Update 1 (One Month Sober): ruclips.net/video/IF9l4xtRAlM/видео.html Update 2 (Two Months Sober): ruclips.net/video/IF9l4xtRAlM/видео.html Thank you so much to everyone for the amazing support I've been receiving throughout this journey.
Godspeed brother, it's never an easy thing to admit this kind of thing to yourself let alone to the rest of us. But we're all rooting for you, many of us knowing all too well where you've been at and where you want to be in the future. We want that for you too! Keep up the good work, you've got this. We're all right there with you 👍
Not sure why RUclips showed me your channel - but this is an awesome human being that is sharing the world his vulnerabilities and this alone will help someone else. Well done Mike
@@WoodenThingsAndStuff It 100% helps. You will probably never see this, and this is the first time I have seen one of your videos ironically. I have a long history with Alcohol. Keep in mind the definition of an alcoholic is alot different than it used to be. As an example if you can go all day without drinking in order to function you are probably not an alcoholic but instead are probably just dealing with mental health issues where alcohol makes them go away. I had this and would go from 1 drink to a 6 pack in under an hour because I just cant put the stuff down. I didn't however need to drink everyday and can function just fine without it. Where I really struggled though is when I would drink that quickly that I would become unpredictable and alot of my pain would come out. In October 2023 I had my rock bottom moment and got really drunk and broke some things and hurt myself. Ended up seeking therapy immediately, quit drinking right a way. Almost a year sober now. Through therapy I found out that not only was I dealing with stress and anxiety issues that were leading to self medicating, but that I also have ADHD. Almost a year later and my head is a million times clearer, I am taking meds for ADHD(Vyvanse not Adderall) and I feel good. Making good progress in life and that mental fatigue and voice I was hearing in my head that made me so miserable is starting to fade. Its been a long journey and it will be for you too. Keep going.
the best three and a half years of my life was when I got sober and joined AA..not sure why i stopped going and started drinking again but tis the nature of the sickness.
As someone in long term recovery, I want you to know you can do this, one second. one minute, one hour at a time you can do it. This was my first time watching your show, Ill continue to do so and watch your show. For what its worth a guy with 23 years clean out here in texas is very proud of you and the etsps your taking. Its the first stoep on an amazing journey.
Hi Mike, I want you to know your life can get better! 32yrs ago I was in a similar situation. As well as drinking an unhealthy amount of water flavored with barley ,malt ,and alcohol. I also have been depressed alot in my life too. I always had a pretty good appetite but I'm not sure that's the important factor although the 3 are connected. First you are aware of the depression and the fact you self medicate. There are alot of people who feel that AA is the only way you will get better, I don't think it is the only way but it has alot of pluses. #1 it doesn't cost a whole lot, I don't know what your situation with money is but at the time I had no health insurance and couldn't afford alot of private counciling. #2 you seem to be alone in this journey, except for your channel which may prove very helpful, but at AA there are people you can immediately talk to ect. And 99% are there to help themselves but also are willing to give an incredible amount of help to others. They also have snacks and coffee.#3 it is up to you to take responsibility for your actions, there are no 'drinking police' to check up on you. If you want to cheat go right ahead, but your only hurting yourself. It's a big boys program. As you pointed out you need to find your cause of depression,drinking, and other behaviors that hurt your self. I hope some of this helps you and you can direct message me if there is more imfo I could help you with! Good luck! 😅
I haven’t even seen your channel, and this just showed up on my feed, but I’m super proud of you for accepting and recognizing! As hard as it was for you to upload this, just know it’s insanely inspiring to so many people
Hi, Mike. Therapist here. When in need, when down, come back to this comment section. You will find a TON of reasons and motivation to keep on healing.
I subscribed because of this video, which is the first thing I've seen from you. Your openness about this - your drinking and your mental health - is commendable, brother. Replacing drinking with more woodworking would be the BEST thing you could do, I'm sure. (My channel is all about woodwork and mental health / wellbeing.) I look forward to seeing you getting better. You'll do it.
Me too… this is the first one I’ve watched and I’m here to support a fellow human… we all have demons hanging around us.. mine has been food for my entire life.. I’m doing things better and it’s one step of the time for me….
Sir. I just saw your video. It popped up on my feed and after watching it I subscribed. Take it from someone who has now gone forty years without a drink that you can do it too. Good luck and thank you for your honesty.@WoodenThingsAndStuff
This video popped up in my feed, like it did for many here. I'm a Marine Vet that served when 9/11 happened and deployed after. Seems like yesterday, but has already been 20 years since I got out of Active Duty. It took me many of those years to discover that I suffer from PTSD, and alcohol has been my crutch. Getting drunk on the weekends, alone, with my wife asleep in bed for several years. Then it turned into Thursday and the weekend. I fell a few months ago, and that really woke me up. I don't know if this will help anyone, but I grew a pair, told my entire family (brother, sister, parents, etc) and started a group text with all of them. I told them "send me a text on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Even a short one saying 'Don't buy a bottle today'". That's really helping me, because it makes me think more about who I'll be letting down. You've got a bunch of people rooting for you! USMC 1999-2007
9 months and 1 week off the booze. Best idea ever. Real hard, at first, then it gets harder, then it starts to get easier. Keep it up man. We’re all with ya.
Real talk. Word. After wd's, if you have them, it gets harder every day, not to top off, my situation withn the cherry on top. And you know, what I mean. I love your path. Love from germany.
I feel where you’re coming from, I’m 51 years old fighting suicidal thoughts and depression my whole life. I’m just recently started putting together a woodworking shop in my garage and it is helping my sanity you need anyone to talk to at all? I’m here for you, brother.
You're not alone. Im in my mid 30s I've had those same thoughts since elementary school.... I've lost every relationship due to my alcoholism. I just hope for good change and to meet that special someone, I'm tired of feeling alone in my ife. I wish you well, man.
@@MaSc89BaT Try magic shrooms man, changed my life. Shrooms is a really good tool to get off addictions, makes you not want to touch smoking or drinking even after one proper dosage as it rewires your brain in a healthy manner. Shrooms also cured my depression and ruminating thought process that chucks you into a spiral of negativity, now if I get a negative thought it goes away quickly as I do not get stuck in a loop anymore. I know it's a little out there for some, but read the research as it's now well documented.
10 years sober here. Mad respect. Accepting that you have problem means your on the right path. I have never commented on a video before but this one spoke to me. I am not going to lie it was the it was tough. I am still an alcoholic. I have never seen your channel before. But subscribed today to follow your progress. I am pulling for you sir stay strong and keep putting out content to take your mind of of it. Things will get better one day at a time.
Hey man. RUclips just recommend some of your videos today and I've been watching them one after another, and just came to this one. I don't know you, i don't even know the channel well yet, but having a dude like you be vulnerable, honest, and open is so soooo nice. Mens mental health isn't taken serious enough. Your mental health is important. You're important. Thank you for sharing this with us and all of RUclips. I wholeheartedly wish you the best in life. May you find your peace, sooner rather than later my friend!
This was my introduction video. I am new to the channel but I am a subscriber now. I appreciate the vulnerability and the accountability. Letting the world know couldn’t have been easy. I wish you the best on your path to a better you. You got this!
Just stumbled across your channel randomly. Just wanted to say it takes a HUGE amount of courage to admit your weaknesses and want to change them for the betterment of yourself. Rooting for you brother!
I used to be the same way. I didn't have to drink all the time, but when I did drink I didn't stop. One day I realized that nothing good ever came of it, only bad. On my 39th birthday I had my last drink and that was 6 years ago now. I love every second of being sober. I've accomplished so much more in the last 6 years than I did in the previous 20. I'll never go back to alcohol. I started working out regularly and my guitar playing has gotten much better.
I quit drinking 4 years ago and life continues to get better and better. I have a 14 month old daughter now and my relationship with my wife is great. I true believe had I not quit drinking I wouldn’t have a wife or a daughter. Choosing not to drink has truly improved my life and the lives of the people close to me.
Bro... u r so brave! I have 12 years of sobriety and u r doing exactly what u need to do.... OWN IT BROTHER. U r helping so many others by telling ur story. I'm not gonna sugar coat it and say that sobriety is an easy road but when ppl get in the mindset that u seem to be in... there's no stopping u from being who u wanna be! U got this man... keep that head up high! U got my sub, my support and my prayer brother! Keep making beautiful things my man!
Thank you for that extremely vulnerable share. As someone who’s also in recovery. The opposite of addiction is connection. You are exactly what I needed to hear today ti keep me going on my journey! Welcome it gets a lot better!
Takes a lot of courage to make a video like this...difficult to record, even harder to post it for the world to see. Its a message that a lot of people need to hear so they know, like you said, that they aren't alone. I am not an expert in any of these subjects but what has made a huge positive difference in my life is NOT eating processed foods. No fast food, whole foods with no additives. Reduce refined sugars as much as possible, exercise, get good sleep and drink as little as possible. Going for a short walk each day if you can't get to a gym. AND dont get down on yourself. Everyday wont be perfect, just try to do a little bit better each day. Quitting things "cold turkey" can lead to failure. Give yourself time to adapt to a new way of living....feeling great becomes addictive. You dont know how good you can feel, until you feel good. Moments like these, for me, are wake up calls. Maybe you got really lucky...maybe this was a small event that will prevent a larger devastating event. Hopefully a positive can be taken from all of this. Best of luck, keep talking, keep sharing.
