Amazing!!! Soooo proud of you!! My little brother lost his battle with addiction last year at age 44. NOBODY understands what this disease is unless they are living with it. Sending continued strength and prayers to you!
Binge drinker here for 18 years. Multiple visits to jail, hospital, and many broken relationships. Hit 3 weeks sober today. Can already see life changing benefits. Let’s go!
STICK STICK STICK…with the Positivity..of the Results of a Better YOU🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼👍👍👍💪💪💪👏👏‼️‼️‼️. ….YOU CAN DO IT….💪💪💪👏👏👏👍👍✅✅✅🤗🤗🤗….LOOK FORWARD…..NEVER LOOK BACK……LET the NEW YOU….LEAD the WAY EVERY DAY….🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼….When You are in a Social Situation …ALWAYS Drink Something that Is ‘FESTIVE’….I Like bubbly Pellagrino in a Bottle..and Mix with Pomegranate….Juice……for example…Yummmm…or I also LOVE Club Soda served with Several Limes…..and over ice…..👍👍👍👍 I always ask them to bring me the ‘Tree’…😆🤣……As long as I Feel Festive…I DO NOT THINK of Alcohol….and THEN TOTALLY…LOVE THAT I DID NOT GET TEMPTED…..and I wake up and say..’Thank You God’…….👍👍👍💪💪💪👏👏👏🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼✅✅✅….TO FEEL….GOOD…and CLEAR-THINKING….is Priceless….My Husband Loves the Budweiser ZERO…….We are each 73….and Life Days are VERY……IMPORTANT to US……🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️…..SO..We are NOT our Younger Stupider Selves….and VERY ACTIVE and LOVING the FREEDOM….of NOT FEELING THAT…ALCOHOL BURDEN….and Our Test Results 2 Times a Year are EXCELLENT….and THAT is AMAZING…..We are Both Slim and Go to the Gym Daily👍👍👍👍👍….STAY ON YOUR PATH…..and LOOK at the NEW PERSON in the MIRROR…..WHO…’HAS’…..CONTROL…🤗🤗🤗
I am a single momma and I was struggling with alcohol for a couple years. I quit cold turkey for 60 days and on day 60 I had a beer...then another...then went into drinking at least one beer or glass of wine every night. This time I was quickly able to see the negative effects (thank you Jesus). Now almost 30 days sober again and I'm so grateful to be able to see the results. The results are enough to make me say never again
Mommy juice is becoming a world wide crutch for Moms. Stick to it well done. Join tribe sober if you are struggling. Best decision i made 9 months sober..
Go to “Stop Drinking Expert” on RUclips. It’s ADDICTIVE! It’s POISON! Read “Alcohol Explained”. But BEST… is “Stop Drinking Expert”. I went to Italy and started drinking wine again. After five weeks of wine and Aperol Spritz everyday, I am having a heck of a time doing 14 days without, in order to stop the cravings.
Been a moderate to heavy drinker for the last 15 years straight. I'm six weeks clean I cannot wrap my head around how good I feel. No way am I going back!
I'm the same around 6 weeks of not drinking alcohol at home. I've had the equivalent of one bottle of wine in that time over two separate occasions in this time both while away. The second time was after running a marathon where I had 4 glasses the first time 3. Compared to my once a week drinking wine until two bottles are gone this is huge for me.
Encouragement is fine, but it's a recipe for disaster if you're relying on that to stay on the path. People need to find their own motivation to keep going and celebrate their own successes. Looking for anything from an external source isn't sustainable
@@awalker127 I had zero emotional support or help. I relied on no one but myself and God. The best way to stay sober is relying on yourself. Stopping any addiction for any other reason, but yourself will lead to a recipe of disaster. Concentrating on yourself means when other people fall, you don't get taken with them, you will have a steady foundation to build on. Also, it means you either associate with people who support you, or you go it alone. It's the "tall poppy syndrome", people hate it when other people succeed (at anything). There are not many people who encourage someone who wants to lead a life free from addiction. There's always growth with addiction, people spend their whole life trying to break free from addiction which is why people say to "never start in the first place".
After a traumatic stupid event I decided to never drink again almost 8 months sober. Best decision of my life. Every single aspect of my life is better. If I can do it, anyone can. Believe in yourself
Thank you for the encouragement. I am also here because of a very bad event, I almost died! After my 40th birthday I vowed not to touch another drink of alcohol, so help me God
I quit smoking 🚬🚭 many years ago, I quit drinking glass 🍷 🥂 a year ago , easily, It seems I can control myself easily I can smoke one cigarette or two, without getting hooked, I can drink 🍷 one glass or two, without getting hooked
Wine has been a huge part of my life. Growing up in an Italian family …living in the CA wine country and working at a restaurant or winery it’s been a part of my life. Cutting back the habit of drinking wine everyday has not been easy. I started drinking a non- alcoholic beverage in a wine glass every night with dinner rather than wine to break the daily habit. I never drink alcohol at home and only allow myself one glass on a special occasion no more than twice a month. Listening to information like this continues to keep me strong and healthy. THANK YOU MEL ❤️
I was off alcohol for 9 months and started again on a lads holiday. Didn't drink for 3 weeks when I got home, but then started again. I have now been drinking for about 3 weeks. Disgusted with myself after doing so well. Today my sober journey starts again.
I had a moment of clarity recently. When i metabolize alcohol, it drives me into a depression for weeks. Haven’t touched alcohol since 03/02/2024 and no longer plan to
Good for you. It does the same thing to me. I decided to quit back in November but I’ve had a few occasions of drinking since and I’ve regretted it each time. If you stop, don’t ever forget why you stopped.
I don't disagree with anything the two of drinking in moderation, but I don't think weed is the holy thing the country think it is ,perhaps a show on the affects of weed.
My mother fell three days before Easter Sunday. She fell on a Friday night around 7 o’clock. She starts drinking at four when her news program comes on. She fell on Friday night and didn’t tell anybody and didn’t use her life alert. She was able to get up and get to a chair, but she basically fell on her face. By the time she gave in and called my sister, her entire face was black and blue. Her knee was torn open and required 15 stitches. After two rounds of antibiotics the infection is still lingering and now she needs wound care. We’ve talked to her about her alcohol numerous times. We have offered our support, willing to attend meetings with her, but she won’t give it up. She’s on a path that’s not gonna end well. I guess my biggest fear is people are going to think that she was neglected and she is not. She’s just unwilling to face her addiction and give it up. I saw a quote once in a booklet I was reading & it really resonated with me. ‘My recovery has to come first so everything I love doesn’t come last.’ We just really don’t know what else to do. Congratulations on your sobriety. 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻
@@jcszot I'm Sooooo sorry. I understand on many levels. As I'm sure you already know, she has to want the help to change. Almost all of my family wear or are addicts. It's Really frustrating to watch. Have you ever thought of going to Al-Anon to get support for you?... I wish you and your Family peace and healing.
I quit drinking in 2019...I will never regret this decision...despite losing all my friends because I no longer drank. I feel a much more spiritual clarity since I stopped drinking
Same here stopped in 2019 . And some of my so-called friends were even mad at me for not drinking with them anymore and got mad when I would not even do a shot with them ..😢 I still hung out with most . But I watched them and realized they were mostly only friends because of the drinking .. Which now that I'm not drinking seems really weird and pushes me to not hang out with them anymore .. which is fine, I still have a lot I want to do in life .. but I still feel like I have lost a lot of friends. Which is sad 😢
Exactly, I'm have same issues. It really makes a person socialize differently. I love good company but early in the journey found it difficult. All my socializing revolved around consumption....
Yay!! Me too! I quit pre pandemic. I swear, not even the stress of a pandemic made me want to return to the poison. My life is so much better without it. Congratulations friend! ❤🎉🎆
I'm with you guy's all the way. I don't mind not having the drinking buddies. It's a different fantasy. I mean staying as real as you can. The good times in life when they arrive are accentuated and more intense, true story.....
I lived my life sober, divorce , layoff, covid, deaths in the family, newly single social life... I found everything revolved around alchohol. It was scary.. very little focus on non alchohol activities. Friend would only call when they wanted to party. I found myself changing and allowing all if these achohol focused people and activities in my life. It had such a negative effect on my life. It has become clear to me that I WANT to return to my original resolve. I have quit alchohol a few times. I am breaking up with it again. It doesn't serve my life, my brain, my waistline, my WHY for life, my goals, my hydration, my body, my face, my wrinkles, my judgement, my headaches, my relationships, my energy, my longevity, my self esteem, and most of all ME... SO I AM CHOOSING ME.... NOT ALCHOHOL
5 years sober as of yesterday! Truly, one of the best decisions I have ever made! My nightly wine habit was becoming problematic. It crept up on me so slowly I didn’t really notice until it had gotten to the point where I was drinking a bottle and a half of wine a night.
Yes! I’m also part of the “it crept up on me” club. Would still be having my evening wine except that I ended up at 2:00am a few months ago in the ER with afib and ventricular tachycardia. So don’t know cause of onset but certainly alcohol didn’t mix with the diagnosis or the healing. Plus my liver enzyme values were too high. So quit my wine drinking (that I thoroughly enjoyed) cold turkey. Hasn’t been quite as hard as I thought. Sometimes I have pomegranate juice with lemon sparkling water and twist of lime in the evening. Wish I could say I feel so much better but only difference is I do sleep more deeply. But had to listen to my body’s warning signals to take more care of it☺️. Best wishes!
