Isleworth author reconsiders drinking in new book

Lesley Miller had the idea for ‘Alcohol Considered: Education for Moderation’ after her own drinking habits spiralled out of control four years ago.

The former primary school assistant had begun using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, until she fell into a slippery slope of drinking over a bottle of wine night.

The mother-of-one went on a journey to combat “wine o’clock culture” – slowly reducing her consumption to a sustainable level.

Now, Lesley has teamed up with her former colleague, Catheryn Kell-Clarke, to publish a “non-preachy” guide to moderation.

Co-author, Catheryn Kell-Clarke

“We’re aware we’re not doctors. We’re educators not experts. Giving up is hard for people, which is why our approach is not anti-alcohol. We don’t demand complete sobriety and we recognise the social benefits of alcohol.”

“Instead, we offer manageable and long-lasting techniques,” said the 44-year-old from Isleworth.

Lesley’s golden rules include “no shots” and “no more than three drinks” as a way to enjoy alcohol without going overboard.

Launched last month on Amazon, the 190-page book details the history and science behind alcohol, and includes guest chapters from an NHS specialist in alcohol issues, Sylvain Tiecoura.

The trio believe now is a particularly important time to break down stigmas surrounding drinking, after the UK has seen alcohol consumption rocket during the pandemic.

Nearly a third of people (29%) are reporting that they have drunk more alcohol than they normally would, according to a study by King’s College London,

Lesley hopes her simple strategies will help others reap the rewards of conscious consumption.

“After so many failed attempts to stop drinking, we wanted to prove moderation was achievable, and there was such a thing as an upward spiral,” she said.

‘Alcohol Reconsidered: Education for Moderation’ is available on Amazon in hardback and on Kindle.