A New Beginning.

By Stephen Tierney – The Alcohol Change Coach

In 2022, my life hit breaking point. I was lost — drowning in alcohol, depression, and self-pity. Another marriage had ended. I had barely any contact with my youngest daughter. My best friend had passed away suddenly in an accident. I was out of work, sharing a house with friends, and too anxious to even step outside the front door.

I felt like I had failed — as a man, a father, and a friend.

One morning, I woke up after another night of drinking. I was sick, both physically and mentally. I looked at myself and said:
“You need to make a change… or you will die.”

That moment of brutal honesty was the beginning. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I knew something had to change.

I began the journey of finding myself again. I let go of the past — not to forget, but to learn from it. I started to forgive others, and more importantly, I started to forgive myself. I found peace, little by little, every single day.

I got back to work, no matter how hard it felt. I went to counselling, where a man helped me start believing in myself again. I returned to ballroom dancing — something I had loved but abandoned. I still remember the fear of walking through the doors of the LoveDancing studio. But I pushed through, and dancing became a vital part of my healing and purpose.

That community welcomed me back, and with every step I danced, I grew stronger.

Then I trained as a Samaritans listener and outreach volunteer. Helping others gave me meaning. It gave me hope.

The moment that truly changed my life forever was signing up for a fundraiser with Spinal Injuries Ireland. I had never done anything like it before — raising €6,000 to travel with 40 others, including 8 wheelchair users, to sail the Tall Ship Tenacious in the Caribbean.

This ship is not just a vessel — it’s a floating community of inclusion, where people with and without disabilities live and work side by side. That experience opened my eyes wide. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and started feeling grateful.

Grateful to be alive.
Grateful to be able-bodied.
Grateful to still have time to make something of my life.

Since then, I’ve been rebuilding every day. I am trained as a life coach — The Alcohol Change Coach — and I’ve committed myself to helping others take their first steps out of despair, just as I did.

I continue to support Spinal Injuries Ireland, the Samaritans, and my ballroom dance school. I’ve reconnected with friends and family. But let me be honest — it’s not all perfect. It takes daily commitment. It takes strength, courage, and patience.

But the more I show up for myself, the more I can show up for others.

I believe that self-belief is something you build, day by day.
You don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need to take that first step.

I am living proof that change is possible.
If you're reading this and you feel lost… you’re not alone.

A new beginning is possible.
It begins with a choice.

Believe in yourself — as I did.