Thank you for this video! My son has been sober for 3 years. He used to tell me he drank because of his anxiety. That he needed it to relax. After, his wife and children left and he lost his job. He decided to get help. He just told me last week that he never realized that drinking caused his anxiety… many blessings to you.
Hello from Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica! I got on RUclips and there you were, so I listened to your podcast. I was very interested when you began to say how you would feel and the anxiety that would come on. When I was 15 years old, I remember my parents coming home every night from the bar between 2 & 3am and they would be so drunk they would be fighting as they got ready for bed. Then, Mom would come out of the room crying and right into my bedroom, sit on the side of the bed, proceed to tell me stories. They weren’t good stories or at least not stories a 15 year old needs to hear. The one good thing about it is I didn’t become an alcoholic like my parents and 2 (out of3) brothers did. I do have a couple of drinks when my husband and I go out (once a month) but I don’t like to drink at home even when my husband drinks. I am now 73 and so glad I didn’t become an alcoholic. I apologize for telling you some of my story but I needed to, I’ve been carrying that baggage for a long time and I never talked about it, it’s been bottled up inside. Congratulations on your 7 1/2 years of sobriety! That is fantastic and THANK YOU for being in my ‘path of life’ so I could hear your story!!! You were awesome 👏 👏👏……
Congrats on 7.5 years of sobriety! That's HUGE! The struggle is real. My dad was an alcoholic most of my childhood but was finally able to quit after my brother died. I was an alcoholic also, and kind of similar circumstances to you. I was 12 the first time I got drunk and it was a miserable time getting busted and yelled at my my friends dad lol. Didn't touch it again until I was 14 or 15, but then got hooked right away after that. I was a binge drinker and was always worried about how many beers were left and I would try and snag a few at once and go hide them somewhere. Always the last one standing too! I honestly don't know how I'm alive, the amount I was consuming was just ridiculous. Thanks for sharing your story, and congratulations again 🤗
ACOA and mother of recovering addict so in al-anon myself. Thought of doing a podcast on Al-Anon talks but I can't get my pic right for it yet. I want to thank you whole heartedly on being brave enough to speak openly about alcoholism.
Congratulations on your sobriety. My son just graduated from a year long faith based live in program. He is now on official payroll at the mission and I am beyond proud of him. Thanks for sharing .
Derrick you are touching so many people!!! Please continue your story. My son died at 31, drunk and smoking fake Marijuana. He was a super nice person helping people. But he even told me during his days of trying to quit, Mom if I drink 1 beer I want another and another until I pass out drunk. His death was 7 years ago. I wasn't going to watch this video but decided it might help me understand more. Your description of the anxiety part of described my son. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
Ouch. I can feel the anxiety of knowing that you're almost out of drink/drug while you are explaining your story. I have been sober for 4 years. I've been addicted to just about all the drugs. Once I would start drinking I would search for an even better drug to get wasted on. Yuck, I hate thinking about all the crap I've done. I don't know how or why God has let me live. Do you ever dream about getting drunk or doing drugs? I constantly have dreams that I have a prescription for vicodin but in my dreams I can never find a pharmacy to fill my prescription. It's torture waking up and realizing that I don't actually have any pills. I have that dream at LEAST once a week if not more. If I'm honest, being sober kinda sucks. I just stay at home all the time, never go out and socialize for fear of meeting bad people. I guess being sober is better than waking up with a hangover though. It's hard to figure out how to live happy once you've gotten sober. I should really delete this comment but since you are talking about it I guess I can too.
I’m coming up on 3.5 years. There was a time I couldn’t go 3.5 hours without having a drink. Now, I’ve never woken up wishing I would’ve had a drink yesterday. My first time waking up in the hospital, I figured was no big deal. Everyone wakes up in the hospital at least once. After the 3rd, 4th, 5th time, I still didn’t get it. It was a literal divine intervention, and a frightening hallucination, that finally got me to go get the help I needed.
I really like your comment “I’ve never woken up wishing I would’ve had a drink yesterday”. That is such a great thing for recovering alcoholics to remind themselves of.
Got my first real lesson when I was 17. Got hammered drunk, crashed at a buddy's and woke up 3 hours late for work. I had to open the gas station at 6AM. Fuck. I got to the tarmac and the boss was there....he knew exactly what was up. He said," If you're gunna party like a man, you get up and go to work like a man." I was thinking....OK. Then he said, "You're fired."
You are a blessing to many. Please don't stop sharing. It's the common man who can reach many without trying. Others will shy away from help groups. I'm thankful I subscribed to your channel. Plus I love your mom. She has a great eye for fabric and what to do with it. Keep going ....we need you both.
I love his mom too! I could listen to her talk for hours. I really love her tic toks. There's something soothing about how she explains what her mother is eating. 🤣
Great video Derrick, like you, my mother was an alcoholic and sadly it took her life at the young age of 53. That was 40 years ago and although I do enjoy the odd tiple or three, I swore I would NEVER drink on my own and to this day I never have.
BIG congrats on your sobriety. The way you share your life experiences is truly a gift. You just never know how many you will reach and help. Much respect to you.
Derrick Congratulations on your sobriety! It has been lovely getting to know you and you are doing GREAT! I am realizing how much you are like your Momma! She has a wonderful adorable son!
