I have been drinking every night for 35 years I have decided to stop drinking for good. I am only a week in , but believe I can do it . Please pray for me.
US Marine combat veteran…I’m 6 months no booze today. I promise you all I have every reason or excuse to play the role of bad alcoholic but I walked away from it. It’s taken a few years of trial and error and figuring out how to manage my anxiety levels. Eat better, get better sleep, do some basic morning exercise (jumping jacks, push ups, squats, and a light run). Take vitamins and cut off unnecessary or unhealthy personal and professional relationships. Respect your path and don’t accept the fact that it has to continue the way it has. I’ve sold my home, bought a new one, have my dream music studio in my house, healed relationships, tripled my monthly income, and healed physically and mentally exponentially…just in the last 6 months! Imagine 1,2,3…years! We are running out of time drunk or not…lots to do and lots to explore. One day at a time…ride the waves of anxiety and pray to your father giving thanks and asking for forgiveness. You got what it takes…no one is coming to save you…save yourself with the blessings of God.
Thats interesting. My dad was alcoholic. He cleaned his act up then got cancer and later died of a heart attack. He feels close lately as I decided even though I'm not addicted I'm giving up because of gealth reasons that may occur and money. Its expensive. Good luck. I like good wine but will find another taste.
I started drinking at 13. I've tried to quit many times, always knew it was holding me back and sabotaging my life. Somehow 3 months ago at 48, I decided I was done. I've never felt calmer and more in control of my life. I just went to a social gathering tonight where everyone was drinking and I wasn't even tempted. It feels fantastic to finally not need alcohol.
Thank you Daphne for sharing your story. This is inspiring me to also quit. I have had this thought for some time now but never had the guts to make that step. The more I read stories from people like you, the more tempted I am to finally do it. Wishing you lots of success and health in 2023.
Same here. My friends don't understand. I told them that my perception of alcohol has forever been changed. It's kind of like when you were a kid, you believed in Santa Claus right? However, once it was revealed to you that there was no Santa Claus there was no way for you to go back and believe in Santa Claus. Congratulations. 💯🙏🏾
wow...this is me...I turn 36 in a couple weeks and have been drinking every day I was free to (not on deployments etc) since my 20's. I was trying to convince myself to stop and seeing someone post what you did made me see the reality of it. thank you. I'm stopping today. pray for me!
I'm 4 years clean off alcohol, best decision I have ever made. I feel a lot better, more energy, workout, healthier life, and the benefits keep going. I'm never going back to it. Glad you made the decision to stop before it started to become a big issue.
Most important book I've ever read. Hands down. 4 months sober. My anxiety didn't completely go away, but it's better. I think I was drinking to deal with the physical effects of an auto-immune disorder which made me chronically stressed. Of course alcohol only made it worse over time.
I think that happens for a lot of people, not with your specific autoimmune condition of course, but where they use alcohol to cope with a problem but it makes the problem worse. I know I have been in that situation in the past. Well done for making the decision 🙏🙂
After 25 years of drinking nearly every day of my life this month I am two years of perfect sobriety and I have never felt better in my life! And I also looked back at all the major mistakes I made in the past. While I do forgive myself I can now clearly see that all of them were a result of alcohol or simply alcohol fatigue. I try to tell my drinking friends that once you get past the cravings you will wake up every day and scream hell yes! It feels so damn good to be clean!
I'm so pleased! And yes, I'm kind of keeping count of the days just so I know when to make my next video 😂 otherwise I never think about it! Good luck on the journey 🙏😊
I decided to go alcohol free from. 1 jan 2023. Day 13 today and I feel better already. I have noticed improvement already in my sleep, mind clarity and mood. I highly recommend Alan Carr's book, I fall asleep listening to it, and channels like this for help. I went to a hotel/ba rfor dinner a few nights ago and it was r eally interesting watching others whilst sober. Thanks for you content 🙏
I also started 1/1/2023 with the motto "Alcohol Free for 23"...saw the Joe Rogan video and now half way thru the book...feel amazing and confident this is going to work..Good Luck in your journey
Carr’s book is amazing! I never could understand the AA stance that you will be an alcoholic forever. His book cured me and I am no longer an alcoholic and will never drink again! Thank you for your story and I wish you and your family the best!
Thank you so much for your comment. I agree, the AA model wouldn't work for me either, but I know it has saved so many lives. It just comes down to finding the model that works best for the individual. I wish you the best on the journey 😊🙏
Over 35 years I drank. I am 55 now and 6 months alcohol free, and I feel FREE! I also read that book about 2 years ago, curious about stopping. I feel so much of everything you have said! I feel like the true me now. Thank you for this video!
So happy to read your comment, Jill. I am 3 days sober at this moment. I am 50 and I have been drinking for the same amount of time, if not longer. I just want to be free as well. Best of luck to you.
