Incredibly relatable video - even down to the job, the drugs test, anxiety - everything. I've been there. As of today I'm 21 days sober. Watching these kind of videos really help. Thank you.
I used to hate calling in sick when I was hungover. Like you said you don't feel relief, I felt insanely guilty and knew it meant I couldn't drink that day and would have to face the hangover knowing I was supposed to be at work. Just laying there wanting to drink, knowing I can't because I have to work the next day and that I called in sick and just riding the withdrawals. 14 months sober now, absolutely loving it.
Takes balls to 'walk the walk' Derrick. You hit rock bottom, acknowledged that you had a problem, took the help that was on offer and are now able to speak openly about your alcoholism to sobriety journey. Man, you must feel so proud of what you have achieved, it can't have been easy. Thank God for your fabulous counsellor 🤗 You Sir, are a very decent, level headed guy, thank you for sharing this part of your life 😘
That was an amazing story, Derrick. There are so many people that could tell similar stories but only a brave few will ever admit their struggles. Good for you! Sometimes it takes sinking all the way to the bottom before you czn push yourself back up.
Thank you for posting this Derrick. I have found myself drinking way more than I would like since the beginning of Covid quarantine because of social isolation and all the added stresses on us ICU nurses. Currently trying to stop and it’s been a major struggle.
October 25, 2003 was my last drink. I can relate to the very bad decisions before that. Not that life still isn't difficult but it's better than the regrets and consequences that drinking brought with it.
Derrick it’s so amazing that you are brave enough to share your darkest moments with us. I do believe that everything in our lives brings us to where we are NOW in our reality, so hitting ‘your rock bottom’ allowed that door to open to ask for permanent help. Your therapist was definitely your guardian angel that day. May your day today as well as all of your future days be bright and clear 🙏🏻👍🏻🤩
I read the comments first so was waiting for pen clicking. I was married to an alcoholic who's been sober for 30 years now. It made a huge difference in our kids' lives to have a sober dad and now sober grandpa. All the best in your sobriety. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations on your years of sobriety. Proud of You! If your story helps even one person, it is so worth you telling it. Have a good week. Looking forward to your next episode.
My man your story is really touching a nerve. Thanks for sharing. I just got this video randomly. I'm in early period of sobriety. I'm really touched.🙌
Try anything but AA eg SMART or Lifering. AA disempowers guilt trips forever plus engages in magical thinking ie higher powers of a spiritual nature. Lik surendering and being ruled by a ghost.
Thank you for sharing your story. I have a recovering daughter and your story hits close to home ! It take courage to bear it all and I am sure you will help someone !!
You are an amazing person do you know that. I put this video on loud and was cleaning up the apartment. Didn’t know how truthful you were going to be. Your story touched my heart. It takes a strong person to realize that you don’t only need help but actually reach out for it. I am so happy for you, Skylar and your family. You have come a long way Derrick. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished in life. I am sure that many of us have benefitted from your story. Thank you Derrick ❤️
Its interesting to hear things from an alcoholics perspective. I took my kids, 4 days before Christmas in 2002, away from all that they knew, because there Father was (is) an alcoholic. We ended up in a refuge as we had nowhere to go, and my kids were aged 2, 4 and 7. That was a hard Christmas. I have missed my home and my kids Dad every single day since, and sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing, as life still hasn't been easy since, and he stopped seeing the kids years ago, which broke their hearts. He lives alone now, and just spends his nights drinking. I feel guilty that me leaving pushed him further down the drink route, but I was just trying to protect my kids from the bad atmosphere and arguments. In some ways I feel I made everything worse for all concerned. Life is pretty crappy. I'm glad you've turned your life around and have the support of your family. Much love and best wishes from Derby, England x
You leaving didn't push him further. He made that decision himself. Every single minute of every day he had a choice offered to him, every time he chose to keep drinking.
Wow Derrick, of all the stories that have been told to me, this is one of the most interesting. I’m sorry that you had to go thru all this to get clean. But don’t you feel better in all ways. So proud to know your story, and hope that it is helping someone else. That’s the best thing you can do.
Oh Derrick, Bravo Bravo to you!!! I am So Proud of you!!! You related your story so well, I could Totally relate ( unfortunately)! I have been in recovery, by the Grace of God, for 🙏 many years now, and I try to remember to daily count my blessings and remember gratitude. You are doing so much good by courageously sharing your experience, strength, and hope. Thank you Derrick. God Bless you and your dear family! ❤🌈
Thank you for sharing this. There really is hope for people with addictions and for the families of addicts which is another whole story! Al anon helped me years ago tremendously when I was dealing with an alcoholic spouse. Unfortunately he lost his battle with alcoholism in a motorcycle wreck when I was 6 months pregnant with our daughter. It’s been many years ago now and time has helped to heal but I can’t tell you how much I learned from going to those Al Anon meetings. He left me with the precious gift of a daughter and I know that he isn’t suffering with his addictions any longer! Thank you again for sharing your story!!