First time I’ve seen your channel. I’m not a drinker. I’ve been exposed to it in my family though. It takes a lot of courage and transparency to make a show like this. I wish the best for you. Please get someone to help you. It can’t be done alone.
That first step is the hardest, proud of you for making the decision. Getting sober is the best thing I ever did for myself and I am never going back. Onwards and upwards!
I just stumbled upon your page brother and i stopped flat in my tracks because man this is incredibly inspiring. Owning your actions and self reflecting is very difficult. Man to man we love ya brother. You got this.
Had been struggling with my own sobriety. I really needed to hear this. I've only ever seen one or two of your videos. This one was impactful and helpful. Thank you, man. Good luck, hang in there. I know it's hard.
Hey man, long time woodworker here… I wanted to share something that helped me manage depression, alcohol, and stress life of working. It sounds stupid to write it, but when my husband and I tried to quit, we had just bought a Sauna. We started sauna’ing in the morning and at night, and it kinda replaced that nightly want to medicate the day away. We’ve also added an ice bath in the morning and it has by no means cured our want to drink, but it did temper it in a way. Just sharing with you because we all need all the help we can get!
I was in an extremely similar situation as you three years ago. I told myself “ don’t ever forget how I feel right now”. I checked into rehab the next morning ( I drank quite a bit to get the courage to check in) because I needed to remove myself from the problem. 30+ years of heavy drinking ended that day. Concentrate on quitting first, that IS your health, everything will get healthier after that. Take a deep breath, you can do this. Your creativity isn’t at the bottom of a bottle. As you progressively get better, the need to self medicate will lessen. You are so close. You are not alone.
Congrats on your sobriety. 19 years for me. What you said about not forgetting how you felt that moment, that reminded me of some very good advice I got early in my rehab "Don't remember your last drink, remember your last drunk"
I subscribed to your channel based on this video. 19 years sober here. You aren't alone and there's an army of folks that can and will help if asked. My father could never get his struggles with alcohol under control and it led to his death. He stumbled, intoxicated, as he left his workshop. The fall caused him to fracture his neck in 2 places and that set off the medical chain of events that would find him dead 4 weeks later.
11yrs clean and sober, after decades of addiction brother, sounds like you've reached your turning point, take every shred of help you can find, take every second as it comes, and keep on keeping on Bless you for having the courage to share this, and you can do this buddy
Something that helped me was the acronym H.A.L.T which stands for hungry, angry lonely, tired. Every time my had an extreme urge to drink or even just a little urge, I would run that through my head and without doubt, one or more of those things would be occurring in addition to the compulsion to drink. That acronym allowed me space and pointed to other causes, which allowed me to ultimately address those causes. Once I would address the root issue(s) , it made it much easier to decide not to drink or entirely eliminated the compulsion. Did it work 100% of the time? No. But it worked a significant amount of time which put me on a trajectory to ultimately quit the habit altogether. It got easier and easier overtime to choose an alternate path. At this point, I rarely feel the compulsion. But when I do, it’s so easy to recognize it and choose not to do it that it presents basically no challenge at all to do so. I would also say that to label yourself, an alcoholic may be counterproductive. For me, I avoided that label because to me making that a core part of my “story“ would have set up an internal adversarial struggle that I was not interested in. To me it is a footnote and something that I did learn from, but not a core part of my character. The last thing is that expecting yourself never to drink again is probably unrealistic. It took me lots of tries. Having the recognition that this is a skill you are developing and working on may help you. Because I found that if I gave into the shame/guilt/disappointment it was much easier to completely give in. I still felt those things, but I acknowledged them, felt them, and decided to try again. Those emotions are your body indicating to you that you need to make a change, you need to try again. And I retain that openness today in that I don’t know if I will drink again, but if I do I will wake up the next day and choose to try again. The goal is to get to a point where you are not exerting effort constantly, the choice not to drink becomes second nature as you improve the skill, to the point that you don’t even think about it. Labeling yourself as alcoholic and setting up this struggle of addiction creates an internal environment of “good” vs “bad”. To me thinking of it dispassionately as a skill is much more productive. Urge to drink ==> getting alcohol ==> drinking Create space before you can get the alcohol. Urge to drink ==[create space here]==> getting alcohol ==> drinking So that it becomes Urge to drink ==> H.A.L.T ==> eat something/go for a walk/call a good friend or family/go to sleep or get some rest.
I agree with you about the grief that comes along with ever drinking again and part of the reason I could never do the program. They pump your head full of grief and tell you that if you drink it’s all over you are going to die you might as well go full out….. and I think that is an extremely negative and destructive thing to put into peoples heads
Lonely can also mean bored. You can sub one for the other but yes that is a good principle to live by. If you’re hungry, angry, lonely/bored, tired please deal with those feelings instead of drinking. Push through and address those items.
I’m so happy for you! I’m a career carpenter and 9yrs sober. Since living sober my career has reached levels I never imagined. I believe in you and also believe the best years of your life are still ahead. I’ve never seen your channel before this video but I will definitely be subscribing. Nice work!
Mike, thank you for having the courage to put out this video. I know the struggle will be hard, but you will find that a life without the crotches will be more defined and clear. All of your friends, family, and subscribers will see you as a happier person. Hang in there and get help when you need it. You can count me in as a new subscriber. Good luck, and keep building.
Thank you for sharing this process of self healing with "The World" because we as a people EVERYWHERE need this in our lives as well. It is not about being a drama or any other negativity but this is actually about Weakness & Strength, Frustrations & Compassion, and really what it is to be a growing person, which we all are allowed to do and should do. This might not make sense to all but will make sense to the ones who need it most. True Strength is not a lack of weakness but excepting it and even showing it to others so others may learn as well. A huge part of being human is to know your self and that does not come from always running away from the things we don't like (even when it's about the self which can hurt at first) but instead to embrace it so that there may be growth. Anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do it. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS.
It took a lot of courage to make this video. Know that everyone who loves you wants you to succeed. But you have to want it more. Keep looking in that direction and accept the support and assistance you need. There is no shame in needing help. Best of luck to you. I look forward to seeing more of you.
Hello. 986 day sober and still going . Best thing I ever did for myself. I had the same issues, therapy helped me manage my PTSD and hobbys, health, writing. Whatever is a positive direction for you to put your time into. You can do this, it's well worth it.
Mike. You said it wasn't a "Mike makes a thing" episode..but you made at least 3. Good sense. Great decisions. Honest assessments of your life. I really hope your journey to what you want to be is going good.
I’m new here Mike I will support you in my prayers, and I will start watching you! I don’t know you, but I am so proud of you for being honest, L am in my seventy’s and time flys by so quickly. Your story will surely help other people, you are very courageous for sharing this with us, God Blessyou Mike you can do this! Keep your mug full of coffee and have a big water bottle maybe with a slice of lemon, peppermints might come in handy too! 😘🙏🏻💕
Hi Mike, my wife after 20 Years of struggling with alcohol read a book, Allen Carr’s “Quit drinking without willpower”. She hasn’t touched a drop in 5 years and today is a very happy non-drinker. I bought her the book after hearing about it on a podcast.
I read his book 10 years ago. Lifetime drinker. Haven’t had a drop of the poison since. I read his quit smoking book, and quit smoking, too. That man is a Saint.
Wow, you are a brave man with courage to SHARE your PAIN. Thanks for showing your vulnerability! I got your back!! I have alcoholism in my family and lost my dad when I was 21 who died from it. Much love and respect! If he could have spoken about his pain back then like you are now, maybe he would still be here with me. Thanks for sharing and seek the HELP you DESERVE!
Thank you, good sir. I am with you in this struggle. I am the same way. I lost my wife a year ago. She did not make it after open heart surgery. I started drinking (again). I have made a complete ass of myself (again). The struggle is real. The struggle is hard. I totally understand where you're at, and I'm 66. I have other health problems on top of it all. Know that you are not alone brother.
Good for you Mike! Love me some growth and positive vibes and you are putting both on display. Never been here before but I may stop by again, best of luck and keep on keepin’ on! 🙏
I have never seen your channel, but that was very brave. As the others have said, you are not alone. Lean on family and friends. Good luck on your journey!!
25 yrs sober and there’s no doubt that life is better without booze. You feel better, look better and have a clear head and most of all you’ll fully appreciate every minute, hour and day without the numbing effects of alcohol! Be strong.
Dropped it to raise kids. Used to drink quite a bit,not cut out for it - also quit around 25 years ago. Plenty of regrets from drinking - none from quitting. Like Robert E. Lee said, "I like the taste of whiskey,..which is why I never drink it."
@@g0tsp33d I mean, really, all food is fuel. Digestion is a combustion reaction.... The way we even measure how many calories of energy food has is by blowing up that food in a special machine. What's interesting about alcohol consumption is after enough of it, for long enough, your body will adjust to accept the ethanol as if it were a macronutrient, and quitting cold turkey in that state can be dangerous. Alcohol can be used as a fuel but that's not *why* it's dangerous. You can power a circuit with a lemon. You need salt to live which is made from atoms of an explosive metal and a deadly poison gas. The most universally useful solvent in the world is also 60% of our bodies.
3 years here man, you can do it, you just have to buckle down. Your life will be far far better without alcohol in your life. I hope you are able to make the journey and find peace.
Your courage to speak openly about your problems is very remarkable. Congratulations on realizing that alcohol will not solve your problem. As someone who has direct and indirect experience with depression, I sincerely wish you the very best for your future. I really hope you find a way out.