@@vintagewino thank you and best of luck to you! I can tell you for some reason it is getting better everyday after that initial 6 months for me! I feel my joy coming back!💜
I have the same story. I saw that same Joe Rogan podcast you referred to, so thought why not read Allen Carr's book ( I listened to it on Audible). I was very sceptical. I still don't know how but it worked for me, even after years of trying with will power, and counting alcohol free days only to relapse countless times, i now have zero interest in drinking alcohol anymore, and very importantly, no will power needed! I simply don't want it. It's like a switch in my brain was flipped. That little snippet of a podcast I watched ended up being a major catalyst of my life.
Amazing! I’m so pleased it worked for you too. The analogy I use is that it’s like a magician showing you how a trick is done. For the rest of your life, every time you see the trick, you won’t be as amazed as before you knew. The book shows you how the trick of alcohol is done. Once you know, you can never unknow. Like you, I just don’t want it anymore. I never even think about it. I have been on two stag-do’s alcohol-free, I’ve been to weddings, on holidays, celebrated Christmas and birthdays, and I just don’t want to drink. It’s liberating! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, I appreciate it 🙏☺️
Same here. My friends don't understand. I told them that my perception of alcohol has forever been changed. It's kind of like when you were a kid, you believed in Santa Claus right? However, once it was revealed to you that there was no Santa Claus there was no way for you to go back and believe in Santa Claus. Congratulations. 💯🙏🏾
Great post. I'm 39 and drink socially, to excess fairly often but nothing TOO horrible. Never been in trouble, DUIs, broken things, fights or anything like that. But after a rough breakup that might have been influenced by excessive partying, it's been horrible. Moving out, new job, new town, new life. And with the drinking comes the rough morning, beer gut, irritability, anxiety/depression and paired with the thought of a former girlfriend moving on while you're half dead and bored on the couch all day and self-medicating with weed or "just one more beer" while watching the sun sink behind the horizon, culminating another wasted day is just too pathetic to bear. I actually was wondering what I'm even doing trying to live at this point. I remembered the statistics connecting alcohol use to s*icidal thoughts. It's too obvious now. I've vowed to change myself for the better in the past in other ways and stuck to it, so I am doing it now for drinking. Too many negative aspects in my life are tied to it and it's high time to cut back immensely before I enter my 40's if I'm ever going to have an enjoyable life. Thanks again for the encouragement in the video.
What a beautiful post, it sounds like you're in the right headspace to make change. Looking back, I used to have some pretty dark thoughts buzz around my head when I drank more frequently. As you say, the connection is obvious in hindsight, but I didn't make the link at the time. I am the most content I have ever been since giving up alcohol. Good luck with everything, I'm sure you will do well with it 🙏☺️
@@ChrisBranch Thanks man. Appreciate it! I'm fortunate to have a good family, career finally taking off, friends and passions so if some of these other guys can dig themselves out there's no reason I shouldn't be giving it a shot. I'll watch more videos here to keep up the motivation. Onward!
How are you doing? Hoping you are free of it all in your 40's. Things ramped up in my 40's. I imagine it'd been even worse in my 50's. 56 days sober and loving it. Allen Carrs book was pretty amazing.
Re-reading my post, it doesn't even sound like me anymore! I still party- maybe a little too much still. But my spirits are higher and I'm socializing all the time. Dating is going okay, I got into better shape. I'd say I'm out of the weeds of depression at this point. Oh, and my ex came back. Though I'll be keeping her at arms length. I'm very focused on my hobby (cooking) and am actually leaving to an award ceremony in a few hours to see if I placed 1st in a chowder competition haha I did hit a couple low points during this time but there's a certain level where fight-or-flight mode kicks in for me and I just say "enough!" and start taking action to get out of the pit of despair. And it really helped. I know a lot of people caught in addiction and depression don't have the ability to do that, so I count myself lucky there. My finances are trash and my career feels stagnant, but that's most people at this point so I'm going to be grateful for what I have. Thanks for checking, guys!
Thank you for your candid video. I am 63 and have really gotten back into working out and being healthy again. When I drank more than the equivalent of 3 beers, I would wake up with a racing heartbeat, sweating, feeling like crap and chastising myself. The next day or two were wasted. I hated it, but then I would do it again. I watched Dr. Andrew Huberman's video and it really hit me. I now drink soda water or I make myself a latte. I had a drink with my wife last weekend and, as you said, I did not even enjoy the taste. I definitely see the exit from the alcohol freeway, and I am accelerating toward it. Who knows, I may have already made the turn.
Just passed 11 days kicking the habbit. Your story strengthens my self confidence to continue. I will do a video like you when i reach 100 days. Thanks again for sharing
Very well done. Great to see your excellent video. It appears me that alternatives to rehab and aa are popping up for those with alcohol issues that are far less than extreme and can’t quite buy into the conventional methods of kicking booze out. As a friend of mine says “it does nothing for you”. Way to go Chris and thank you.
I would love to be the person that could have a little and stop. 11 days so far and I’m noticeably happier. Currently don’t want to go back to it. If I go back, the first time will be fine but it’s the snowball effect that gets you into a vicious cycle. Well done you and everyone else on this thread making the choice to stop - you’re all awesome.