I started drinking when I was 9 years old. By the time that I was 24, Alcohol along with other stuff, had almost taken my life!! Praise God I was delivered and have been clean and sober for 33 years, 4 months and 3 days🙏🏽
My old auntie Bess who loved to drink explained to me that drinkers don’t have friends, they have cronies. I wondered what this meant. A friend whose father, a big drinker, went to the bar his dad had formerly hung out at and told his drinking cronies that his dad had died and when the funeral would be. No one from the bar showed up to the funeral. I think that’s the difference.
@@ZeroTrusttallesttree check out Dr Daniel Amen's videos...he does Specht scans and this is one of the MOST Common disorders he finds as alcohol is a mood altering drug that causes the brain to shrink and reduces blood flow. The alcohol industry does not want this info to be mainstream. He also says that 1000 healthy pot smokers were scanned and they too had smaller brains with various issues. Not one in the 1000 were presenting a healthy brain.
I'm currently at Day 79 of no alcohol! I never thought I would be here! It was no longer aligning with my health/elevation journey. I'm excited to check out this episode!
9/13/2023 - 207 days FREE today! Still have difficulty on vacations and holidays but sparkling water with juice and sobriety videos like these help. Blessings to all who have chosen this new way of living! ❤
I hope you hit the year mark just recently! The first year is the hardest, was not able to do camping, gatherings, holiday parties for that first year. Now I just hit 2 years and that second year became so much easier. Holiday events don’t even phase me anymore, just eat the yummy foods and watch all the drunks 😆
@@melissaschubert8478 Congratulations on your TWO years! Still going strong here...429 days today:) ...even through my daughter's wedding! It is becoming normal now...I don't think about it as much anymore and Yes...watching drunk people is entertaining! Thank you for checking in on me
It took like 5 years total. On and off wagon. But with each off the wagon period, it was easier to see how the alcohol was affecting my ability to think and function. 2.5 years in Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) outpatient rehab really helped. It doesn't happen overnight for some people. Stuck with the process and put faith in God and self. God bless you 🙏
Poison. To you and all those that have chosen to leave alcohol behind and embrace a healthy life path, congratulations! There's so many damaging affects associated with it. It's not easy to stop and there's lots of influences at play encouraging alcohol use. How very commendable of you.
I stopped drinking 5 years ago. The clarity, happiness and just being able to feel great everyday is immense. I would drink beers but one to many. It was like there was something in them that made me want more. I broke my wrist and couldn't drink and after few weeks I realized that I didn't need it anymore. I went cold turkey and stayed that way. Never messed with the just one couldn't hurt deal. Back running again and on top. Sarah is very good and love her approach. New to this show and subscribed. Good video.
I quit smoking 🚬🚭 many years ago, with second attempt I quit drinking a year ago , Now I can smoke few cigarettes without being hooked I can drink 🍷 few glasses without being hooked, When I opened beer, quite often finished half and left Over half, being distracted by other food or errands I can control myself easily
Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
I'm so very happy for you, Psilocybin is absolutely amazing, the way it shows you things, the way it teaches you things. I can not believe our world and our people shows less interest about it's helpfulness to humanity. It's love. The mushrooms heals people by showing the truth, it would be so beneficial for so many people, especially politicians and the rich who have lost their way and every other persons out there.
Hey mates! Can you help with the source? I suffer severe anxiety, panic and depression and I usually take prescription medicine, but they don't always help. Where can I find those psilocybin mushrooms? I'm really interested in treating my mental health without Rxs. I live in Germany don't know much about these. I'm so glad they helped you. I can't wait to get them too. Really need a reliable source🙏🏻
YES very sure of benmycologys. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, BPD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
Mushrooms are very medicinal. This is why anybody familiar with psilocybin and any other kind of fungi will tell you, "They are alive." They have a very ancient wisdom. To my experience, all mushrooms have always said, "Pay attention to your life. How you think, how you feel, and what will you do with the information that you always knew, but now are seeing in this point of view." This is why mushrooms are so respected in tribal cultures. This mental health treatment works for me too. Half micro doses do the trick for me. At least a few days at a time with lengthy time in between. Never addictive. Thank you for sharing this point!
Last time I drank was in 2020! I've never liked drinking, I was an infrequent drinker- but realized how negatively it impacted my health physically & mentally. I've never felt better. Also stopped smoking medical marijuana almost a year & a half ago & I feel so so much better. I don't drink caffeine anymore, I've cut out eating a lot of sweets (still enjoy them once in a while!) & am beginning to work out. I feel like living without stimulants is a really great thing & it's helped me to heal a lot- physically, mentally, spiritually. I've become a better mom, better friend & human in general since I got on this train!
Mel, thank you! As a health coach who drank wine every weekend and decided to give it up completely to live my most authentic life and be the best coach, mother, friend, partner and grandmother, I am so happy that this topic is being talked about. It was hard when the weekend would come and I felt like I didn't have anything to kick back and relax to, until I started going deeper into what makes me happy, calm and relaxed. I found giving up alcohol is one of the best decisions of my life. I'm hoping more and more people will find themselves on an alcohol-free journey.
@@jeanbeans7926 give it a try and see how you feel. It doesn't have to be forever. I tell my clients to do an experiment. Use your body as your own beautiful science experiment. See how you feel, physically, mentally and emotionally.
@@taradaehn4569 Is there a type of music that calms you? Do you like to read, journal or meditate? How about a hot bath with essential oils? Relaxation is different for each of us. Find what speaks to you.
Thank you for this, Mel! Like you, I feel great when I don't drink and go really long stretches without alcohol, but once that door gets opened...habits happen. After listening to this and Andrew Huberman's podcast on alcohol, I think I'm done. It just doesn't do anything for me anymore and it wrecks my sleep.
I’ve quit for a year and a half and hands down my life and mental health has never been better. Even drinking just once or twice a week was affecting my mental state and causing me to have more anxiety.
Binge drinking alcohol. 2 yrs of sobriety. Gave up cigarettes and drinking alcohol in 2022. Had to go away for detox and rehab. 30 days to finally get it right. Changed my circle as well.
I've been quit for 102 days and over the past week or so been seriously tempted to revert back to alcohol, but I have to thank Mel and Sarah, this has really helped to put me back on track.
I’m beyond grateful that I grew up in a family and environment that Alcohol consumption was a taboo. I never had a drop of alcohol in my life. I adore and have respect for every single cell of my precious body. ❤
My grandpa died of liver cirrhosis from hard alcohol, my dad developed dementia from beer before he died and after losing many loved ones, I find myself leaning more and more on alcohol to cope. This was truly an eye opener for me and I thank you for this discussion.
This was fantastic and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And whenever you say, I love you and I believe in you at the end, I start to cry. So thank you for that.❤
I am disgusted by commercials/advertisements glorifying alcohol - showing people dining, laughing and having a great time - alcoholism can creep up on you. My belief is that alcoholism is not a disease - its an addiction that causes disease... like any other addiction. I said this in the first and last AL-ANON meeting I went to and found out it's not what AA or Al-Anon wants to hear.
Agree. AA wasn’t for me either. I refused calling myself an addict. They said I was in denial and that I didn’t want to work on my sobriety. They said If you relapse it’s your fault. Not the program’s fault, or the drugs’ fault. I take huge issue with that. I don’t have a disease at all. I just choose to not poison myself any more. That is indeed very healthy behavior, I’d say!
I have never been a drinker but went to an Al-Anon meeting because a family member had developed a drinking problem. They refer to alcoholism as a disease and don't want to hear anything but that.
Mel thank you! We are assaulted by the poison and its up to us to spread the truth. Its about helping the alcoholic and getting freed. I am 5 months free from alcohol! It's one day at a time, working out, healing and restoration. Leads to forgive and love ourselves and others.
Thank you so much Mel and what an amazing Doctor. I have been binge drinking since I have been 16. I am now nearly 60. This is just what I needed to hear. So many goals and life to live. Iam going to take every bit of advise the Doctor recommended. I do not every want to drink again, so day one for me. Thank you so much. I also burst out crying when you said at the end that you love and care about me, so I'm pretty fucked up I guess. So thank you, so very much. I will watch this video many times. Love you too, Robbie, Australia xx❤
Steady as she goes,, For so many in all age groups the last few years has been a horrible stress inducing experience compounding all manner of health issues and accelerating the damage. Thank you for these messages and the effort it took to bring them to the public.
Excellent show Mel! I’m a Counselor who works with clients who are challenging alcohol use/dependence or perhaps questioning its use. This is a fantastic resource I can share with them. I’ve been listening to you off and on for years and always live your shows!
Fascinating video, Let's stop taking relationship and family for granted. I have battled depression since my wife left me. I have tried all I can to make her see that I love her with everything I am made of but she has insisted on leaving. This has made me so empty, and I do not know what to do. I can barely function properly at work. I am frustrated and miserable. I really miss her.
Your pain resonates with me. Letting go of someone dear to your heart is an immense challenge. I found myself in a comparable situation when my 12-year-long relationship ended, and I struggled to accept it. Despite my efforts to reconcile, I eventually turned to a spiritual counsellor for guidance, which eventually led to a reunion. I'm now filled with joy
Online, you'll find shelly renee white, revered for her expertise as a spiritual counsellor. She has the ability to reunite couples and promote holistic well-being
The most eloquent and informative professional I have heard to help shed light on a dangerous substance. Anyone should also be made aware about the use of antidepressants and alcohol. Antidepressants magnify the effects of alcohol use. It may be the trigger that tips one over ( no pun) the line into alcohol use disorder. This doctor has an amazing, powerful, and effective speaker that is ideal for the patient as well as for family/friends! Mel, you found a gem of an interviewee! Fabulous as always Mel!! Mel from Mel❤
WOW! Such great info with no judgement ❤️. My mom was an alcoholic, crossed addicted and took her own life at age 43. We have family and friends that are truly abusing alcohol. One is one of my sons. I’m not communicating with him at this time to just cope with how he is treating me. I need to find a way to get him this content. I’m not a big drinker. I haven’t drank for over 60 days and find I’m feeling so much better. This was so informative and I will watch it again. Thank You so much for sharing. I ❤️ watching you Mel. Thanks for keeping it all real.