Thanks for sharing your beginnings with alcoholism. The majority of people have no clue how easy it is to get on the path to alcoholism. I use to drink socially after I was 21 yrs old. However, really it was binge drinking with friends. I could always drink anyone under the table. (It was a joke). Anyway if I wasn't out with friends on certain nights I didn't drink. My first husband was one who I drank with. He was an alcoholic, however, I didn't know that, mainly because I had a distorted view of an alcoholic (Dog sick, stumbling, passing out, no holding down a job, etc). After we were married and I was pregnant I didn't drink anymore. It was during that time I realized my husband had to have his alcohol every day. It wasn't just a social gathering thing. Long story short had I known the signs of alcoholism I would of figured it out long before. It is SO IMPORTANT for people of sobriety to share their story so others can learn from your experience.
Sorry I hit the wrong button and didn’t finish my comment. My dad came from a family of alcoholics I can’t remember any male relatives on his side that didn’t have alcoholic tendencies. It’s really is a tough childhood knowing that you really have to be always aware of your own actions don’t upset your father or you will suffer the wrath of a drunk father. As he got older he drank more and more and at about 65 he started getting confused of course he wouldn’t see a dr as he saw nothing wrong we finally managed when he was about 75 to get him to see a doctor, he was diagnosed with alcohol induced dementia. This is what eventually took his life. To this day I cannot even stand to hear the pop top on a can being opened it brings back all those memories of my childhood of the minute he opened his first beer of the day was when you knew it was all down hill from there. Sorry it was a long post but it’s my way of dealing with my thoughts. I loved my dad and took care of him until his last breath and believe me dealing with an alcoholic with dementia was truly hell with the dementia came violence. If anyone gets anything from this post I hope it makes you think about what you are doing doesn’t only ruin your own life but those who love you!
I quit smoking 7 years ago on Halloween. All addictions suck and hurt our health. Everyone says they’re not strong enough to stop, but they are and can. I truly believe it’s mind or matter. I did not want to fail, I had failed before. I know alcohol and tobacco are different addictions, but the mental challenge is close to the same. It’s hard to do, but very doable. Congrats on 7.5, it’s a great accomplishment.
Derrick, this was very interesting, I never heard anyone say this before. My dad was an alcoholic, so when I became of age, I tried becoming one too. I decided if this is what I'm headed for, I'll find out now so I won't have any children. I was determined not to expose them to the life our father put us through. Well, it didn't work because I did not enjoy it. What a blessing! I am now a Great Grandmother. Mr. Michaud, you are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
Great video that really spoke to me. My husband died last year of cirrhosis. Had a long hospital stay and really seemed committed to stop drinking but the alcohol had taken too much of a toll on his body. He started drinking young, definitely out-drank all of his friends, life of the party, ect. It makes sense how you explained your first drinking experience and how for some it has an instant hold on them. I think Scott was like that too. Thanks for sharing your story.
Been there, it created a lot of problems and I finally understood. I quit for a long time, but started drinking casual with friends, again it became a problem and now for ten years clean. Let your mom know we care about what all of you're going thru. Have her contact the local VFW or American Legion and they'll be of help with benefits to help all of you.
Congratulations 🎊🎉 on your 71/2 years of sobriety. I know what an accomplished that is my son is working on his 3 rd year and he says it’s one day at a time.
This is a good look at how it starts that most people think that they don't believe 🤔it could happen to themselves or their children. Denial is a great subject next to talk about.
Derrick thank you for sharing your beginnings into a dark hole. I was eleven, with home made wine. Anyone who has a drug or alcohol problem should never be ashamed to admit it. No different than being diabetic or having high blood pressure. And I have 20 years, drank one day had 15 years at the time. God bless you for your courage in speaking out. And for for helping your Mom and Grandmother.
Good talk. I was raised with alcohol was always around. My siblings never have had problems but everyone of the grandkids have had addiction problems. It destroys family's ,friendships and all relationships. Thanks for sharing a very prevalent problem in our society.
I think it’s great that you’re explaining the most important thing, how you know you got addicted to alcohol. You might be able to stop somebody before they get too far by helping them to understand how it starts. I was adopted , came from a background of alcoholism I later found out. And I do have an addictive personality but I’m grateful that my addiction was food. So yes I’m dealing with weight gain that I’m working on,But I’m extremely grateful that I was never exposed to alcohol or drugs because I would’ve been a great candidate to be an addict based on my family history and my own personal inability to sometimes stop when I should when it comes to eating. Somebody watching this may be able to either help themself or someone else just by understanding how it all can start. It says a lot about where you are in your journey that you’re able to discuss this now ,and own it all ,and share it to help others . Very interesting and insightful. Thank you so much for sharing!
