Brady in the early 1990s during his Sunderland career.

“As well as affecting the body, alcohol affects the mind and it can create many different mental health conditions for some. I was diagnosed with depression and depersonalisation disorder, both of which were alcohol-induced.

"Thankfully, my mental health improved because of my recovery and I haven’t suffered from depression since becoming sober."

Mr Brady, who still lives in this area, said drinkers need to recognise warning signs such as hiding their drinking or drinking earlier in the day than normal.

He said: “My drinking was at the extreme end and it was hellish. I wouldn’t want anyone to experience what I went through and whatever your relationship with alcohol, you can turn it round with the right support.

Colin Shevills, the director of Balance, the has urged problem drinkers to get the support they need.

"If you’re drinking too much, I can honestly say that cutting down and even trying some time off the booze will bring you all of the things alcohol promised you but failed to deliver.”

Colin Shevills, director of Balance, North East of England’s alcohol office, has labelled the survey’s findings “worrying” and urged excessive drinkers to seek support.

He added: "They are the latest to show that the last eight or nine months have pushed more people down the road towards alcohol becoming a real danger to their physical and mental health.”

Prof Eilish Gilvarry, consultant psychiatrist in addictions at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, said: “When it comes to taking time off from alcohol, I don’t think I have ever come across anyone who hasn’t told me how good they feel when they’ve taken a month off alcohol.

"They’ve lost weight, are sleeping better and are less anxious, even if they’ve found the first few days difficult.”

Further information about Awareness Week, which runs until November 22, is available from Alcohol Change at www.alcoholchange.org.uk or (0203) 9078480.

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