I drank quite heavily from about the age of 25...mainly wine in the evening...and I must admit it was mainly pleasurable without side effects. Come my late 30s, it became a problem and it was having a really negative effect on my body...insomnia, acid reflux, anxiety, depression, gastritis, fast heart rate...the list goes on. I still drank socially until I had a huge panic attack in a supermarket after drinking a bottle of wine the night before. Slowly but surely I've weaned myself of it and my mental and physical health has improved immeasurably. Now with just one drink, I can feel my body and brain disliking the imbalance it creates. It's basically poison! Now I just enjoy a nice cold alcohol free beer on a warm day and still get a pleasurable feeling. Will drink on the odd occasion (Christmas Day) but the addiction is gone. Sobriety brings a lot of peace and joy guys and girls!
I struggled with alcohol for a long time, the majority of my early twenties. The last 2 years I’ve remained alcohol free with the exception of 2 vacations, I choose to drink on vacation and that works for ME. Realizing that I’m not completely giving it up forever is kind of what helped me finally stop drinking every single day. I strongly agree with the thought process that it doesn’t have to be something you completely give up, and I also strongly agree with informing people that there is basically no benefit to drinking, at all!
Gave up alcohol 5 years ago.Cutting down doesn’t work. It was so stressful, managing the guilt, changing the non drinking days to drink days, all the tricks. I just stopped on 28 November 2019. I sleep much better, I’m not grumpy in the morning,I’m doing better in my running and cycling training, and I think I’m a better person to be around. When I’d had too much to drink I used to get aggressive and argumentative. No more.
My last drink was September 30th 2017. Always been a bigger and bigger drinker and it’s helped me get over a few really bad times. It helped me cope and get through without jumping off a bridge I tell ya. I come from a family that drinks. Mid 50’s now and I just had a wake up call. Was totally wasted that last night and knew that I had to stop, and I did. This is such a terrific podcast and I only say my past to explain that this is coming from someone that’s been there. I so appreciate the way the approach to drinkers has changed to one of wanting to help rather than attacking them. Seriously so a wonderful helpful podcast. Thank you 🙏.
I absolutely love this episode !! ❤ I stopped drinking April 20, 2023 and have never been happier with a decision!! I was never a huge drinker, and would go weeks to months in between. But when I did drink, I would either have just two, or end up blacked out! Sleep was always horrible, the hangovers were brutal and took so many days to get back to normal. I come from a family of alcoholics and was always very aware and in check. But as I approach 50, it’s just no longer appealing to me at all!!
GREAT SHOW!! Thank you Mel SO MUCH FOR HAVING THIS GUEST ON! I am so happy to learn about what all alcohol does to every part of our bodies. You’re amazing and so was your guest! I need to put in writing this whole video so I can carry it with me to remind me why I decided to stop drinking!! I’ll listen to this video over and over! BLESS YOU AND YOUR AMAZING GUESTS THAT YOU INTERVIEW! 👍👏🙏❤️💜💛💚💙🩵🌈🌷🥰
Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
YES very sure of Dr.benfungi. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
Yes he's Dr.benfungi.Shrooms to me is a natrual healer. I know a guy who has used mushrooms in the same way and they have really helped him. mah dudes have safe trips all.
From my experience it really works excellently! It doesnt even need to be a full hit. With potent shrooms 2-3 small ones will still make a clear difference. It will be a few hour cosy rumbling moment around rest time, but afterwards its just calm and you feel amazing and gain your freedom. Psilocybin is different dudes, its the only "treatment" I would recommend to someone who genuinely wants to get better. There is no addiction, withdrawal, or negative side effects. It's just pure healing., far more effective than any anti-depressant. You can thank me later,
I gave up for dry January 5 years ago, and enjoyed the benifits so much, I kept going. A few months ago I was accidentally given a bottle of alcoholic beer as opposed to the alcohol-frei I ordered. Jesus, I felt drunk after 1/2 a bottle. I stopped, but the next day, was hungover, depressed and slept like shit!! After half a bottle! It really made me aware of how potent alcohol is.
I have the utmost respect for Dr Wakeman, but I must say that trying to moderate and track my drinking was exhausting. Did I really need to jump through so many hoops to keep this liquid in my life? Once I decided to quit completely, a whole new space in my brain and life opened up and I felt freedom. I’m not saying that it was easy, but in the long run it was a lot easier than tracking it, arranging my life around it, and bending over backwards for it!
Not only did I experience some amnesia, what made me put the bottle down was realizing alcohol was changing my reward system. When I was drinking, I no longer enjoyed the hobbies that I once did. They didn't feel good. Not even hanging out with friends unless there was alcohol. Once I put the drinking on halt, hobbies like playing guitar became appealing again. I now realize what they mean when they say alcohol will rob you of living. Everything felt dull unless I was drinking while doing it 🙁
Great follow-up and info, Mel! It's awesome that you provide the platform for continuing the spread and usefulness of this type of information on this subject matter. Very relevant and important! I'll be sharing this one, as well!
Quit nov 2020. No regrets. So thankful. Best advice I have for people is don’t wait to chill out with drinking for something in your health to hit the fan. If you have the knowledge you can use it before your body breaks down. Proactive vs. reactive is best.
This is a great video. I’ve been questioning myself about drinking - should I cut back, quit …? This doctor is certainly knowledgeable about alcohol and its effect. Thank you for this presentation! On a side note, I got distracted by the “valley girl talk” - ending so many phrases with and up-note. I’m thankful for the transcript so I could go back and read the information.
I've had something like long covid for the last 2 years. I stopped drinking. I was never a big drinker but as I live in Europe it is customary to have a glass of wine with dinner. I also quit coffee. I don't miss either of them at all. I gave up meat and dairy 40 year ago and never missed that either. I must say, having given up both wine and coffee recently, I feel better and notice a big difference in the quality of my skin - especially on my face. I also sleep better.
Thank you for such a compassionate and educational interview..🥺 It really gives so many of hope and faith in ourselves … I’ve already cut down nightly 1-2 glasses of wine from years ago to no alcohol during the week, and then to 1-2 only in the weekend 2-3 nights.. now working towards 1-2 per week.. thank you for this content..🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
YES, and YES! i NEED this today .. Getting down on myself for the amount of drinking I DO. I am not on the floor drunk BUT I do know that it's too much to be any good for me. I start my day saying no more. But at 5pm I'm looking forward to that drink (s)
Getting down on yourself is a good thing. You want to be a person you can admire, and if alcohol is not part of that story, use that negative emotion as motivation to become the person you want to be.
🙏💞Thankyou ladies, for your great questions and actionable insights and answers, so very helpful and encouraging, Ive taken note for myself and will be sharing with another.
Let’s be honest here. Alcohol IS a poison, period. I gave it up and now ALL the things I’ve been trying to attain for my health are coming to be. I would never tell someone drinking is a GOOD idea.
I appreciate the value of this video so much. How do you navigate those who answered life insurance questions honestly at the time and now they struggle more? Health/Life insurance impacts?
I experimented with alcohol when I reached the age of legal limit. Then I grew up. I over indulged ONCE. I did not like how it made my body feel. I learned instantly. It wasn't for me. Take it or leave it. Watched what it did to family members & friends & alcoholic personalities don't change when they abstain. Was made fun of when I didn't want to party in getting drunk. I can have a fantastic great fun time WITHOUT alcohol. Way too much time & effort given to people who have issues with alcohol. Very limited effort given to people who have SUFFERED from people who have to deal with the alcoholics around them. That's where more of the focus should be. Alcoholics don't even remember the Pain they inflict on others. They are self centered & all about them.
There was one incorrect statement at the beginning of the piece. The alcohol in our beverages is NOT the same molecule as alcohols in rubbing alcohol for example. They have different chemical formulas and molecular weights. Drinking alcohol is ethanol, a two carbon alcohol, while rubbing alcohol is 2-propanol, a three carbon alcohol with the alcohol functional group on the second, middle, carbon atom. I get the point the doctor was making, and they are in the same functional group class of compounds, but they are 100% not the same molecule. In a wonderful fact based talk, that correction needed to be pointed out. Thank you though, this was an amazing piece and should be shared over and over again.
Not to mention that it is metabolized differently (and more dangerously) after consumption. Unfortunately this diminishes the entire podcast when she can’t even get basic facts right - especially ones that could have major consequences.
I thought the same thing as I was listening to that segment. How on earth is she being recorded in an interview for her research on alcohol and she doesn't even know what she is and is not stating correctly?
She kind of just agreed with the host, rather than correcting and giving her the whole scientific jargon response, since it could confuse the overall message. Just my two cents.
Thank you for this education. I know in covid i stopped naltrexone due to a surgery and pain meds. Fell back into drinking and feeling like crap 3 days a week. Yikes. This woke me up. I’m back on Nal and now this will motivate me to start my log and drinking feelings and triggers. Scary stuff.
I went sober for 10 amd a half weeks then i had 6 beers on a. Night out at a friends birthday party..I managed to stop at 6 and we all wemt for an Idian meal, i was home to bed at modnight..I woke up at 3AM dehydrated , my heart fluttering and i felt awful....Back in the sobrierty wagon now , one week in..I spent 35 years plus drinking most weekends , plus holidays, vacations etc...Im glad i felt like that tbh it reminded me why ive finally quit...