I like you so much Derrick, huge fan of your mum cause I understand her. As a 58 year old who grew up with alcoholic parents, with 3 siblings who also followed suit, I also am weak, I applaud your 7 and a half years sobriety, this vlog especially touched a nerve. Thank you and God bless you and yours xxx
Yep...can relate. I remember I'd do a 12 pack of Coors Lite as my go-to. I'd start into the pack and then drink 3-4 beers and then at that point I'd ask myself if I had already had 3 what it 4 beers....so I'd count the remaining beers. If it was 9 remaining I'd be like "YES!!! Thank God" and if there were 8 remaining, I'd feel bummed and contemplate if I should walk to the convenience store real quick to get a 24oz beer that they have on ice in the front of the store. I guess 8 more beers on top of my 3-4 beers just wasn't enough (as ridiculous as that sounds to me now). I'd also gone to parties where there was drinking and friends and I'd have just a couple drinks and then leave early (before midnight when the stores stop selling alcohol) and then pick up an 6 pack of 16 oz Coors (larger cans then normal 12oz) and maybe an additional 24oz beer and then have those (what amounts to 8-10 more normal-sized) beers in addition to the 2-3 beers I started at the party. I've also ordered doordash when my beer quantity wasn't enough and I'd get a $15 margarita with food (ordered food because law says that if you order alcohol, you need to order food). Why doordash? Because the convenience store wasn't selling past midnight but restaurants and delivery of alcohol from restaurants ended at 2am. So I'd spend an additional $40 for a margarita and then on top of that eat too many calories from the alcohol and extra food. I am one year and nine months AF...so thankful I cut that shit out. The only way to get alcohol under control is abstinence. As far as moderation goes, I could get myself to be 100% in perfect physical/mental/spiritual health, but I still will never be able to moderate. It's a genetic brain metabolism thing. Alcohol free is the only way. As far as every other aspect of recovery goes, that varies depending on who you are or who you ask, but one thing's for certain: The person with alcohol use disorder cannot drink. *Last note: Even if you could drink moderately, why would you want to drink poison? That stuff we grew up on about moderate drinkers being healthier than abstainers was all BS. In 2018, they did a large meta-analysis of health effects of drinking and the conclusion was that any and all alcohol use is bad for health. Also....Listen to Craig Beck "Stop Drinking Expert" on youtube...his videos helped me A LOT.
It works if you work it. It sucks if you don’t. We got winners here! However, meetings aren’t for everyone and I can see why some don’t like them. I was taught that if you don’t like a meeting, keep going till you find one you do like.
I grew up in a 2 family house in Brooklyn NY. My uncle and his family lived in the second apartment. My uncle had a great job, he was handsome, sang and played piano and had a beautiful wife and kids. But he was a raging alcoholic. We never knew when he would flip the switch from his charming self. It scared me so much as a child that I would hide under my bed when I would hear it starting up on the floor above me. I have never had a drink in my life for fear of it affecting me as it did him. My friends used to make fun of me and I hung with a wild crowd. They sure all seemed to be having fun and I often wondered what I was missing out on. I've decided that it's probably best I never know because when I do like something, I tend to go overboard. This is an interesting topic to me. By the way, my uncle died in his 60's, homeless on the NYC Bowery, a place known for this. I loved my uncle and to this day, it makes me very sad.
Thank you for talking about alcoholism. Well, about your alcoholism. I remember when the word alcoholic equated with leper and people didn't raise thier hand nor sing from the roof tops about it either. It feels as if the pendulum is swinging back and, we are shuffling all things alcohol related back into the closet.
Keep doing what you've been doing Derrick, omg you show true strength of character my lovely. Having once lived with an alcoholic...I got to see things from the 'other side' so to speak. Not good. Having someone choose alcohol over me...was more than painful!! The way you describe your first drink, was the way I felt the first time I took a cigarette...aged 12, also, not good!! I'm 61 now, and finally managed to quit and stay 'quitted', 12 years ago now. You'll get no judgement from this lady here 😉...Please will you give your Mum a hug, from me...she's one heck of a fabulous woman. xx
Congratulations to you for quitting smoking! I’ve never smoked but have been told cigarettes are more addictive than cocaine. You deserve a lot of credit for overcoming that! Every one of us has issues to deal with, if someone appears to be “perfect” they are either lying or in denial.
Thank you for this video. It gave me another view of alcoholism. I observed and lived with it as a child -- my father was an alcoholic --- he didn't drinks constantly, he was on heavy doses of an antipsychotic drug. He was aware of the consequences of mixing alcohol and Lithium so would go off his medication and then proceed to drink heavily until there was a c crisis and then he was hospitalized and the circle began once again. You sound more like a "quiet, genial" alo=coholic rather then a person who is hard to be around. I wish you all the best in your ongoing path of sobriety. It takes guts to walk down that road!
Thank you my dear friend Derrick!!! There are a lot of addictions that that people don’t consider binge addictions but they do exist What help you bring from Your past is helping others in so many ways than you realize… Thank you for your down to earth honestly.. love ya!! ✌️✌️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️✌️✌️
Look at you Derrick! You changed your whole life, and I can’t even lose 10 lbs! It takes strength and prayer to be able to make a change the way you did!! Keep up the awesome work!! We are all proud of you Thank you for being you! You are a blessing to many - especially me❤️
I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. I’m a firm believer that every one of us has some sort of addiction or inner demon. It takes a strong person to not only recognize and admit their addiction, but to overcome it. Congratulations on your successful sobriety. On another note, I’d like to hear how your journey on becoming a carnivore is progressing (or not). Do you have cravings for carbs and if so, are you able to overcome those cravings? Just curious.