I would definitely snowball back to my old ways too. I can't go back, but life is so much better now anyway I just don't want to. I wish you the best on the journey 😊🙏
Thank you Chris! I'm 35 days sober and feeling great. Happy naturally and being more outgoing without alcohol! Stay strong everybody it gets better...Cv
That's a great observation, I feel it too - I'm now *more* confident in social situations where I thought I would be less confident. Being AF is a superpower ☺️💪
How ironic, saw the same Joe Rogan video and did exactly the same thing you did. Read the book 3 times cover to cover. Still didn’t work for me but I believed in the book. I couldn’t beat the little monster as you did so I did what I knew I needed to do. Finally signed myself into a recovery facility and stayed two weeks. Went in with the intention to just get past the little monster phase and then let the book work. Happy to say I have been sober since. I told them of the book as well and now they also offer it to others who come to their facility as well as an extra alternative resource. Great video and thank you for sharing. I also will be creating a new channel to help others with this miserable addiction. Cheers mate
Amazing work, and well done for trying alternative routes when the book wasn't enough. You knew we had you needed to do, and you kept working til you achieved it. I admire that. Good luck on your journey ☺️🙏
I could have kept listening to you for an hour afer your video ended! I don't know what you do for a living but I hope it involves speaking to/with and helping peple b/c you have a calming effect when you communicate. I've been alcohol-free for only a month and came across your video. There are so many good people on the path of self-discovery - and its so encouraging to know I'm not alone. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Thank you so much for the comment! You're not the first person to mention my voice - maybe I should start a side-hustel of doing audiobooks! I wish you the best of luck on the journey :)
@@ChrisBranch I agree you have a soothing reassuring voice that instils confidence in the subject you speak of. Best advice for me was to not give up everything for 1 thing.. give up that 1 thing for everything! 105 Days AF and won’t be going back. Thank you for your great content!
Today is my 2nd day, I am not a heavy drinker but I just feel like I can be much better with zero alcohol. I recently got a girlfriend and I have the urge to be a responsible, caring partner and this video portrays what most of us want to have - a peaceful family that stays together as family. I want that for my future self too. Thank you for this video
That's the best reason to start the journey - to improve your relationships with your loved ones. Mine have become so much better since giving up. I wish you the best with it 🙏
Totally! The mindset can be applied to so many things. It's all about really paying attention to why you think you want it and realising it can be reframed. He actually has a book on sugar too. Search his name on Amazon and you'll find it 😊🙏
3:33 This is a fine point but an important one, I believe. At 3:28 you say “…this is not okay…” and “I don’t want to be doing this anymore…” in the same breath and it sounds like you mean those phrases as a single thought. My own experience is that they’re very, very different things. One is recognition of a problem, the other is the beginning of resolution to do something about the problem. In my roughly 30 year of drinking somewhere between too much and way too much, I recognized at nearly every drink that I had a problem, but I said quietly to myself ‘right now I don’t care’ and carried on. It wasn’t until my wife - miraculously, still married to her - took me to ER and I emerged three days later that I was clear enough to say ‘no more’. The act of rejecting alcohol was a totally separate event in my life from the recognition of a problem. I believe that saying you have a problem, whether to yourself or to someone else, is just the spark of an idea. A hard, meaningful, lasting decision is another order of awareness altogether. I’ve been sober 15 years.
This is a fantastic analysis, and I completely agree with you. I had also known for a long time that it wasn't okay, but I think that day was the first time that I ever had such clarity that it can't ever happen again, and the only way I can achieve that is to take it out completely. Thank you for sharing your story too, and I'm so pleased you have stuck to the journey all this time. I wish you the very best 😊🙏
I read alan carrs book on stop smoking 10 years ago. I at that time was smoking and drinking WAY too much. After reading the book on smoking, quit both. Feel so much better!!
I was addicted to alcohol for 40 years and was instantly cured of the addiction after listening to The Easy Way audiobook. That was six years ago. After finishing the book my addiction was gone. Since then I have had no desire to take alcohol. It took no willpower whatsoever. It was like a miracle. A true cure. I'm so thankful I found it.
Wow, that is amazing to hear! In one sense, I’m not surprised; I also have zero desire to drink thanks to the book, but I wasn’t dependent on alcohol. Many of the comments I get on here from ex-addicts say the book hasn’t been helpful, so I’m pleased it was for you ☺️🙏
I’m amazed! I found the book from that same Joe Rogan episode and it changed my life. I had tried with will power over and over and failed. This book truly saved my life
It's such an incredible book! I'm 18-months in now and I still have NO desire to drink. It literally flicked a switch in my mind and it requires zero effort to stay alcohol-free. Life is SO much better now, and I didn't even drink *that* much (most of the time!). I love the alcohol-free life, and I'm so pleased you are doing well with it too 😊🙏
I've watched so many videos and have read so many articles about the benefits of quitting drinking/alcohol, and I've had my moments of quitting/abstinence in the past but they never stick. I don't know why, but your video/story resonated more with me than any other. And I'm talking about 15+ years of watching videos or reading articles having a good intention behind doing so but would always fall into drinking for whatever reason/excuse I'd give myself (makes me more social, fun, etc.). I ordered Allen Carr's book, and I'm excited to read it. And I'm even more excited to have my partner read it after I do because I know they need the help as much as I do. Thank you for your story and video! 😃👍
This was such a helpful video. It's like all the things I know in the back of my mind but hearing them solidified and outload is really impactful. I don't think I am ready to give it up completely but hearing the reframing of the reasons I "want" to drink really helps me because I am one of those people that likes feeling intoxicated. I may come to the point where I realize, like you did, that there is no "controlling" but for the time being I know this is going to help me desire moderation more! Thank you for sharing your story.
