I this video i take a look at the benefits of sobriety. I gave up alcohol 3 years ago and my life has improved greatly in that time. Maybe yours can to? SUBSCRIBE!!!!!!!!!
70 days now Thomas...Good on ya. I too believe its part of a trend now...years of socialising in pubs is coming to an end. There is so much more to do...its just making the change and trying newways to enjoy yourself. All the best moving forward x
6 years sober! F*** alcohol. My drinking "friends" disappeared and I found new ones with much healthier interests and my life went to much brighter direction. I suffered from depression and since I'm not drinking anymore also depression disappeared.
So true as soon as I stopped drinking alcohol, my so called friends disappeared and I was the boring one apparently lol 😂 I’m only 38 and I feel great not drinking
Excellent, well done Ingmars. 3 Years + for me. Much prefer the sober life. You get so much time back. I buy motorcycles with the money I spent on booze!
@@GS-xg4nz I'll spend money on hi-fi gear and bicycling. If I could get back all the money i wasted by drinking, I probably could afford to travel around wold at least twice...:D
when you reach the top of the one you dont wanna be one, its gonna be a hell of a fall, but when you finally reach the top of the one you want its gonna be steady as fuck cuz ur sober and loved one's will hold it for you
@@rolandofgilead8968 Absolutely, live life one day at a time. Not simply existing like we once did. Tonight we go to our beds sober; tomorrow we deal with it when it arrives.
Quazi Roberts LOL. I thought I had 29 years. Did the calculator and your right, 30 years!!!!!!!!! The 30 year chip has XXX on the chip. I must pick one up. In reality one only has today. Years come with cumulative of days. I just keep on keeping on. I’m very happy God has given me a life worth living.😁😂
john brennan I am sober 10 years I never promised I would give it up for life I did it a day at a time trust me afeter a while is a simple life style choice “ a life beond your wildest dreams
@@NeckbeardDeathMetalMoshpit define alcoholism? its a very fluid term. im sure im addicted to the internet.. you know.. im talking about alcoholics that truly cannot function in society. those are very rare.
This is true. There isn't much to do that doesn't revolve around alcohol. I picked up target shooting. Drinking while shooting is generally frowned upon.
Tom Murphy and i used to smoke at least a pack of cigarettes when i used to drink and i used to drink daily... so I don’t know what you mean by saying i am not a proper smoker .. lol
This guys description of his life while drinking is like listening to my own life story. Incredible how similar the shared experiences of high functioning alcoholics are.
I started breaking out in hives all over my body after a night of drinking. I tried to blame it on everything besides the poison I was ingesting. My ex is a drunk and doubled down on my ridiculous theories. Ditched him and the booze and now my life and health is in tip top shape. I am down 15 pounds, my skin is glowing and my self awareness is back. No more anxiety and sadness.
I used to drink to the point of drunkenness at least 2 or 3 times a week for almost 25 years to mask pain from sustained childhood abuse. I never considered myself an alcoholic because I thought I didn't 'need it'. Then in my mid forties, I started to get tired of avoiding my feelings, or being shamed by my abusive family for self medicating. I decided to take responsibility for myself and quit smoking and drinking on the same day 6 years ago. I also detached (estranged) myself from my narcissistic parents and brother and got some therapy. Now I can have an occasional drink with dinner but never feel the need to get faded or wrecked. I guess my point is that nothing will change in life until we become accountable for our actions and responsible for our lives. My brother-in-law died in Shanghai last year from alcoholism. He drank himself to death over the course of a few years until one week he went on a huge bender and drank vodka like water. He wasn't feeling well and downed a whole glass of vodka before he lay down to rest. while asleep, his blood alcohol rose above 3.5, the point of toxicity, and his nervous system shut his lungs down. His heart still pumped for a while, turning him blue. His 10 year old daughter found him the next morning dead in bed. His wife was in San Francisco for business that week and his two daughters were alone for almost a day with a state sponsored house keeper until their mom got to them. Alcohol can be an incredibly destructive force on many people's lives, especially one's who don't drink but love someone who does. It can be like a whirlpool, a force of nature that can pull everyone in and shouldn't be messed with irresponsibly. If you're fighting it, never be afraid to ask someone for help.
You're story broke my heart. I'm so sorry about your brother in law. That memory that his daughter will always have of finding him, how tragic. And as for the narcissistic family, I'm right there with you, exactly why I've spent 12 years drinking heavy. Today's the day. My sister told me I could talk to her if I needed when I wanted to drink, but when I didn't and I instead got black out drunk, she tells me I'm disgusting. I'm over it. I'm over the narcissism, I'm over the alcohol, I'm over headaches & nausea & deep lines under my eyes from making myself sick from alcohol, most importantly I'm over the regrets. I want a clear mind and a healthy body. Best of luck to you, keep going strong. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
@@blackstarbird Than you for sharing yours. My niece is still in ongoing therapy over the loss of her dad. There are some good support groups on reddit for adult survivors of familial narcissistic abuse. If you search them out they're not too hard to find. This is a good initial resource to help you vent and find support. I really found that finding out that you're not alone and that there are many people out there with shared & similar experiences really was a first step in helping me detach, set boundaries and start focusing on self-care instead of self harm. It can be extremely frightening in the beginning, discovering things about yourself and seeing how you're family treated you in a new light but the reward is a centered view of your own identity, a sense of self worth and value along with a set of boundaries that you've drawn for yourself that shield you and give you strength and breathing room to change and take that journey of self discovery. Remember, you're not alone in this world, there are others like you that have gone, are going through and will go through everything you're feeling now. Stay strong and start caring for yourself. All the best :)
What a sad story my heart goes out to your nieces who found their poor father dead. Thank you for sharing what must be a very painful experience for you.
@@patrickwalker-nolan7617 Thank you. We had to go through it again last Thanksgiving. My sister-in-law (my Wife's twin) died of a fentanyl overdose. That's two out of four siblings lost to substance OD's. It's been extremely painful.
mitch sheppard I made 11 days thru the Holidays. I had a couple beers yesterday, I am still considering a complete stop due to health and such...Im a better person sober. Congratulations....Way to go...
Fertilized the garden today, glued a threshold down, caulked the sink and bathroom etc...It takes my mind off the drinking and when Im done I have something nice to see for my effort. Bored and alone is when I seem to drink. Great advice.
Almost 15 sober, i was homeless, drunk addict. Now ive lived same home 15 years, have a nice truck, a harley, and credit cards, no debt. If you told me i would be here in this position 16 years ago i would laughed in your face. Its easier to say fuckit i give up ,and wast life away in a bottle a pipe or needle. But in the end your responsible for yourself, that's nobody elses job, life is not fair and yes you probably deserve more, but if you want anything in life, it cant be easy or handed to you, you dont learn anything from being handed opportunity. Thats the painful lesson i have had to learn staying sober, and yes it fucking sucks, nobody tells you after life in a bottle, you have to learn to live life all over again, and deal with the realities of life most have learned in their early teans.
@Jeffrey Dohnger I was a commerical roofer for local union, but I may be starting an apprenticeship for masonry. I am in better physical shape than most kids half my age, I suppose I am lucky.
@Kyle Broflovski You are making several erroneous assumptions. Firstly you assume that I am an alcoholic. I have chosen not to drink. Secondly no one need feel sorry for me as I am not missing drink or missing out. you may or may not be controlled by drink but that is not a matter with which I have previously been appraised though the irrationality of your post may indicate that your judgement was impaired whilst you composed it.
13 years sober and I have completely turned my life around. I went from being homeless to being a loving husband and father. doesn't mean I'm cured I've just learned how to live life without drugs and alcohol.
I can't believe anyone would give this guy a thumb down. he is just sharing positivity and his story, nothing wrong with that. Good luck with your sobriety
Why is it that most people don’t like it when somebody try’s to improve him or herself? It makes them feel worse because of their own insecurity’s. And than they take it out on you. So yeah ‘f’ them
I have had a few friends who occasionally tried to give up drinking. It always came off as a vegan kind of thing. PS, I'm vegetarian and vegans still usually bug me. lol Hey, I'm not sure why it bothered me. Maybe I knew i hated drunks when I was sober. So, I figured they didn't like me if I drank and they didn't.