It’s so hard to understand a situation that you have never experienced, so hearing about yours Derreck is so informative, who would think that from your first encounter with beer it triggered an aggressive addiction from such an early age. How scary is that for young people, perhaps taking the pledge isn’t so laughable as it seems. Your will power and determination to get clean is commendable. May you be a mentor to those that need it.
Hi Derrick ! I’m the first one to watch and comment on this video. I remember asking you in one of your first ones to talk about this. I’ve been hoping you would get comfortable enough to start talking about your alcohol addiction. I grew up with a so many family members that are or were alcoholics. I was the lucky one out of my siblings to not have that addiction. But my addiction is food. I think we all have at least one addiction in our lives.
Me too and married one and had 6 kids. Three boys and 3 girls. All the boys were alcoholics and all changed no drinking now. Oldest one has ptsd because of it. Youngest boy had 3 duis and went to jail. He changed his life around and the middle boy is a diabetic, arthritis and gout lost his leg from infections and diabetic. People need to know to get help and talk about it. Thank you and its in your genes too. My Dad drank, my uncles drank because of it lost a business. I thank god do not drink wanted more for my kids. If you have a problem go to AA. My son its been like 25 or more years and still goes. Seeing a therapist for many years.
@@donnarichey144 definitely in the genes! My dad was a recovering alcoholic for about 30 years until the day he passed from cancer. My mom would drink in their younger years but not an alcoholic. Out the 8 kids in my dads family, 6 boys and 2 girls, all were alcoholics except for 3. In my family, my brother and 2 sisters were. I thankfully escaped it. But I did marry an alcoholic my first marriage. Ughhhh. That was hard. And what Derrick said about the 1 sober person vs how they are years down the road truly is a different person!
One way to figure out if you have ADD, ADHD, ADDH, and all of those is to look at the coping mechanisms and then how you organize your life, learning environment, keep on task, and just plain function in daily life. 13 years of K-12, a couple of years of life learning after high school, and going on to be able to support yourself et al - if you have one of these things, you have likely incorporated some of the coping mechanisms into your regular life and just the way your business. Of course you could do the same without them...
Never too late to try. Set one day goals of sobriety and stack them back to back. If you fall, get back up and try again. It's not easy but don't underestimate yourself. You are stronger than you think!
@@DerrickMichaudChannel Thanks I must do this, I am just getting out of control when drunk and cant stop when I start. I will do this from today and see how I go. Thanks for the reply
Addictions will be a thing of the past when the medbeds roll out. There are three kinds that I know of: Regeneration of limbs and organs after instant diagnosis, memory removal for trauma victims and the rescued from the DUMBs, and one for aging backwards. We have a glorious future ahead of us.
If people are casually doing meth or heroine people call them meth heads or addicts. If people are casually doing Alcohol people perceive them as just having a good time yet alcohol is a more destructive drug than meth and Heroine. The social acceptance of alcohol makes it a complete out of control substance.
Thank you for sharing. It has to be said though, that you didn't have a very good role model did you with an alcoholic Mother ? or to use her own words 'a drunk' - ?
When people stop smoking cigs, they dont keep talking about, their smoking, the impact on their general health, finances, other people, home, job. I dont hear of hem going to ex smoker meetings or making podcasts about it. Why do people think their drinking is of so much interest to the world. I found this so boring, i skipped ahead, still boring, skipped a bit more. Then jiust turned it off.
Thank you for the positive feedback. Clearly, this video was not for you. But it was great for thousands of other people that appreciate the help I'm trying to give.
Bravo! Alcohol is a devious, sneaky frienemy. I have just started watching your videos. You are a kind-hearted man. Thank you!
Thank you for this video! My son has been sober for 3 years. He used to tell me he drank because of his anxiety. That he needed it to relax. After, his wife and children left and he lost his job. He decided to get help. He just told me last week that he never realized that drinking caused his anxiety… many blessings to you.
Hello from Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica! I got on RUclips and there you were, so I listened to your podcast.
I was very interested when you began to say how you would feel and the anxiety that would come on.
When I was 15 years old, I remember my parents coming home every night from the bar between 2 & 3am and they would be so drunk they would be fighting as they got ready for bed. Then, Mom would come out of the room crying and right into my bedroom, sit on the side of the bed, proceed to tell me stories. They weren’t good stories or at least not stories a 15 year old needs to hear.
The one good thing about it is I didn’t become an alcoholic like my parents and 2 (out of3) brothers did. I do have a couple of drinks when my husband and I go out (once a month) but I don’t like to drink at home even when my husband drinks. I am now 73 and so glad I didn’t become an alcoholic. I apologize for telling you some of my story but I needed to, I’ve been carrying that baggage for a long time and I never talked about it, it’s been bottled up inside.
Congratulations on your 7 1/2 years of sobriety! That is fantastic and THANK YOU for being in my ‘path of life’ so I could hear your story!!! You were awesome 👏 👏👏……
Congrats on 7.5 years of sobriety! That's HUGE! The struggle is real. My dad was an alcoholic most of my childhood but was finally able to quit after my brother died.
