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Daily Record
Daily Record
Health
Kathleen Speirs

'2020 changed my life' Scots ex-cocaine and alcohol addict who battled back from brink in lockdown shares weight loss transformation

A Scots recovering addict said 2020 has been the year that's changed his life, even with a global pandemic.

This time last year, Danny McGill was battling cocaine and alcohol addiction as well as crippling depression.

The 31-year-old tipped the scales at over 13 stone as he struggled to take care of himself while battling his inner demons.

Danny McGill lived with depression. (Handout)

As Scotland went into lockdown Danny, from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, feared the worst when it came to his physical and mental health.

But Danny has now shed three and a half stone, and ditched drink and drugs in an incredible lifestyle transformation.

He decided to share his journey in the hope of inspiring others to overcome their own struggles during the pandemic.

Danny McGill's mental health plummeted and he knew he had to make changes. (Handout)

He told the Record: "2020 and lockdown could have been a real setback for me.

"I could have relapsed badly.

"But it's been the year that changed my life.

"I don't like to gloat because I know others in recovery who have found this year really hard.

"Compared to 2019, 2020 has been amazing."

After a long-standing battle with depression and drug abuse, alcoholic Danny was the lowest he'd ever been in December last year.

An epiphany, the morning after a night out with friends, was the catalyst to his destructive lifestyle.

He added: "I woke up the next morning and felt awful.

"I said to myself 'enough is enough'."

In January Danny started personal training sessions with local trainer, Louise Provan, and began working out regularly at the gym.

He was clean of cocaine and well on the way to becoming tee-total.

But when Scotland was put on lockdown on March 23, Danny worried for his own recovery.

"The gym kept me sober, it saved my life," he said.

"Just before lockdown, I ordered weights and benches from Argos and began planning home workouts.

"I was determined to keep going without the gym."

Danny McGill has lost over three stone this year. (Handout)

True to his word, Danny persevered despite being stuck at home.

He suffered a relapse in May, but soldiered on and has been free of drink and drugs ever since. 

He's even taken up hill walking.

Danny shared a before and after photo from his weight loss journey online.

He broke his silence about his troubled past in a bid to help others enduring similar turmoil.

"I still have down days, but mostly I'm okay," Danny added.

"2020 could have been a terrible year and it has been for a lot of people, but I've completely changed for the better."

With the prospect of a second lockdown and gyms potentially closing again, Danny urges Scots who rely on the facility not to give up.

Danny McGill went from enduring crippling addictions last year to hill walking in 2020. (Handout)

"I can see how the thought of gyms closing again could be scary," he said.

"But don't give up, and don't punish yourself either.

"Download apps on your phone or speak to a personal trainer about home workouts.

"It can be done."

 
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