March 2020 will be 3 years clean and sober! Living with drugs and alcohol was a lifestyle for most of my life, say 30 plus years! Now nearing 50, I am like now what?!? Well, trying to live, being a productive member of a normal society is bewildering. People drink, people do drugs, people smoke! Living life in a fucking AA meeting is a joke!! Maybe year 4 will bring with it more wisdom and understanding. Keeping positive is difficult in trying times but the bit on keeping focus on long term goals makes good sense. Will give it a try.
I stoped drinking around 17 years ago. Just decided it was a waste of my time and money, feel absolutely great, and no hangovers. Good luck with sobriety.
EXACTLY the same reason I stopped alcohol and drugs. I had an eye opening experience of what my future will be if i do not change. 1 month sober from drugs and booze. going to the gym daily, creating goals, volunteering, going to meetings, finding new outlets. I am new to all of this, but god damn do i feel good right now. I do not want to lose this feeling ever again. Good for you! very inspiring to anyone experiencing the difficulty of making big changes.
Alcohol and drugs ,smoking,and talking misery! The govt doesn't mind it helps them control people.Drinking ruins people and takes them captive( not all ).Especially the Irish,American Indian,Scandinavian, and people who cant control it. Abstinence is the best way to go for health and wealth. God Bless you Sir! You are saving lives and families. Keep it up folks need to hear this.
Going 3 weeks here. The first couple of days were hell. But I feel great now and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m terrified of relapsing, so I have to remind myself what’s truly at stake here. Stay strong!
I’ve been sober for 2 months. Just got fed up with the bs results I kept getting with life. Even just 2 months in I feel so much better both mentally and physically. Very thankful. I support!
@@palangnar3588 Yep. I drank every day for 15 years; used to play in a band, Rock'n'Roll lifestyle, bla bla bla. Started on only beer, last 5 years drank anything while working in a bar. The last 2 years daily intake was about a crate of medium size beers, a bottle of 22% Spanish liqueur, and an "early morning" litre of beer and maybe 3 to 5 shots of whisky to get rid of the shakes (still working at the bar). Wa eating only to be able to drink. Would wake up in the middle of the night shaking and have to have a drink to sleep. Was miserable, depressed and decided to stop. Did so on a Monday. Wednesday started hearing voices. Friday was put into a psychiatric ward with a severe case of the DT's! On Saturday woke up after medication feeling not bad, could not leave so decided to enjoy my stay. Enjoyed food for the first time in years; oh, the taste of chicken! Sunday was released feeling even better, spent the day with my daughter at a fun fair and on Monday was back working at the bar. Nobody thought I'd be able to keep off the stuff but believe me, I was so tired of drink having been the boss of me for so many years, the headaches, hangovers and worrying if there was gonna be drink at the party that I never even felt the tiniest temptation of going back. Still smoke, still drink coffee, just no booze.
@@BenjaminLeeWright Well done man, I'm starting tomorrow. I've done 5 months a few times and a new decade seems like the time, cheers for the video, Merry Christmas!
Close to 5 years sober here... one day at a time. I miss being able to escape reality, but it's a cowards existence. The 'ability' to feel everything feels like a curse at times, but the alternative is unacceptable. Trying to live life being grateful is so difficult. Not throwing myself a pity party every day is so difficult. But other than completing a half marathon a few months ago, nothing comes close to the feeling of pride and accomplishment on not giving in to my demons for so long! It truly is a great thing to be able to have control over your life. To be the captain of your ship. Seize the day, and keep on keepin on.
25 years sober and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. If you're struggling with addiction get help. It's not always easy but it's always worth it.
It forces you to confront your inadequacies and demons...I'll be 2 years off alcohol at the end of January. The first year was difficult . This 2nd year I've experienced massive growth and really confronted myself, began to really experience love and joy, and now starting to realize that life as actually fucking awesome
Crazy the “sitting around in the same pub” is the same here in my small town in the states. Same bullshit small town drama. It gets old. Stay sober. Hope one day I can say the same.
Long road yet mate stay positive and like Luke say "one day at a time" don't overwhelm yourself with a long target, I do get what you're saying though. *Good luck and I hope you make it*
I will take this popping into my feed after weeks of considering quiting alcohol as a sign to start. Day 1. I will report back after 1 month of no drinking :)
@@groundhogguns5828 I guess a lot of people have the all or nothing mentality, if one slips doesn't mean they have to go back to the old ways, use rare situations in smaller amounts as no tolerance to it. Also Look into NAC if abused alcohol it's very good at restoring liver damage (from alcohol and such) and the prefrontal cortex.
I been sober and drug free for 3 years now my life was a mess due to drink and drugs I’ve never felt better and happier any one who gives up an addiction deserves a bog thumbs up 👍🏻
Congratulations. It is a true accomplishment. I'm 25 years sober and have never looked back. My live turned around in a big direction and every year more successful than the next. Alcohol is a destroyer and so many don't realized it and will go to their graves never knowing. Keep moving forward and don't look back.
I'm glad you'd be able to do that. I personally have never drank any alcohol. I'm 23 years old in the US. I have had plenty of opportunities before I was of age to buy it and obviously after. I didn't want to get started because I saw how often it hurt or messed with my family and friends. The things they went through was thankfully a lesson for me. God bless any of you that read this. No matter what your going through in life. I wish you the best.
Check out the four agreements by don Luis I think his name is. It's very spiritual and all about letting go and not taking everything personal. I'm just over 25 years. I was very angry too. Two years is great. It gets a lot easier with time
Congratulations on your sobriety John. Be proud of what accomplished these past two years. I am at 5 days... after once going 6 months... then 9 months... and aspire to reach the success you’ve had. My last failed attempt was 4 years ago so now I feel I’m ready.
I had a fire in my life, it wasn't my house that burnt down it was everything I held close to me. The alcohol helped me a lot because it postponed the pain. But I had to face it eventually. I'm over emotional stress yet I'm still drinking. I'm fed up with it and I'll join you on next years. Thanks for the inspiration, I'll check back. :)
Be safe, James. After 12 years of hard drinking 7 days a week, I went 14 days 3 weeks ago...and then the stinking holidays came. Didn't do well at all. But, lets keep fighting. We can kick this shit. At the end of those 14 days, I was feeling a lot better. And I was sleeping good too. For the first week, I didn't sleep a wink. I sat on my couch 24/7 staring at the wall. And that voice in my head... It told me I had done horrible things. I suggest not stopping Cold Turkey like I did. Plan some time off from work, and check yourself in to rehab. It took a kind Police Officer to Baker Act me.
I woke up january 1st 2020 and said to myself I will not drink alcohol anymore. I'm an alcoholic and have been sober for 4 days today. I started binge drinking when I was 19. I am 39 now. I feel strong and shall keep my promise to myself. Tomorrow it's gonna be 5 days. If you guys managed, chances are I shall prevail as well. God help us all.
60 days sober as of today! It's taken years of failed attempts but I finally made it 😊 In hindsight, I don't see the appeal of alcohol and cannabis. So grateful this video randomly showed up on my suggested videos list 😇💙 Looking forward to the forever journey of creating my best self!
I decided to stop drinking yesterday. I never thought I’d make that decision but when I reflected on when I’d put my safety, or my relationship at risk, I’d been drinking (or what most people would call drunk). I don’t know when to stop and so I realized it was just a matter of time before my safety and relationship was in jeopardy again. Shear weight of averages meant it was all going to come undone at some stage. So I’m getting out before it all goes to shit. I enjoyed drinking O% beer at a Xmas thing on the weekend and I really liked myself at the event... I didn’t think I could be such good company sober! It’s worth a try, I know I feel more normal holding a beer at a social occasion with mates who are drinking, worth giving a crack for those who haven’t. All the best to everyone, thanks for the video man!
Quit drinking sometime in early November 2019, not counting the days just taking it one day at a time. I quit using several years ago, quit smoking a couple of years back, drinking was the tough one it had it's claws pretty deep. But a lot of mental preparation and self determination and I feel like I am on the right track.
The human mind can be perverse. It tricks us and leads us to doing self destructive things. One of the oddest quirks of the mind is how much we are drawn to doing something that is bad for us and regarding this as a treat and something that will make us feel better be it sugar alcohol, drugs or whatever. Understanding the impulses that one has is half the battle. It is as the aphorism that understanding the problem is half way to the solution. So many of us repress our feelings and prefer a quick fix of something taken orally to being honest with ourselves as the the impulses we have and understanding the consequences of our impulses and how better to respond to them. Keep it up. Sobriety rocks.