Just found your channel and have to say we have a lot in common. I’ve been a master carpenter for 30 years, also don’t have an off switch once I start drinking. I’ve been sober for 8 months. I’m talking to a really good councilor that’s helped tremendously. One step, one day at a time. You’ll make it, sometimes you need that good kick in the arse to set yourself on a new path. I wish you all the best, it can be done.
Hey buddy, you can do it!! I’m closing in on 12 years sober myself and if a hick like me from rural Appalachia can do it so can you! Woodworking for me has been very helpful. You seem like a cool guy and if nobody has to you lately I appreciate you. Take care. I’m not one to leave comments often but you looked like you could some encouragement. If you want to reach out I’d be more than glad to help in anyway I can. You got it my guy
Mike, I appreciate your honesty and courage in sharing your struggles with alcohol and depression. It takes a lot to open up like that. I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt after your fall. That’s a wake-up call for all of us. It's clear you're using your woodworking as a form of self-care, but it's important to find healthier ways to cope. Please don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. You’re not alone in this. Your fans are here for you, and we want to see you thrive. Remember, there's no shame in seeking support. Let’s work together to overcome this. Losing a friend to alcohol is heartbreaking. I don't want to see that happen to you. Your loved ones need you.
Today marks 3 years of sobriety for me. I had been trying to "control" my drinking for about 15 yrs prior to that - what I hope is my last sobriety date I ever need to track. I would have stints of months and occasionally years of abstaining from alcohol, but would always slip up eventually. Alcoholism is a patient disease which convinces us that we are ok, that it wasn't really all that bad to begin with, that he/she/they were just overreacting (and you're better off without them anyway). What has worked for me is working the steps of AA, finding a home meeting, making connections with other people who are going through the same challenges, having people I can call and talk to about stuff I wouldn't share with anyone else. I resisted AA for many years because of the "God talk" but once I realized that they weren't talking about Religion but rather a personal connection with something greater than myself, it became much easier. I sincerely wish you all the best, brother.
Thank you brother i needed this. Been sober 5 days. And every minute is a challenge. But we got this. Just have begin to see the world differently that is sober. That way we can fix what drives us away from sobriety. God bless you brother 🙏
Glad to hear you are taking care of yourself, keep putting one foot in front of the other. Hope you resume the old ‘Mike makes something’ live show format in the future when you are ready.
I am not into woodworking, but youtube suggested your video to me and I found it very genuine of you. I wish you the best by man! World and life throws us some curve balls and it is not uncommon for each and every one of us to find less healthy ways to handle things. Hope our paths cross again. All the best!
Prayed for you brother, and will continue to do so. Very hard to come out and be this honest about something like this, so God bless you and may u find true freedom
Funny, you mention not being alone in the struggle. That is actually my struggle...I have to do everything alone. Boring and slow, constant complaints tossed my way....not a rewarding work life whatsoever. But... there are these moments, like watching this video. I may not be able to send help your way but I'll make sure to help others...tHanks to your wise words today.
One step at a time, one day at a time is how you do it. You made the hardest part look easy, admitting there's a problem is the hardest. Most ppl go there entire life in denial. Just remember do the best you can, mistakes will happen, maybe even relapses. Stay the course, keep the ones who support the change around and let go of the ones that don't. The road to recovery is forever, you can't get off this road, the speed limit changes all the time, there are no lines paint but you'll know when you leave it, remember to enjoy the ride it's what we are here for isn't? Also one last thing welcome to the club it's a pleasure to have you join us.
Good on you. You’ve taken the first step. 17+ years without it here and I can say that I don’t crave or want it, but it wasn’t on my own doing. My thinking got me into that mess and my thinking couldn’t get me out, I had to reach out to others and with a therapist and going to meetings, I found hundreds of people who told the same story that I did. I finally felt at home. No longer do I count beers and watch the clock, hoping that I have enough of both. I’m 45 and my kids don’t ever remember me drunk. Good luck, and what worked for me was surrounding myself with others that have been successful in what I want, and listening to what they tell me to do.
Congratulations and Stay Strong! I'm 5 1/2 years not drinking and it added nothing useful to my life. Good luck and thank you for being so open about your struggle- it will help so many others in the same place. (And I've enjoyed your woodworking!)
Hey Mike, talking it out really does help the processing. I’m 4 1/2 years sober and unfortunately I didn’t quit soon enough. Was always the guy that didn’t stop once I started. Was doing a fifth of vodka and a 6 pack every night. A couple of major surgeries and a little bit of cirrhosis later here I am all sober and such. I’m not a super active subscriber but I do hop on your livestreams when I get the chance. I’m here to talk if you ever want to. I didn’t go the AA route but I damn sure wouldn’t have made it without my friends and family. Speaking the realization out loud is the first thing you have to do to understand that this is the reality of the situation. Here for you, you are not alone in this
Thanks, friend. In some ways I'm glad I fell and hurt myself last week. I think I needed that. And it's always good to hear you're not alone. So thanks for that, as well.
@@WoodenThingsAndStuffof course. Hurting yourself is a good time to take a step back and try to look at what you are doing and why. Generally happy well adjusted people don’t drink til they blackout and get hurt, quitting alcohol was NOT an amazing instant fix but it made me stop hiding from my issues and figure out how to process them so I could start moving on. I will always love that feeling of the first sip of a drink and the warm tingle of that first shot but I have to make myself remember the friggin mountain of bad that came along with it including shortening my expected lifespan and crippling myself. Don’t wait as long as I did.
I’m going on 5 year sobriety. My left arm is very scarred up from falling through a glass door. Recovery is possible man! Proud of you for taking the first steps.
Very brave thing to do. As others have said, you are not alone. I would encourage you to get with a group of people like AA or Celebrate Recovery. That way you can be with others who are also struggling with something like this. Don't try to go it alone. It's easier with someone to help hold you up and encourage you. Good luck.
hey man ive never seen you before until this video popped up on my recommendations today, i struggled a lot with depression and mental health and i am so proud of you for everything you said in this video and i see theres a pinned message with you having done everything you wished you could do in this video. i'm so proud. you're brave as fuck for all the things you said and how vulnerable you let yourself be. you're a good man and i hope you continue to reach all the heights you want to reach.
At the age of 35, I came to the realization that if I continued drinking as I was, I would die. I also knew that if I stopped drinking, I would die. For one year, I attempted to do it on my own. I came in to contact with a group of folks who showed that, A. there was HOPE and B. That I didn’t have to do it alone. That was over 29 years ago. There is so much support out there. As you can see from the comments here, you are not alone and you have plenty of cheerleaders rooting you on. A did it through a 12 step program. That is not the only way recovery can happen. It’s just the way that worked for me. Stay strong. Lean on the woodworking community.
I'm 40 days sober. This is the longest I've gone without a drink for 30+ years. My story mirrors yours quite a bit. I've had to get all the help I can. Psychiatrist, psychologist, and am attending AA daily. It requires a lot of work, which sucks, but it's worth it. We have a problem which can't be fixed in our own strength.
Well, your work is incredible! Please continue to do the best for yourself… you are on the right path! My sister 54, we are trying to help her too… stay strong!
We love you Mike, you got this!!! You can call me anytime, you know this. Remember you don't have to go through this alone. In your words "you're not alone". Love you mate ❤
I fight depression and anxiety myself. Recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have learning disability. It takes a strong person to admit when we need help. I started telling friends and family about my diagnosis. The amount of people coming forward because of me saying I need help is shocking. Your video brought tears to my eyes because I can relate to a lot of it. I have never been a drinker because it makes me very sick. Wood working helps me clear my head. Stand tall and proud and get help. Do it one day at a time.
God bless you, brother. As a combat veteran who struggled with that. I gave my Heart to Jesus and that desire to drink is no more. Not from one day to the next, but God gives you strength.
For many people there is simply zero evidence for the existence of deities. We can't "force" ourselves to believe. With that in mind, there are other ways to stop drinking that don't require religion. If religion works for you, that's great, but "belief" is really not a choice. Take care and be well.
@elmoblatch9787 Not forcing religion on anyone. Religion doesn't save only Jesus can. I just shared what worked for me as a combat veteran who drank all the time and hated everyone. I am praying for ya.
@@elmoblatch9787 Many people choose to not believe or trust the evidence, is more accurate, but I respect everyone's choices when it comes to faith. Not here to start a debate though, take care :)
Sup mike, never seen a video of yours in my life. This is your very first first video I’ve come across and I’m so freaking. Glad I found it….. today is the first day of the rest of your life. I’m looking forward to your journey of renewal…. You got this brother. This life is what we make it, and you’re never alone.
Brave first step my man. I'm just over 4 years sober in AA. I also see a therapist who is almost 50 years sober in AA. I'm in Australia and we have very different lives but we are similar. When we start to drink we cannot stop. I believe you are in Canada? I know guys up there that may be able to help if you want it and my therapist does online sessions. Please reach out and we can swap emails if you would like. Even if it's just to talk. Yes I am a "complete stranger" but I feel you. I've been there and I will do all I can.
You can do this great thing! You are smarter than I was. I waited until I turned 50. Since deciding to live sober, with the Grace of my Higher Power, God I have managed to string together more than 22 years of sobriety, one day a the time. Please reach out to others who can help you.