Wow what a therapy section! As a girl who started to drink in her teens (15 to be more precise) now I’m 26 and questioning a lot of habits in my life. I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts. Good video
Spot on I'm 50 now.. 30 plus years of binge drinking mainly weekends, holidays etc, your story is a lot like mine...Had periods where I abstained...Sick of it now though ,Suddenly I really dont want it anymore,,Prefer spending time up gym etc...Anxiety gets worse, recovery gets worse it affects every area of my life.. The hard part is socal situations and your drinking buddies etc its like my mind tells me I should still be doing it as everyone else is and it's the norm..
Thanks for the comment, and yes, I agree, it can be hard in social situations, but definitely not impossible. The book helped me, and I also have good friends! I haven't had one single episode where people try to get me to drink. I've told them what I'm doing and they respect it. The only anxiety is is my head; my mates really don't care! I made another video at 12 months where I discuss this a bit more. I repeat some of what I said in this video, but then I talk more about the strategies I've learnt to help socially. I hope it helps :) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-S8eKTFtlAes.html
I like your test regarding the feeling of getting tipsy. All I can say is I know A LOT of people who drink to excess. I’m just glad I’m not one of them anymore.
Ive found that taking magnesium gets rid of the anxiety that comes from alcohol withdrawal,and helps with sleep if taken in the evening.I decided to quit recently as have been binge drinking for 12 years and honestly life is too precious..and i hate the depressed feeling alcohol causes.
I'm an Army combat vet, retired. I use alcohol to cloud over the memories of ugly things I experienced during my career. I know there are professionals that can help me deal with this disease I have, but I choose to not seek help from them. I am not a stupid man. I will give it up before I'm 67, because I don't want to die due to some internal problem that has developed due to my drinking. Right now, I'm not ready yet. I have given up drinking on a couple different occasions and found it hard to sleep. I hallucinated. I rarely get hungover. I drink 8 to 10 shots of tequila every day after work. On my days off, I'll polish off more than a fifth. More like a liter. One day, I will be a quitter. Hopefully before it's too late. Thanks for the video and inspiration.
Good luck on the journey! I'm approaching my one-year mark now, I'll make another video then (in 4 weeks time). People still ask me why I've given up drinking, and my simple one-liner response is that, 'my life is better in every way!'. good luck 😊🙏
I also read the book and everything that I believed about alcohol just vanished. I'm also sober for 297 days. I shanged my mindset and I no longer want, need or feel the compulsion to drink any more
Thanks for making this Chris. It helped me and I’ll share it with others. You can add to the benefits list that buying booze it’s far more expensive than even a few years ago. $50!for a bottle of liquor is nuts.
Hi Chris..Great video! I just wanted to say also that my life has been ruined (I’m 75 now) ,not by drinking myself but by people in my life drinking to excess and impacting my life negatively! I want to get away from them but it is so difficult when you love people and And then, at my age and circumstances it is so difficult to manage a move on my own. I am going to try though as their behaviour has affected my health and sanity and I just want some peace before I die. Bless you for your message and I sincerely hope that many hear your message!
I picked up smoking at the age of 29 and it took me 4 years to quit. I'm now 147 days smoke free and it's been incredible. I read Allen Carr's Easyway to Quit Smoking book and I never looked back. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't read the book all the way through or they don't follow Carr's instructions to the letter - they don't smoke while reading or they don't smoke the last cig at the end. These mistakes lead them back to smoking. Sadly, my best friend is an alcoholic, so that's why I found your video. Thanks, mate!
The book definitely works best when read to the end. His theory is so complete, but you have to read each chapter so there are no gaps to fall through. I wish your friend the very best. It sounds like they are in a tougher situation than I was, but with the right help, I’m sure there’s an answer 🙏
I’m finishing his book today and made some notes in the end chapters to look back on when I get cravings because I still feel like ‘losing’ something while I read to the last chapter twice. But I’m still quitting today 11-11. It’s a brainwash I worked 15 years with, man it’s almost the same as a harddrug to come off 😕
One evening I didn't drink at all because I had Covid, it struck me in conversation that night how I really liked who I am. I've just ordered Allan Carr's book and looking forward to being able to be that person who I like again.