Yes this video resonated with me massively. I'm an alcoholic that has been going through the same cycle of sobriety - heavy drinking - sobriety for years and when I reflect on all the crazy shit I've done whilst blacking out on alcohol I know I'm lucky to be alive. I've recently had a bit of an epiphany and this time I'm determined to give up for good. I'm 14 days into my latest attempt at permanent abstinence. Reprogramming the brain to make yourself realise that you don't need alcohol is the hardest part but I was a former drug addict and I beat that years ago so I know I can do it. The part where you mentioned Einstein's definition of insanity was what resonated with me the most because that is what I have been thinking about so much in the last two weeks because doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome is where I have been with my drinking for more than ten years now.
Being from Scotland and living in Tokyo, it’s tough to give up. Actually just cutting down to a minimal but social drinking with colleagues is such a part of the culture here. Watching this inspires me to cut back considerably.
A single dose of LSD helped my alcohol addiction of over 15 years. I always used alcohol to cover up my shyness and anxiety. I'm an introvert and always struggled to deal with social situations and hence why I used to drink. Alcohol is the worst. Congratulations on the 3 years 😁
@@dannyburns1353 you can do it Danny I had my last drink new years eve 1999 and if i can do it anyone can. I was drinking a litre of vodka a day and ended up in hospital the 2nd of January to detox under medical supervision. I was in hospital 8 days and found it quite easy not to drink again as id gotten so sick of feeling like shit all the time. All i do now is i smoke the occasional joint but thats more for pain relief than getting a buzz.
I very closely related to almost every word out of your mouth hahaha, sober 1 1/2 years!! essentially friendless, mostly because i hate being around drunk people and everyone i know for the most is drunk all the time. i'd rather just be alone and focus on my goals than be surrounded by people who don't get it.anyway, good video!
Watching from Australia I thought I was the only one walking around in the middle of nowhere having these discussions out aloud 16 months sober Great video Keep up the good work Peace
For about 15 years i was binge drinker. THC, Nicotine and heavy drinking become my routine. 2.5 years ago, I turned a new page in my life. I'm not going back to that hell anymore.I find it really interesting to watch a video like this and see the experiences of other people who are sober. When you lose a large part of your friends because you are sober, only then will you realize that you are onthe right path. God bless you all guys
< 52 years old been drinking off and on since before 21 years old. Join the US Navy in 1988 did not help, weekends drunk. Binge drinking on weekends still turning into weeknights now I had enough 31Dec2019 my last drink. Now let us see if I can keep it going. This video has helped thanks Brother.
11 years sober. Made me realize how blind I was during 20 years of drinking to my own paralysis. I had to move away from Ireland to realize I was an alcoholic. I was surrounded by them. I echo all of these sentiments.
Been sober for 48 days after many many attempts to give up which have been a week here a week there. I find it very daunting at how bad my life had become from alcohol but I am now confident I can break the cycle and become a functioning member of society.
@nasser wiz this is not true here in the west, where it's considered good for you in moderation(which is like saying Heroin is good for you if you only take a little, also you seem to be lacking in compassion for your fellow human beings, probably because you come from a background where compassion and kindness is considered a weakness.
After acute pancreatitis and I nearly died I’ve been sober for 7 years whilst doing my day job I have had no help from the government just excellent care from the staff of Wishaw General
Congrats on 3 years. I just hit 6 months myself. My life has improved drastically without the bottle. It's cool to see others improving by letting go of old habbits!
good on you, 5 years for me, everytime I drank, crippling stomach pains, just stopped being fun and became a thing I dreaded as I knew what pain was coming
The part where you said I'm one of those guys who can't just have one drink but has to get drunk That's a lie I believed for a long time that I could just cut down but like you I'm also one of those guys that just can't have just one drink.
Greetings from across the pond. This coming September 1st will be 2 years for me. It's been a grind sometimes and I've lost some friends/drinking buddies along the way but I'm going as far as I can. I come back to this now and then for inspiration. I hope you're doing well.
Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!
I also am comming up to ten years no alcohol. I had spent a good 25 years prior to that drinking Every day, so glad I gave up and I hope I never stray back to it.
I'm 2 years 4 months sober myself and couldn't agree more with this video. Since I've quit I taught myself how to edit videos and now venturing into audio engineering. My metaphor for the sauce is that "Alcohol is the worst best friend you can have. It's always there for you when you need it but never has your best interest."
I am 3 years sober too. Best thing I ever did. They say it gets “better” and life excels now. Lost a lot but gained even more. No one can understand alcoholism unless they have been there. And if they haven’t it doesn’t matter either. Alcoholism is a personal experience and the beauty of life in sobriety is unparalleled. Congratulations sir!
I'm pretty much at the point you were it. I don't have any dark stories, but alcohol is definitely holding me back. I'm 39 and about to be a dad. I want to get out of my 9-5 and do something that will allow me to spend more time with my family. I know giving up drinking and wasting my time when I get home from work and on the weekends just sitting around catching a buzz instead of being productive is what I need to do. So here is to day1 ...again.
I can honestly say that I haven't missed it one bit. You realise how many other things you could be doing with your time and you can also rely on yourself to get them done. Sounds like you're ready for it bro. A very good decision I reckon 👍
I quit because alcohol had taken a serious toll on my immune system, and hangovers started lasting 3-4 days, causing me put my goals to the side. This in turn caused lots of depression. The worst part about having kicked drinking is that you have to face truths you never had to face before, but I'm so focussed, studying, reading, working out. I wouldn't go back. Thanks for the video, Tobe. Your experience and path is very similar to my own.
Just recently realized what you did 3 years ago..I really needed to hear someone else say all that ...its been 25 years of boozing it up..and can relate to almost everything you said. New decade. new me...and it's about time..thanks
Aaron Heminger Yup....we have got to stop thinking of the great times we are not having. And make some great times sober. I don't know where this video come from but I'm down to everything it stands for.
This certainly means something to someone, myself included. I am only about 24 days into my sobriety but I have the same thoughts and story as the one you have shared with us here. I am having the time of my life getting my mind and body back! Thanks for making this video. I do believe it will be helpful for anyone who is thinking about putting the bottle down for good.
I'm 6 months behind you. Sober 2.5 years. Feeling real good. Yes. . Thinking longer term, enjoying my brain and I'm dependable for me and all those around me. Every year I'm better than I was. It's all coming together. Better and better.
I think many people (me included) feel like their missing out when they give up alcohol. I just constantly remind myself of all the bad things that happened to me when off my head, the hurt I caused my loved ones, over 20 years of pissed up mistakes. We are not missing out on anything, we are gaining back control of our lives.
Chris Hansen I was thinking the same thing. Today was a rough day and my mind is racing wanting that drink. Reading these comments has definitely changed my mind. I’ll choose sober.
“Thus, a good man, though a slave, is free; but a wicked man, though a king, is a slave. For he serves, not one man alone, but what is worse, as many masters as he has vices.” St. Augustine
Congrats! I'm at 3 years too. I was a daily, extremely heavy drinker. I was having health issues that put me close to death. My weight had dropped to 110lbs, I'd lost most of my muscle mass and had trouble walking. I'd also been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy. One of the hard things I had to do to get better was quitting drinking. I did, I quit cold turkey after I saw a Neurologist. When my GP saw me a couple days after I quit drinking he was shocked. He had been telling me to quit for a long time and he didn't really even know how I was actually drinking. He was worried that I could possibly have a seizure or even a stroke with meds while quitting. I don't think I needed it but I certainly did enjoy the two weeks worth of Bennys he prescribed. I still my drinking though. My health and just about everything in my life has improved greatly since I quit, but I honestly miss the alcohol more than I thought I would. It's not the physical craving so much, although that is there somewhat. More of a mental craving. The social aspect of it. The fun I had while drunk. The awesome thing I've done while drunk. But when I think about it, even if I know how much better my life is now. We mostly seem to remember the good times and not the bad times when it comes to alcohol. Selective memories I suppose. I know though, that I can never drink again. Not just a glass of wine at dinner, not even a beer at a friends place. Although I enjoyed the drinking itself, it was always my goal to get drunk. So now, one drink would be too many and twenty of them wouldn't be enough.