WONderful discussion! How articulate and pleasant is this doctor! I stumbled upon this but I have shared it, so thank you Mel and Sarah! I needed to hear this.
Hi Mel, love all your podcasts and share them with my tribe all the time. Was disappointed when you asked the question about getting help for the family that Sarah did not say go to Al-Anon, Alateen and AA. These proven 12-step programs have helped millions of people, and they are free. She addressed the scientific and physical truths of alcohol wonderfully, but she did not address the emotional and spiritual components that cause people to drink in the first place. I believe you need a part two on this one. Yes, treatment centers work to detox the physical part of the body, but the root cause of alcohol abuse is more than physical. It's emotional and spiritual. Support is needed for people to live their best life free of alcohol and its effects. Removing the alcohol from the body and not addressing the emotional and spiritual damage left behind means the person is left sober, but not healthy, happy, or whole. And the family has been greatly affected and needs help too. Just because one person is sober what about the rest of the loved ones? Where do they get help? Al-Anon and Alateen is for the families to heal. Abstinence is not healing. It's one small part and the entire family has been affected. A treatment center is only the beginning not the complete answer. Would be wonderful if Sarah would go to meetings and hear the pain children and spouse are trying to heal from even after a parent got sober in her hospital. She seemed very compassionate, kind, and an unconditionally loving person. Which is why she really needs to learn about AA, Al-Anon and Alateen for the families of those she treats. There is so much more than just removing alcohol from the physical body. Thanks for reading and considering a part two.
A well considered and constructive piece, which raised questions for me. I abandoned alcohol some 11 months ago after almost a lifetime of drinking from the age of 14 to 72. I stopped because my youngest daughter, a capable and competent professional woman of 32 with whom I was staying at the time, asked me about my swollen ankles. I explained that this was an aspect of heart disease. My daughter spontaneously burst into tears and said, “I don’t want you to die”. I crossly retorted that I have no control over the time or place of my death. On later reflection I later realised that this was not entirely true. I’d given up going to the doctor and hospital and had quietly made a pact with myself to quietly depart this life whilst embracing the fact that continuing to drink would probably kill me sooner rather than later. My daughter’s tears made me realise that this selfish policy would cause pain for a number of people (I have a wife, 5 children and 8 grandchildren). This realisation made me resume my medical appointments and stop drinking alcohol. My first appointment with the heart hospital (for an MRI) revealed that I had a growth on my adrenal gland, which was removed last November. My diabetic medication has been reduced and luckily I didn’t need any hormone replacement therapy since my remaining adrenal gland kicked in and compensated for the removed one. Many would say I’m a fortunate man whose sense of proportion has been restored and they would be right. It sometimes takes an approaching catastrophe to make one realise what is important. I still have heart disease and diabetes but the scales of selfishness that had blinded me for so long have fallen. I better understand what I have and I’m better able to look after it, though I still have to die one day. I admire everyone that tries to alert their fellow humans to the dreadful dangers of alcohol, and give them help with changing their mindset towards it. It is hard work getting out of the alcohol habit, but try to remember it won’t make you richer, more attractive, or resolve your social difficulties; they’ll be there in the morning. It doesn’t give you membership of the Diplomatic Core or give you more than a very temporary sense of well being. It can make you obnoxious and insufferable and make you ill sometimes for days at a time. If you need fair weather friends and like apologising for words and actions you only half remember please take no notice of what I’ve written. Good luck to everyone trying to stop alcohol: it’s difficult but so worthwhile.
While AA and Al-Anon have helped many people, they are patriarchal programs that do not resonate with nor offer help to everyone who struggles with alcohol use disorder.
Thank you for this Mel! Both of my parents were somewhat heavy drinkers (would have a beer or two every evening and maybe more on occasion). They both died of cancer (breast and colon) over the last 2.5 years. I miss them so much and often feel angry because I feel like alcohol played a role. My kids are young and I want to live long enough to see them into adulthood, so I decided to make alcohol an extremely rare occurrence for me. As a bonus, since I stopped having a glass of wine in the evening, I wake up a bit happier with the kids at 4:30am. Watching videos like this reinforces my decision.
Changed to Mineral water and lemon in a wine glass … was hard at first but try it again after 2 weeks and you may not even like it anymore… Drinking alcohol is a habit … you can break it. Every now and then I have a glass of wine out with dinner now… but the habit is broken.
This was so informative I’m so glad you brought this up I personally don’t have a problem with alcohol but I have shared this with many that do. Great show thank you both lovely ladies.
One of the most (if not "the" most) informative, complete, conversational exchanges on this topic I ever had the opportunity to bear witness. Drumroll, Mel Robbins & Dr. Wakeman. Thanks..
I’m 19 years sober and I have never looked back. Getting sober was the key to loving and respecting myself. Don’t worry about the friends you may lose when you quit drinking, if they don’t support your sobriety you don’t need them. You will find your tribe. 🥰
Quit alcohol on July 1, 2021. Hardest thing I’ve ever conquered and still conquering. Every day is a new day. One day at a time.
great job sticking with it
Congratulations.
Amazing!!! Soooo proud of you!! My little brother lost his battle with addiction last year at age 44. NOBODY understands what this disease is unless they are living with it. Sending continued strength and prayers to you!
What's it got to do with me? I don't care about your little "journey".
I often go dry when I find myself relying on alcohol.
Binge drinker here for 18 years. Multiple visits to jail, hospital, and many broken relationships. Hit 3 weeks sober today. Can already see life changing benefits. Let’s go!
Don't give up seek God He will help you GUARANTEED
Powerful 💪🏼 Congratulations 🎉 Hang in there!
Hang in there!!! You got this ❤
Congratulations!🎉 Keep going seek support if you need too
STICK STICK STICK…with the Positivity..of the Results of a Better YOU🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼👍👍👍💪💪💪👏👏‼️‼️‼️. ….YOU CAN DO IT….💪💪💪👏👏👏👍👍✅✅✅🤗🤗🤗….LOOK FORWARD…..NEVER LOOK BACK……LET the NEW YOU….LEAD the WAY EVERY DAY….🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼….When You are in a Social Situation …ALWAYS Drink Something that Is ‘FESTIVE’….I Like bubbly Pellagrino in a Bottle..and Mix with Pomegranate….Juice……for example…Yummmm…or I also LOVE Club Soda served with Several Limes…..and over ice…..👍👍👍👍 I always ask them to bring me the ‘Tree’…😆🤣……As long as I Feel Festive…I DO NOT THINK of Alcohol….and THEN TOTALLY…LOVE THAT I DID NOT GET TEMPTED…..and I wake up and say..’Thank You God’…….👍👍👍💪💪💪👏👏👏🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼✅✅✅….TO FEEL….GOOD…and CLEAR-THINKING….is Priceless….My Husband Loves the Budweiser ZERO…….We are each 73….and Life Days are VERY……IMPORTANT to US……🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️…..SO..We are NOT our Younger Stupider Selves….and VERY ACTIVE and LOVING the FREEDOM….of NOT FEELING THAT…ALCOHOL BURDEN….and Our Test Results 2 Times a Year are EXCELLENT….and THAT is AMAZING…..We are Both Slim and Go to the Gym Daily👍👍👍👍👍….STAY ON YOUR PATH…..and LOOK at the NEW PERSON in the MIRROR…..WHO…’HAS’…..CONTROL…🤗🤗🤗
I am a single momma and I was struggling with alcohol for a couple years. I quit cold turkey for 60 days and on day 60 I had a beer...then another...then went into drinking at least one beer or glass of wine every night. This time I was quickly able to see the negative effects (thank you Jesus). Now almost 30 days sober again and I'm so grateful to be able to see the results. The results are enough to make me say never again
Keep going!! The benefits of quitting FAR outweigh the benefits of not quitting!
Mommy juice is becoming a world wide crutch for Moms. Stick to it well done. Join tribe sober if you are struggling. Best decision i made 9 months sober..
Been there.
Go to “Stop Drinking Expert” on RUclips. It’s ADDICTIVE! It’s POISON! Read “Alcohol Explained”. But BEST… is “Stop Drinking Expert”. I went to Italy and started drinking wine again. After five weeks of wine and Aperol Spritz everyday, I am having a heck of a time doing 14 days without, in order to stop the cravings.
Please listen to Allen carr’s “easy way to control alcohol” audiobook. It is simple.
Been a moderate to heavy drinker for the last 15 years straight. I'm six weeks clean I cannot wrap my head around how good I feel. No way am I going back!
Congratulations! I know you feel amazing!
What liquids do you consume?
@@bonsummers2657 water with a product called Concentrace Trace Mineral Drops, all day long
I'm the same around 6 weeks of not drinking alcohol at home. I've had the equivalent of one bottle of wine in that time over two separate occasions in this time both while away. The second time was after running a marathon where I had 4 glasses the first time 3. Compared to my once a week drinking wine until two bottles are gone this is huge for me.
@@lyndseyanselmi-un3qlIt takes a strong person to achieve 6weeks and you did it. Nothing will be harder than what you already did🤍
I am 2 years sober as of the 13th March 2024. People need to encourage people who change their lives. Thank you Mel. 😊 Alcohol does ruin lives.
Congratulations! ❤
Encouragement is fine, but it's a recipe for disaster if you're relying on that to stay on the path. People need to find their own motivation to keep going and celebrate their own successes. Looking for anything from an external source isn't sustainable
@@awalker127 I had zero emotional support or help. I relied on no one but myself and God. The best way to stay sober is relying on yourself. Stopping any addiction for any other reason, but yourself will lead to a recipe of disaster. Concentrating on yourself means when other people fall, you don't get taken with them, you will have a steady foundation to build on.