None of us can do anything without God, yet people rather suffer their entire life than to give in and just let Him in. It's not religion, it's reality. If God doesn't exist, then there is no meaning to anything anyway. Thankfully, He's real and putting your trust in Him you become bulletproof and nothing bad affects you anymore. Society wants to remove God and as you can see everything only gets worse. @Spence321 It looks like it's just me and you here, a bit alarming, they just don't get it. Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result is insanity.
@@WoodenThingsAndStuffyou can do it bro. I had similar wake up call you you about 11 years ago. Quit all drugs and alcohol that day. Rough going I'll tell you but have never felt, thought, behaved better in my life. The best part, every day you are lil better than the last so the progression keeps you going. God bless you! Start strong. Be a leader.
You can do it. You just have to want to. Eat breakfast lunch and dinner. Keep your belly full. That's how I did it. I drank a full case of beer every day by myself every day for years. Then make and eat way to dinner and go to bed. I was sick of being sick mentally and physically. I was 45. Went to treatment around 27. I knew it was time and I was ready. I felt I would be dead soon if didn't stop. I also needed to do it on my own. No aa. I wasn't going to listen to youngsters etc whine about their lives and shit. When I knew most were just bs. Anyways. It took around 5 years to straighten my head out. As best as it could. That was just short of 10 years ago. I now have a very good woman. 85 acre ranch. Etc. Etc. Etc. Best decision of my life. Sometimes it takes age, wisdom and experience to help yourself help yourself. If that makes sense. To learn yourself to know yourself. To heal yourself. Only you can do this. If you really want to and are truly ready. And stick to it. Good luck 👍 I found it was time to grow the f up. Patience it will take time. You will become a man that you never thought existed. 😊
Hey man, I just stumbled upon this video on your channel...this is my introduction to you and all I got to say is that ''YOU GOT THIS!'' you are open and honest about the things you are dealing with and share it with complete strangers on the internet but know that some of these same people (me included) are rooting for your recovery and that you will rise above all the struggles! You got this big man, I liked and subscribed just to see your journey and creation.
SIR, EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. 🍹🍸🍺 Keep doing and livin just as you have been. You need to control your alcohol amounts. Starting today you have a 3 drink a day limit. Enjoy your life.
Hey Brother. I saw the title of your video and it just resonated with me as I have said the same thing so many damn times. I can't live like this any more. I know exactly where that comes from. I'm struggling with the same problems that you are and I'm 45 also! It's just so very hard and confusing. I saw your face and heard your words and it was like I was seeing and hearing myself. I appreciate and applaud you for being so open and honest and having the strength to work on things. I'm not there yet, even though I know it's literally killing me and ruining my life. Why isn't that enough for me to change? I will follow your journey and look for inspiration. Thank you for putting this out there. I wish you all the best.
00:16 I'm just gonna say; as a fellow tradesman, Don't do that! Good luck with sobriety...I've never had that sort of problem, but my sister did...5 cents worth of advice for free; TWO DRINKS. PERIOD. It's part of a man's discipline...You're a better man than that...
Some can limit themselves, but I’ve seen many more who struggle need to go all or nothing. It’s too easy to have more than two if you have a six pack sitting there.
If your judged by 2 drinks or 0 drinks i wouldn't care what the judge thinks lol my sister is clean for 5yrs and she can't have a single drink . Unless you have really fell down that hole and lived it personally. Its easy for us to set limits for people suffering for alcoholism . It runs deep in my families bloodline . For that I don't even give myself the chance so I stopped drinking all together 10yrs ago .. its hard god it's hard for them to stop . Especially alcoholism because alcohol is legal and promoted EVERYWHERE so you can't block it out like drug addicts can ... good luck to this guy with his sobriety .and anyone going down the path to light ... my only advice .GO TO MEETINGS! the only time my sister and grandmother fell off the wagon was when they stopped going to meetings . Everyone is different/ I am a super private person and would never do meetings ... so do whatever works for you lol now I'm rambling . Either way GOODLUCK
Great job and congratulations on recognizing all this, wanting to change and bravely speaking about it. We're all struggling silently, side by side. I have a black and blue toenail from losing my temper and I'm getting better. Thank you.
Good on you! One month sober here as well and I feel like I'm way more energetic. Hope you find your way and be proud of yourself for doing it! If you have a relapse, just remember the important part is not that you tripped, it's that you get back up! As a note, for me sports was a really good out to get my head out of wanting a drink. I'm sure you'll find your out.
Hey Mike. Was just recommended this video by RUclips. Ok, I am 45 seconds in and in tears already. The courage and wisdom you possess to recognize you are hurting yourself hit me really hard. You are embarking on a personal upgrade and I know it will be challenging. But life is offering you this opportunity to elevate. Super proud of you. You've got this
Mike thank you so much for sharing this its what I know ALOT of us need to hear. You are strong brother, sharing this is not easy. I'm 49 years old and feel like I'm going through very similar stuff. Drinking,depressed and know I need to change things. Again thank you for sharing and you've got this and you'll feel so much better. God bless you bro 🙏🏼 good luck my friend
Just popped on my feed. Subscribed for being open and honest about your mental health issues. I recognize a lot of what you're talking about. Chronic depression and ADHD diagnosis as an adult. Still working on doing and being better as I'm nearly 40. ADHD medication has helped me tons with controlling my emotions and addictions. Daily exercise and more proper nutrition (not perfect at all) has helped me keep the darkness at bay. My family has been key in minimizing social pressures, preventing alcoholism and generally keeping tabs on my mental health. I'm particularly good at masking, so nearly burned out at work while trying to support my significant other who's going through a rough patch herself. It will be a long journey and it will be bumpy, but keep at it. It will never end, but it will be more manageable. You cannot do it alone, though. Get help. You're worth it.
I hope this is a step on a better path in life, man. Never watched your things in the past but I like woodworking/handicraft videos etc so this popped up, and seeing this as a first video makes me want to check more into your stuff. Rooting for you!
Good on you Mike. I never drank but did get hooked on opioids because of a self medicating Doctor I was seeing. With my wife and Nurse next door , I survived it. I suffered with Panic attacks. A theripist I was going to told me two things I use every day. Only YOU can truely fix YOU. And When you feel you are going where you do not want to go, Stop and Re-frame the entire situation. Has worked for me for over 10 years. God Bless God and My Lovely Wife.
Update 1 (One Month Sober): ruclips.net/video/IF9l4xtRAlM/видео.html
Update 2 (Two Months Sober): ruclips.net/video/IF9l4xtRAlM/видео.html
Thank you so much to everyone for the amazing support I've been receiving throughout this journey.
Godspeed brother, it's never an easy thing to admit this kind of thing to yourself let alone to the rest of us. But we're all rooting for you, many of us knowing all too well where you've been at and where you want to be in the future.
We want that for you too! Keep up the good work, you've got this. We're all right there with you 👍
LETS GOOOO!
much love
Keep it up, the time will fly by and you'll remember more of it. I'm proud of you being sober. :3
just a heads up but you linked the same video 2 times
Not sure why RUclips showed me your channel - but this is an awesome human being that is sharing the world his vulnerabilities and this alone will help someone else. Well done Mike
Thanks. Just said what needed saying.
Inspiration and drive comes from the most unlikely of places sometimes
@@WoodenThingsAndStuff It 100% helps.
You will probably never see this, and this is the first time I have seen one of your videos ironically.
I have a long history with Alcohol. Keep in mind the definition of an alcoholic is alot different than it used to be. As an example if you can go all day without drinking in order to function you are probably not an alcoholic but instead are probably just dealing with mental health issues where alcohol makes them go away. I had this and would go from 1 drink to a 6 pack in under an hour because I just cant put the stuff down. I didn't however need to drink everyday and can function just fine without it. Where I really struggled though is when I would drink that quickly that I would become unpredictable and alot of my pain would come out.
In October 2023 I had my rock bottom moment and got really drunk and broke some things and hurt myself. Ended up seeking therapy immediately, quit drinking right a way. Almost a year sober now. Through therapy I found out that not only was I dealing with stress and anxiety issues that were leading to self medicating, but that I also have ADHD. Almost a year later and my head is a million times clearer, I am taking meds for ADHD(Vyvanse not Adderall) and I feel good. Making good progress in life and that mental fatigue and voice I was hearing in my head that made me so miserable is starting to fade.
Its been a long journey and it will be for you too. Keep going.
From uk, me too.
Me too, I’ve been sober for 9 years now so maybe that’s why. Take it one day at a time.
I quit drinking 13 years ago....best move I ever made. You got this Mike.
Good for you mate - congratulations 🎉
yup, I was a binge drinker at 15, quit in my 40s don't know how or why I'm still alive, other than God's grace.
the best three and a half years of my life was when I got sober and joined AA..not sure why i stopped going and started drinking again but tis the nature of the sickness.
Just lost my brother to alcoholism, he was just 56 .
C'mon just one more drick!
As someone in long term recovery, I want you to know you can do this, one second. one minute, one hour at a time you can do it. This was my first time watching your show, Ill continue to do so and watch your show. For what its worth a guy with 23 years clean out here in texas is very proud of you and the etsps your taking. Its the first stoep on an amazing journey.
Thanks very much. Appreciate you taking a moment to share.