It is great to hear that you have made positive changes in your life. I know how difficult it can be to maintain sobriety at times but I also believe that it gets easier with each passing year. I also know what you mean about only remembering the good times. I do that every time I ponder drinking again but I then have to remind myself how a lot of my days drinking were just miserable. My strategy going forward is to concentrate on all the things I want to achieve in life. When I was drinking I was very unproductive. Now that alcohol is no longer there I have no excuse not to achieve these things. I have been putting together a bucket list and am starting to put things in motion to achieve everything on there. That is my main mission in life at this point. All the best with your sobriety bro. Feel free to check in from time to time and let me know how things are going.
Enjoyed hearing you talk! It's been over 6 years for me totally clean from alcohol. I also faced so much resistance from people for not drinking. But I enjoy feeling healthy. I enjoy not being sick as hell and depressed for sometimes up to an entire week because of a damn hangover. Alcohol did so much damage to my life. I "self medicated" with it for so long. I will never ever miss those vicious debilitating hangovers. Our strong, clear headed, healthy sober tribe need to stick together!!
It's been several years since I last stumbled home from a bar. The saddest part was not being able to bring a good friend along on my sober journey. Watching him helped scare me straight and I'll always thank him for that. RIP Kevin.
Very well said. In your 20s you can just power through, it is fun. but by your 30s, in my case anyway, you have more and more lingering and growing problems. I started to get anxiety, bad, and even some panic attacks the days after heavy drinking: feelings like you are going to have a heart attack, stroke or pass out, 3 day long hangovers, etc. I even got shaky some mornings which was stressful especially at work the next day when you feel you can't even use the computer mouse and keyboard correctly! And stressing that colleagues and bosses might see you acting oddly. I even started getting really weird paranoia feeling when doing group meetings at work, hard to describe feelings a bit like Tourettes where some voice in my head was saying "you could punch that person beside you, why don't you do it", or to shout something stupid out in the middle of the meeting. It got so bad that (I am ashamed to admit) I had to take drink in my bag to work to take the edge off the stress by sneaking sips in the toilets throughout the day. Proper alcoholic behaviour. That started to really scare me. By my late 30s it became unbearable drinking, just a habit, there was little joy in it. I had to give up. At 39 I have knocked it on the head and I am 3 weeks away from my 1 year sober landmark. I hope to remain alcohol free forever. I am now doing so many unfulfilled hobbies that I always wanted to do but was spoilt by lying in bed drunk/hungover. I am now fitter and healthier than I have ever been. I don't miss the drink at all. Good luck everyone!
I am an alcoholic an I have been sober for 68 days!
pubs are very boring these days, i think alcohol is on the decline, you are part of the trend now.
70 days now Thomas...Good on ya. I too believe its part of a trend now...years of socialising in pubs is coming to an end. There is so much more to do...its just making the change and trying newways to enjoy yourself. All the best moving forward x
well done .....
Keep it up Thomas!!! 7 years now for me. It does get easier I promise. Your life changes for the better. Onwards and upwards my friend
Well done Thomas, I hope you keep going. Good luck
I'm an alcoholic and I've be sober for 30 years, I'm 72 soon to be 73.
I'm happy for you. it seems impossible for me to stay over 2 weeks clean.
@@markheckerman7343 Ok, it starts today. Keep us up to date - two weeks starts now -- ending 30th January.
@@markheckerman7343 One day at a time, man. One day at a time. Just say I'm not going to drink today, maybe tomorrow, but not today.
You better start drinking back lol
Joseph Davis Thank you for such an honest, direct and strong speech. Recognise most of it. Anyhow, here I am.
one of the worst things about drinking is the time lost whilst suffering with a hangover.
You spend half your life drinking it and the other half getting over it .Doesn't leave much time for anything else
It's insane it took me 4 days 5
@@heartbasedresearchtoajourn8158 me too maybe even more and for a few hours drinking
Truth
@@boboloko you need to learn to read because nowhere in my comment does it say that I quit drinking.
6 years sober! F*** alcohol. My drinking "friends" disappeared and I found new ones with much healthier interests and my life went to much brighter direction. I suffered from depression and since I'm not drinking anymore also depression disappeared.
I agree! Fuck it! I now drink tea instead :)
So true as soon as I stopped drinking alcohol, my so called friends disappeared and I was the boring one apparently lol 😂 I’m only 38 and I feel great not drinking
Excellent, well done Ingmars. 3 Years + for me. Much prefer the sober life. You get so much time back. I buy motorcycles with the money I spent on booze!
they were never your friends
@@GS-xg4nz I'll spend money on hi-fi gear and bicycling. If I could get back all the money i wasted by drinking, I probably could afford to travel around wold at least twice...:D
"Better to be at the bottom of a ladder you want to be on, than half way up one you don't."
I'm gonna remember that one. Thanx!
when you reach the top of the one you dont wanna be one, its gonna be a hell of a fall, but when you finally reach the top of the one you want its gonna be steady as fuck cuz ur sober and loved one's will hold it for you
Hey
P
Hey
Alcohol makes the mundane seem interesting, sobriety forces you to do interesting things
I like that.
Lithus17 being sober sure as hell makes me more interesting.
Lithus17 You misunderstood that I think
Lithus17 Carry on with the drinking you fool 😂
Love this!!
I will never drink alcohol again .My sobriety means the world to me.
One day at a time;)
@@luciusdomitius9377 Live life one day at a time, I don't ever want to use again
@@rolandofgilead8968 Absolutely, live life one day at a time. Not simply existing like we once did. Tonight we go to our beds sober; tomorrow we deal with it when it arrives.
Alan watts was an alcoholic. Is this a joke?
Rustyhands I don’t drink but I still like or admire the works of some alcoholics. It’s not like you can’t.
I’m 53 years old, my sobriety date is October 6, 1989. I’ve been sober for 29 years. One day at a time,😁
I'm also 53....72 days sober here.
Well, then you've reached 30 years on October 6, 2019.
Quazi Roberts
LOL. I thought I had 29 years. Did the calculator and your right, 30 years!!!!!!!!!
The 30 year chip has XXX on the chip. I must pick one up. In reality one only has today. Years come with cumulative of days. I just keep on keeping on. I’m very happy God has given me a life worth living.😁😂
almost 16 for me.I draw huge strength from lads like you.keep going
"I hope you relapse" would be a response from a troll that has no life but I'm gonna say that sounds very good congrats.
I'm on day 55 of sober, longest I've ever gone, I wouldn't mind giving up drinking for ever.
john brennan - keep going John, 60 days to break a habit...
You can do it. Think about going to AA. You don’t have to do it alone
john brennan I am sober 10 years I never promised I would give it up for life I did it a day at a time trust me afeter a while is a simple life style choice “ a life beond your wildest dreams
Do it! You do not need the stuff! Oh yeah. Me too.
Hell yeah! Good on you, man. Best of luck in the time forward!
32 years of heavy drinking. 12 years sober. Ain’t never going back. Good luck to you and your sobriety.
Alcohol is shit. I regret that it took me 35 years of drinking to work it out. I am now 53 and sober. A good video sir.
Did alcoholism make your doodle stop working?
@@seekn.destroy4064 I definitely affects libido.
So when did you start drinking?
the soul is immortal
Well done geezer !
Annoying how alcohol is at the centre of almost all social situations.
99% of people dont have problem with addiction.
it's a marketing thing we living in and also separation does a lot
@@NeckbeardDeathMetalMoshpit define alcoholism? its a very fluid term. im sure im addicted to the internet.. you know.. im talking about alcoholics that truly cannot function in society. those are very rare.
This is true.
There isn't much to do that doesn't revolve around alcohol.
I picked up target shooting. Drinking while shooting is generally frowned upon.
Why? You can’t handle it why should we conform to you.
I quit 26 years ago. I'm allergic to it. I break out in handcuffs.
do you mean an actual allergy or a high liability for getting hooked?
SuperNewf1 hahah!!!
3 years sober and quit cigarettes too at the same time...
Wow! Nice work! That most folks have trouble with just one of the two, but both at the same time? God speed!
Thank you.. i only smoked when i drank so once i quit drinking , i quit smoking automatically...
@@SOSO_2043 so u werent a proper smoker..its good u stopped but still talking about it 3years later?really?
Tom Murphy why are you so bothered by me talking about my smoking 3 years later ???
