Millie Mackintosh on Sobriety and Wellness Over Indulgence
Millie Mackintosh’s decision to embrace sobriety has been transformative, marking a shift toward emotional and physical wellness. Speaking on the *Well Enough* podcast, she shared her struggles with alcohol and the pivotal moments that led her to quit. Her journey, detailed in her book *Bad Drunk*, highlights the toll alcohol took on her health and the benefits of sobriety, including improved parenting and reclaiming joy in daily life. Mackintosh emphasized the importance of education in her recovery, citing resources like Andrew Huberman’s podcast on alcohol’s effects as key to her understanding. She also discussed strategies for navigating social situations without alcohol, including support from a sober coach and trusted friends. Professor David Nutt, a psychopharmacologist and creator of Sentia, joined the podcast to discuss the dangers of alcohol and advocate for mindful drinking. His insights resonate in Malta, where dining and socializing often involve alcohol. Mackintosh’s story encourages reflection on how lifestyle choices impact health and happiness, inspiring readers to
The Life-Changing Power of Sobriety: Millie Mackintosh’s Journey to Wellness
The decision to embrace a sober lifestyle can be transformative, as Millie Mackintosh’s story reveals. Best known for her appearances on television and as an advocate for health and wellness, Mackintosh recently opened up about her journey to sobriety on the Well Enough podcast hosted by Emilie Lavinia. Her candid reflections on alcohol abuse, anxiety, and the profound shift towards emotional and physical wellness offer valuable insights for anyone seeking a healthier, more balanced life.
This year, Mackintosh released a book titled Bad Drunk, where she recounts her struggles with alcohol and the pivotal moments that led her to quit drinking for good. During her podcast appearance, she revealed the toll alcohol had taken on her mental and physical health, sharing, “I've had alcohol poisoning probably twice, and you really feel like you're going to die. It really does destroy lives, and for a lot of people, the only way to abstain is just to completely stop.”
For Mackintosh, the key to making such a significant change was education. “One of the biggest shifts for me was getting really informed,” she explained. “I downloaded all the podcasts I could find about quitting alcohol, bought books, and immersed myself in information. I started with the Andrew Huberman podcast, which was called something like What Alcohol Does to Your Body and Brain. That was a real shift for me.” This level of self-education resonates with those in Malta who prioritize wellness, particularly through informed choices about diet, fitness, and lifestyle.
Sobriety wasn’t easy for Mackintosh at first, but the benefits quickly became apparent. “The positives for me really are the time I've got back – time I’m not spent hungover. Not having that feeling of dread when I wake up on the weekend, and actually being able to get out of the house early, enjoy the day with my kids. I really wasn’t able to enjoy parenting when I’d been drinking the night before. And I love being a mum. I mean, it’s hard, but I love it. Alcohol was really stealing my joy.”
Her words speak volumes to anyone striving to create a healthier, more fulfilling life. In Malta, where family and food often go hand-in-hand, Mackintosh’s story highlights how sobriety can enhance personal relationships and the ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, such as dining out with loved ones or exploring the island’s vibrant culinary scene.
Mackintosh also shared strategies for staying sober in a culture that often celebrates drinking. “For me, a sober coach weekly was what I did for about six months. That support was invaluable. Having a couple of people close to you that know – when you’re going to those events, just have a wingman with you, someone that knows it’s going to be a bit tricky for you to get through that social anxiety without a drink. Someone who can squeeze your hand, someone who can just be your support – because it’s hard.”
Professor David Nutt, a psychopharmacologist and expert on the harms caused by alcohol, joined the podcast to provide scientific insights into the dangers of drinking and its long-term effects on the body. Nutt is also the creator of Sentia, an alcohol alternative that has gained attention in the wellness industry. He emphasized the importance of re-evaluating alcohol’s role in our lives, stating, “People should think about their drinking. When you start to do that, you realize several things. You realize that a lot of the drinks you consume don’t have any value at all.”
His advice is particularly poignant for those in Malta, where dining and socializing often involve alcohol. Whether it’s wine paired with Mediterranean dishes or cocktails enjoyed at a waterfront restaurant, Nutt encourages a more mindful approach. “Be objective about drinking as you would be about any other aspect of health, like weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol. Alcohol is a serious thing you are doing; it’s a drug. And it affects almost every cell in the body – it’s quite toxic.”
Mackintosh’s experience with friends also highlights the difficulty of addressing alcohol use in social situations. “I had so many disastrous ones, but in the last year, there was a comment from a best friend who said, ‘I just can’t see you do this to yourself anymore.’ She said, ‘You can’t, you just can’t handle it. You’re too sensitive. It just doesn’t agree with you.’” Six months after that conversation, Mackintosh quit drinking, motivated not just by her own health but by her desire to be present for her daughters. “My girls were the ultimate motivation to stop. They were six months and two when I stopped, and now they’re nearly four and five. They’ll have no memory of me drinking.”
Her reflections extend beyond sobriety, touching on emotional wellness and personal growth. “The gift is also the emotional sobriety that you get when you stop drinking the toxic substance. You can really start doing the work on yourself to become fully emotionally sober. And that’s really the work I’m doing now.” Mackintosh offers a powerful message to anyone seeking to make positive changes: “Anything in your life that is making you unhappy – whether it’s alcohol, whether it’s a person, whatever it is – that toxic habit. Don’t wait to change. Just do it because you never know how long you’ve got left. Life is short, and if something is stealing your joy, make the change.”
For readers in Malta, Mackintosh’s story may inspire reflection on how lifestyle choices impact overall health and happiness. With Malta’s renowned culinary scene offering an abundance of fresh, local produce and delicious non-alcoholic beverages, embracing a sober lifestyle doesn’t have to mean sacrificing enjoyment. From kombucha served at trendy eateries to nutrient-packed smoothies in beachside cafes, there are endless options to nourish both body and mind.
Take a smarter approach to feeling good. Whether it’s sobriety, mindful eating, or prioritizing mental health, there’s always room for positive change. Listen to Mackintosh’s full story on the Well Enough podcast and explore how her journey can inspire your own path to wellness.