Honestly, always being myself is my absolute favourite thing about sober living. I'm nearly 3 years in, and it hasn't got old. Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
@@girlinagale Incredible! Well done! How do you feel with it? Do you miss drinking at all? I'm still going strong. I love the sober life, and can't imagine ever going back 😊🙏
@@ChrisBranch I only miss how easy it was to mulch down in the evening with a bottle of red wine, "relax" and let my cares drift away. But being sober is actually more relaxed and I enjoy a range of expensive herb teas (not expensive when a box of 20 bags costs the same as a bottle of wine). Getting into bed to sleep is far more comfortable not being drunk.
@@girlinagale I know what you mean. The main reason I gave up is that I love that feeling of the tipsiness taking hold too much 😂 It would be wrong to say I don't miss that completely, but I certainly value all the benefits a sober life brings more 😊🙏
I totally understand what you mean with the one person that will naturally stop after a few drinks and the other type, like myself that keep drinking till passing out really
I've looked into it and I think there are genetic factors involved which change how alcohol interacts with the brain. (For reference, I heard Jordan Peterson say it on Theo Von's podcast.) Whatever it is, I definitely do better without alcohol in my life! Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
Everything you said resonates with me. I'm 16 months sober and it's not will power keeping me here, but rather true gratitude and appreciation for how my life is now. Thanks for your post. ❤
Fantastic, insightful video. I have also read the book, though it was the ‘quit drinking one’. I have just finished my first adult, all inclusive holiday not drinking. It has been slightly tough at times but I got through it. 6 weeks done for me and I plan on sticking to it for life.
Nice video! I’ve been alcohol-free my entire life and I like to call myself an anti-alcoholic for it. I remember as a little girl I used to play a lot of rated m games involving alcohol drinking. I know many people say little children should never play rated m games, but I gotta say those alcohol drinking games had quite a positive effect on me. I always thought it was very funny seeing all those people in those games go drunk and yet I thought to myself I don’t want to end up like those people at all and as I got older and learned about how alcohol effects the brain I really thought to myself I sure am glad I’m staying away from those beverages. I’m grown up now and I still haven’t had any alcohol at all.
Thanks so much for the comment. I think this is what they call 'negative role modelling' - well done for realising you didn't want to go down that path :)
THANKS SO MUCH for your advice. Read the book. Didn't listen to the final instructions as I thought "the timing wasn't right." Failed! DUH! Read it again (as suggested) and l followed the directions on a quiet weekend and DONE! No alcohol for 4 days so far, and not missing it. Thanks so much for your advice and thanks so much to Allen Carr for writing this amazing book. Cheers! 😀
Excellent video. Thank you. I stopped drinking 7 years ago, and it is still relevant and helpful to hear your experience. It seems like the approach the book takes which you describe would apply to so many things. Interesting to observe how our mindset can mold itself to what we believe is bringing us relief and/or pleasure, and also how that can shift. Good to know about Allen Carr's book. And glad to know about you. Looking forward to hearing more of your insights.
Thank you for this lovely comment, and I'm so pleased you have had 7 years without alcohol too! And yes, I loved how this book helped me reframe things, and I have helped other people reframe things in their life too, like sugar addiction, for example. I'm coming up to 2 years sober now so I will be making another video soon :)
I don’t drink every day but when I do drink I like to drink! I turn to it for stress. There’s times where I have a stress and I have one beer And then there’s other times where I have multiple for the stress. It can go either way
Dr Hubermans podcast on alcohol and its impact on your body is a great watch and how we chase a better buzz after the first drink. He explains the physiology and psychology of it very well. I think the biggest obstacles to stopping are social events and cultural aspects of how we view drinking.
28, been a heavy drinker for about 6 years. Read the book, and listened to the audio book as well.. 9 days, tomorrow morning is 10. I’m so excited and honestly it’s such an exhilarating feeling going to bed sober. Get the book it’s so worth it!! Cheers to sober this year!!!
My wife is 6 months sober after almost dieing a few times from abusing alcohol. She completed 1.5 months inpatient program and then outpatient to a T like a champ. She is my rock and God saved her. I continue to be a very functional alcoholic and I just dont want it in my life anymore. We have two teenagers and they have noticed me drunk on occasion. I'm a dopamine junkie. I just got the Audio book off your recomendation. Thank you for the enlightening video. I know I can do this but I also know if there was a contest of who could hit themselves in the face the most times it would be me.
I loved this video! Have been watching a lot of these on You Tube to help keep me on track with Dry January (and hopefully Dry Life!) and this is one of my favourites - lots of what you said resonated with me, and you have a nice manner - kind and engaging. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your experience. I agree 100%. However, one thing I never really knew how best to handle is other people's reaction. Some folks are so desperate for you to drink it becomes really awkward. It can be hard to keep it light if someone insists. I noticed now I don't get invited to some friends because I don't drink. I do notice with younger people this is less of an issue. But people my age (40) seem to struggle.
