‘Drinking doesn’t have to be the be-all and end-all’
Derek Hayler was drinking up to 12 litres (24 pints) of cider a day until he found the help he needed (Image: WithYOu)
A man who used to drink 24 pints of cider every day has turned his life around and gone clean.
After starting drinking in his teens and then working in the service industry as a young adult, Derek Hayler became increasingly dependent on alcohol when he reached his 30s.
At his worst, he was consuming up to 12 litres of cider a day (24 pints) which equates to 420 units of alcohol a week which is 30 times the NHS’s recommended limit of 14.
The 43-year-old decided to take action when he contacted Cornwall’s addiction services WithYou (formerly known as We Are With You and Addaction).
“I have had a few recovery workers before Victoria, but she was the one who really made sense and gave me a lot to think about,” Derek said.
“She really supported me. She was always on time, always there, always a good listener and she gave me the little push I needed to finally go into rehab.
“I knew I needed to make a change, but I was reluctant. Victoria helped me to safely cut down, which made going into rehab possible.”
Derek decided to share his story of recovery as Office of National Statistics (ONS) recently published figures showing that 91 people died from alcohol in Cornwall last year.
Victoria helped Derek gradually cut down his drinking using practical strategies like a drinks journal where he could see how much he was really drinking, and to identify patterns and places to intervene, and alternative activities to fill his days with.
Derek added: “She gave me a little shove in the right direction. I started making drinks last longer, which meant that I wasn’t drinking as much. I also started recording how much I was drinking, the exact times I was drinking, where I had the drink, what the drink was, and how my mood was at the time.
“I also started having regular walks throughout the day, as well as getting back into painting. This helped me occupy my mind, and stop me thinking about having a drink.”
Derek was able to cut his alcohol intake by almost half. In October 2025, he completed a two-week detox at the Specialist Detox Unit at Bosence before entering a 12-week residential rehabilitation at Chy, WithYou’s rehabilitation centre in Truro.
“Once I said, ‘Right, sign me up,’ everything was put in place for me,”Derek added. “Prescriptions, food, support. I didn’t have to worry about anything except what to take with me. The mental and emotional support has been amazing.
“Initially, it was all a bit scary entering Chy, as it was a whole new group of people to familiarise yourself with. But once I was there, everyone was really supportive – Pete was absolutely amazing, and Timmy was an absolute superstar. All of the staff are absolutely brilliant.”
He added: “Drinking doesn’t have to be the be-all and end-all. And, if you want to stop as I have, just stick with it. Listen to what people are telling you. Follow the advice if you go to rehab, because all they’re trying to do is help you.
“Your quality of life is a lot easier – and nicer – both mentally and physically, when you’re not thinking ‘have I got enough money to get through the day drinking?’ The support is there, if you want it, and you’re privileged to get it.”
Sue Clark, head of service delivery for WithYou in Cornwall, said: “Alcohol harm often stays hidden because people worry about being judged or feel their drinking isn’t ‘bad enough’ to ask for help. But Derek’s story shows that change is possible. We see that in our work every day.
“We want people in Cornwall to know that free, confidential, non-judgemental support is available to them at any time. We’re not here to judge, we’re with you every step of the way.”
WithYou have offices in Truro, Redruth, Penzance, Bodmin and Liskeard. If you need help contact www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall/contact-us
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