Tom Murphy and i used to smoke at least a pack of cigarettes when i used to drink and i used to drink daily... so I don’t know what you mean by saying i am not a proper smoker .. lol
This guys description of his life while drinking is like listening to my own life story. Incredible how similar the shared experiences of high functioning alcoholics are.
same here, its uncanny how similar.
He summed up my current situation and state of mind exactly, it was refreshing to hear Im not alone.
Same here, John. Monday is 10 weeks for me. Quit drinking when I started Keto. No alcohol, sugar, or gluten. Best I've ever felt, I think.
we are human.very similar in things we do.destructive patterns
You lot sound like a bunch of babies!
I’m 9 months sober. I am in the best physical health of my life.
Hell ya bro, get after it!! 💪💪🙏
Greg Robinson Wrong.
@@g.j.r4069 g00d advice
I was sick of being sick of being sick of being sick....
Of being sick of being sick of being sick of being sick and wired. Cocaine is a hell of a drug.
I started breaking out in hives all over my body after a night of drinking. I tried to blame it on everything besides the poison I was ingesting. My ex is a drunk and doubled down on my ridiculous theories. Ditched him and the booze and now my life and health is in tip top shape. I am down 15 pounds, my skin is glowing and my self awareness is back. No more anxiety and sadness.
Have white babies.
pH plays a major role in health and addiction. heres an article "spark people otto warburg" google that its pure gold
I used to drink to the point of drunkenness at least 2 or 3 times a week for almost 25 years to mask pain from sustained childhood abuse. I never considered myself an alcoholic because I thought I didn't 'need it'. Then in my mid forties, I started to get tired of avoiding my feelings, or being shamed by my abusive family for self medicating. I decided to take responsibility for myself and quit smoking and drinking on the same day 6 years ago. I also detached (estranged) myself from my narcissistic parents and brother and got some therapy. Now I can have an occasional drink with dinner but never feel the need to get faded or wrecked. I guess my point is that nothing will change in life until we become accountable for our actions and responsible for our lives.
My brother-in-law died in Shanghai last year from alcoholism. He drank himself to death over the course of a few years until one week he went on a huge bender and drank vodka like water. He wasn't feeling well and downed a whole glass of vodka before he lay down to rest. while asleep, his blood alcohol rose above 3.5, the point of toxicity, and his nervous system shut his lungs down. His heart still pumped for a while, turning him blue. His 10 year old daughter found him the next morning dead in bed. His wife was in San Francisco for business that week and his two daughters were alone for almost a day with a state sponsored house keeper until their mom got to them. Alcohol can be an incredibly destructive force on many people's lives, especially one's who don't drink but love someone who does. It can be like a whirlpool, a force of nature that can pull everyone in and shouldn't be messed with irresponsibly.
If you're fighting it, never be afraid to ask someone for help.
Thanks for sharing this bro. Incredible story. Keep it up!
You're story broke my heart. I'm so sorry about your brother in law. That memory that his daughter will always have of finding him, how tragic. And as for the narcissistic family, I'm right there with you, exactly why I've spent 12 years drinking heavy. Today's the day. My sister told me I could talk to her if I needed when I wanted to drink, but when I didn't and I instead got black out drunk, she tells me I'm disgusting. I'm over it. I'm over the narcissism, I'm over the alcohol, I'm over headaches & nausea & deep lines under my eyes from making myself sick from alcohol, most importantly I'm over the regrets. I want a clear mind and a healthy body.
Best of luck to you, keep going strong. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
@@blackstarbird Than you for sharing yours. My niece is still in ongoing therapy over the loss of her dad. There are some good support groups on reddit for adult survivors of familial narcissistic abuse. If you search them out they're not too hard to find. This is a good initial resource to help you vent and find support. I really found that finding out that you're not alone and that there are many people out there with shared & similar experiences really was a first step in helping me detach, set boundaries and start focusing on self-care instead of self harm. It can be extremely frightening in the beginning, discovering things about yourself and seeing how you're family treated you in a new light but the reward is a centered view of your own identity, a sense of self worth and value along with a set of boundaries that you've drawn for yourself that shield you and give you strength and breathing room to change and take that journey of self discovery. Remember, you're not alone in this world, there are others like you that have gone, are going through and will go through everything you're feeling now. Stay strong and start caring for yourself. All the best :)
What a sad story my heart goes out to your nieces who found their poor father dead. Thank you for sharing what must be a very painful experience for you.
@@patrickwalker-nolan7617 Thank you. We had to go through it again last Thanksgiving. My sister-in-law (my Wife's twin) died of a fentanyl overdose. That's two out of four siblings lost to substance OD's. It's been extremely painful.
"I enjoy my mind", what a great saying.
Feeling good each morning and always having mental control is more addicting than alcohol was
That moment of joy when you wake up on a Saturday morning feeling fine and dandy... Priceless.
I’m on day 43 making it through the holidays just staying busy
mitch sheppard I made 11 days thru the Holidays. I had a couple beers yesterday, I am still considering a complete stop due to health and such...Im a better person sober. Congratulations....Way to go...
Annu Nacky stay busy it helps. I have gotten more done in the last month and a half then I have probably in my entire 40 years. Good luck!
Fertilized the garden today, glued a threshold down, caulked the sink and bathroom etc...It takes my mind off the drinking and when Im done I have something nice to see for my effort. Bored and alone is when I seem to drink. Great advice.
Well done all of you. A little over 4 years for me. NEVER LOOKED BACK
failed on xmas..it was an excuse I knew I could get any with.. bitched out
Almost 15 sober, i was homeless, drunk addict. Now ive lived same home 15 years, have a nice truck, a harley, and credit cards, no debt. If you told me i would be here in this position 16 years ago i would laughed in your face. Its easier to say fuckit i give up ,and wast life away in a bottle a pipe or needle. But in the end your responsible for yourself, that's nobody elses job, life is not fair and yes you probably deserve more, but if you want anything in life, it cant be easy or handed to you, you dont learn anything from being handed opportunity. Thats the painful lesson i have had to learn staying sober, and yes it fucking sucks, nobody tells you after life in a bottle, you have to learn to live life all over again, and deal with the realities of life most have learned in their early teans.
If you got credit cards you get debt
@@tinman8311 no, not if you pay of balances. Much to the shegrin of visa
Good shit mate
@@Kiwitekediver Thank you.
@Jeffrey Dohnger I was a commerical roofer for local union, but I may be starting an apprenticeship for masonry. I am in better physical shape than most kids half my age, I suppose I am lucky.
I been alcohol free since January 27 2019 and today I was struggling.thank you.
Today I'm struggling, just remember, don't pick up the first drink!! Stay strong 💪
@@asham76 Thanks so much for your comment, it does help to read your words.I am staying strong and I wish you the very best.
Mudd Thekingofnothing It gets better every year that passes 6 years fo me now
@@trickym5748 I think 6years sober is awesome. thanks
keep it up!!!! You got this call your support that always helps me!!!!!
Any social engagement so dull that one requires alcohol to endure is not worth attending.
Yup yup.
That’s all social occasions
@Kyle Broflovski You are making several erroneous assumptions.
Firstly you assume that I am an alcoholic.
I have chosen not to drink.
Secondly no one need feel sorry for me as I am not missing drink or missing out.
you may or may not be controlled by drink but that is not a matter with which I have previously been appraised though the irrationality of your post may indicate that your judgement was impaired whilst you composed it.
Two kinds of people. Those who have a healthy fear of drinking and those who should.
I like this quote. Right on.
13 years sober and I have completely turned my life around. I went from being homeless to being a loving husband and father. doesn't mean I'm cured I've just learned how to live life without drugs and alcohol.
congrats mate 😊
The only time my dad ever said that he was proud of me, he was hammered. My wife and I are sober now for several years and have NEVER felt better.
I can't believe anyone would give this guy a thumb down. he is just sharing positivity and his story, nothing wrong with that. Good luck with your sobriety
Why is it that most people don’t like it when somebody try’s to improve him or herself? It makes them feel worse because of their own insecurity’s. And than they take it out on you. So yeah ‘f’ them
Have you ever heard misery loves company
@SDZ NL yep exactly
@SDZ NL thank you I will check that out
I have had a few friends who occasionally tried to give up drinking. It always came off as a vegan kind of thing. PS, I'm vegetarian and vegans still usually bug me. lol
Hey, I'm not sure why it bothered me. Maybe I knew i hated drunks when I was sober. So, I figured they didn't like me if I drank and they didn't.