At the beginning I didn't get invited to a few things, but actually, I didn't want to go to them anyway! Then, over time, my friends saw that I could still have fun when sober so I get invited now. I have also made new friends where our relationship is built around running - a hobby I have got much more into since being sober. I would much rather spend a day on the trails with someone than the same time in the pub 😊
Well done. Great choices. Great insight. 12:04 “Happy wife …. “ So important. The weight lifted from your shoulders - that you didn’t realise was there - is also very true (sometimes crystal clear) for your wife. It is difficult to articulate that, the ‘weight’ carried for the user is very likely to be less burdensome than the weight born by the partner of someone ‘misusing’ alcohol (let alone abusing it). While the ‘actor’ may have a chance to make their own choices, it is not usual that the ‘observer’ can make choice on behalf of the ‘actor’. Never, never underestimate that sobriety give tremendous relief, strength and hope to those around the ‘recognised sufferer’ which will only be realised once the healing looks to be more permanent; it saves more than two soles. Marriages, family structures and all relationship have a chance to be rebuilt. Not only might ‘the reformer’ be able to be present for their children (or the children in their lives), they will also be available as a better role model for those extended family and friends around them that are trying to make better decisions. I wish everyone a light journey, during troubling times; may alcohol never be perceived as a solution of any kind (regardless of the justification which is but a smokescreen). 🕊️
This is a truly amazing comment, thank you. I've taken a while to digest it, and you are spot on. I can see a lightness in my wife since I have given up, and it is particularly apparent before I go out with friends. And as you say, this extends beyond her too, and I am convinced I'm a better dad to my children, although they are too young to know the difference. Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them 🙏
99 days of no alcohol for me and feeling pretty good about it. Lost twenty pounds, eating healthier and exercising daily. My liver enzymes and A1C are no longer high. Blood pressure is healthy, and no more daily heartburn. 😊
Great to see these posts. Im About to be 2 years sober in September. AA was my solution to start and it helped get me sober and to really self reflect on my life. The over the top threatening to not leave or youll drink and die rhetoric and the desperstion of do you think your better than the rest of us wore me down in the end. Its an interesting place where a pile of ego resides, however it can absolutely work but just choose your home group very carefully and if you get sober and want to leave have a crack....it can be really liberating
Thank you for this. I've just passed two years too and I need to make another video soon. It's been interesting reading the comments on this video. I have no experience with AA, and I didn't feel like my relationship with alcohol was severe enough to try it. I totally believe AA is the best approach for many though, and as you say, with the right group, there will be peers to help you along the way. Surrounding ourselves by good people is the best way to build any new habit in life. Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
I just listened to the audiobook. It has resonated with me too. I hope your still a non drinker. I am today, and I feel I won't have any alcohol anymore moving forward. I've taken that first step.
Well done for taking the first step. And yes, I am still alcohol-free and I have ZERO desire to drink. It requires no willpower and I'm loving my new life. Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
Very disappointed in this video. Was expecting to hear your story and your opinions. Felt like you were promoting somebody else’s book. Thought that mentioning the book as a tool to use would be great but then just went on and on about what the book said. Wanted YOUR story not reciting a book.
Fair enough. I think I felt like the book *was* my story. It totally reframed how I thought of things, and I still live the lessons from that book every day. I made another video when I crossed the one-year mark which shares some real-life examples of how this has affected my life, but the book really did change things for me and I do use the strategies all the time. Either way, thanks for the comment and I wish you the best 🙏
Here is the link to the audio file of the book - free to listen - this is how I quit - good luck. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lsTLkZ71ANA.html
I just bought this book and cannot wait to read it, there is another lovely soul on youtube named Leon who has his own program now and became AF after ten tears of drinking while reading this book. I wanted to join his program but it is way too expensive. I like learning from others and hope you can learn something too, do not give up we can all work together to live one another up.
@@jenniferanand3306 True Story - I bought the book Allen Carr's How to Control Alcohol. Then I found someone had uploaded the audio to RU-vid. Here it is. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lsTLkZ71ANA.html Its 8 hours long so I listened to it in 1/2 hour segments. After 30 plus years of self abuse with wine I stopped drinking at the 2 hour mark. And I did it BEFORE the book arrived! Closing in on 1 year sober now. Good luck!
Of any RU-vid videos I’ve seen where someone talks about their experience with alcohol, yours is the one closest to mine. I can go periods without drinking and be ok. But when I do drink it usually leads excess, to hangovers, to regret and to anxiety. Thanks for sharing
This is my exact story too. Cutting it out completely is the only way for me to break the cycle, and I'm so pleased I have. Good luck on the journey ☺️🙏
Fantastic video, Chris! You're very soft-spoken and articulate. I'm in the process of re-evaluating my relationship with alcohol, and this video was really insightful. I'm very shy in social situations, and I've used alcohol as a band-aid in those types of situations, but I've come to realize, as you talked about as well, that I need to work on embracing the anxiety and the discomfort instead of hiding behind alcohol.
