A mum who went to her first AA meeting aged nine is unrecognisable since giving up drink and drugs.
Ashley Carter Cash, 40, shared inspiring before and after photos to show just how far she has come from hiding in wardrobes to down booze.
And the recovering addict spoke to Reach PLC to offer advice for anyone trying to get teetotal – or even attempting to complete Dry January.
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Who is Ashley?
Ashley is a writer and recovery coach who grew up with an alcoholic dad and a mum reliant on crack cocaine.
She herself tried every drug on the market by the time she was 13 and spent two decades being dependent on substances.
A photo of Ashley during her substance abuse days -Credit:Instagram/ashleycartercash
Despite being proud of herself for getting clean, she said she feels “shame, guilt and regret” when looking at old photographs where she sees the potential in her young eyes.
Ashley quit education aged 14 and was “homeschooled” by her mum who was jailed two years later.
Alcohol soon took a grip on her life. By 25, she was scouting for discarded glasses at last call and at 35 she was secretly drinking in wardrobes after becoming a mother.
She started noticing yellowing skin and bruising to her body but, despite many relapses, she is now clean.
Photos shared with Reach PLC show an unrecognisable Ashley during the peak of her alcohol problems. Her eyes appear puffy and skin has a yellow tinge. But, fast forward to the present day and she is a totally different person. As well as a hairstyle change, her skin looks healthy.
And the author, based in New York, has developed a five-step model for achieving sobriety called R-R-R-R-Ready – and below she takes us through the steps.
1. Reiterating the why
She could often be found in bars during her 20s -Credit:Instagram/ashleycartercash
The mum is now fit and healthy and looking better than ever -Credit:Instagram/ashleycartercash
The recovery coach strongly advises people to unlock what motivates them to change and to learn to hone in on that daily.
And explaining the importance in relation to recovery, she said: “Perhaps you want to clear some mental fog, restore natural energy, drop the holiday weight gain, or maybe you’ve hit rock bottom’s basement like me.
“Your why is uniquely yours, but it is a key element to maintaining a clear head.”
2. Reach for help
Ashley mentioned traditional avenues of support like Alcoholics Anonymous for anyone struggling.
But she also said some people may want to seek out recovery coaches, saying: “They strategise to fit your unique station. This personalised support offers ongoing encouragement and practical tools, free from the limitations of outdated belief systems.”
But for those who are not ready for a coach or who simply want to complete Dry January, she encouraged people to confide in friends who encourage personal growth and accountability.
3. Relax and Recharge
To put simply, Ashley said that when we are tense, we tend to do what’s familiar, and while relaxed, we are more open to new things.
She is now a neuroscience coach who uses her journey to help others -Credit:Instagram/ashleycartercash
So being tense can lead to old drinking habits and she advised: “Meditation is an excellent tool for relaxation and clearing mental fog.
“It can take many forms, often untraditional, be it Tai Chi dancing, or sitting perfectly still for ten minutes of conscious awareness.”
4. Replace the routine
Ashley believes it is vital to find new things to do in order to overcome cravings when you first stop drinking.
Offering tips, she said: “Replace alcohol with refreshing options like water, cranberry juice, or innovative alcohol-free cocktails that contain nootropics and adaptogens, offering a pleasurable experience without the downsides.
“Finding joy in healthy activities is vital for maintaining sobriety and often means developing habits that naturally boost dopamine levels without using substances. Engaging in physical activities, a new hobby and nurturing relationships can provide the emotional fulfillment that substances once offered.”
5. Record and reflect
Being a writer and recovering alcoholic, Ashley said documenting her experiences – both inspiring and embarrassing – is an essential part of her sobriety journey.
And as for how this could help others, she said: “Anyone walking the path of transformative healing where old habits die hard can benefit from jotting down daily victories, struggles and small-scale achievable goals.
“This practice can enhance self-awareness and reinforce your commitment.”
She added that constantly writing things down will ultimately lead you to discover things you are grateful for.
As for why that is so important, she said: “Gratitude is crucial in sober living; grudges are not. The bottom line is go easy on yourself but not with woeful sympathy.
“Life is hard and it is more challenging if you refuse to let go of things that no longer serve you.”