Also, it means you either associate with people who support you, or you go it alone. It's the "tall poppy syndrome", people hate it when other people succeed (at anything). There are not many people who encourage someone who wants to lead a life free from addiction. There's always growth with addiction, people spend their whole life trying to break free from addiction which is why people say to "never start in the first place".
Unfortunately people don’t listen when you preach to them
That's awesome. Good on ya. Keep it up👍
After a traumatic stupid event I decided to never drink again
almost 8 months sober. Best decision of my life.
Every single aspect of my life is better. If I can do it, anyone can.
Believe in yourself
Thank you for the encouragement. I am also here because of a very bad event, I almost died! After my 40th birthday I vowed not to touch another drink of alcohol, so help me God
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I quit smoking 🚬🚭 many years ago,
I quit drinking glass 🍷 🥂 a year ago , easily,
It seems I can control myself easily
I can smoke one cigarette or two, without getting hooked,
I can drink 🍷 one glass or two, without getting hooked
Wine has been a huge part of my life. Growing up in an Italian family …living in the CA wine country and working at a restaurant or winery it’s been a part of my life. Cutting back the habit of drinking wine everyday has not been easy. I started drinking a non- alcoholic beverage in a wine glass every night with dinner rather than wine to break the daily habit. I never drink alcohol at home and only allow myself one glass on a special occasion no more than twice a month. Listening to information like this continues to keep me strong and healthy. THANK YOU MEL ❤️
Thank you for sharing! Good idea to replace daily wine w/a non-alcohol bev in a wine glass! Fantastic🎉
Wine is nice, especially with food. I can do without beer no problem, but giving up the pleasure wine brings is a tall order.
Please listen to Allen carr’s “easy way to control alcohol” audiobook. It is simple and easy to quit and change your life.
I love a glass of white wine. I find it very relaxing. 2 x a week only
Alcohol@@martinrea8548
I was off alcohol for 9 months and started again on a lads holiday. Didn't drink for 3 weeks when I got home, but then started again. I have now been drinking for about 3 weeks. Disgusted with myself after doing so well. Today my sober journey starts again.
You can do this ❤
Hope you are doing well!
I'm doing a similar thing. Let's not give up together. We can start fresh again. Our livers for will certainly appreciate the break, that's for sure!!
one day at a time 👍
Please do. Just lost my daughter in-law after liver transplant. 39 yrs old. Drinking every day.
I had a moment of clarity recently. When i metabolize alcohol, it drives me into a depression for weeks. Haven’t touched alcohol since 03/02/2024 and no longer plan to
I wasn’t drinking much but decided to completely stop 8 days ago. I do feel happier and better overall.
I had the same realization in 2013. I’ve had it three times since and regretted it each time. It’s not worth it.
Yeah I have neuropathy and that flares every time I drink etoh. I don’t even know why I drink alcohol I just want to feel better
Good for you. It does the same thing to me. I decided to quit back in November but I’ve had a few occasions of drinking since and I’ve regretted it each time. If you stop, don’t ever forget why you stopped.
I don't disagree with anything the two of drinking in moderation, but I don't think weed is the holy thing the country think it is ,perhaps a show on the affects of weed.
At age 82 I was falling down a lot, bruises all over, nothing broken, but hurt. Quit alcohol now.
Have you now stopped falling?
My mother fell three days before Easter Sunday. She fell on a Friday night around 7 o’clock. She starts drinking at four when her news program comes on. She fell on Friday night and didn’t tell anybody and didn’t use her life alert. She was able to get up and get to a chair, but she basically fell on her face. By the time she gave in and called my sister, her entire face was black and blue. Her knee was torn open and required 15 stitches. After two rounds of antibiotics the infection is still lingering and now she needs wound care. We’ve talked to her about her alcohol numerous times. We have offered our support, willing to attend meetings with her, but she won’t give it up. She’s on a path that’s not gonna end well. I guess my biggest fear is people are going to think that she was neglected and she is not. She’s just unwilling to face her addiction and give it up. I saw a quote once in a booklet I was reading & it really resonated with me.
‘My recovery has to come first so everything I love doesn’t come last.’
We just really don’t know what else to do. Congratulations on your sobriety. 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻
@@jcszot. How old is she and how can she afford to buy this much alcohol? Does someone bring it to her? I’m sorry for your circumstances.
Love this, 82 !
@@jcszot I'm Sooooo sorry. I understand on many levels. As I'm sure you already know, she has to want the help to change. Almost all of my family wear or are addicts. It's Really frustrating to watch.
Have you ever thought of going to Al-Anon to get support for you?... I wish you and your Family peace and healing.
I quit drinking in 2019...I will never regret this decision...despite losing all my friends because I no longer drank.
I feel a much more spiritual clarity since I stopped drinking
Same here stopped in 2019 . And some of my so-called friends were even mad at me for not drinking with them anymore and got mad when I would not even do a shot with them ..😢
I still hung out with most . But I watched them and realized they were mostly only friends because of the drinking ..
Which now that I'm not drinking seems really weird and pushes me to not hang out with them anymore .. which is fine, I still have a lot I want to do in life ..
but I still feel like I have lost a lot of friends. Which is sad 😢
Exactly, I'm have same issues. It really makes a person socialize differently. I love good company but early in the journey found it difficult. All my socializing revolved around consumption....
Yay!! Me too! I quit pre pandemic. I swear, not even the stress of a pandemic made me want to return to the poison. My life is so much better without it. Congratulations friend! ❤🎉🎆
I'm with you guy's all the way. I don't mind not having the drinking buddies. It's a different fantasy. I mean staying as real as you can. The good times in life when they arrive are accentuated and more intense, true story.....
It's a mindset, stay strong, stay sociable.
I know it's not easy or straight forward.
I lived my life sober, divorce , layoff, covid, deaths in the family, newly single social life... I found everything revolved around alchohol. It was scary.. very little focus on non alchohol activities. Friend would only call when they wanted to party. I found myself changing and allowing all if these achohol focused people and activities in my life. It had such a negative effect on my life. It has become clear to me that I WANT to return to my original resolve. I have quit alchohol a few times. I am breaking up with it again. It doesn't serve my life, my brain, my waistline, my WHY for life, my goals, my hydration, my body, my face, my wrinkles, my judgement, my headaches, my relationships, my energy, my longevity, my self esteem, and most of all ME... SO I AM CHOOSING ME.... NOT ALCHOHOL
Love this
Nothing feels better than waking up every single morning feeling good. Nothing feels worse than waking up sick. Paying to be sick is just not worth it
Sober since 1987…every bad decision was a result of drinking…and so thankful to our recovering community and you!
God bless
5 years sober as of yesterday! Truly, one of the best decisions I have ever made! My nightly wine habit was becoming problematic. It crept up on me so slowly I didn’t really notice until it had gotten to the point where I was drinking a bottle and a half of wine a night.
One night I hit a full bottle of wine. It was a wake-up.
It did creep up.
I used The Sinclair Method and it changed my life from being a nightly bottle of wine drinker. Have no desire at all for it now.
I'm there now. I find I'm depending on it too much in order to to be social. You are inspiring for me.
😬
Yes! I’m also part of the “it crept up on me” club. Would still be having my evening wine except that I ended up at 2:00am a few months ago in the ER with afib and ventricular tachycardia. So don’t know cause of onset but certainly alcohol didn’t mix with the diagnosis or the healing. Plus my liver enzyme values were too high. So quit my wine drinking (that I thoroughly enjoyed) cold turkey. Hasn’t been quite as hard as I thought. Sometimes I have pomegranate juice with lemon sparkling water and twist of lime in the evening. Wish I could say I feel so much better but only difference is I do sleep more deeply. But had to listen to my body’s warning signals to take more care of it☺️. Best wishes!
Quite alcohol 8 months ago. It was the best decision I ever made for my physical, mental and financial health!
I am so happy for everyone here who has stopped drinking or is sober curious! I am rooting for y'all!!
YESSS🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼👍👍👍💪💪💪
I started drinking when I was 9 years old. By the time that I was 24, Alcohol along with other stuff, had almost taken my life!! Praise God I was delivered and have been clean and sober for 33 years, 4 months and 3 days🙏🏽
Eat daily raw green vegetables, to make the cravings very manageable
Geez your family had money…
@@kevywilliams3304 I don’t understand your question or comment?
Great 👍🏻
@@kevywilliams3304alcohol is expensive and it all adds up, it sure drains my account.
6 weeks sober, today 😊 In and out of recovery, for 30 yrs! Hope springs eternal, it is NEVER too late, to reclaim your life and joy.
Excellent, and thanks for the inspiring words. Many of us have gone through similar patterns.
I stopped drinking alcohol, all of a sudden I had no friends.
Speaks volumes.
Some times you have to choose..... it's a mind game.
Love you all. 😍 💋
Ditto for different reasons
Yep, im a drinker and really dont want non drinkers around. Too boring, just my preference
I'll be a friend..😊I had the same thing happen. Sad, but it's better that way anyway.
My old auntie Bess who loved to drink explained to me that drinkers don’t have friends, they have cronies. I wondered what this meant. A friend whose father, a big drinker, went to the bar his dad had formerly hung out at and told his drinking cronies that his dad had died and when the funeral would be. No one from the bar showed up to the funeral. I think that’s the difference.
@danlechlak1183 that's excellent.
My whole family are alcoholics. 😢I can't reach them as they struggle with Alcoholic dementia. Thanks for speaking about this damaging addiction. 🙏
“Nobody ever regrets doing the right thing”. -grandma
What is alcoholic dementia?
Excess alcohol use affects the Cerebral Cortex and FrontoTemperal lobes.