I was an alcoholic also, and kind of similar circumstances to you. I was 12 the first time I got drunk and it was a miserable time getting busted and yelled at my my friends dad lol. Didn't touch it again until I was 14 or 15, but then got hooked right away after that. I was a binge drinker and was always worried about how many beers were left and I would try and snag a few at once and go hide them somewhere. Always the last one standing too! I honestly don't know how I'm alive, the amount I was consuming was just ridiculous.
Thanks for sharing your story, and congratulations again 🤗
ACOA and mother of recovering addict so in al-anon myself. Thought of doing a podcast on Al-Anon talks but I can't get my pic right for it yet. I want to thank you whole heartedly on being brave enough to speak openly about alcoholism.
Please talk more about this the help is needed PLEASE
Congratulations on your sobriety. My son just graduated from a year long faith based live in program. He is now on official payroll at the mission and I am beyond proud of him. Thanks for sharing .
Thank you
Derrick you are touching so many people!!! Please continue your story. My son died at 31, drunk and smoking fake Marijuana. He was a super nice person helping people. But he even told me during his days of trying to quit, Mom if I drink 1 beer I want another and another until I pass out drunk. His death was 7 years ago. I wasn't going to watch this video but decided it might help me understand more. Your description of the anxiety part of described my son. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
Ouch. I can feel the anxiety of knowing that you're almost out of drink/drug while you are explaining your story. I have been sober for 4 years. I've been addicted to just about all the drugs. Once I would start drinking I would search for an even better drug to get wasted on. Yuck, I hate thinking about all the crap I've done. I don't know how or why God has let me live. Do you ever dream about getting drunk or doing drugs? I constantly have dreams that I have a prescription for vicodin but in my dreams I can never find a pharmacy to fill my prescription. It's torture waking up and realizing that I don't actually have any pills. I have that dream at LEAST once a week if not more. If I'm honest, being sober kinda sucks. I just stay at home all the time, never go out and socialize for fear of meeting bad people. I guess being sober is better than waking up with a hangover though. It's hard to figure out how to live happy once you've gotten sober. I should really delete this comment but since you are talking about it I guess I can too.
Bless you.
It takes courage to tell the truth, and you just showed how brave you are.
I’m coming up on 3.5 years. There was a time I couldn’t go 3.5 hours without having a drink. Now, I’ve never woken up wishing I would’ve had a drink yesterday.
My first time waking up in the hospital, I figured was no big deal. Everyone wakes up in the hospital at least once. After the 3rd, 4th, 5th time, I still didn’t get it. It was a literal divine intervention, and a frightening hallucination, that finally got me to go get the help I needed.
What did you see?
I really like your comment “I’ve never woken up wishing I would’ve had a drink yesterday”. That is such a great thing for recovering alcoholics to remind themselves of.
Got my first real lesson when I was 17.
Got hammered drunk, crashed at a buddy's and woke up 3 hours late for work.
I had to open the gas station at 6AM. Fuck.
I got to the tarmac and the boss was there....he knew exactly what was up.
He said," If you're gunna party like a man, you get up and go to work like a man."
I was thinking....OK.
Then he said, "You're fired."
You are a blessing to many. Please don't stop sharing. It's the common man who can reach many without trying. Others will shy away from help groups. I'm thankful I subscribed to your channel. Plus I love your mom. She has a great eye for fabric and what to do with it. Keep going ....we need you both.
I love his mom too! I could listen to her talk for hours. I really love her tic toks. There's something soothing about how she explains what her mother is eating. 🤣
Darlene is the best 🤗
Great video Derrick, like you, my mother was an alcoholic and sadly it took her life at the young age of 53. That was 40 years ago and although I do enjoy the odd tiple or three, I swore I would NEVER drink on my own and to this day I never have.
BIG congrats on your sobriety. The way you share your life experiences is truly a gift. You just never know how many you will reach and help. Much respect to you.
Well done for drying out, and for being able to open up. You will have helped many others with your story..
Veronica from Barry South Wales U.K
Derrick Congratulations on your sobriety! It has been lovely getting to know you and you are doing GREAT! I am realizing how much you are like your Momma! She has a wonderful adorable son!
Thanks for sharing your beginnings with alcoholism. The majority of people have no clue how easy it is to get on the path to alcoholism. I use to drink socially after I was 21 yrs old. However, really it was binge drinking with friends. I could always drink anyone under the table. (It was a joke). Anyway if I wasn't out with friends on certain nights I didn't drink. My first husband was one who I drank with. He was an alcoholic, however, I didn't know that, mainly because I had a distorted view of an alcoholic (Dog sick, stumbling, passing out, no holding down a job, etc). After we were married and I was pregnant I didn't drink anymore. It was during that time I realized my husband had to have his alcohol every day. It wasn't just a social gathering thing. Long story short had I known the signs of alcoholism I would of figured it out long before. It is SO IMPORTANT for people of sobriety to share their story so others can learn from your experience.