Oh, Derrick. It takes courage to do what you did on that day and today - telling your story. I can't even imagine this as I can live the rest of my life without a drop of alcohol and don't care. However, we all have our vices, and I can appreciate your struggles in another context. Thank you for being so honest, and congratulations. Keep it up. You have such a bright future ahead of you.
Thank you so much for sharing. I've had people in my life who needed rehab but refused to go. It sure can hurt a lot of innocent bystanders. Looking forward to part two.
Derrick you are so awesome to share ! No one helped my dad. He was never in my life due to this . He was an alcoholic from age 10 till he hung himself in a Vet hospital at age 49. My brother drank himself to death on purpose at age 50. He told me he was going to . I never drank. So you might not know your helping yet but there is someone out there that your helping . 💟 or maybe someone watching will share your video. Keep up the good work , you have a purpose 😊
Good for you! I hope you stay sober! It’s a better life! I’m so glad I don’t like the taste of alcohol because my daddy and his daddy was alcoholics🙏🏼🙏🏼
Hi Derrick , You had a great therapist to do what he did for you I’m so glad you opened your eyes and mind to solving your problem.. Continue the great work you are doing ! Hugs to you hon.. From Memphis.. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for sharing this. It helps to know what can drive this addiction. I’ve worked in a psychiatric clinic and therapy is a wonderful help. I interested in more of your story.
May 20th is my birthday and it is also a rebirth for you as well. Thankfully you found the strength to tackle all this. Wishing you all the best and thank you for sharing your story. Looking forward to the next part. Hugs
Wow… what a story of your life. You are amazing and rehab is wonderful… I went for food addiction in Memphis… wow.. my therapist saved my life. I was starving myself to death and it was awful. You are one brave person to tell your truth. Thank you Derrick if only you knew how you are going to help people. I will always be in recovery but I work my plan every day. You have to want a better life to make it work. Wow !
This offering is definitely a public service. I always recognize that laughter as a signal that a person has let go of the alcohol and forgiven the alcoholic that was. Congratulations.
This is the story of my life right now. Woke up today with huge bruises all over my body, having been so drunk to the point of falling and tripping all over the place. I know this isn't working anymore, but I just can't stop. Not even after having serious alcohol withdrawals at work being all anxious, nervous and sweaty can I stop. It's crazy. I don't know what to do about it. Have to drink a few beers now just to stop the anxiety and doom feelings.
For the people commenting about him clicking the pen. He’s talking about really personal things and maybe the pen is like a coping mechanism like when people use those fidget things. It’s common if you have mental health issues to need distractions.
@@Manos-de-Piedra Ahh, world of difference then!..... He's even said in other videos about his pen clicking habit. Not aware of any pencils that click....
Congratulations on your journey becoming sober still not easy keep working. I come from a family of alcoholics and it’s only the men in our family and they’re all functioning alcoholics not all but I majority they go to work and drink on the weekends.
I would get so anxious sometimes at the bar because of my anxiety I would need to take many shots before I can feel normal. Do most alcoholics go thru this
Excuse the spelling P.S I listen to your Sister ,Darlene Really like her Want to comment but all comments turned off Continued good wishes for the future
Detox slower. Halve your drink or halve your per cent for 2 or 3 days. Then stop. Or drink one less every day and stop. Get busy all AM early PM eg go to meetings so you can drink less as above. Its a gentle stop.
Incredibly relatable video - even down to the job, the drugs test, anxiety - everything. I've been there. As of today I'm 21 days sober. Watching these kind of videos really help. Thank you.
Hope you still sober brother
I hope you are still sober. And if you fell off, I hope you got back on a good path. All the best to you.
I used to hate calling in sick when I was hungover. Like you said you don't feel relief, I felt insanely guilty and knew it meant I couldn't drink that day and would have to face the hangover knowing I was supposed to be at work. Just laying there wanting to drink, knowing I can't because I have to work the next day and that I called in sick and just riding the withdrawals. 14 months sober now, absolutely loving it.
That’s real Good!!