@@ZeroTrusttallesttree check out Dr Daniel Amen's videos...he does Specht scans and this is one of the MOST Common disorders he finds as alcohol is a mood altering drug that causes the brain to shrink and reduces blood flow. The alcohol industry does not want this info to be mainstream. He also says that 1000 healthy pot smokers were scanned and they too had smaller brains with various issues. Not one in the 1000 were presenting a healthy brain.
I'm currently at Day 79 of no alcohol! I never thought I would be here! It was no longer aligning with my health/elevation journey. I'm excited to check out this episode!
9/13/2023 - 207 days FREE today! Still have difficulty on vacations and holidays but sparkling water with juice and sobriety videos like these help. Blessings to all who have chosen this new way of living! ❤
One day at a time❤
Good on ya. That's awesome. Have you tried cold fruit tea with ice? It's amazingly refreshing and gives your body added nutrients.
I hope you hit the year mark just recently! The first year is the hardest, was not able to do camping, gatherings, holiday parties for that first year. Now I just hit 2 years and that second year became so much easier. Holiday events don’t even phase me anymore, just eat the yummy foods and watch all the drunks 😆
@@melissaschubert8478 Congratulations on your TWO years! Still going strong here...429 days today:) ...even through my daughter's wedding! It is becoming normal now...I don't think about it as much anymore and Yes...watching drunk people is entertaining! Thank you for checking in on me
Quit alcohol in 2019. Best decision ever.
Quit in 2020. 100% agree
It took like 5 years total. On and off wagon. But with each off the wagon period, it was easier to see how the alcohol was affecting my ability to think and function. 2.5 years in Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) outpatient rehab really helped. It doesn't happen overnight for some people. Stuck with the process and put faith in God and self. God bless you 🙏
Let me guess: You're now boring sods who evangelize your whole frinds circle with your cult beliefs ?
Me as a Muslim alcohol is forbidden in my religion
Poison. To you and all those that have chosen to leave alcohol behind and embrace a healthy life path, congratulations!
There's so many damaging affects associated with it. It's not easy to stop and there's lots of influences at play encouraging alcohol use.
How very commendable of you.
I stopped drinking 5 years ago. The clarity, happiness and just being able to feel great everyday is immense. I would drink beers but one to many. It was like there was something in them that made me want more. I broke my wrist and couldn't drink and after few weeks I realized that I didn't need it anymore. I went cold turkey and stayed that way. Never messed with the just one couldn't hurt deal. Back running again and on top. Sarah is very good and love her approach. New to this show and subscribed. Good video.
June 25, 2024 45 years sober. Grateful.
Wow!!!!!!
You wasted 45 years of your life. Congratulations.
I've been sober for years and enjoy the health benefits of a glass of red wine every day.👍
@nmatthew7469 like what?
@@nmatthew7469 news flash !! Walking a straight line doesn’t mean you’re sober . Did you skip the entire video?
Quiting alcohol is the best decision I made. Peace, more peace and peaceful peace.
I quit smoking 🚬🚭 many years ago, with second attempt
I quit drinking a year ago ,
Now I can smoke few cigarettes without being hooked
I can drink 🍷 few glasses without being hooked,
When I opened beer, quite often finished half and left Over half, being distracted by other food or errands
I can control myself easily
Quit alcohol last year and it was the best decision of my life - no more feeling horrible for weeks after
Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
I'm so very happy for you, Psilocybin is absolutely amazing, the way it shows you things, the way it teaches you things. I can not believe our world and our people shows less interest about it's helpfulness to humanity. It's love. The mushrooms heals people by showing the truth, it would be so beneficial for so many people, especially politicians and the rich who have lost their way and every other persons out there.
Hey mates! Can you help with the source? I suffer severe anxiety, panic and depression and I usually take prescription medicine, but they don't always help. Where can I find those psilocybin mushrooms? I'm really interested in treating my mental health without Rxs. I live in Germany don't know much about these. I'm so glad they helped you. I can't wait to get them too. Really need a reliable source🙏🏻
YES very sure of benmycologys. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, BPD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
Mushrooms are very medicinal. This is why anybody familiar with psilocybin and any other kind of fungi will tell you, "They are alive." They have a very ancient wisdom. To my experience, all mushrooms have always said, "Pay attention to your life. How you think, how you feel, and what will you do with the information that you always knew, but now are seeing in this point of view." This is why mushrooms are so respected in tribal cultures. This mental health treatment works for me too. Half micro doses do the trick for me. At least a few days at a time with lengthy time in between. Never addictive. Thank you for sharing this point!
How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta
Last time I drank was in 2020! I've never liked drinking, I was an infrequent drinker- but realized how negatively it impacted my health physically & mentally. I've never felt better. Also stopped smoking medical marijuana almost a year & a half ago & I feel so so much better. I don't drink caffeine anymore, I've cut out eating a lot of sweets (still enjoy them once in a while!) & am beginning to work out. I feel like living without stimulants is a really great thing & it's helped me to heal a lot- physically, mentally, spiritually. I've become a better mom, better friend & human in general since I got on this train!
Yes Jack it is weird. This isn't a dating site.
I thought I was witnessing a love match. That’s so cute!
Mel, thank you! As a health coach who drank wine every weekend and decided to give it up completely to live my most authentic life and be the best coach, mother, friend, partner and grandmother, I am so happy that this topic is being talked about. It was hard when the weekend would come and I felt like I didn't have anything to kick back and relax to, until I started going deeper into what makes me happy, calm and relaxed. I found giving up alcohol is one of the best decisions of my life. I'm hoping more and more people will find themselves on an alcohol-free journey.
Thank you for sharing this. I need to go deeper into what makes me calm and relaxed.
Wow, your words speak right to my style of using alcohol. I find it hard to trust that I will feel better and not worse if I don't drink at all.
@@jeanbeans7926 give it a try and see how you feel. It doesn't have to be forever. I tell my clients to do an experiment. Use your body as your own beautiful science experiment. See how you feel, physically, mentally and emotionally.
@@taradaehn4569 Is there a type of music that calms you? Do you like to read, journal or meditate? How about a hot bath with essential oils? Relaxation is different for each of us. Find what speaks to you.
Thank you for this, Mel! Like you, I feel great when I don't drink and go really long stretches without alcohol, but once that door gets opened...habits happen. After listening to this and Andrew Huberman's podcast on alcohol, I think I'm done. It just doesn't do anything for me anymore and it wrecks my sleep.
Kristalhance5932
I am right there with you...let's see how long we can go without. I'm trying
Please listen to Allen carr’s “easy way to control alcohol” audiobook. It is simple and easy to quit and change your life.
stay strong 💪 🤘
I’ve quit for a year and a half and hands down my life and mental health has never been better. Even drinking just once or twice a week was affecting my mental state and causing me to have more anxiety.
Wrecks relationships too.
Binge drinking alcohol. 2 yrs of sobriety. Gave up cigarettes and drinking alcohol in 2022. Had to go away for detox and rehab. 30 days to finally get it right. Changed my circle as well.
What rehab did you go to?
Quit drinking Oct. 2023. Most amazing decision ever. Wish I'd never touched in the first place. My life is at peace.
Quiter
Good on ya. Keep it up👍 and don't listen to the haters out there.
Same with smoking man
I recently saw a young person (30’s) in my clinic who was two years sober. He looked amazing!
Makes a huge difference in your looks .
I've been quit for 102 days and over the past week or so been seriously tempted to revert back to alcohol, but I have to thank Mel and Sarah, this has really helped to put me back on track.
I’m beyond grateful that I grew up in a family and environment that Alcohol consumption was a taboo. I never had a drop of alcohol in my life. I adore and have respect for every single cell of my precious body.
❤
that's amazing, I envy that in a way
That's lucky 💚
My grandpa died of liver cirrhosis from hard alcohol, my dad developed dementia from beer before he died and after losing many loved ones, I find myself leaning more and more on alcohol to cope. This was truly an eye opener for me and I thank you for this discussion.
Sorry for your loss. Now you see you are not alone and you will soon find yourself in a better place because of the changes you made today.
Quit after thankggiving 2023, never felt better, it is like I became a teenager again. I am 62.
same here at age 76..i am not even tempted. health problems stopped me.
that's awesome, and probably the best benefit I've heard for stopping yet!
I loved drinking for many years but finally made the decision to completely quit last july. Like others have said, best decision ever!
This was fantastic and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And whenever you say, I love you and I believe in you at the end, I start to cry. So thank you for that.❤
I am disgusted by commercials/advertisements glorifying alcohol - showing people dining, laughing and having a great time - alcoholism can creep up on you. My belief is that alcoholism is not a disease - its an addiction that causes disease... like any other addiction. I said this in the first and last AL-ANON meeting I went to and found out it's not what AA or Al-Anon wants to hear.
Agree. AA wasn’t for me either. I refused calling myself an addict. They said I was in denial and that I didn’t want to work on my sobriety. They said If you relapse it’s your fault. Not the program’s fault, or the drugs’ fault. I take huge issue with that. I don’t have a disease at all. I just choose to not poison myself any more. That is indeed very healthy behavior, I’d say!
I some way it creates a social control over the population. Trial by the drunken crowd.
It's a choice. Do you take every commercial to heart?
Absolutely how I think as well, an addictive substance that causes disease!
I have never been a drinker but went to an Al-Anon meeting because a family member had developed a drinking problem. They refer to alcoholism as a disease and don't want to hear anything but that.
Thank you Mel for this video, literally perfect timing for me to hear the information for myself and a loved one!!!! Thank you for saving lives 🙏🥰
quit alcohol since 12days....... but mind makes excuses for taking alcohol......i m struggling but will not give up
Fabulous content! Should be shown in every high school, college, nursing program and medical school. TY!