Hi Mike, I want you to know your life can get better! 32yrs ago I was in a similar situation. As well as drinking an unhealthy amount of water flavored with barley ,malt ,and alcohol. I also have been depressed alot in my life too. I always had a pretty good appetite but I'm not sure that's the important factor although the 3 are connected. First you are aware of the depression and the fact you self medicate. There are alot of people who feel that AA is the only way you will get better, I don't think it is the only way but it has alot of pluses. #1 it doesn't cost a whole lot, I don't know what your situation with money is but at the time I had no health insurance and couldn't afford alot of private counciling. #2 you seem to be alone in this journey, except for your channel which may prove very helpful, but at AA there are people you can immediately talk to ect. And 99% are there to help themselves but also are willing to give an incredible amount of help to others. They also have snacks and coffee.#3 it is up to you to take responsibility for your actions, there are no 'drinking police' to check up on you. If you want to cheat go right ahead, but your only hurting yourself. It's a big boys program. As you pointed out you need to find your cause of depression,drinking, and other behaviors that hurt your self. I hope some of this helps you and you can direct message me if there is more imfo I could help you with! Good luck! 😅
The best of luck, you can do this
@@alecmaxwell7945 And good coffee to, and lots of it.
@jasonbranham1453 Amazing journey are the right words.
I haven’t even seen your channel, and this just showed up on my feed, but I’m super proud of you for accepting and recognizing! As hard as it was for you to upload this, just know it’s insanely inspiring to so many people
I’m 10 months sober now, the best decision I ever made. Good luck on your journey you can do this. 👍
Congratulations, and best of luck on your journey, as well.
Mike,
You have already made a HUGE step forward, just keep pushing forward, you will get there.
Thanks for your confidence.
Hi, Mike. Therapist here. When in need, when down, come back to this comment section. You will find a TON of reasons and motivation to keep on healing.
I come back to this comment section every day. It's an amazing place.
Beautiful comment, thank you sir!
Nothing worse than a therapist
@@23Butanedione for you
@@23Butanedione Oy Vey!
No one regrets getting clean and sober. Thanks for sharing. I send you comfort and support.
I subscribed because of this video, which is the first thing I've seen from you. Your openness about this - your drinking and your mental health - is commendable, brother. Replacing drinking with more woodworking would be the BEST thing you could do, I'm sure. (My channel is all about woodwork and mental health / wellbeing.) I look forward to seeing you getting better. You'll do it.
Me too… this is the first one I’ve watched and I’m here to support a fellow human… we all have demons hanging around us.. mine has been food for my entire life.. I’m doing things better and it’s one step of the time for me….
Same here! ❤
Thanks, friend!
I’m the same. But your courage is commendable. Maybe you’ll be some strength for me. Subscribed.
Sir. I just saw your video. It popped up on my feed and after watching it I subscribed. Take it from someone who has now gone forty years without a drink that you can do it too. Good luck and thank you for your honesty.@WoodenThingsAndStuff
This video popped up in my feed, like it did for many here.
I'm a Marine Vet that served when 9/11 happened and deployed after. Seems like yesterday, but has already been 20 years since I got out of Active Duty.
It took me many of those years to discover that I suffer from PTSD, and alcohol has been my crutch. Getting drunk on the weekends, alone, with my wife asleep in bed for several years. Then it turned into Thursday and the weekend.
I fell a few months ago, and that really woke me up.
I don't know if this will help anyone, but I grew a pair, told my entire family (brother, sister, parents, etc) and started a group text with all of them. I told them "send me a text on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Even a short one saying 'Don't buy a bottle today'". That's really helping me, because it makes me think more about who I'll be letting down.
You've got a bunch of people rooting for you!
USMC 1999-2007
Thanks for sharing your story. And for your support!
Thank u for your service sir
Thanks for your service sir. 🙏🏽
Good for you man. It's not easy.
Thank you! Good luck.
9 months and 1 week off the booze. Best idea ever. Real hard, at first, then it gets harder, then it starts to get easier. Keep it up man. We’re all with ya.
9 months and 1 week? I didn't even think that was possible. Good work man, keep it up. Thanks for sharing that hope.
you sound like my ex
Real talk. Word. After wd's, if you have them, it gets harder every day, not to top off, my situation withn the cherry on top. And you know, what I mean. I love your path. Love from germany.
was drinking a pint and a half a day, 5 yrs sober now YOU CAN DO IT !!! prayers for you!
3months sober I need a beer 😂
I am also tearing up. Your strength to do whatever is needed to be healthy and happy is just so moving
I feel where you’re coming from, I’m 51 years old fighting suicidal thoughts and depression my whole life. I’m just recently started putting together a woodworking shop in my garage and it is helping my sanity you need anyone to talk to at all? I’m here for you, brother.
same here were all the same unbelievable tap the rockies
You're not alone. Im in my mid 30s I've had those same thoughts since elementary school.... I've lost every relationship due to my alcoholism. I just hope for good change and to meet that special someone, I'm tired of feeling alone in my ife. I wish you well, man.
@@MaSc89BaT Try magic shrooms man, changed my life. Shrooms is a really good tool to get off addictions, makes you not want to touch smoking or drinking even after one proper dosage as it rewires your brain in a healthy manner. Shrooms also cured my depression and ruminating thought process that chucks you into a spiral of negativity, now if I get a negative thought it goes away quickly as I do not get stuck in a loop anymore. I know it's a little out there for some, but read the research as it's now well documented.
@@MaSc89BaT Same. Work on you first. 2.5 yrs sober now. My life is so much better.
10 years sober here. Mad respect. Accepting that you have problem means your on the right path. I have never commented on a video before but this one spoke to me. I am not going to lie it was the it was tough. I am still an alcoholic. I have never seen your channel before. But subscribed today to follow your progress. I am pulling for you sir stay strong and keep putting out content to take your mind of of it. Things will get better one day at a time.
Lol alcoholics can't enjoy a beer now and then and gotta be sober for 10 years.
I got 3 years clean last month. YOU CAN DO THIS. EVERYONE IS HERE FOR YOU!
Hey man. RUclips just recommend some of your videos today and I've been watching them one after another, and just came to this one. I don't know you, i don't even know the channel well yet, but having a dude like you be vulnerable, honest, and open is so soooo nice. Mens mental health isn't taken serious enough. Your mental health is important. You're important. Thank you for sharing this with us and all of RUclips. I wholeheartedly wish you the best in life. May you find your peace, sooner rather than later my friend!
This was my introduction video. I am new to the channel but I am a subscriber now. I appreciate the vulnerability and the accountability. Letting the world know couldn’t have been easy. I wish you the best on your path to a better you. You got this!
Just stumbled across your channel randomly. Just wanted to say it takes a HUGE amount of courage to admit your weaknesses and want to change them for the betterment of yourself. Rooting for you brother!
Thanks. Almost a month now!
I used to be the same way. I didn't have to drink all the time, but when I did drink I didn't stop. One day I realized that nothing good ever came of it, only bad. On my 39th birthday I had my last drink and that was 6 years ago now. I love every second of being sober. I've accomplished so much more in the last 6 years than I did in the previous 20. I'll never go back to alcohol. I started working out regularly and my guitar playing has gotten much better.
JESUS
Exactly the same story, except I only came to this decision 2 weeks ago. Hopefully I can keep to my decision.
Haha! I also have that exact same story! Something happens to a man when they hit 40.
Yes would agree , after 40 ish ,you need to change l get clean with smart recovery , best of luck mate
I quit drinking 4 years ago and life continues to get better and better. I have a 14 month old daughter now and my relationship with my wife is great. I true believe had I not quit drinking I wouldn’t have a wife or a daughter. Choosing not to drink has truly improved my life and the lives of the people close to me.
Thank you for sharing! That must have been tough. Don't know why your video came up in my feed but I'm glad it did. You are not alone!
Bro... u r so brave! I have 12 years of sobriety and u r doing exactly what u need to do.... OWN IT BROTHER. U r helping so many others by telling ur story. I'm not gonna sugar coat it and say that sobriety is an easy road but when ppl get in the mindset that u seem to be in... there's no stopping u from being who u wanna be! U got this man... keep that head up high! U got my sub, my support and my prayer brother! Keep making beautiful things my man!
Prayers
Thank you for that extremely vulnerable share. As someone who’s also in recovery. The opposite of addiction is connection. You are exactly what I needed to hear today ti keep me going on my journey! Welcome it gets a lot better!
Thanks for your support. All the best on your continued journey.
Takes a lot of courage to make a video like this...difficult to record, even harder to post it for the world to see. Its a message that a lot of people need to hear so they know, like you said, that they aren't alone.
I am not an expert in any of these subjects but what has made a huge positive difference in my life is NOT eating processed foods. No fast food, whole foods with no additives. Reduce refined sugars as much as possible, exercise, get good sleep and drink as little as possible. Going for a short walk each day if you can't get to a gym. AND dont get down on yourself. Everyday wont be perfect, just try to do a little bit better each day. Quitting things "cold turkey" can lead to failure. Give yourself time to adapt to a new way of living....feeling great becomes addictive. You dont know how good you can feel, until you feel good.
Moments like these, for me, are wake up calls. Maybe you got really lucky...maybe this was a small event that will prevent a larger devastating event. Hopefully a positive can be taken from all of this. Best of luck, keep talking, keep sharing.
Thanks Mike, your honesty and humility are very appreciated. A wake up call is never a comfortable thing to experience, as I can say from experience.
First time I’ve seen your channel. I’m not a drinker. I’ve been exposed to it in my family though. It takes a lot of courage and transparency to make a show like this. I wish the best for you. Please get someone to help you. It can’t be done alone.
Thanks very much!
That first step is the hardest, proud of you for making the decision. Getting sober is the best thing I ever did for myself and I am never going back. Onwards and upwards!