Everyone else want’s you to be where they are basically
3 1/2 years. I can't even imagine being a drinker now.
Same here...
xwhite2020 me too! 02/08/2016 still a hard road tho. Trying to work out where I fit into life
March 2020 will be 3 years clean and sober! Living with drugs and alcohol was a lifestyle for most of my life, say 30 plus years! Now nearing 50, I am like now what?!? Well, trying to live, being a productive member of a normal society is bewildering. People drink, people do drugs, people smoke! Living life in a fucking AA meeting is a joke!! Maybe year 4 will bring with it more wisdom and understanding. Keeping positive is difficult in trying times but the bit on keeping focus on long term goals makes good sense. Will give it a try.
its been about 6 months and I think about drinking every day but I have not yet...
@@themaster-jp6sp the reddit stop drinking sub helped. Be prepared to lose friends and gain hobbies.
I stoped drinking around 17 years ago. Just decided it was a waste of my time and money, feel absolutely great, and no hangovers. Good luck with sobriety.
EXACTLY the same reason I stopped alcohol and drugs. I had an eye opening experience of what my future will be if i do not change. 1 month sober from drugs and booze. going to the gym daily, creating goals, volunteering, going to meetings, finding new outlets. I am new to all of this, but god damn do i feel good right now. I do not want to lose this feeling ever again. Good for you! very inspiring to anyone experiencing the difficulty of making big changes.
Same here
D3ad Tree I,ve been sober since Oct 2008,keep going,it sounds like your doing all the right things,I wish you all the best
Good for you
Alcohol and drugs ,smoking,and talking misery! The govt doesn't mind it helps them control people.Drinking ruins people and takes them captive( not all ).Especially the Irish,American Indian,Scandinavian, and people who cant control it. Abstinence is the best way to go for health and wealth. God Bless you Sir! You are saving lives and families. Keep it up folks need to hear this.
Going 3 weeks here. The first couple of days were hell. But I feel great now and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m terrified of relapsing, so I have to remind myself what’s truly at stake here. Stay strong!
I quit five days ago. I needed to hear this! I'm going to make it this time.
Keep it up one day at a time i never thought I could stop over a month sober
Still going strong?
Needed to hear this, 6 days today....
9 days now buddy... keep pushing.
Hope you're on 9 🙂
3 days mate, i started with a lie , lets see who makes it , i challenge you !
i started off weak ,you have the lead buddy ,go for the gold
Great to see people encouraging and supportive... Respect...
I’ve been sober for 2 months. Just got fed up with the bs results I kept getting with life. Even just 2 months in I feel so much better both mentally and physically. Very thankful. I support!
For me it has been about 10 years now and yes, life is fucking brilliant without booze!
Hi, can you tell me how much in average you used to drink, and you don't touch any at all !?
@@palangnar3588 Yep. I drank every day for 15 years; used to play in a band, Rock'n'Roll lifestyle, bla bla bla. Started on only beer, last 5 years drank anything while working in a bar. The last 2 years daily intake was about a crate of medium size beers, a bottle of 22% Spanish liqueur, and an "early morning" litre of beer and maybe 3 to 5 shots of whisky to get rid of the shakes (still working at the bar). Wa eating only to be able to drink. Would wake up in the middle of the night shaking and have to have a drink to sleep. Was miserable, depressed and decided to stop. Did so on a Monday. Wednesday started hearing voices. Friday was put into a psychiatric ward with a severe case of the DT's! On Saturday woke up after medication feeling not bad, could not leave so decided to enjoy my stay. Enjoyed food for the first time in years; oh, the taste of chicken! Sunday was released feeling even better, spent the day with my daughter at a fun fair and on Monday was back working at the bar. Nobody thought I'd be able to keep off the stuff but believe me, I was so tired of drink having been the boss of me for so many years, the headaches, hangovers and worrying if there was gonna be drink at the party that I never even felt the tiniest temptation of going back. Still smoke, still drink coffee, just no booze.
@@thehotyounggrandpas8207 Good for you, good luck.
@@thehotyounggrandpas8207 Respect Sir hats off to you
@@Smartychase Thank you very much!
Don't you dare to give up.
"Enjoy being in your mind" 👍🏼
Thanks a lot
@@BenjaminLeeWright Are you coming up to 4 years? Or did you cave?
Coming up to 4 years. Will do another video when I do👍
@@BenjaminLeeWright Well done man, I'm starting tomorrow. I've done 5 months a few times and a new decade seems like the time, cheers for the video, Merry Christmas!
Close to 5 years sober here... one day at a time. I miss being able to escape reality, but it's a cowards existence. The 'ability' to feel everything feels like a curse at times, but the alternative is unacceptable. Trying to live life being grateful is so difficult. Not throwing myself a pity party every day is so difficult. But other than completing a half marathon a few months ago, nothing comes close to the feeling of pride and accomplishment on not giving in to my demons for so long! It truly is a great thing to be able to have control over your life. To be the captain of your ship. Seize the day, and keep on keepin on.
25 years sober and it was the best thing I ever did for myself.
If you're struggling with addiction get help.
It's not always easy but it's always worth it.
It forces you to confront your inadequacies and demons...I'll be 2 years off alcohol at the end of January. The first year was difficult . This 2nd year I've experienced massive growth and really confronted myself, began to really experience love and joy, and now starting to realize that life as actually fucking awesome
Crazy the “sitting around in the same pub” is the same here in my small town in the states.
Same bullshit small town drama. It gets old. Stay sober. Hope one day I can say the same.
I left the UK for that very reason. Couldn't stand the same pub, same people, small world routine. I never went back to the UK.
Yea this just struck a chord with me. Crazy we are all the same. Looking for betterment and ostracized by everyone at the same time.
Adam Schroering Misery loves company. Piss on misery.
carpe diem
Jack Alltrade carpe diem indeed. We moved the mountains in the NW. I do miss my little town in the Midwest. Life was simpler.
I’m 6 months in and can not wait to be able to say 3 years !!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Pushkin Sweron one day at a time..
pH plays a major role in health and addiction. heres an article "spark people otto warburg" google that its pure gold
Long road yet mate stay positive and like Luke say "one day at a time" don't overwhelm yourself with a long target, I do get what you're saying though. *Good luck and I hope you make it*
I will take this popping into my feed after weeks of considering quiting alcohol as a sign to start. Day 1. I will report back after 1 month of no drinking :)
You can do it!
You can do it
you won't regret it
11 years. Today I still have to watch where my mind wanders.
soon,16 years for me.Bang on.I've seen people slip after years of sobriety
@@groundhogguns5828 that sounds depressing , probably true though, really encouraging NOT
@@groundhogguns5828 I guess a lot of people have the all or nothing mentality, if one slips doesn't mean they have to go back to the old ways, use rare situations in smaller amounts as no tolerance to it. Also Look into NAC if abused alcohol it's very good at restoring liver damage (from alcohol and such) and the prefrontal cortex.
@Scott Adam why ?
I been sober and drug free for 3 years now my life was a mess due to drink and drugs I’ve never felt better and happier any one who gives up an addiction deserves a bog thumbs up 👍🏻
Congratulations. It is a true accomplishment. I'm 25 years sober and have never looked back. My live turned around in a big direction and every year more successful than the next. Alcohol is a destroyer and so many don't realized it and will go to their graves never knowing. Keep moving forward and don't look back.
How to deal with Anxiety after quitting alcohol ? Almost 3years sober now
Christmas Eve was 3 years for me. Quit drugs and cigarettes was never really a drinker. Hope your still well
Not all heroes wear capes. You're definitely a hero. You've motivated me. Thank you sir.
I'm glad you'd be able to do that. I personally have never drank any alcohol. I'm 23 years old in the US. I have had plenty of opportunities before I was of age to buy it and obviously after. I didn't want to get started because I saw how often it hurt or messed with my family and friends. The things they went through was thankfully a lesson for me. God bless any of you that read this. No matter what your going through in life. I wish you the best.
2 years sober as of 12-25-19 I’ve been an angry man for a while now. I hope I can learn to like myself again someday. That’s all I have to say.