Thanks so much for your kind comment. I have found that I have become more confident since giving up and embracing the discomfort of social situations. Every other area of my life is better too, so I'm definitely sticking with it. Whatever you decide with it, I wish you the best on the journey 😊🙏
I am really resonating towards what you're saying. I'm a long long time drinker. Partly my fault, actually no all my fault. My son died from cancer. Excuse to drink. I'm grieving. When I was younger, party girl, etc. Now it's financial hardships and I've gotten into the habit every night a pint. But I'm not my most productive. I'm fat and old looking and I'm so tired of waking and feeling terrible. But waking in the morning is the calling, I am like no more no more. But by the evening I want that drink. I want that habit I've made for myself.
Hi Amy, this sounds a really tough situation, I'm sorry to hear it. You're obviously trying to make change, hence finding videos like this. Be kind to yourself and try to get help with it - there are experts out there who can help you break the cycle. Your past experiences will have made you strong, so I know you can do it. I wish you the very best on your journey 🙏🙏🙏
True Story - I bought the book Allen Carr's How to Control Alcohol.... Then I found someone had uploaded the audio to RU-vid. Here it is... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lsTLkZ71ANA.html Its 8 hours long so I listened to it in 1/2 hour segments. After 30 plus years of self abuse with wine I stopped drinking at the 2 hour mark. I'm one year into sobriety & I feel I'm done with it. And I did it BEFORE the book arrived!
Here is the link to the audio file of the book - free to listen - this is how I quit - good luck. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lsTLkZ71ANA.html
Ive just begun my alcohol free journey this year after trying breaks as long as 6 - 9 months. Like you, i thought id be able to control my alcohol intake after a break but i always slide back into the old habbit of drinking to excess almost every night. Thank you for the video, hearing stories like this help immensely.
Im a year no booze at the end of this month. Every aspect of my life has improved from this. I cant see why i would ever drink again. After about 10 months the social aspect of drinking completely stopped bothering me and its been great.
Oh my goodness the first part of this video is my journey so far exactly! I watched that clip from the JRE show with Nikki Glaser and got the book straight after, I am about half way though the book now.
@@ChrisBranch Astounding update from me. After drinking every single day for 15-20 years I have just completed my second day of not drinking. I work at a bar at the weekends as well and was even bought and given 2 drinks which I gave away. It wasn't like I found it hard either, I didn't want them. I am on the final three chapters of the book now.
I quit smoking thanks to Allen carr, I read the book in a plane and after landing I never smoked again! And now each time I m in a airport and I see these people in the yellow aquarium full of smoke I feel so blessed and free… Thanks for your video
Hi Chris, I also turned to Allen carr via the same Joe Rogan video. I am the same age, and new to this but the clarity and direction I have is great. Thanks
Hi Ryan, thanks so much for the comment, and I'm so pleased you're feeling better on it. I'm now about 16-months in and I don't even think about it anymore, it's just the most obvious thing in the world that I don't want to drink - I can't imagine the thought of putting myself through a hangover ever again! I made a video at the 1-yr anniversary here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-S8eKTFtlAes.html - I repeat myself a little, but I also chat about some other interesting observations that have come out in this time. Good luck on your journey, I wish you the best with it ☺️🙏
Exactly the same thing happened to me. I saw that same clip on Joe Rogan. I was ambivalent about giving up drinking but was curious about a single book that could be so powerful. Just half way through it I knew I’d never drink again. Thoroughly recommend it 👍
I recently came to this conclusion too. Started drinking when my Dad died, 24 years ago. Started daily drinking when I adopted twins at the age of 40. In October, I suddenly lost my best buddy, a 14 yr old Jack Russel. It sounds crazy, but I felt that was my wake up call as I grieved the loss of this very special character. I started drinking because of grief. I stopped drinking because of grief. Almost 3 months in, and I know I want to stay sober. Alcohol is so nice, but so is no alcohol. I go to sleep with a clear conscience, knowing that I am free of something that controlled me. I must say, giving up was effortless. I've done it so many times before. But now I just don't want it anymore. What a liberating feeling. Thanks for putting out this video.
I enjoyed your words and agree with your decision. I too stopped drinking and feel so much better. You know what? I've only stopped drinking about 2 weeks and the thought of drinking just doesn't appeal to me anymore!
Totally agree with what you said. I started drinking alcohol when I was only 7 yrs old...yeah crazy young. Especially, when I discovered that I am gay. The stress of dealing with this, "not fitting to the norm", I turned to alcohol. I was never an alcoholic, but I just enjoyed it to make me numb. I was able to stop anytime I wanted. I stopped several times in my life, & now 57 yrs...wow just realize...50 yrs after I started, I decided to quit alcohol for good starting 2023. I just love the good feeling of having a clear brain to think. I also want to stay healthy after gaining back my health started Intermittent fasting 2 yrs ago, then Keto diet, & 2023 started the Carnivore diet. I am feeling my best, so why I want to put toxins back into my body if my goal is to pursue healthy living. Other than health, I save money not to waste it on alcohol.
Wow, you're on a mission! I'm so pleased to hear it. The diet will really help too, and I'm glad you're enjoying the AF lifestyle. Best of luck with it 🙂🙏
You are smart to recognize when something is more trouble than it's worth. People who don't notice that tend to dig themselves into deeper and deeper holes.
