Do you know

[Rexoo]

Do you know anybody who's been drinking seriously for many years (10, 20 or more) then stopped and led good, healthy and long life?
I'm so scared about myself because i was drinking nonstop from 16 to 25, those years are total blackout for me. I had really traumatic childhood and alcohol was the only escape and soul painkiller.
But now I'm terrified. I'm 35 now and thinking is it really possible that those absolutely unhealthy years will not catch up and i will end up with heart problem, cancer or whatever? I know i'm paranoid. But i'm really scared, I have 2 lovely children, I don't want to die earlier than should. Obviously I'm trying to be healthier now, eat good, run 4 miles a week etc. Still have occasions when I drink but those are 6 or 7 times a year. I need encouragement, does body really can repair such damage ?

I remember reading that your body is very resilient until the age of 30. It can basically fix itself if you give up your bad habits by 30. I can't remember where I read it but i quit smoking on my 30th birthday and am now, at 43, fitter and healthier than I was in my 20s.

Yes I've read lots of stories of recovery on the British Liver Trust website. There is a patient's stories section.

Thank you @timetowakeup580 and @FanGirlX ! I will check British Liver Trust website, I really need some real life stories

Yes, unfortunately I know many people who were heavy drinkers for many years. Most of them have lived to a decent age. The odd one has sadly not.

My dad was a very heavy drinker until his Kate 60s. He is now teetotal and in his 70s. He does have problems with his kidneys, but not life limiting

Late 60s*