Thanks, friend!
You are not alone Mike. Stay strong and keep plugging away. You'll get there!
Thanks for the support!
I just stumbled upon your page brother and i stopped flat in my tracks because man this is incredibly inspiring. Owning your actions and self reflecting is very difficult. Man to man we love ya brother. You got this.
You've made the 1st step. I AM PROUD OF YOU! one minute, hour, or day at a time...
Thanks very much!
Had been struggling with my own sobriety. I really needed to hear this. I've only ever seen one or two of your videos. This one was impactful and helpful. Thank you, man. Good luck, hang in there. I know it's hard.
Thanks!
Hey man, long time woodworker here… I wanted to share something that helped me manage depression, alcohol, and stress life of working. It sounds stupid to write it, but when my husband and I tried to quit, we had just bought a Sauna. We started sauna’ing in the morning and at night, and it kinda replaced that nightly want to medicate the day away. We’ve also added an ice bath in the morning and it has by no means cured our want to drink, but it did temper it in a way. Just sharing with you because we all need all the help we can get!
Recovered Alcoholics know it's the little things that add up, and in the end, make all the difference!
Brave. Mad respect. Good luck in your journey!
I was in an extremely similar situation as you three years ago. I told myself “ don’t ever forget how I feel right now”. I checked into rehab the next morning ( I drank quite a bit to get the courage to check in) because I needed to remove myself from the problem. 30+ years of heavy drinking ended that day. Concentrate on quitting first, that IS your health, everything will get healthier after that. Take a deep breath, you can do this. Your creativity isn’t at the bottom of a bottle. As you progressively get better, the need to self medicate will lessen. You are so close. You are not alone.
Thanks for your support. Glad you've found your path!
Congrats on your sobriety. 19 years for me. What you said about not forgetting how you felt that moment, that reminded me of some very good advice I got early in my rehab "Don't remember your last drink, remember your last drunk"
I subscribed to your channel based on this video. 19 years sober here. You aren't alone and there's an army of folks that can and will help if asked. My father could never get his struggles with alcohol under control and it led to his death. He stumbled, intoxicated, as he left his workshop. The fall caused him to fracture his neck in 2 places and that set off the medical chain of events that would find him dead 4 weeks later.
22 years here. You are not alone Mike.
Sorry to hear about your father. Congratulations on your 19 years. Thanks for sharing!
11yrs clean and sober, after decades of addiction brother, sounds like you've reached your turning point, take every shred of help you can find, take every second as it comes, and keep on keeping on
Bless you for having the courage to share this, and you can do this buddy
Heck yeah Ralphy if you and I did he sure can 👊🏾
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing - it takes a lot of courage to acknowledge an addition problem. Wishing you the best and hang in there! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Something that helped me was the acronym H.A.L.T which stands for hungry, angry lonely, tired. Every time my had an extreme urge to drink or even just a little urge, I would run that through my head and without doubt, one or more of those things would be occurring in addition to the compulsion to drink. That acronym allowed me space and pointed to other causes, which allowed me to ultimately address those causes. Once I would address the root issue(s) , it made it much easier to decide not to drink or entirely eliminated the compulsion. Did it work 100% of the time? No. But it worked a significant amount of time which put me on a trajectory to ultimately quit the habit altogether. It got easier and easier overtime to choose an alternate path. At this point, I rarely feel the compulsion. But when I do, it’s so easy to recognize it and choose not to do it that it presents basically no challenge at all to do so.
I would also say that to label yourself, an alcoholic may be counterproductive. For me, I avoided that label because to me making that a core part of my “story“ would have set up an internal adversarial struggle that I was not interested in. To me it is a footnote and something that I did learn from, but not a core part of my character.
The last thing is that expecting yourself never to drink again is probably unrealistic. It took me lots of tries. Having the recognition that this is a skill you are developing and working on may help you. Because I found that if I gave into the shame/guilt/disappointment it was much easier to completely give in. I still felt those things, but I acknowledged them, felt them, and decided to try again. Those emotions are your body indicating to you that you need to make a change, you need to try again. And I retain that openness today in that I don’t know if I will drink again, but if I do I will wake up the next day and choose to try again.
The goal is to get to a point where you are not exerting effort constantly, the choice not to drink becomes second nature as you improve the skill, to the point that you don’t even think about it. Labeling yourself as alcoholic and setting up this struggle of addiction creates an internal environment of “good” vs “bad”. To me thinking of it dispassionately as a skill is much more productive.
Urge to drink ==> getting alcohol ==> drinking
Create space before you can get the alcohol.
Urge to drink ==[create space here]==> getting alcohol ==> drinking
So that it becomes
Urge to drink ==> H.A.L.T ==> eat something/go for a walk/call a good friend or family/go to sleep or get some rest.
THIS
I agree with you about the grief that comes along with ever drinking again and part of the reason I could never do the program. They pump your head full of grief and tell you that if you drink it’s all over you are going to die you might as well go full out….. and I think that is an extremely negative and destructive thing to put into peoples heads
❤
👏🏻
Lonely can also mean bored. You can sub one for the other but yes that is a good principle to live by. If you’re hungry, angry, lonely/bored, tired please deal with those feelings instead of drinking. Push through and address those items.
I’m so happy for you! I’m a career carpenter and 9yrs sober. Since living sober my career has reached levels I never imagined. I believe in you and also believe the best years of your life are still ahead.
I’ve never seen your channel before this video but I will definitely be subscribing. Nice work!
Thanks so much, and congratulations on 9 years!
Mike, thank you for having the courage to put out this video. I know the struggle will be hard, but you will find that a life without the crotches will be more defined and clear. All of your friends, family, and subscribers will see you as a happier person. Hang in there and get help when you need it. You can count me in as a new subscriber. Good luck, and keep building.
Thanks very much
Thank you for sharing this process of self healing with "The World" because we as a people EVERYWHERE need this in our lives as well. It is not about being a drama or any other negativity but this is actually about Weakness & Strength, Frustrations & Compassion, and really what it is to be a growing person, which we all are allowed to do and should do. This might not make sense to all but will make sense to the ones who need it most. True Strength is not a lack of weakness but excepting it and even showing it to others so others may learn as well. A huge part of being human is to know your self and that does not come from always running away from the things we don't like (even when it's about the self which can hurt at first) but instead to embrace it so that there may be growth. Anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do it. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS.
It took a lot of courage to make this video. Know that everyone who loves you wants you to succeed. But you have to want it more. Keep looking in that direction and accept the support and assistance you need. There is no shame in needing help. Best of luck to you. I look forward to seeing more of you.
Thanks for the kind words and support!
Hello. 986 day sober and still going . Best thing I ever did for myself. I had the same issues, therapy helped me manage my PTSD and hobbys, health, writing. Whatever is a positive direction for you to put your time into. You can do this, it's well worth it.
Thanks. And congratulations on your streak. I'm almost at a month!
Mike. You said it wasn't a "Mike makes a thing" episode..but you made at least 3.
Good sense. Great decisions. Honest assessments of your life.
I really hope your journey to what you want to be is going good.
I’m new here Mike I will support you in my prayers, and I will start watching you! I don’t know you, but I am so proud of you for being honest, L am in my seventy’s and time flys by so quickly. Your story will surely help other people, you are very courageous for sharing this with us, God Blessyou Mike you can do this! Keep your mug full of coffee and have a big water bottle maybe with a slice of lemon, peppermints might come in handy too! 😘🙏🏻💕
Hi Mike, my wife after 20 Years of struggling with alcohol read a book, Allen Carr’s “Quit drinking without willpower”. She hasn’t touched a drop in 5 years and today is a very happy non-drinker. I bought her the book after hearing about it on a podcast.
Congratulations to wife!
I read his book 10 years ago. Lifetime drinker. Haven’t had a drop of the poison since.
I read his quit smoking book, and quit smoking, too.
That man is a Saint.
I also recommend this book!
Me too!
Wow, you are a brave man with courage to SHARE your PAIN. Thanks for showing your vulnerability! I got your back!! I have alcoholism in my family and lost my dad when I was 21 who died from it. Much love and respect! If he could have spoken about his pain back then like you are now, maybe he would still be here with me. Thanks for sharing and seek the HELP you DESERVE!
Thank you, good sir. I am with you in this struggle. I am the same way. I lost my wife a year ago. She did not make it after open heart surgery. I started drinking (again). I have made a complete ass of myself (again). The struggle is real. The struggle is hard. I totally understand where you're at, and I'm 66. I have other health problems on top of it all. Know that you are not alone brother.
Thanks very much!
Good for you Mike! Love me some growth and positive vibes and you are putting both on display. Never been here before but I may stop by again, best of luck and keep on keepin’ on! 🙏
I have never seen your channel, but that was very brave. As the others have said, you are not alone. Lean on family and friends. Good luck on your journey!!
Thanks. All the best on yours, as well.
25 yrs sober and there’s no doubt that life is better without booze. You feel better, look better and have a clear head and most of all you’ll fully appreciate every minute, hour and day without the numbing effects of alcohol! Be strong.
So not drinking literal flavored FUEL has positives? Amazing!
Dropped it to raise kids. Used to drink quite a bit,not cut out for it - also quit around 25 years ago.
Plenty of regrets from drinking - none from quitting.
Like Robert E. Lee said, "I like the taste of whiskey,..which is why I never drink it."