This is subject that needs to be talked about! I grew up with an alcoholic father he was a nasty man when drunk, not physically but verbally
Sorry I hit the wrong button and didn’t finish my comment. My dad came from a family of alcoholics I can’t remember any male relatives on his side that didn’t have alcoholic tendencies. It’s really is a tough childhood knowing that you really have to be always aware of your own actions don’t upset your father or you will suffer the wrath of a drunk father. As he got older he drank more and more and at about 65 he started getting confused of course he wouldn’t see a dr as he saw nothing wrong we finally managed when he was about 75 to get him to see a doctor, he was diagnosed with alcohol induced dementia. This is what eventually took his life. To this day I cannot even stand to hear the pop top on a can being opened it brings back all those memories of my childhood of the minute he opened his first beer of the day was when you knew it was all down hill from there. Sorry it was a long post but it’s my way of dealing with my thoughts. I loved my dad and took care of him until his last breath and believe me dealing with an alcoholic with dementia was truly hell with the dementia came violence. If anyone gets anything from this post I hope it makes you think about what you are doing doesn’t only ruin your own life but those who love you!
Congrats on 7.5 years of sobriety! Addictions are very challenging, but you have overcome and become successful for yourself and your family!
I quit smoking 7 years ago on Halloween. All addictions suck and hurt our health. Everyone says they’re not strong enough to stop, but they are and can. I truly believe it’s mind or matter. I did not want to fail, I had failed before. I know alcohol and tobacco are different addictions, but the mental challenge is close to the same. It’s hard to do, but very doable. Congrats on 7.5, it’s a great accomplishment.
Halloween was my quit smoking day too, 35 years ago, pat on the back ;)
Derrick, this was very interesting, I never heard anyone say this before.
My dad was an alcoholic, so when I became of age, I tried becoming one too. I decided if this is what I'm headed for, I'll find out now so I won't have any children. I was determined not to expose them to the life our father put us through. Well, it didn't work because I did not enjoy it. What a blessing! I am now a Great Grandmother.
Mr. Michaud, you are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
Great video that really spoke to me. My husband died last year of cirrhosis. Had a long hospital stay and really seemed committed to stop drinking but the alcohol had taken too much of a toll on his body. He started drinking young, definitely out-drank all of his friends, life of the party, ect. It makes sense how you explained your first drinking experience and how for some it has an instant hold on them. I think Scott was like that too. Thanks for sharing your story.
Btw, I see I'm listed as Scott but I'm actually his widow-Jennifer.
Been there, it created a lot of problems and I finally understood. I quit for a long time, but started drinking casual with friends, again it became a problem and now for ten years clean.
Let your mom know we care about what all of you're going thru. Have her contact the local VFW or American Legion and they'll be of help with benefits to help all of you.
Really good video, Derrick. So refreshing to see a young man making a difference in the world. Here’s to your 7-1/2 years +. Congratulations.
Congratulations 🎊🎉 on your 71/2 years of sobriety. I know what an accomplished that is my son is working on his 3 rd year and he says it’s one day at a time.
Thank you for sharing.
This is a good look at how it starts that most people think that they don't believe 🤔it could happen to themselves or their children. Denial is a great subject next to talk about.
I agree
Derrick thank you for sharing your beginnings into a dark hole. I was eleven, with home made wine. Anyone who has a drug or alcohol problem should never be ashamed to admit it. No different than being diabetic or having high blood pressure. And I have 20 years, drank one day had 15 years at the time. God bless you for your courage in speaking out. And for for helping your Mom and Grandmother.
Good talk. I was raised with alcohol was always around. My siblings never have had problems but everyone of the grandkids have had addiction problems. It destroys family's ,friendships and all relationships. Thanks for sharing a very prevalent problem in our society.
Huge thank you for sharing your story. Very generous. Congrats on your sobriety. You managed to quit as did your mom. Amazing family.
Well done Derrick. I so appreciate your heartfelt sharing.
Thanks for sharing Derrick 😁👍🏻
You are amazing! Congratulations on talking openly about the tough stuff. You will help so many.
As ever, thank you for so much
I think it’s great that you’re explaining the most important thing, how you know you got addicted to alcohol. You might be able to stop somebody before they get too far by helping them to understand how it starts. I was adopted , came from a background of alcoholism I later found out. And I do have an addictive personality but I’m grateful that my addiction was food. So yes I’m dealing with weight gain that I’m working on,But I’m extremely grateful that I was never exposed to alcohol or drugs because I would’ve been a great candidate to be an addict based on my family history and my own personal inability to sometimes stop when I should when it comes to eating.
Somebody watching this may be able to either help themself or someone else just by understanding how it all can start. It says a lot about where you are in your journey that you’re able to discuss this now ,and own it all ,and share it to help others .
Very interesting and insightful. Thank you so much for sharing!
I like you so much Derrick, huge fan of your mum cause I understand her. As a 58 year old who grew up with alcoholic parents, with 3 siblings who also followed suit, I also am weak, I applaud your 7 and a half years sobriety, this vlog especially touched a nerve. Thank you and God bless you and yours xxx
Excellent description. Never knew about the anxiety issue, but looking back it makes so much sense. My spouse would act that way and I never knew why!
Yep...can relate. I remember I'd do a 12 pack of Coors Lite as my go-to. I'd start into the pack and then drink 3-4 beers and then at that point I'd ask myself if I had already had 3 what it 4 beers....so I'd count the remaining beers. If it was 9 remaining I'd be like "YES!!! Thank God" and if there were 8 remaining, I'd feel bummed and contemplate if I should walk to the convenience store real quick to get a 24oz beer that they have on ice in the front of the store. I guess 8 more beers on top of my 3-4 beers just wasn't enough (as ridiculous as that sounds to me now).
