At just nine years old, Ashley Carter Cash attended her first AA meeting. Over 30 years later and she has dramatically transformed after ditching alcohol and drugs.
Ashley, now 40, shared astonishing before and after pictures to illustrate her remarkable journey from sneaking sips in closets to advocating sobriety.
Speaking with the Manchester Evening News, she shared her wisdom for those aiming to lead a sober life or participate in Dry January.
Ashley’s past is marred by substance abuse; she grew up with an alcoholic father and a mother addicted to crack cocaine. By 13, Ashley had sampled every drug available and spent the next twenty years battling addiction.
Despite her pride in conquering her demons, she admits feeling “shame, guilt and regret” when reflecting on past photos that remind her of the wasted potential visible in her youthful gaze.
Ashley battled alcohol and drug addiction for years
(Image: Instagram/ashleycartercash)
Having left school at 14 to be “homeschooled” by her subsequently incarcerated mother, alcoholism tightened its hold on her by her mid-twenties, when she was scavenging for leftover drinks. By 35, as a new mum, she resorted to hiding in wardrobes for a drink.
The toll on her health was evident through jaundice and bruising, yet despite multiple setbacks, Ashley achieved sobriety.
The before pictures provided to MEN depict Ashley at the peak of her alcohol consumption, with swollen eyes and a jaundiced complexion. Today, she stands transformed – not just with healthier skin and a fresh hairstyle, but as an individual renewed in purpose.
The New York-based author has crafted a five-step model for achieving sobriety called R-R-R-R-Ready. Below, she walks us through the steps.
1. Reiterating the why
Speaking on the first step, the recovery coach emphasises the significance of recognising personal motivations for change and focusing on them daily. She highlights the varying reasons people seek recovery, stating: “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.”
She adds that understanding one’s ‘why’ is vital for keeping a clear head throughout the recovery journey.
She now looks unrecognisable
(Image: Instagram/ashleycartercash)
2. Reach for help
The self-help expert points to traditional support paths such as Alcoholics Anonymous for those in need but doesn’t shy away from alternative guidance. She mentioned the option of recovery coaches, explaining: “They strategise to fit your unique station. This personalised support offers ongoing encouragement and practical tools, free from the limitations of outdated belief systems.”
Yet, for those who might not be ready for this level of intervention or who are aiming to get through Dry January, she advised leaning into friends who facilitate personal growth and responsibility.
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.
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.”
Ashley while she was addicted
(Image: Instagram/ashleycartercash)
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.”
Before and after images of Ashley
(Image: Instagram/ashleycartercash)
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.”