@@steelcelt5939excellent! Thank you for sharing
@@g0tsp33d I mean, really, all food is fuel. Digestion is a combustion reaction....
The way we even measure how many calories of energy food has is by blowing up that food in a special machine.
What's interesting about alcohol consumption is after enough of it, for long enough, your body will adjust to accept the ethanol as if it were a macronutrient, and quitting cold turkey in that state can be dangerous.
Alcohol can be used as a fuel but that's not *why* it's dangerous. You can power a circuit with a lemon. You need salt to live which is made from atoms of an explosive metal and a deadly poison gas. The most universally useful solvent in the world is also 60% of our bodies.
3 years here man, you can do it, you just have to buckle down. Your life will be far far better without alcohol in your life. I hope you are able to make the journey and find peace.
Thanks. Congratulations on your 3 years!
Keep fighting man, this fight is one that not everyone survives long enough to fight. Sending strength 🙏🙏
Your courage to speak openly about your problems is very remarkable. Congratulations on realizing that alcohol will not solve your problem. As someone who has direct and indirect experience with depression, I sincerely wish you the very best for your future. I really hope you find a way out.
Thanks for your support! Appreciate it!
Just found your channel and have to say we have a lot in common. I’ve been a master carpenter for 30 years, also don’t have an off switch once I start drinking. I’ve been sober for 8 months. I’m talking to a really good councilor that’s helped tremendously. One step, one day at a time. You’ll make it, sometimes you need that good kick in the arse to set yourself on a new path. I wish you all the best, it can be done.
Thanks very much, and best of luck on your journey, as well.
We got you man. You are not alone...you can do this.
Hey buddy, you can do it!! I’m closing in on 12 years sober myself and if a hick like me from rural Appalachia can do it so can you! Woodworking for me has been very helpful. You seem like a cool guy and if nobody has to you lately I appreciate you. Take care. I’m not one to leave comments often but you looked like you could some encouragement. If you want to reach out I’d be more than glad to help in anyway I can. You got it my guy
Thanks very much, my guy!
Props to you! This takes a lot of courage to share. So many of us have had those horrible mornings. I'm 5 weeks in as well :) Stay strong 💪
Mike, I appreciate your honesty and courage in sharing your struggles with alcohol and depression. It takes a lot to open up like that. I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt after your fall. That’s a wake-up call for all of us.
It's clear you're using your woodworking as a form of self-care, but it's important to find healthier ways to cope. Please don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. You’re not alone in this.
Your fans are here for you, and we want to see you thrive. Remember, there's no shame in seeking support. Let’s work together to overcome this.
Losing a friend to alcohol is heartbreaking. I don't want to see that happen to you. Your loved ones need you.
Thanks Dusty.
You're a good man and people should tell you that every day
Today marks 3 years of sobriety for me.
I had been trying to "control" my drinking for about 15 yrs prior to that - what I hope is my last sobriety date I ever need to track. I would have stints of months and occasionally years of abstaining from alcohol, but would always slip up eventually.
Alcoholism is a patient disease which convinces us that we are ok, that it wasn't really all that bad to begin with, that he/she/they were just overreacting (and you're better off without them anyway).
What has worked for me is working the steps of AA, finding a home meeting, making connections with other people who are going through the same challenges, having people I can call and talk to about stuff I wouldn't share with anyone else. I resisted AA for many years because of the "God talk" but once I realized that they weren't talking about Religion but rather a personal connection with something greater than myself, it became much easier.
I sincerely wish you all the best, brother.
Thank you brother i needed this. Been sober 5 days. And every minute is a challenge. But we got this. Just have begin to see the world differently that is sober. That way we can fix what drives us away from sobriety. God bless you brother 🙏
Glad to hear you are taking care of yourself, keep putting one foot in front of the other. Hope you resume the old ‘Mike makes something’ live show format in the future when you are ready.
We're gonna be talking about that this Saturday. That's the hope. Thanks, friend.
There's nothing wrong with reaching out and finding help.
You're not alone! You're not in this by yourself!!
Stay strong!
Super brave to put yourself out there like this. Best of luck with your journey.
Thanks very much. I'll keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I am not into woodworking, but youtube suggested your video to me and I found it very genuine of you. I wish you the best by man! World and life throws us some curve balls and it is not uncommon for each and every one of us to find less healthy ways to handle things. Hope our paths cross again. All the best!
It is the right first step admitting the problem. Wish you luck as you move forward.
Thank you!
Prayed for you brother, and will continue to do so. Very hard to come out and be this honest about something like this, so God bless you and may u find true freedom
Thanks!
Incredible strength. Thank you.
Funny, you mention not being alone in the struggle. That is actually my struggle...I have to do everything alone. Boring and slow, constant complaints tossed my way....not a rewarding work life whatsoever.
But... there are these moments, like watching this video.
I may not be able to send help your way but I'll make sure to help others...tHanks to your wise words today.
Thanks very much! All the best to you in your journey!
One step at a time, one day at a time is how you do it. You made the hardest part look easy, admitting there's a problem is the hardest. Most ppl go there entire life in denial. Just remember do the best you can, mistakes will happen, maybe even relapses. Stay the course, keep the ones who support the change around and let go of the ones that don't. The road to recovery is forever, you can't get off this road, the speed limit changes all the time, there are no lines paint but you'll know when you leave it, remember to enjoy the ride it's what we are here for isn't? Also one last thing welcome to the club it's a pleasure to have you join us.
Thanks, friend.
Good on you. You’ve taken the first step. 17+ years without it here and I can say that I don’t crave or want it, but it wasn’t on my own doing. My thinking got me into that mess and my thinking couldn’t get me out, I had to reach out to others and with a therapist and going to meetings, I found hundreds of people who told the same story that I did. I finally felt at home. No longer do I count beers and watch the clock, hoping that I have enough of both. I’m 45 and my kids don’t ever remember me drunk. Good luck, and what worked for me was surrounding myself with others that have been successful in what I want, and listening to what they tell me to do.
First step has to come before any of the rest of them! Thanks!
Congratulations and Stay Strong! I'm 5 1/2 years not drinking and it added nothing useful to my life. Good luck and thank you for being so open about your struggle- it will help so many others in the same place. (And I've enjoyed your woodworking!)
Hey Mike, talking it out really does help the processing. I’m 4 1/2 years sober and unfortunately I didn’t quit soon enough. Was always the guy that didn’t stop once I started. Was doing a fifth of vodka and a 6 pack every night. A couple of major surgeries and a little bit of cirrhosis later here I am all sober and such. I’m not a super active subscriber but I do hop on your livestreams when I get the chance. I’m here to talk if you ever want to. I didn’t go the AA route but I damn sure wouldn’t have made it without my friends and family. Speaking the realization out loud is the first thing you have to do to understand that this is the reality of the situation. Here for you, you are not alone in this
Thanks, friend. In some ways I'm glad I fell and hurt myself last week. I think I needed that. And it's always good to hear you're not alone. So thanks for that, as well.
@@WoodenThingsAndStuffof course. Hurting yourself is a good time to take a step back and try to look at what you are doing and why. Generally happy well adjusted people don’t drink til they blackout and get hurt, quitting alcohol was NOT an amazing instant fix but it made me stop hiding from my issues and figure out how to process them so I could start moving on. I will always love that feeling of the first sip of a drink and the warm tingle of that first shot but I have to make myself remember the friggin mountain of bad that came along with it including shortening my expected lifespan and crippling myself. Don’t wait as long as I did.
I’m going on 5 year sobriety. My left arm is very scarred up from falling through a glass door. Recovery is possible man! Proud of you for taking the first steps.
Very brave thing to do. As others have said, you are not alone. I would encourage you to get with a group of people like AA or Celebrate Recovery. That way you can be with others who are also struggling with something like this. Don't try to go it alone. It's easier with someone to help hold you up and encourage you. Good luck.
Thanks!
hey man ive never seen you before until this video popped up on my recommendations today, i struggled a lot with depression and mental health and i am so proud of you for everything you said in this video and i see theres a pinned message with you having done everything you wished you could do in this video. i'm so proud. you're brave as fuck for all the things you said and how vulnerable you let yourself be.
you're a good man and i hope you continue to reach all the heights you want to reach.
I feel you brother. I'm exactly like you. Don't give up. Prayer helped me.
Thanks
At the age of 35, I came to the realization that if I continued drinking as I was, I would die. I also knew that if I stopped drinking, I would die. For one year, I attempted to do it on my own. I came in to contact with a group of folks who showed that, A. there was HOPE and B. That I didn’t have to do it alone. That was over 29 years ago. There is so much support out there. As you can see from the comments here, you are not alone and you have plenty of cheerleaders rooting you on. A did it through a 12 step program. That is not the only way recovery can happen. It’s just the way that worked for me.
Stay strong. Lean on the woodworking community.
Same age as me when i came to teh same realisation - stop of not be here in a year
I'm 40 days sober. This is the longest I've gone without a drink for 30+ years. My story mirrors yours quite a bit. I've had to get all the help I can. Psychiatrist, psychologist, and am attending AA daily. It requires a lot of work, which sucks, but it's worth it. We have a problem which can't be fixed in our own strength.
I just passed one month. Longest for me, too.
Well, your work is incredible! Please continue to do the best for yourself… you are on the right path! My sister 54, we are trying to help her too… stay strong!
We love you Mike, you got this!!! You can call me anytime, you know this. Remember you don't have to go through this alone. In your words "you're not alone". Love you mate ❤
Thanks friend!