I'd also gone to parties where there was drinking and friends and I'd have just a couple drinks and then leave early (before midnight when the stores stop selling alcohol) and then pick up an 6 pack of 16 oz Coors (larger cans then normal 12oz) and maybe an additional 24oz beer and then have those (what amounts to 8-10 more normal-sized) beers in addition to the 2-3 beers I started at the party. I've also ordered doordash when my beer quantity wasn't enough and I'd get a $15 margarita with food (ordered food because law says that if you order alcohol, you need to order food). Why doordash? Because the convenience store wasn't selling past midnight but restaurants and delivery of alcohol from restaurants ended at 2am. So I'd spend an additional $40 for a margarita and then on top of that eat too many calories from the alcohol and extra food.
I am one year and nine months AF...so thankful I cut that shit out.
The only way to get alcohol under control is abstinence. As far as moderation goes, I could get myself to be 100% in perfect physical/mental/spiritual health, but I still will never be able to moderate. It's a genetic brain metabolism thing. Alcohol free is the only way. As far as every other aspect of recovery goes, that varies depending on who you are or who you ask, but one thing's for certain: The person with alcohol use disorder cannot drink.
*Last note: Even if you could drink moderately, why would you want to drink poison? That stuff we grew up on about moderate drinkers being healthier than abstainers was all BS. In 2018, they did a large meta-analysis of health effects of drinking and the conclusion was that any and all alcohol use is bad for health. Also....Listen to Craig Beck "Stop Drinking Expert" on youtube...his videos helped me A LOT.
AA is free. I encourage you to find a meeting. The friendships and support are amazing.
It works if you work it. It sucks if you don’t. We got winners here!
However, meetings aren’t for everyone and I can see why some don’t like them. I was taught that if you don’t like a meeting, keep going till you find one you do like.
... because (we) meeting makers make it! 💪🏼
Why does he need one. He hasn't drank for 7.5 years
@@priyanirgude8017 you might wanna learn-up on the Program to answer your question.
Your sharing is helping many people. Very insightful video. Take care.
Congratulations on your sobriety . I’m so very proud of you! 👍🏻💙👏🏻💙🙏🏻
I grew up in a 2 family house in Brooklyn NY. My uncle and his family lived in the second apartment. My uncle had a great job, he was handsome, sang and played piano and had a beautiful wife and kids. But he was a raging alcoholic. We never knew when he would flip the switch from his charming self. It scared me so much as a child that I would hide under my bed when I would hear it starting up on the floor above me. I have never had a drink in my life for fear of it affecting me as it did him. My friends used to make fun of me and I hung with a wild crowd. They sure all seemed to be having fun and I often wondered what I was missing out on. I've decided that it's probably best I never know because when I do like something, I tend to go overboard. This is an interesting topic to me. By the way, my uncle died in his 60's, homeless on the NYC Bowery, a place known for this. I loved my uncle and to this day, it makes me very sad.
Thank you for talking about alcoholism. Well, about your alcoholism. I remember when the word alcoholic equated with leper and people didn't raise thier hand nor sing from the roof tops about it either. It feels as if the pendulum is swinging back and, we are shuffling all things alcohol related back into the closet.
Thanks for sharing this story.
Keep doing what you've been doing Derrick, omg you show true strength of character my lovely. Having once lived with an alcoholic...I got to see things from the 'other side' so to speak. Not good. Having someone choose alcohol over me...was more than painful!! The way you describe your first drink, was the way I felt the first time I took a cigarette...aged 12, also, not good!! I'm 61 now, and finally managed to quit and stay 'quitted', 12 years ago now. You'll get no judgement from this lady here 😉...Please will you give your Mum a hug, from me...she's one heck of a fabulous woman. xx
Congratulations to you for quitting smoking! I’ve never smoked but have been told cigarettes are more addictive than cocaine. You deserve a lot of credit for overcoming that! Every one of us has issues to deal with, if someone appears to be “perfect” they are either lying or in denial.
@@Deadfear7755 Why, thank you so much 😁
Your videos pt 1,2,3 mirror my drinking experience. Trying to do it on my own due to work. Thank you
Thank you for this video. It gave me another view of alcoholism. I observed and lived with it as a child -- my father was an alcoholic --- he didn't drinks constantly, he was on heavy doses of an antipsychotic drug. He was aware of the consequences of mixing alcohol and Lithium so would go off his medication and then proceed to drink heavily until there was a c crisis and then he was hospitalized and the circle began once again. You sound more like a "quiet, genial" alo=coholic rather then a person who is hard to be around. I wish you all the best in your ongoing path of sobriety. It takes guts to walk down that road!
You are a brave and courageous person to share what you do! I am sure you will inspire people with you achievements more than you think! Take care
Thank you my dear friend Derrick!!!
There are a lot of addictions that that people don’t consider binge addictions but they do exist
What help you bring from
Your past is helping others in so many ways than you realize…
Thank you for your down to earth honestly..
love ya!! ✌️✌️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️✌️✌️
I like how you laugh about some of the stuff, as opposed to it all being this solemn thing. Not to discount anyone who goes through some dark times.
