My book, High Sobriety, Confessions of a drinker (Orion,) is my experience of my journey from successful wine writer to full blown alcoholism and subsequently, my three years of recovery.

I had the dream job. As a leading wine writer I was in a position to indulge in my passion for wine and words while flying first class around the world being extravagantly entertained by wine growers hoping for a good write up. As my reputation grew, my finely tuned palate and expertise were in constant demand. I became the Alice who found the bottle labelled ‘Drink Me’ – and did.

I was also a wife and mother. Juggling babies bottles and vodka bottles became increasingly tricky as my drinking spiralled out of control. Regularly waking up with no idea where I had been the night before, nursing mysterious injuries only alcohol could anaesthetise, my life – once one long party - became one long hangover.

Marriage, house and career lost, and three young children to raise, I reached rock bottom. I acknowledged I had a drink problem and begun the longest journey of my life – to sobriety and beyond.

In High Sobriety, confessions of a drinker, I show how easy it is to become caught up in alcohol’s addictive appeal, and look back on my fight for recovery. Taking one day at a time, I now have my life back. While poorer materially, I am far richer spiritually. My family now actually enjoy spending time with me!

I hope my book is revealing and insightful into this baffling disease. Alcoholism can happen to anyone. I hope mine is an inspiring story filled with hope, one that shows that the battle against this killer disease can be fought and won.

Alice King.