One for the Road: The Quit Drinking Podcast8 Aug 2025

The Six Week Bender That Almost Killed Him: Niall Harbison Sobriety Story

Niall Harbison nearly drank himself to death in Thailand at 41. Four days in ICU. A six-week bender of three bottles of wine, Valium, and whiskey, three times a day. He quit smoking, drinking, and pills in one go.

He grew up in Belgium, an only child. His mum left when he was 13. He watched her get beaten by the man she left for, and he froze in the hallway. The drinking started at 14. The escape never really stopped.

Now Niall is four years and four months sober. He feeds 1,200 stray dogs in Koh Samui every day. He runs a sanctuary and a hospital. His new book, Tina, is out next week.

He says the dogs are part of why he's still here.

This is a story about trauma, the pub culture that nearly killed him, and finding a reason to turn up.

His second book, Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World, became an instant Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearehappydoggo/

Niall's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niall.harbison/

Donate to Happy Doggo: https://www.happydoggo.com/donate

If you want to connect with me via Instagram, you can find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/

or via my website https://davidwilsoncoaching.com/

Provided below are links for services offering additional help and advice.

www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-services

https://nacoa.org.uk/

Show producer- Daniella Attanasio-Martinez

Instagram - @TheDaniellaMartinez

https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellamartinez/

www.instagram.com/grownuphustle

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@soberdaveonefortheroad

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