Love that you’re sharing 👍
Thank you! ❤️ your truth and honesty is a great thing to witness.
Thanks for sharing Derrick!
Look at you Derrick! You changed your whole life, and I can’t even lose 10 lbs! It takes strength and prayer to be able to make a change the way you did!! Keep up the awesome work!! We are all proud of you Thank you for being you! You are a blessing to many - especially me❤️
I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. I’m a firm believer that every one of us has some sort of addiction or inner demon. It takes a strong person to not only recognize and admit their addiction, but to overcome it. Congratulations on your successful sobriety.
On another note, I’d like to hear how your journey on becoming a carnivore is progressing (or not). Do you have cravings for carbs and if so, are you able to overcome those cravings? Just curious.
Very proud of you!
Life is about experiences, and growth. Glad you grew wiser to enjoy the rest of your life.✋🏻
I really like you sturies. Keep it up
I knew I had a problem when I was mixing vodka and orange koolaid
It’s so hard to understand a situation that you have never experienced, so hearing about yours Derreck is so informative, who would think that from your first encounter with beer it triggered an aggressive addiction from such an early age.
How scary is that for young people, perhaps taking the pledge isn’t so laughable as it seems. Your will power and determination to get clean is commendable.
May you be a mentor to those that need it.
Bless your heart.
Hi Derrick ! I’m the first one to watch and comment on this video. I remember asking you in one of your first ones to talk about this. I’ve been hoping you would get comfortable enough to start talking about your alcohol addiction. I grew up with a so many family members that are or were alcoholics. I was the lucky one out of my siblings to not have that addiction. But my addiction is food. I think we all have at least one addiction in our lives.
Me too and married one and had 6 kids. Three boys and 3 girls. All the boys were alcoholics and all changed no drinking now. Oldest one has ptsd because of it. Youngest boy had 3 duis and went to jail. He changed his life around and the middle boy is a diabetic, arthritis and gout lost his leg from infections and diabetic. People need to know to get help and talk about it. Thank you and its in your genes too. My Dad drank, my uncles drank because of it lost a business. I thank god do not drink wanted more for my kids. If you have a problem go to AA. My son its been like 25 or more years and still goes. Seeing a therapist for many years.
@@donnarichey144 definitely in the genes! My dad was a recovering alcoholic for about 30 years until the day he passed from cancer. My mom would drink in their younger years but not an alcoholic. Out the 8 kids in my dads family, 6 boys and 2 girls, all were alcoholics except for 3. In my family, my brother and 2 sisters were. I thankfully escaped it. But I did marry an alcoholic my first marriage. Ughhhh. That was hard. And what Derrick said about the 1 sober person vs how they are years down the road truly is a different person!
Best wishes
Well done Derrick xx
Have you had a talk with your daughter about drinking? Thank you for this topic.
God bless you
I remember your Mom's old video talking about her drinking as a child. Do you think genetics of family dynamics played a part?
Great video!
Hey Derrick, I've been watching a lot of your videos the past few days, really helping. Can I ask your opinion on AA? Cheers
Great info thank you for sharing 😊. Just wondering how Mondoh and baby are doing?
One way to figure out if you have ADD, ADHD, ADDH, and all of those is to look at the coping mechanisms and then how you organize your life, learning environment, keep on task, and just plain function in daily life. 13 years of K-12, a couple of years of life learning after high school, and going on to be able to support yourself et al - if you have one of these things, you have likely incorporated some of the coping mechanisms into your regular life and just the way your business. Of course you could do the same without them...
How do I find your pod logic podcast? I’d like to know more about getting into podcasting.I searched on apple but wasn’t able to find you.
Instantly loved it too. And my abusive relationship with this drug I still not over at aged 39. Crap.
Never too late to try. Set one day goals of sobriety and stack them back to back. If you fall, get back up and try again. It's not easy but don't underestimate yourself. You are stronger than you think!
@@DerrickMichaudChannel Thanks I must do this, I am just getting out of control when drunk and cant stop when I start. I will do this from today and see how I go. Thanks for the reply
Bravo.
Addictions will be a thing of the past when the medbeds roll out. There are three kinds that I know of: Regeneration of limbs and organs after instant diagnosis, memory removal for trauma victims and the rescued from the DUMBs, and one for aging backwards. We have a glorious future ahead of us.
Congratulations on sobriety
👍😌
If people are casually doing meth or heroine people call them meth heads or addicts. If people are casually doing Alcohol people perceive them as just having a good time yet alcohol is a more destructive drug than meth and Heroine. The social acceptance of alcohol makes it a complete out of control substance.
Thank you for sharing. It has to be said though, that you didn't have a very good role model did you with an alcoholic Mother ? or to use her own words 'a drunk' - ?
When people stop smoking cigs, they dont keep talking about, their smoking, the impact on their general health, finances, other people, home, job. I dont hear of hem going to ex smoker meetings or making podcasts about it. Why do people think their drinking is of so much interest to the world. I found this so boring, i skipped ahead, still boring, skipped a bit more. Then jiust turned it off.
Thank you for the positive feedback. Clearly, this video was not for you. But it was great for thousands of other people that appreciate the help I'm trying to give.
Thank you