Check out the four agreements by don Luis I think his name is. It's very spiritual and all about letting go and not taking everything personal. I'm just over 25 years. I was very angry too. Two years is great. It gets a lot easier with time
Congratulations on your sobriety John. Be proud of what accomplished these past two years. I am at 5 days... after once going 6 months... then 9 months... and aspire to reach the success you’ve had. My last failed attempt was 4 years ago so now I feel I’m ready.
Congrats. I recommend doing the AA 12 steps. It betters you as a person, alcohol or not.
19 years for myself with no alcohol , the same reasons no dark secrets just had better things going on in my life
Good job! Just under 3 years sober here. My life is unrecognizable from 3 years ago. I'm not even the same person.
I had a fire in my life, it wasn't my house that burnt down it was everything I held close to me. The alcohol helped me a lot because it postponed the pain. But I had to face it eventually. I'm over emotional stress yet I'm still drinking. I'm fed up with it and I'll join you on next years. Thanks for the inspiration, I'll check back. :)
Be safe, James. After 12 years of hard drinking 7 days a week, I went 14 days 3 weeks ago...and then the stinking holidays came. Didn't do well at all. But, lets keep fighting. We can kick this shit. At the end of those 14 days, I was feeling a lot better. And I was sleeping good too. For the first week, I didn't sleep a wink. I sat on my couch 24/7 staring at the wall. And that voice in my head... It told me I had done horrible things. I suggest not stopping Cold Turkey like I did. Plan some time off from work, and check yourself in to rehab. It took a kind Police Officer to Baker Act me.
I woke up january 1st 2020 and said to myself I will not drink alcohol anymore. I'm an alcoholic and have been sober for 4 days today. I started binge drinking when I was 19. I am 39 now. I feel strong and shall keep my promise to myself. Tomorrow it's gonna be 5 days. If you guys managed, chances are I shall prevail as well. God help us all.
60 days sober as of today! It's taken years of failed attempts but I finally made it 😊 In hindsight, I don't see the appeal of alcohol and cannabis. So grateful this video randomly showed up on my suggested videos list 😇💙 Looking forward to the forever journey of creating my best self!
You've no idea how much you've helped me, cheers. Mike.
I'll drink to that - Cheers!
Well done mate
I decided to stop drinking yesterday. I never thought I’d make that decision but when I reflected on when I’d put my safety, or my relationship at risk, I’d been drinking (or what most people would call drunk). I don’t know when to stop and so I realized it was just a matter of time before my safety and relationship was in jeopardy again. Shear weight of averages meant it was all going to come undone at some stage. So I’m getting out before it all goes to shit. I enjoyed drinking O% beer at a Xmas thing on the weekend and I really liked myself at the event... I didn’t think I could be such good company sober! It’s worth a try, I know I feel more normal holding a beer at a social occasion with mates who are drinking, worth giving a crack for those who haven’t. All the best to everyone, thanks for the video man!
Good luck Damien...wish you well. After two decades, one year sober for me. Please, take your life back.
Quit drinking sometime in early November 2019, not counting the days just taking it one day at a time. I quit using several years ago, quit smoking a couple of years back, drinking was the tough one it had it's claws pretty deep. But a lot of mental preparation and self determination and I feel like I am on the right track.
The human mind can be perverse. It tricks us and leads us to doing self destructive things. One of the oddest quirks of the mind is how much we are drawn to doing something that is bad for us and regarding this as a treat and something that will make us feel better be it sugar alcohol, drugs or whatever. Understanding the impulses that one has is half the battle. It is as the aphorism that understanding the problem is half way to the solution. So many of us repress our feelings and prefer a quick fix of something taken orally to being honest with ourselves as the the impulses we have and understanding the consequences of our impulses and how better to respond to them.
Keep it up. Sobriety rocks.
Yes this video resonated with me massively. I'm an alcoholic that has been going through the same cycle of sobriety - heavy drinking - sobriety for years and when I reflect on all the crazy shit I've done whilst blacking out on alcohol I know I'm lucky to be alive. I've recently had a bit of an epiphany and this time I'm determined to give up for good. I'm 14 days into my latest attempt at permanent abstinence. Reprogramming the brain to make yourself realise that you don't need alcohol is the hardest part but I was a former drug addict and I beat that years ago so I know I can do it. The part where you mentioned Einstein's definition of insanity was what resonated with me the most because that is what I have been thinking about so much in the last two weeks because doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome is where I have been with my drinking for more than ten years now.
Being from Scotland and living in Tokyo, it’s tough to give up. Actually just cutting down to a minimal but social drinking with colleagues is such a part of the culture here. Watching this inspires me to cut back considerably.
A single dose of LSD helped my alcohol addiction of over 15 years. I always used alcohol to cover up my shyness and anxiety. I'm an introvert and always struggled to deal with social situations and hence why I used to drink. Alcohol is the worst.
Congratulations on the 3 years 😁
Me too i want too stop now ive had enough
Me three drink for the same reasons
@@dannyburns1353 you can do it Danny I had my last drink new years eve 1999 and if i can do it anyone can. I was drinking a litre of vodka a day and ended up in hospital the 2nd of January to detox under medical supervision. I was in hospital 8 days and found it quite easy not to drink again as id gotten so sick of feeling like shit all the time. All i do now is i smoke the occasional joint but thats more for pain relief than getting a buzz.
@@edmundblackaddercoc8522 you can do it man you just have to want to.
I very closely related to almost every word out of your mouth hahaha,
sober 1 1/2 years!! essentially friendless, mostly because i hate being around drunk people and everyone i know for the most is drunk all the time.
i'd rather just be alone and focus on my goals than be surrounded by people who don't get it.anyway, good video!
Watching from Australia
I thought I was the only one walking around in the middle of nowhere having these discussions out aloud
16 months sober
Great video
Keep up the good work
Peace
For about 15 years i was binge drinker. THC, Nicotine and heavy drinking become my routine. 2.5 years ago, I turned a new page in my life. I'm not going back to that hell anymore.I find it really interesting to watch a video like this and see the experiences of other people who are sober. When you lose a large part of your friends because you are sober, only then will you realize that you are onthe right path. God bless you all guys
< 52 years old been drinking off and on since before 21 years old. Join the US Navy in 1988 did not help, weekends drunk. Binge drinking on weekends still turning into weeknights now I had enough 31Dec2019 my last drink. Now let us see if I can keep it going. This video has helped thanks Brother.
Funny that this pops up in my feed just at the time that everyone is about to make a new years resolution. Great video by the way.
11 years sober. Made me realize how blind I was during 20 years of drinking to my own paralysis. I had to move away from Ireland to realize I was an alcoholic. I was surrounded by them. I echo all of these sentiments.
Love from India...♥️ booze and snooze that's what my life was ..I quit and I'm alive since
Been sober for 48 days after many many attempts to give up which have been a week here a week there. I find it very daunting at how bad my life had become from alcohol but I am now confident I can break the cycle and become a functioning member of society.
One week sober. Love your talk. Where are you walking? I want a better life. You seem to be on your right path and that is beautiful.
Man this is excellent. So many points that resonate with me. Especially the "I like my own head"
Fair play on your 3 years and here's to many more
alcohol is the number one not talked about drug or its victims.
Absolutely!
@nasser wiz this is not true here in the west, where it's considered good for you in moderation(which is like saying Heroin is good for you if you only take a little, also you seem to be lacking in compassion for your fellow human beings, probably because you come from a background where compassion and kindness is considered a weakness.
purposefully
After acute pancreatitis and I nearly died I’ve been sober for 7 years whilst doing my day job I have had no help from the government just excellent care from the staff of Wishaw General
Congrats on 3 years. I just hit 6 months myself. My life has improved drastically without the bottle. It's cool to see others improving by letting go of old habbits!
good on you, 5 years for me, everytime I drank, crippling stomach pains, just stopped being fun and became a thing I dreaded as I knew what pain was coming
The part where you said I'm one of those guys who can't just have one drink but has to get drunk That's a lie I believed for a long time that I could just cut down but like you I'm also one of those guys that just can't have just one drink.
Joseph Williams same here... i had to cull drinking 9 years ago.
@@hanglooserecluse Congratulations! Not everybody can.
This Right here Yo..... Is the bomb. THANK YOU.
This is the best... I can relate ..This channel deserve more credit than it gets..
