As 15 per cent of the population in Ireland has an alcohol use disorder, it’s time we recognise the problem and its effects, and get the right support

‘Some moments are glorious. Other moments suck rocks. But this is worth doing. And you’ll soon see why’, says Belle Robertson

Part 15: This is my third Christmas without alcohol. You’d think I’d be used to it - it doesn’t work like that. Every day is a challenge, and I must be aware that alcohol is forbidden to me

Part 14: I have discovered who I am. I question a lot of things; things I accepted willingly before

If you drink alcohol, it may be particularly important to prioritise other aspects of your health

Part 13: The novelty of being sober is long gone

People who have reduced – or completely cut out – alcohol tell us how it has improved their health and outlook

Part 12: Can you imagine the looks I would get if people saw me drinking a glass of wine?

Part 11: Life is not always going to go as planned and if we can accept this then maybe we can handle the suffering when it comes

Part 10: I recently read that observing clouds in the sky is very good for our mental health. I thought it was just me who found it so calming

One in five teenagers get alcohol regularly from parents, according to research on west of Ireland youth

Part nine: I am wondering if I should perhaps try AA again. It might be a different experience when I’ve had several months’ sobriety. We’ll see

But critics argue marketing of alcohol ‘colours our perception of Ireland as a country’

Part six: The longer I am sober, the more incentive I have to stay sober. Do I want to throw that away?

Most events at this time of year feature booze and plenty of it. If you don’t want to drink as much, here’s how

Tell Me About It: Possible shame over past drinking may cause you to shrink away from engagement with others

Night-time sector and young people welcome a move to revive an industry that was ‘dying on its feet’

Cutting alcohol excise or raising alcohol levies will make it harder to judge if MUP has actually worked

Mixed views on minimum unit pricing since its introduction, but those around the Border notice biggest change

Covid, Brexit, rising energy costs and supply chain issues combined to put the squeeze on