I fight depression and anxiety myself. Recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have learning disability. It takes a strong person to admit when we need help. I started telling friends and family about my diagnosis. The amount of people coming forward because of me saying I need help is shocking. Your video brought tears to my eyes because I can relate to a lot of it. I have never been a drinker because it makes me very sick. Wood working helps me clear my head. Stand tall and proud and get help. Do it one day at a time.
wishing you positive energy on your journey through this confusing world
God bless you, brother. As a combat veteran who struggled with that. I gave my Heart to Jesus and that desire to drink is no more. Not from one day to the next, but God gives you strength.
Wise words. God bless you
Amen
For many people there is simply zero evidence for the existence of deities. We can't "force" ourselves to believe. With that in mind, there are other ways to stop drinking that don't require religion. If religion works for you, that's great, but "belief" is really not a choice. Take care and be well.
@elmoblatch9787 Not forcing religion on anyone. Religion doesn't save only Jesus can. I just shared what worked for me as a combat veteran who drank all the time and hated everyone. I am praying for ya.
@@elmoblatch9787 Many people choose to not believe or trust the evidence, is more accurate, but I respect everyone's choices when it comes to faith. Not here to start a debate though, take care :)
Sup mike, never seen a video of yours in my life. This is your very first first video I’ve come across and I’m so freaking. Glad I found it….. today is the first day of the rest of your life. I’m looking forward to your journey of renewal…. You got this brother. This life is what we make it, and you’re never alone.
AA does work and Counseling with License Therapist help. You did the first step. How brave you are!
Thanks. First step is a biggie.
Brave first step my man. I'm just over 4 years sober in AA. I also see a therapist who is almost 50 years sober in AA. I'm in Australia and we have very different lives but we are similar. When we start to drink we cannot stop. I believe you are in Canada? I know guys up there that may be able to help if you want it and my therapist does online sessions. Please reach out and we can swap emails if you would like. Even if it's just to talk. Yes I am a "complete stranger" but I feel you. I've been there and I will do all I can.
You can do this great thing! You are smarter than I was. I waited until I turned 50. Since deciding to live sober, with the Grace of my Higher Power, God I have managed to string together more than 22 years of sobriety, one day a the time. Please reach out to others who can help you.
Thanks for the support
None of us can do anything without God, yet people rather suffer their entire life than to give in and just let Him in. It's not religion, it's reality. If God doesn't exist, then there is no meaning to anything anyway. Thankfully, He's real and putting your trust in Him you become bulletproof and nothing bad affects you anymore. Society wants to remove God and as you can see everything only gets worse. @Spence321 It looks like it's just me and you here, a bit alarming, they just don't get it. Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result is insanity.
Rarely has anyone found sobriety on their own. There is hope and help out there with people just like you and trying to live one day at a time sober.
I know there are. Thanks for your support
@@WoodenThingsAndStuffyou can do it bro. I had similar wake up call you you about 11 years ago. Quit all drugs and alcohol that day. Rough going I'll tell you but have never felt, thought, behaved better in my life. The best part, every day you are lil better than the last so the progression keeps you going. God bless you! Start strong. Be a leader.
You can do it. You just have to want to. Eat breakfast lunch and dinner. Keep your belly full.
That's how I did it. I drank a full case of beer every day by myself every day for years. Then make and eat way to dinner and go to bed. I was sick of being sick mentally and physically. I was 45. Went to treatment around 27. I knew it was time and I was ready. I felt I would be dead soon if didn't stop. I also needed to do it on my own. No aa. I wasn't going to listen to youngsters etc whine about their lives and shit. When I knew most were just bs. Anyways. It took around 5 years to straighten my head out. As best as it could.
That was just short of 10 years ago. I now have a very good woman. 85 acre ranch. Etc. Etc. Etc. Best decision of my life. Sometimes it takes age, wisdom and experience to help yourself help yourself. If that makes sense. To learn yourself to know yourself. To heal yourself. Only you can do this. If you really want to and are truly ready. And stick to it. Good luck 👍
I found it was time to grow the f up. Patience it will take time. You will become a man that you never thought existed. 😊
@@WoodenThingsAndStuff read my message down below. I accidentally wrote it on this guy's thread
One above lol.
Hey man, I just stumbled upon this video on your channel...this is my introduction to you and all I got to say is that ''YOU GOT THIS!'' you are open and honest about the things you are dealing with and share it with complete strangers on the internet but know that some of these same people (me included) are rooting for your recovery and that you will rise above all the struggles!
You got this big man, I liked and subscribed just to see your journey and creation.
SIR, EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. 🍹🍸🍺 Keep doing and livin just as you have been. You need to control your alcohol amounts. Starting today you have a 3 drink a day limit. Enjoy your life.
That may work for some, but it won't for me. I'd rather have none than struggle to stop at 3 and maybe not be able to.
JESUS CHRIST saved my life, im now 8 months sober, please seek the Lord people he will change your life, the gospel is my name tag, God bless ❤
Hey Brother. I saw the title of your video and it just resonated with me as I have said the same thing so many damn times. I can't live like this any more. I know exactly where that comes from.
I'm struggling with the same problems that you are and I'm 45 also! It's just so very hard and confusing.
I saw your face and heard your words and it was like I was seeing and hearing myself.
I appreciate and applaud you for being so open and honest and having the strength to work on things.
I'm not there yet, even though I know it's literally killing me and ruining my life. Why isn't that enough for me to change?
I will follow your journey and look for inspiration.
Thank you for putting this out there.
I wish you all the best.
00:16 I'm just gonna say; as a fellow tradesman, Don't do that! Good luck with sobriety...I've never had that sort of problem, but my sister did...5 cents worth of advice for free; TWO DRINKS. PERIOD. It's part of a man's discipline...You're a better man than that...
Some can limit themselves, but I’ve seen many more who struggle need to go all or nothing. It’s too easy to have more than two if you have a six pack sitting there.
@@Pepega_Pig A man is judged by his strength and strength of character...You don't want to be a stick in the mud either...2 drinks is more'n you need.
If your judged by 2 drinks or 0 drinks i wouldn't care what the judge thinks lol my sister is clean for 5yrs and she can't have a single drink . Unless you have really fell down that hole and lived it personally. Its easy for us to set limits for people suffering for alcoholism . It runs deep in my families bloodline . For that I don't even give myself the chance so I stopped drinking all together 10yrs ago .. its hard god it's hard for them to stop . Especially alcoholism because alcohol is legal and promoted EVERYWHERE so you can't block it out like drug addicts can ... good luck to this guy with his sobriety .and anyone going down the path to light ... my only advice .GO TO MEETINGS! the only time my sister and grandmother fell off the wagon was when they stopped going to meetings . Everyone is different/ I am a super private person and would never do meetings ... so do whatever works for you lol now I'm rambling . Either way GOODLUCK
You recommend 2 max? 💯
@@warriormessiah3134 It's more'n you need...When you get hammered you get in trouble. And that's two drinks in 2 hours. 1 hour apart...
You got this! And you can be so proud of yourself for recognising the issue and trying to battle it head on! A very commendable characteristic :)
Great job and congratulations on recognizing all this, wanting to change and bravely speaking about it. We're all struggling silently, side by side. I have a black and blue toenail from losing my temper and I'm getting better. Thank you.
Good on you! One month sober here as well and I feel like I'm way more energetic. Hope you find your way and be proud of yourself for doing it! If you have a relapse, just remember the important part is not that you tripped, it's that you get back up!
As a note, for me sports was a really good out to get my head out of wanting a drink. I'm sure you'll find your out.
Hey Mike. Was just recommended this video by RUclips. Ok, I am 45 seconds in and in tears already. The courage and wisdom you possess to recognize you are hurting yourself hit me really hard. You are embarking on a personal upgrade and I know it will be challenging. But life is offering you this opportunity to elevate. Super proud of you. You've got this
Mike thank you so much for sharing this its what I know ALOT of us need to hear. You are strong brother, sharing this is not easy. I'm 49 years old and feel like I'm going through very similar stuff. Drinking,depressed and know I need to change things. Again thank you for sharing and you've got this and you'll feel so much better. God bless you bro 🙏🏼 good luck my friend
Just popped on my feed. Subscribed for being open and honest about your mental health issues. I recognize a lot of what you're talking about. Chronic depression and ADHD diagnosis as an adult. Still working on doing and being better as I'm nearly 40. ADHD medication has helped me tons with controlling my emotions and addictions. Daily exercise and more proper nutrition (not perfect at all) has helped me keep the darkness at bay. My family has been key in minimizing social pressures, preventing alcoholism and generally keeping tabs on my mental health. I'm particularly good at masking, so nearly burned out at work while trying to support my significant other who's going through a rough patch herself.
It will be a long journey and it will be bumpy, but keep at it. It will never end, but it will be more manageable. You cannot do it alone, though. Get help. You're worth it.
I hope this is a step on a better path in life, man. Never watched your things in the past but I like woodworking/handicraft videos etc so this popped up, and seeing this as a first video makes me want to check more into your stuff.
Rooting for you!
Good on you Mike. I never drank but did get hooked on opioids because of a self medicating Doctor I was seeing. With my wife and Nurse next door , I survived it. I suffered with Panic attacks. A theripist I was going to told me two things I use every day. Only YOU can truely fix YOU. And When you feel you are going where you do not want to go, Stop and Re-frame the entire situation. Has worked for me for over 10 years. God Bless God and My Lovely Wife.