Cheers brother. Glad people are relating to it. Its what it's all about.
I'm 4 months in and haven't looked back. I cant recommend trying it enough. Small steps first. Try for a month and go from there.
pH plays a major role in health and addiction. heres an article "spark people otto warburg" google that its pure gold
Keep it up friend!!! You will never regret accomplishing sobriety.
Greetings from across the pond. This coming September 1st will be 2 years for me. It's been a grind sometimes and I've lost some friends/drinking buddies along the way but I'm going as far as I can. I come back to this now and then for inspiration. I hope you're doing well.
Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not.
Stay positive!
I also am comming up to ten years no alcohol. I had spent a good 25 years prior to that drinking
Every day, so glad I gave up and I hope I never stray back to it.
I'm 2 years 4 months sober myself and couldn't agree more with this video. Since I've quit I taught myself how to edit videos and now venturing into audio engineering. My metaphor for the sauce is that "Alcohol is the worst best friend you can have. It's always there for you when you need it but never has your best interest."
I am 3 years sober too. Best thing I ever did. They say it gets “better” and life excels now. Lost a lot but gained even more. No one can understand alcoholism unless they have been there. And if they haven’t it doesn’t matter either. Alcoholism is a personal experience and the beauty of life in sobriety is unparalleled. Congratulations sir!
I will have stopped for three years on the 7th of January.
Best thing I ever did.
I'm pretty much at the point you were it. I don't have any dark stories, but alcohol is definitely holding me back. I'm 39 and about to be a dad. I want to get out of my 9-5 and do something that will allow me to spend more time with my family. I know giving up drinking and wasting my time when I get home from work and on the weekends just sitting around catching a buzz instead of being productive is what I need to do.
So here is to day1 ...again.
I can honestly say that I haven't missed it one bit. You realise how many other things you could be doing with your time and you can also rely on yourself to get them done.
Sounds like you're ready for it bro. A very good decision I reckon 👍
I quit because alcohol had taken a serious toll on my immune system, and hangovers started lasting 3-4 days, causing me put my goals to the side. This in turn caused lots of depression. The worst part about having kicked drinking is that you have to face truths you never had to face before, but I'm so focussed, studying, reading, working out. I wouldn't go back. Thanks for the video, Tobe. Your experience and path is very similar to my own.
Just recently realized what you did 3 years ago..I really needed to hear someone else say all that ...its been 25 years of boozing it up..and can relate to almost everything you said. New decade. new me...and it's about time..thanks
Aaron Heminger
Yup....we have got to stop thinking of the great times we are not having. And make some great times sober. I don't know where this video come from but I'm down to everything it stands for.
Yes Aaron I'm hearing you good luck.
Well done. I’m 4 years JULY 2019
Appreciate the thumbs up 👍🏼
This certainly means something to someone, myself included. I am only about 24 days into my sobriety but I have the same thoughts and story as the one you have shared with us here. I am having the time of my life getting my mind and body back! Thanks for making this video. I do believe it will be helpful for anyone who is thinking about putting the bottle down for good.
I'm 6 months behind you. Sober 2.5 years. Feeling real good. Yes. . Thinking longer term, enjoying my brain and I'm dependable for me and all those around me. Every year I'm better than I was. It's all coming together. Better and better.
I think many people (me included) feel like their missing out when they give up alcohol. I just constantly remind myself of all the bad things that happened to me when off my head, the hurt I caused my loved ones, over 20 years of pissed up mistakes. We are not missing out on anything, we are gaining back control of our lives.
It's very strange how this video was recommended to me at a time where i'm struggling with alcohol. It's like RUclips is reading my mind.
Chris Hansen I was thinking the same thing. Today was a rough day and my mind is racing wanting that drink. Reading these comments has definitely changed my mind. I’ll choose sober.
@@charlesskibo4723 Maybe we typed key words somewhere on the internet and the entries have been tracked and used to push things on us. Cute & Scary.
Is predicting and guiding your mind. Pretty wild.
pH plays a major role in health and addiction. heres an article "spark people otto warburg" google that its pure gold
Google and such companies are getting really creepy. I mentioned prison in a comment yesterday and on my next refresh was a vid about prison life!
“Thus, a good man, though a slave, is free; but a wicked man, though a king, is a slave. For he serves, not one man alone, but what is worse, as many masters as he has vices.” St. Augustine
Congrats! I'm at 3 years too. I was a daily, extremely heavy drinker. I was having health issues that put me close to death. My weight had dropped to 110lbs, I'd lost most of my muscle mass and had trouble walking. I'd also been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy. One of the hard things I had to do to get better was quitting drinking. I did, I quit cold turkey after I saw a Neurologist. When my GP saw me a couple days after I quit drinking he was shocked. He had been telling me to quit for a long time and he didn't really even know how I was actually drinking. He was worried that I could possibly have a seizure or even a stroke with meds while quitting. I don't think I needed it but I certainly did enjoy the two weeks worth of Bennys he prescribed.
I still my drinking though. My health and just about everything in my life has improved greatly since I quit, but I honestly miss the alcohol more than I thought I would. It's not the physical craving so much, although that is there somewhat. More of a mental craving. The social aspect of it. The fun I had while drunk. The awesome thing I've done while drunk. But when I think about it, even if I know how much better my life is now. We mostly seem to remember the good times and not the bad times when it comes to alcohol. Selective memories I suppose. I know though, that I can never drink again. Not just a glass of wine at dinner, not even a beer at a friends place. Although I enjoyed the drinking itself, it was always my goal to get drunk.
So now, one drink would be too many and twenty of them wouldn't be enough.
It is great to hear that you have made positive changes in your life. I know how difficult it can be to maintain sobriety at times but I also believe that it gets easier with each passing year.
I also know what you mean about only remembering the good times. I do that every time I ponder drinking again but I then have to remind myself how a lot of my days drinking were just miserable.
My strategy going forward is to concentrate on all the things I want to achieve in life. When I was drinking I was very unproductive. Now that alcohol is no longer there I have no excuse not to achieve these things. I have been putting together a bucket list and am starting to put things in motion to achieve everything on there. That is my main mission in life at this point.
All the best with your sobriety bro. Feel free to check in from time to time and let me know how things are going.
It seems as if everything that has gone wrong in my life has somehow been related to alcohol!
Enjoyed hearing you talk! It's been over 6 years for me totally clean from alcohol. I also faced so much resistance from people for not drinking. But I enjoy feeling healthy. I enjoy not being sick as hell and depressed for sometimes up to an entire week because of a damn hangover. Alcohol did so much damage to my life. I "self medicated" with it for so long. I will never ever miss those vicious debilitating hangovers. Our strong, clear headed, healthy sober tribe need to stick together!!
It's been several years since I last stumbled home from a bar. The saddest part was not being able to bring a good friend along on my sober journey. Watching him helped scare me straight and I'll always thank him for that. RIP Kevin.
3 days sober now-this story resonates.
110 days sober right now.
And I feel like me again.
Very well said. In your 20s you can just power through, it is fun. but by your 30s, in my case anyway, you have more and more lingering and growing problems. I started to get anxiety, bad, and even some panic attacks the days after heavy drinking: feelings like you are going to have a heart attack, stroke or pass out, 3 day long hangovers, etc. I even got shaky some mornings which was stressful especially at work the next day when you feel you can't even use the computer mouse and keyboard correctly! And stressing that colleagues and bosses might see you acting oddly. I even started getting really weird paranoia feeling when doing group meetings at work, hard to describe feelings a bit like Tourettes where some voice in my head was saying "you could punch that person beside you, why don't you do it", or to shout something stupid out in the middle of the meeting. It got so bad that (I am ashamed to admit) I had to take drink in my bag to work to take the edge off the stress by sneaking sips in the toilets throughout the day. Proper alcoholic behaviour.
That started to really scare me. By my late 30s it became unbearable drinking, just a habit, there was little joy in it. I had to give up. At 39 I have knocked it on the head and I am 3 weeks away from my 1 year sober landmark. I hope to remain alcohol free forever. I am now doing so many unfulfilled hobbies that I always wanted to do but was spoilt by lying in bed drunk/hungover. I am now fitter and healthier than I have ever been. I don't miss the drink at all. Good luck everyone!
Thank you, I’m. 9 months sober and still learning and working my way towards normalcy! This was very helpful😇