Love your story and glad you are sobered now. But the next time you tell a story throw away all your 🖊 pens 😉 😂
Takes balls to 'walk the walk' Derrick. You hit rock bottom, acknowledged that you had a problem, took the help that was on offer and are now able to speak openly about your alcoholism to sobriety journey. Man, you must feel so proud of what you have achieved, it can't have been easy. Thank God for your fabulous counsellor 🤗 You Sir, are a very decent, level headed guy, thank you for sharing this part of your life 😘
That was an amazing story, Derrick. There are so many people that could tell similar stories but only a brave few will ever admit their struggles. Good for you! Sometimes it takes sinking all the way to the bottom before you czn push yourself back up.
Thank you for sharing your story. The pen clicking made it hard to watch though.
Lol. It didnt bug me till you said
Thank you for posting this Derrick. I have found myself drinking way more than I would like since the beginning of Covid quarantine because of social isolation and all the added stresses on us ICU nurses. Currently trying to stop and it’s been a major struggle.
Thank you for doing what you do. Especially during the pandemic.
How are you holding up now?
October 25, 2003 was my last drink. I can relate to the very bad decisions before that. Not that life still isn't difficult but it's better than the regrets and consequences that drinking brought with it.
The pain of losing a job due to problem drinking is the worst. Thanks for sharing your story.
Derrick it’s so amazing that you are brave enough to share your darkest moments with us. I do believe that everything in our lives brings us to where we are NOW in our reality, so hitting ‘your rock bottom’ allowed that door to open to ask for permanent help. Your therapist was definitely your guardian angel that day. May your day today as well as all of your future days be bright and clear 🙏🏻👍🏻🤩
I read the comments first so was waiting for pen clicking. I was married to an alcoholic who's been sober for 30 years now. It made a huge difference in our kids' lives to have a sober dad and now sober grandpa. All the best in your sobriety. Thanks for sharing.
I feel like people don’t address food as an addiction but it certainly is. Thanks for mentioning that.
I over eat to cope with things. Definitely a drug I still struggle with.
The best way to make amends is to change one's behaviour. Well done, Derrick.
Congratulations on your years of sobriety. Proud of You! If your story helps even one person, it is so worth you telling it. Have a good week. Looking forward to your next episode.
This could well be the best alcohol related stories I have heard.
Thank you so much
You and your mom are great story tellers. Looking forward for parts 2 and 3.
Wow. Thank you for sharing. I’m sorry that you had all that pain, but I’m so happy for you to be able to overcome :) inspiring!
Thank you so much!
My man your story is really touching a nerve. Thanks for sharing. I just got this video randomly. I'm in early period of sobriety. I'm really touched.🙌
Thank you for the comment. I hope you recovery is going well. Hang in there!!
Thanks for sharing. I'm trying to get sober now. I've been to several rehabs, sober livings, jail a handful of times. It's rough.
Try anything but AA eg SMART or Lifering. AA disempowers guilt trips forever plus engages in magical thinking ie higher powers of a spiritual nature. Lik surendering and being ruled by a ghost.
Thank you for sharing your story. I have a recovering daughter and your story hits close to home ! It take courage to bear it all and I am sure you will help someone !!
There are a lot of guardian angels among us and your therapist was yours that day.
Thank you for sharing your story.
You are an amazing person do you know that. I put this video on loud and was cleaning up the apartment. Didn’t know how truthful you were going to be. Your story touched my heart. It takes a strong person to realize that you don’t only need help but actually reach out for it.
I am so happy for you, Skylar and your family. You have come a long way Derrick. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished in life.
I am sure that many of us have benefitted from your story. Thank you Derrick ❤️
Its interesting to hear things from an alcoholics perspective.
I took my kids, 4 days before Christmas in 2002, away from all that they knew, because there Father was (is) an alcoholic. We ended up in a refuge as we had nowhere to go, and my kids were aged 2, 4 and 7.
That was a hard Christmas.
I have missed my home and my kids Dad every single day since, and sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing, as life still hasn't been easy since, and he stopped seeing the kids years ago, which broke their hearts. He lives alone now, and just spends his nights drinking. I feel guilty that me leaving pushed him further down the drink route, but I was just trying to protect my kids from the bad atmosphere and arguments. In some ways I feel I made everything worse for all concerned. Life is pretty crappy. I'm glad you've turned your life around and have the support of your family. Much love and best wishes from Derby, England x
Your husband chose alcohol over family, you did the right thing. I waited until my kids were older. They are f**ked up
You leaving didn't push him further. He made that decision himself. Every single minute of every day he had a choice offered to him, every time he chose to keep drinking.
