Home News North East News

Businessman Russell Hughes tells of battle to beat booze

Jan 17 2010 Sunday Sun

“I never had a hangover because I never sobered up, and I became very clever at disguising the fact I had a problem.

“Some start drinking in the morning but my typical day saw me start at maybe 3pm, because that’s when I was starting to sober up from the day before when I could have been drinking until 3am.

“I would organise my whole life around having a drink, holding meetings at lunchtime in a pub or only ever going anywhere where I knew alcohol was available.

“I was caught drink driving 10 years ago too, but even then I didn’t stop. If anything it got worse because I would get planes or trains to meetings in London, so I was able to drink.”

The turning point came when his GP told him he could be one drink away from liver failure.

Two years on, however, he and Darya can socialise in bars and restaurants, but have not had a single drink.

Russell sees Aluston Health as a way to use his business acumen while also helping others beat their addiction.

He said: “I spent 18 months researching and planning this, and we’ve now teamed up with a Riga clinic who carry out the treatment.

“The £2,000 fee covers travel there and private transfers and the full five-day treatment - even snacks and meals.

“Four people have been to the clinic and not one has started to drink again.”

For more information visit http://www.alustonhealth.com/

Keep up to date with the news. Sign up for News Alerts

Have your say on the latest news and sport in our Forums