FIVE years ago, when the last of Jane Locke’s three children left home, she had more time to socialise with friends.

It was only when the doctor told her that her liver wasn’t working properly that Mrs Locke, 55, from Newcastle, realised her social drinking was a problem.

“At first it was just a glass of wine, but then one glass wasn’t quite enough and gradually, over time, the amount started to creep up.

“Before I knew it, I was easily getting through a couple of bottles of wine at the weekend and up to three bottles of wine through the week.

“I began to associate alcohol with relaxing and would come home from work and find myself opening a bottle of wine while watching TV.

“It was only after I went to the doctor for a routine blood test that I realised the damage I was doing to my health. The doctor called me to say my blood test results had revealed elevated enzyme levels in my liver and that he needed to see me.

“It was a real shock – I had always considered myself a healthy person who doesn’t smoke, watches what they eat and takes regular exercise so I honestly didn’t think the social drinking was a problem.”

Mrs Locke was told to stop drinking alcohol immediately so her doctor could monitor her progress. Increased enzyme levels in the liver can indicate a person is drinking too much and can lead to more serious conditions such as fatty liver or cirrhosis.

Within two to three months of no alcohol, her liver enzyme levels fell and she was given the all clear, but was reminded to stay within the recommended weekly limit of 14 units of alcohol.

She described the experience as “a real wake-up call”.