Mel thank you! We are assaulted by the poison and its up to us to spread the truth. Its about helping the alcoholic and getting freed. I am 5 months free from alcohol!
It's one day at a time, working out, healing and restoration. Leads to forgive and love ourselves and others.
Thank you so much Mel and what an amazing Doctor. I have been binge drinking since I have been 16. I am now nearly 60. This is just what I needed to hear. So many goals and life to live. Iam going to take every bit of advise the Doctor recommended. I do not every want to drink again, so day one for me. Thank you so much. I also burst out crying when you said at the end that you love and care about me, so I'm pretty fucked up I guess. So thank you, so very much. I will watch this video many times. Love you too, Robbie, Australia xx❤
The comments section is phenomenal! So amazed at the recovery and strength in here.
I am three weeks sober and found this very helpful and motivating! Thank you so much!
Steady as she goes,, For so many in all age groups the last few years has been a horrible stress inducing experience compounding all manner of health issues and accelerating the damage. Thank you for these messages and the effort it took to bring them to the public.
Just celebrated my 3 year soberversary!! 🎉❤
Excellent show Mel! I’m a Counselor who works with clients who are challenging alcohol use/dependence or perhaps questioning its use. This is a fantastic resource I can share with them. I’ve been listening to you off and on for years and always live your shows!
Fascinating video, Let's stop taking relationship and family for granted. I have battled depression since my wife left me. I have tried all I can to make her see that I love her with everything I am made of but she has insisted on leaving. This has made me so empty, and I do not know what to do. I can barely function properly at work. I am frustrated and miserable. I really miss her.
Your pain resonates with me. Letting go of someone dear to your heart is an immense challenge. I found myself in a comparable situation when my 12-year-long relationship ended, and I struggled to accept it. Despite my efforts to reconcile, I eventually turned to a spiritual counsellor for guidance, which eventually led to a reunion. I'm now filled with joy
I'm keen on meeting the counsellor you're talking about. What steps should I take?
Online, you'll find shelly renee white, revered for her expertise as a spiritual counsellor. She has the ability to reunite couples and promote holistic well-being
Thank you for this information. I have just looked her up on Google. impressive.
Aww sorry.
So informative. Thank you ladies. Dr Sarah is so compassionate and understanding ❤
The most eloquent and informative professional I have heard to help shed light on a dangerous substance.
Anyone should also be made aware about the use of antidepressants and alcohol. Antidepressants magnify the effects of alcohol use. It may be the trigger that tips one over ( no pun) the line into alcohol use disorder.
This doctor has an amazing, powerful, and effective speaker that is ideal for the patient as well as for family/friends!
Mel, you found a gem of an interviewee! Fabulous as always Mel!! Mel from Mel❤
WOW! Such great info with no judgement ❤️. My mom was an alcoholic, crossed addicted and took her own life at age 43. We have family and friends that are truly abusing alcohol. One is one of my sons. I’m not communicating with him at this time to just cope with how he is treating me. I need to find a way to get him this content. I’m not a big drinker. I haven’t drank for over 60 days and find I’m feeling so much better. This was so informative and I will watch it again. Thank You so much for sharing. I ❤️ watching you Mel. Thanks for keeping it all real.
What a wonderful conversation! Thank you both so much.
I drank quite heavily from about the age of 25...mainly wine in the evening...and I must admit it was mainly pleasurable without side effects. Come my late 30s, it became a problem and it was having a really negative effect on my body...insomnia, acid reflux, anxiety, depression, gastritis, fast heart rate...the list goes on. I still drank socially until I had a huge panic attack in a supermarket after drinking a bottle of wine the night before. Slowly but surely I've weaned myself of it and my mental and physical health has improved immeasurably. Now with just one drink, I can feel my body and brain disliking the imbalance it creates. It's basically poison! Now I just enjoy a nice cold alcohol free beer on a warm day and still get a pleasurable feeling. Will drink on the odd occasion (Christmas Day) but the addiction is gone. Sobriety brings a lot of peace and joy guys and girls!
I struggled with alcohol for a long time, the majority of my early twenties. The last 2 years I’ve remained alcohol free with the exception of 2 vacations, I choose to drink on vacation and that works for ME. Realizing that I’m not completely giving it up forever is kind of what helped me finally stop drinking every single day.
I strongly agree with the thought process that it doesn’t have to be something you completely give up, and I also strongly agree with informing people that there is basically no benefit to drinking, at all!
Gave up alcohol 5 years ago.Cutting down doesn’t work.
It was so stressful, managing the guilt, changing the non drinking days to drink days, all the tricks.
I just stopped on 28 November 2019.
I sleep much better, I’m not grumpy in the morning,I’m doing better in my running and cycling training, and I think I’m a better person to be around.
When I’d had too much to drink I used to get aggressive and argumentative. No more.
Oh boy, at 68 this is really resonating.
My last drink was September 30th 2017. Always been a bigger and bigger drinker and it’s helped me get over a few really bad times. It helped me cope and get through without jumping off a bridge I tell ya. I come from a family that drinks. Mid 50’s now and I just had a wake up call. Was totally wasted that last night and knew that I had to stop, and I did. This is such a terrific podcast and I only say my past to explain that this is coming from someone that’s been there. I so appreciate the way the approach to drinkers has changed to one of wanting to help rather than attacking them. Seriously so a wonderful helpful podcast. Thank you 🙏.
I absolutely love this episode !! ❤ I stopped drinking April 20, 2023 and have never been happier with a decision!! I was never a huge drinker, and would go weeks to months in between. But when I did drink, I would either have just two, or end up blacked out! Sleep was always horrible, the hangovers were brutal and took so many days to get back to normal. I come from a family of alcoholics and was always very aware and in check. But as I approach 50, it’s just no longer appealing to me at all!!
Well done you, I know how that is: there are alcoholics in my family. Stay strong. ❤️❤️❤️
GREAT SHOW!! Thank you Mel SO MUCH FOR HAVING THIS GUEST ON! I am so happy to learn about what all alcohol does to every part of our bodies. You’re amazing and so was your guest!
I need to put in writing this whole video so I can carry it with me to remind me why I decided to stop drinking!!
I’ll listen to this video over and over! BLESS YOU AND YOUR AMAZING GUESTS THAT YOU INTERVIEW! 👍👏🙏❤️💜💛💚💙🩵🌈🌷🥰
Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
YES very sure of Dr.benfungi. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta
Yes he's Dr.benfungi.Shrooms to me is a natrual healer. I know a guy who has used mushrooms in the same way and they have really helped him. mah dudes have safe trips all.
From my experience it really works excellently! It doesnt even need to be a full hit. With potent shrooms 2-3 small ones will still make a clear difference. It will be a few hour cosy rumbling moment around rest time, but afterwards its just calm and you feel amazing and gain your freedom. Psilocybin is different dudes, its the only "treatment" I would recommend to someone who genuinely wants to get better. There is no addiction, withdrawal, or negative side effects. It's just pure healing., far more effective than any anti-depressant. You can thank me later,
Yes he ships discreetly got mine shipped here in Switzerland 🇨🇭
This interview was actually super informative and helpful. Very refreshing tone and content, much appreciated!
Stopped drinking completely in 1987 as a college sophomore. Best decision ever! Never liked it anyway, the taste or how it made me feel. Great video!
I gave up for dry January 5 years ago, and enjoyed the benifits so much, I kept going. A few months ago I was accidentally given a bottle of alcoholic beer as opposed to the alcohol-frei I ordered. Jesus, I felt drunk after 1/2 a bottle. I stopped, but the next day, was hungover, depressed and slept like shit!! After half a bottle! It really made me aware of how potent alcohol is.
I have the utmost respect for Dr Wakeman, but I must say that trying to moderate and track my drinking was exhausting. Did I really need to jump through so many hoops to keep this liquid in my life? Once I decided to quit completely, a whole new space in my brain and life opened up and I felt freedom. I’m not saying that it was easy, but in the long run it was a lot easier than tracking it, arranging my life around it, and bending over backwards for it!
I deeply admire and respect your honesty, Mel. You embody the experiences and voices of millions of women in today's world.
Dr. Wakeman is very nuanced, smooth, subtle in her approach to the subject of alcohol use & addiction.
My eyes have been opened, thank you. Starting now I am going to change my daily alcohol intake. It is time or a no- alcohol holiday
Not only did I experience some amnesia, what made me put the bottle down was realizing alcohol was changing my reward system. When I was drinking, I no longer enjoyed the hobbies that I once did. They didn't feel good. Not even hanging out with friends unless there was alcohol. Once I put the drinking on halt, hobbies like playing guitar became appealing again. I now realize what they mean when they say alcohol will rob you of living. Everything felt dull unless I was drinking while doing it 🙁
Wow, I noticed the same too , but with me it's the piano. I am inspired to give it up again, thanks for sharing and reminding me. Jam on.
@@jeanbeans7926 you lost interest in playing piano while binge drinking or just drinking in general?
Great follow-up and info, Mel! It's awesome that you provide the platform for continuing the spread and usefulness of this type of information on this subject matter. Very relevant and important! I'll be sharing this one, as well!
This woman is wicked smart!!! Thank you Mel. I've been in recovery for 3 years , this is what I needed to see today.
WOW ! Just when I thought I knew every possible approach.. I learn of even better.. Thank you for sharing this knowledge and understanding.
Quit nov 2020. No regrets. So thankful. Best advice I have for people is don’t wait to chill out with drinking for something in your health to hit the fan. If you have the knowledge you can use it before your body breaks down. Proactive vs. reactive is best.