Wow Derrick, of all the stories that have been told to me, this is one of the most interesting. I’m sorry that you had to go thru all this to get clean. But don’t you feel better in all ways. So proud to know your story, and hope that it is helping someone else. That’s the best thing you can do.
Oh Derrick, Bravo Bravo to you!!! I am So Proud of you!!! You related your story so well, I could Totally relate ( unfortunately)! I have been in recovery, by the Grace of God, for 🙏 many years now, and I try to remember to daily count my blessings and remember gratitude. You are doing so much good by courageously sharing your experience, strength, and hope. Thank you Derrick. God Bless you and your dear family! ❤🌈
thanks for this- currently struggling and this helps:)
Thank you for sharing this. There really is hope for people with addictions and for the families of addicts which is another whole story! Al anon helped me years ago tremendously when I was dealing with an alcoholic spouse. Unfortunately he lost his battle with alcoholism in a motorcycle wreck when I was 6 months pregnant with our daughter. It’s been many years ago now and time has helped to heal but I can’t tell you how much I learned from going to those Al Anon meetings. He left me with the precious gift of a daughter and I know that he isn’t suffering with his addictions any longer! Thank you again for sharing your story!!
Oh, Derrick. It takes courage to do what you did on that day and today - telling your story. I can't even imagine this as I can live the rest of my life without a drop of alcohol and don't care. However, we all have our vices, and I can appreciate your struggles in another context. Thank you for being so honest, and congratulations. Keep it up. You have such a bright future ahead of you.
Thank you so much for sharing. I've had people in my life who needed rehab but refused to go. It sure can hurt a lot of innocent bystanders. Looking forward to part two.
I was 38 years sober before the pen clicking sent me over the edge. Now I am filling up water bottles with 100 proof vodka. Thanks a lot!
Your RUclips handle tells me all I need to know
@@DerrickMichaudChannel you don’t like Irish people?
@@mcdouche2..I love all of the United Kingdom
@@KimPhilby203 ha! Philby you betrayed the UK. Ben Macintyre told me all about you!
Derrick you are so awesome to share ! No one helped my dad. He was never in my life due to this . He was an alcoholic from age 10 till he hung himself in a Vet hospital at age 49. My brother drank himself to death on purpose at age 50. He told me he was going to . I never drank. So you might not know your helping yet but there is someone out there that your helping . 💟 or maybe someone watching will share your video. Keep up the good work , you have a purpose 😊
Wow. Thank you for sharing. Cant wait to watch the next episode.
Thank you for sharing such vulnerable times in your life and your success with sobriety!
excellent, thanks for sharing, can't wait to view part 2... you're my hero.
Good for you! I hope you stay sober! It’s a better life! I’m so glad I don’t like the taste of alcohol because my daddy and his daddy was alcoholics🙏🏼🙏🏼
It is definitely a better life. Thank you for engaging
Hi Derrick ,
You had a great therapist to do what he did for you
I’m so glad you opened your eyes and mind to solving your problem..
Continue the great work you are doing !
Hugs to you hon..
From Memphis.. ❤️❤️❤️
This was my life, I think it’s happening all over the country too.
Wow, what a story! You are so amazing!!
Great story man. You have a way with telling stories. I am glad you were able to turn your life around.
Your story sounded so familiar. I'm grateful. .. thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing Derrick
Thank you Derrick for sharing. So proud of you!
Urgh. The pen clicking . Great story . Love the video
Keep telling your story Derrick - ❤God Bless & Keep you. We all can relate in some way or another.
Thank you for sharing in such a vulnerable and courageous way.
Amazing video …… you are incredible. We’ll done man
Clicking that pen🤦♀️ lololol🤣
Killing me
Very brave telling your personal story and you were able to call for help. Well done on facing your demons.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. That’s all I can say just now as I reflect on things.
Thanks for sharing Derrick, your story helps others including my self.
You are taking a brave journey with this utube channel.
GOGOo brother. You're priceless. more than you know. TY.
Wow Derrick! I’m sorry you went through so much! I am happy what you have become, though! Blessings to you and the life you live now! 🤗
Appreciate you telling your story and stay strong brother!
I love your desire to be real and honest.
Thank you Derrick! Well done!
Great story, and such a great therapist❣️
Thank you for sharing the first part of your recovery story, I look forward to hearing the rest of it. Be well 🌹
If demons exist, alcohol is one.
Thanks for sharing this. It helps to know what can drive this addiction. I’ve worked in a psychiatric clinic and therapy is a wonderful help. I interested in more of your story.
