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Many people drink without giving it much thought, especially when alcohol becomes part of routine socialising or a way to unwind after a long day. But even small shifts in drinking habits can lead to better sleep, improved mood and clearer thinking.

One resident who has experienced this first-hand is Matthew Guest from Bromsgrove, who decided to stop drinking four years ago after realising how much alcohol was affecting his mental health.

Matt said: “For years, drinking was just part of my life. It was how I socialised and how I coped with an always busy mind. Those first few drinks felt like they took the edge off, but the calm never lasted.  Looking back, I can see how much alcohol was actually making things worse. My sleep was poor, my anxiety was higher, and I constantly felt foggy. I knew it wasn’t helping, but like a lot of people, I pushed that thought aside.

“A serious health scare forced me to stop and reassess. That moment changed everything. I made the decision to quit drinking completely, and although it wasn’t easy at first, it was absolutely the right choice. The benefits came gradually but steadily — better sleep, a more stable mood, clearer thinking, stronger relationships and a sense of control I hadn’t felt in years.

“More recently, I was diagnosed with ADHD, which helped me understand why my mind had always felt overloaded. Alcohol had seemed like a quick fix, but it was actually making things harder.  Sobriety has become one of the most important parts of my wellbeing. Four years on, I feel more grounded, more present and more like the person I want to be.”

Matt’s experience reflects what many people across 91��Ƭ��are discovering,  drinking less, even slightly, can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

Councillor Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at 91��Ƭ��County Council, said: “A huge thank you to Matt for sharing his story. Honest conversations like this help people realise they’re not alone. Public Health is here to support residents to stay well, and that includes helping people think about their relationship with alcohol. This isn’t about telling people not to drink. It’s about helping everyone feel confident in their choices, understand the impact alcohol can have, and make small adjustments that could improve their wellbeing. We want to create a supportive, judgement free space where people can reflect on their habits and get help if they need it.”

For information and support around alcohol, including tips for cutting back and the benefits of drinking less, visit the alcohol support pages on our website.

If you are struggling with your alcohol intake, Cranstoun offers support across Worcestershire. You can contact them on 0300 303 8200 or visit.