Dr Alex George, who found fame on season four of the ITV2 reality television show Love Island before returning to his day job as NHS doctor, has opened about going sober and the reason behind it. Posting to Instagram, the 31-year-old from Camarthen, who is the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador within the Department for Education, revealed how he had become "sober-curious" and shared how alcohol affects his ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). He also stated that he needed to process feelings with a clear head.
Alongside four slides which detail his reason for giving up alcohol, he captioned the social media post: "I am going sober. Here’s why. Thank you for your community, love and support. Please share your personal experiences below, it will undoubtedly help me and I am sure others too. Thank you."
The slides read: "I have made the decision to go sober. There is a societal assumption that if someone has gone sober then they must have some serious 'problem' and be at 'rock bottom'. I drink a couple of times a week, and have good 'control' of my consumption. But recently I have been questioning why I drink at all. I have become sober-curious.
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"Alcohol is a terrible mix with ADHD, has no real benefits to our physical or mental health, and yet I drink regularly. I have started to question why? Like with any relationship, it's good to understand how it's serving us and whether the reasons we signed up to it are even still relevant or helpful. Or even whether the dynamic has changed."
He continued: "Most of the mistakes or poor decisions I have made, I have made while drinking. Arguments with partners, friends or family - drinking. Losing my phone, wallet or keys... Ok I manage that sober but you get my point (ADHD). I sat there the other day thinking, of all my regrets in life, how many of them were done sober? The answer shocked me."
He added how much he loves enjoying "all of the colour in life, in full HD" before he saying: "Alcohol turns down the frequency, distorts the colours and muffles the noise. Have I enjoyed times having a drink? Of course. But the cost, especially as I go into my thirties, is it too dear?"
He goes on to say how society "expects us to drink" and the pressure that encourages us to 'auto-enrol' in drinking. While he said he doesn't know whether he will be giving up alcohol forever, he explained how he wants to get to know sober Alex and wrote: "What I do know is that the step back will only do me good. I want to feel the grief over my brother, process loved ones leaving my life, and see life with clarity and colour, knowing that I can give 100% to the things that I care for and enjoy."
After posting this on Tuesday, December 13, the former Love Islander - who has since left his job as an A&E doctor - was met with a barrage of support from fans and stars.
Singer Becky Hill wrote: "alex!! i’m also suspected adhd & a month into my sobriety!!! a recent decision for me too & im doing really well!!! i think i’ll pick 3-5 times a year i have a drink but even that makes me sceptical! it’s pretty easy too & i love feeling super clear. the first two weeks were anxiety ridden but that lessens. hope u enjoy it as much as i do x"
Dr Rhona Eskander said: "Welcome to the club you’re going to love this. I’ve been tee total my whole life and never regretted this. I just never was drawn to it and still am not xx".
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