Thank you for sharing 👍🏽
It's my pleasure
May 20th is my birthday and it is also a rebirth for you as well. Thankfully you found the strength to tackle all this. Wishing you all the best and thank you for sharing your story. Looking forward to the next part. Hugs
It’s my bday too
Thank God you said yes! Not easy to put yourself out there like that for sure.❤
Amazing therapist
This could be a movie. You should write a book!
Wow… what a story of your life. You are amazing and rehab is wonderful… I went for food addiction in Memphis… wow.. my therapist saved my life. I was starving myself to death and it was awful. You are one brave person to tell your truth. Thank you Derrick if only you knew how you are going to help people. I will always be in recovery but I work my plan every day. You have to want a better life to make it work. Wow !
Well done. Not a drinker myself but addiction is in my family.
As long as don’t hurt anyone so what. I’m glad that people get some relief from this and keep up the good work
Thank you
Good you did not hurt anybody while drinking and driving
This offering is definitely a public service. I always recognize that laughter as a signal that a person has let go of the alcohol and forgiven the alcoholic that was. Congratulations.
This is the story of my life right now. Woke up today with huge bruises all over my body, having been so drunk to the point of falling and tripping all over the place. I know this isn't working anymore, but I just can't stop. Not even after having serious alcohol withdrawals at work being all anxious, nervous and sweaty can I stop. It's crazy. I don't know what to do about it. Have to drink a few beers now just to stop the anxiety and doom feelings.
Man, how are you now?
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.
For the people commenting about him clicking the pen. He’s talking about really personal things and maybe the pen is like a coping mechanism like when people use those fidget things. It’s common if you have mental health issues to need distractions.
Thank you Sarah!!
Agree get over it
Thank you for sharing your story
Happy to subscribe.
Happy to have you. Thank you for subscribing
Thank you for telling your story!!!
What is the clicking in the background?
His pen, I assume 😊
@@aubreyheartburnhis pencil, actually
@@Manos-de-Piedra Ahh, world of difference then!.....
He's even said in other videos about his pen clicking habit. Not aware of any pencils that click....
I got a dui the night my little brother was found deceased from suicide. My low has been met!
RIP bro. Losing a sibling sucks, no matter how it goes down
Thanks for sharing👍
Congratulations on your journey becoming sober still not easy keep working. I come from a family of alcoholics and it’s only the men in our family and they’re all functioning alcoholics not all but I majority they go to work and drink on the weekends.
You are a survivor, you were brave to put it out there. But, this video may help someone else! That is what it’s all about.
🌸Thx for talking to me and helping me out. I wish your mother would turn her comments on so that I coulld talk to her about living with narcissists.
Thank you so much 🥰
Thank you.
Not easy stopping drinking as I know still finding it hard sum days are good sum days are bad but that's life well done to you 👍
Strange i stopped my relapse during covd. Was isolated but felt connected as i knew millions of others world wide were holed up alone.
36 Days Alcohol Free! I do Not want anymore of it.
GREAT!! Congratulations. Keep it up. It may not get easier but life definitily gets better!
@@DerrickMichaudChannel Thank you! I’m all in! No turning back now!!👍
I would get so anxious sometimes at the bar because of my anxiety I would need to take many shots before I can feel normal. Do most alcoholics go thru this
Thanks for sharing. Pen clicking was very distracting.
Admire your spirit,no pun intended,and determination
You did it
My Uncle was an alcoholic and died of Chirossis
Excuse the spelling
P.S
I listen to your Sister ,Darlene
Really like her
Want to comment but all comments turned off
Continued good wishes for the future
Cirrhosis
Hope I got it right
Funny thing is,I don’t drink,although I have an Irish Pub
Lol
The clicking sound.
Is that a pen clicking
A pencil, actually
Detox slower. Halve your drink or halve your per cent for 2 or 3 days. Then stop. Or drink one less every day and stop. Get busy all AM early PM eg go to meetings so you can drink less as above. Its a gentle stop.
Congratulations for the courage to quit!
I wantvto watch this so bad bur I'm 3 mins in and the clicking is driving me bat shit crazy
You are very brave to share…
I picked up the 1,000 lb phone too. You are not alone.
Dude, put the pen down, or whatever you clicked 700 times
Thanks
Exactly 🤦♀️
Good video but man that pen clicking was driving me insane
I thought it was the chair at first. I was thinking what is that damn noise
116 days of no alcohol for me
WHAT BAND? I was in Green apple quickstep. At least you moved. Ive had two DUIs bro. I don't meet when I drink. Hope you didn't hurt anyone. I hab.