This is a great video. I’ve been questioning myself about drinking - should I cut back, quit …? This doctor is certainly knowledgeable about alcohol and its effect. Thank you for this presentation!
On a side note, I got distracted by the “valley girl talk” - ending so many phrases with and up-note. I’m thankful for the transcript so I could go back and read the information.
I've had something like long covid for the last 2 years. I stopped drinking. I was never a big drinker but as I live in Europe it is customary to have a glass of wine with dinner. I also quit coffee. I don't miss either of them at all. I gave up meat and dairy 40 year ago and never missed that either. I must say, having given up both wine and coffee recently, I feel better and notice a big difference in the quality of my skin - especially on my face. I also sleep better.
I'm wondering more how you are staying alive. 😂😂
Thank you for such a compassionate and educational interview..🥺
It really gives so many of hope and faith in ourselves …
I’ve already cut down nightly 1-2 glasses of wine from years ago to no alcohol during the week, and then to 1-2 only in the weekend 2-3 nights.. now working towards 1-2 per week.. thank you for this content..🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I love this Dr’s compassion for humanity. Beautiful person.
Thanks!
YES, and YES! i NEED this today .. Getting down on myself for the amount of drinking I DO. I am not on the floor drunk BUT I do know that it's too much to be any good for me. I start my day saying no more. But at 5pm I'm looking forward to that drink (s)
Getting down on yourself is a good thing. You want to be a person you can admire, and if alcohol is not part of that story, use that negative emotion as motivation to become the person you want to be.
🙏💞Thankyou ladies, for your great questions and actionable insights and answers, so very helpful and encouraging, Ive taken note for myself and will be sharing with another.
Let’s be honest here. Alcohol IS a poison, period. I gave it up and now ALL the things I’ve been trying to attain for my health are coming to be. I would never tell someone drinking is a GOOD idea.
“Glorified poison “
I appreciate the value of this video so much. How do you navigate those who answered life insurance questions honestly at the time and now they struggle more? Health/Life insurance impacts?
I experimented with alcohol when I reached the age of legal limit. Then I grew up. I over indulged ONCE. I did not like how it made my body feel. I learned instantly. It wasn't for me. Take it or leave it. Watched what it did to family members & friends & alcoholic personalities don't change when they abstain. Was made fun of when I didn't want to party in getting drunk. I can have a fantastic great fun time WITHOUT alcohol. Way too much time & effort given to people who have issues with alcohol. Very limited effort given to people who have SUFFERED from people who have to deal with the alcoholics around them. That's where more of the focus should be. Alcoholics don't even remember the Pain they inflict on others. They are self centered & all about them.
You are a fantastic speaker, Dr. Wakeman! Your humbleness and genuine kindness sharing such a difficult topic. Thank you!
There was one incorrect statement at the beginning of the piece. The alcohol in our beverages is NOT the same molecule as alcohols in rubbing alcohol for example. They have different chemical formulas and molecular weights. Drinking alcohol is ethanol, a two carbon alcohol, while rubbing alcohol is 2-propanol, a three carbon alcohol with the alcohol functional group on the second, middle, carbon atom. I get the point the doctor was making, and they are in the same functional group class of compounds, but they are 100% not the same molecule. In a wonderful fact based talk, that correction needed to be pointed out. Thank you though, this was an amazing piece and should be shared over and over again.
Not to mention that it is metabolized differently (and more dangerously) after consumption. Unfortunately this diminishes the entire podcast when she can’t even get basic facts right - especially ones that could have major consequences.
I thought the same thing as I was listening to that segment. How on earth is she being recorded in an interview for her research on alcohol and she doesn't even know what she is and is not stating correctly?
methanol ethanol and iso propanol are all alcohols but not the same for human metabolism
It’s ethanol.
She kind of just agreed with the host, rather than correcting and giving her the whole scientific jargon response, since it could confuse the overall message. Just my two cents.
Thank you for this education. I know in covid i stopped naltrexone due to a surgery and pain meds. Fell back into drinking and feeling like crap 3 days a week. Yikes. This woke me up. I’m back on Nal and now this will motivate me to start my log and drinking feelings and triggers. Scary stuff.
I went sober for 10 amd a half weeks then i had 6 beers on a. Night out at a friends birthday party..I managed to stop at 6 and we all wemt for an Idian meal, i was home to bed at modnight..I woke up at 3AM dehydrated , my heart fluttering and i felt awful....Back in the sobrierty wagon now , one week in..I spent 35 years plus drinking most weekends , plus holidays, vacations etc...Im glad i felt like that tbh it reminded me why ive finally quit...
WONderful discussion! How articulate and pleasant is this doctor! I stumbled upon this but I have shared it, so thank you Mel and Sarah! I needed to hear this.
Hi Mel, love all your podcasts and share them with my tribe all the time. Was disappointed when you asked the question about getting help for the family that Sarah did not say go to Al-Anon, Alateen and AA. These proven 12-step programs have helped millions of people, and they are free. She addressed the scientific and physical truths of alcohol wonderfully, but she did not address the emotional and spiritual components that cause people to drink in the first place. I believe you need a part two on this one. Yes, treatment centers work to detox the physical part of the body, but the root cause of alcohol abuse is more than physical. It's emotional and spiritual. Support is needed for people to live their best life free of alcohol and its effects. Removing the alcohol from the body and not addressing the emotional and spiritual damage left behind means the person is left sober, but not healthy, happy, or whole. And the family has been greatly affected and needs help too. Just because one person is sober what about the rest of the loved ones? Where do they get help? Al-Anon and Alateen is for the families to heal. Abstinence is not healing. It's one small part and the entire family has been affected. A treatment center is only the beginning not the complete answer. Would be wonderful if Sarah would go to meetings and hear the pain children and spouse are trying to heal from even after a parent got sober in her hospital. She seemed very compassionate, kind, and an unconditionally loving person. Which is why she really needs to learn about AA, Al-Anon and Alateen for the families of those she treats. There is so much more than just removing alcohol from the physical body. Thanks for reading and considering a part two.
A well considered and constructive piece, which raised questions for me. I abandoned alcohol some 11 months ago after almost a lifetime of drinking from the age of 14 to 72. I stopped because my youngest daughter, a capable and competent professional woman of 32 with whom I was staying at the time, asked me about my swollen ankles. I explained that this was an aspect of heart disease. My daughter spontaneously burst into tears and said, “I don’t want you to die”. I crossly retorted that I have no control over the time or place of my death. On later reflection I later realised that this was not entirely true. I’d given up going to the doctor and hospital and had quietly made a pact with myself to quietly depart this life whilst embracing the fact that continuing to drink would probably kill me sooner rather than later. My daughter’s tears made me realise that this selfish policy would cause pain for a number of people (I have a wife, 5 children and 8 grandchildren). This realisation made me resume my medical appointments and stop drinking alcohol. My first appointment with the heart hospital (for an MRI) revealed that I had a growth on my adrenal gland, which was removed last November. My diabetic medication has been reduced and luckily I didn’t need any hormone replacement therapy since my remaining adrenal gland kicked in and compensated for the removed one. Many would say I’m a fortunate man whose sense of proportion has been restored and they would be right. It sometimes takes an approaching catastrophe to make one realise what is important. I still have heart disease and diabetes but the scales of selfishness that had blinded me for so long have fallen. I better understand what I have and I’m better able to look after it, though I still have to die one day. I admire everyone that tries to alert their fellow humans to the dreadful dangers of alcohol, and give them help with changing their mindset towards it. It is hard work getting out of the alcohol habit, but try to remember it won’t make you richer, more attractive, or resolve your social difficulties; they’ll be there in the morning. It doesn’t give you membership of the Diplomatic Core or give you more than a very temporary sense of well being. It can make you obnoxious and insufferable and make you ill sometimes for days at a time. If you need fair weather friends and like apologising for words and actions you only half remember please take no notice of what I’ve written. Good luck to everyone trying to stop alcohol: it’s difficult but so worthwhile.
While AA and Al-Anon have helped many people, they are patriarchal programs that do not resonate with nor offer help to everyone who struggles with alcohol use disorder.
Thank you for this Mel! Both of my parents were somewhat heavy drinkers (would have a beer or two every evening and maybe more on occasion). They both died of cancer (breast and colon) over the last 2.5 years. I miss them so much and often feel angry because I feel like alcohol played a role. My kids are young and I want to live long enough to see them into adulthood, so I decided to make alcohol an extremely rare occurrence for me. As a bonus, since I stopped having a glass of wine in the evening, I wake up a bit happier with the kids at 4:30am.
Watching videos like this reinforces my decision.
Changed to Mineral water and lemon in a wine glass … was hard at first but try it again after 2 weeks and you may not even like it anymore… Drinking alcohol is a habit … you can break it.
Every now and then I have a glass of wine out with dinner now… but the habit is broken.
This was so informative I’m so glad you brought this up I personally don’t have a problem with alcohol but I have shared this with many that do. Great show thank you both lovely ladies.
I just love you ! You are so relatable and real ! This is just what I needed
What a great discussion! I like a very balanced and gentle approach without feeling the shame. 🙏🏼
stop wasting your time and go read forbidden manifestation by zara blackthorn. your future self will thank you.
Nice try scammer
One of the most (if not "the" most) informative, complete, conversational exchanges on this topic I ever had the opportunity to bear witness. Drumroll, Mel Robbins & Dr. Wakeman. Thanks..
I’m 19 years sober and I have never looked back. Getting sober was the key to loving and respecting myself. Don’t worry about the friends you may lose when you quit drinking, if they don’t support your sobriety you don’t need them. You will find your tribe. 🥰
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