Thanks for your video. I watched that interview with Nikki Glaser yesterday and almost bought the Allen Carr book. Your video encouraged me to go ahead and buy it and it's now ready for me to read on my Kindle app.
Ha, I figured I’d look to see how long I’ve been alcohol free, it’s day99 for me, I was, am lucky enough to have it not bother me. I quit because I was months from 60, figured I’d like to go into the last stages of life healthy. I was over weight, on meds, but quickly I have and still losing weight, off a pile of meds and feel a billion times better. Don’t miss it at all, social stuff, who cares, it’s pretty easy to tell anyone to F off easily and just do yiur own thing. I definitely not that guy who is so proud of it that I have to try n preach it to others, we all know that person, but it’s a personal decision for a ton of different reasons. I was also lucky to never get hung over, felt like crap fir a bit, but that was it. Bit the benefits out weight the old way period. Gauge it for yourself. Good luck to who wants too
Wow! It's great to hear you're doing so well. And yes, I agree, it's totally a personal decision and people have to want it for themselves. Thanks for the comment ☺️🙏
I'm starting with 30 days to see what it's like. I already know that alcohol is making it difficult to reach my weight goal but there are certainly other good reasons Chris gives that I'm curious about, too.
@@ChrisBranch exactly the same with me. I was sceptical but once the book explained the process and reprogrammed my brain, that was it. In my friendship circle I was known as a drinker. It’s been interesting seeing different friends and families reactions. I don’t think anyone thought I would go more than a couple of weeks. Today is day 77. I’ve been on lots of work functions etc over Xmas where everyone has been drinking but I honestly don’t want it anymore. And I feel so much better for it. Videos like yours are really useful as they serve as great reminders, so thank you 🙏 👍
Same problem I have. Really tired of it. It's a battle. Funny thing is, I got that little voice in my head the other day that said my drinking days are over. So I'm going to listen to it this time.
I’m 2 weeks in and I didn’t think I would make it this far. I feel like the urge to drink is now gone, or at least manageable. First 3 days were tough. I do have this sad feeling though… but I feel healthier. Plus I’m saving money 💵 😅
Well done for making it so far! I know what you mean about the sad feeling. I couldn't quite imagine not having my favourite old beers or have a drunken laugh with friends EVER AGAIN! But now I have replaced drinking with other fun hobbies (for me it's ultra running) which I love, makes me feel good, keeps me healthy .... and relies on me not waking up hungover so I can go for a run. I'm now in such a positive feedback loop that I never even think about those old beers or drunken nights at all ☺️🙏
I'm 6 months sober, used to blackout pretty much every day for past few years. Started drinking at 15, around 20 my abuse started to really manifest itself, and in about a year I went from anxiously wondering once in a while if I might, god forbid, have a slight dependancy problem, to realising I'm a full-blown alcoholic, getting hammered everyday and being fully content with it. I've lost some of the most important relationships in my life to it (never directly, but it was catalyst to all different kinds of bad I have in me). I tried quitting couple of times, most I've went was like a month and some weeks and I was locked away in my dusty flat playing stalker 10+ hours a day (even tho I dropped video game habit in my early teens + it was summer + I am extremely sociable), I just couldn't go out, sight of any grocery store would trigger me, thought of meeting anyone was unbearable - what are we going to do??? how do I deal with social anxiety?? how will I cope with the person I'm with surely grabbing a drink at some point? So I waited till my relationship issues even out and counted days, then got back even stronger and started occasionally mixing in some benzos. 1.5 years of such lifestyle naturally got me to some bad places and I decided to quit again, just a little bit more desperate and less egotistic this time. And I discovered a way that worked wonders for me, one that I never expected I could even handle - I started meditating the same day. And after some frustrating experiences I started to get better, that's where the answer was for me - usually by cutting alcohol out I was only losing - losing fun stories, new connections, overall it felt like I was losing quality of life (even tho I was worsening it for many around me, I wasn't too focused on that at the time). And with meditation I gained something that for the first time I realised I would lose if I start again. I've gained clarity, focus, overall mental space that was unavailable for me before and will be shut out if I ever start drinking again. So, time passed and soon I as well for the first time in my life could set my willpower aside and just experience pure bliss of having a craving-free headspace. Also, during first weeks you could aid yourself with some other compounds - I found memantine most helpful, guess shrooms/lsd/ketamine microdose would work as well. I realise that technically is not being sober, but I'm not talking na terms, I'm just talking good-willing, mindful adult behaviour and attitude towards life, which I feel is being severely impaired by alcohol and could sometimes actually be hightened by some other compounds, so I don't seek and promote total sobriety, tho for some people it's just addictive behaviour and if you don't cut anything mind-altering out you might switch onto some other stuff, I'm just talking myself. Thanks for the video, you really radiate calmness and content, I'm happy for you. 6 month is one of more difficult milestones, I noticed more irritability and mind fog lately, but I hope to stay strong and wish everyone the same on this path👏👏👏
What a story, thanks so much for you comment and I'm pleased you are on a good path now. I meditate as well, I call it a 'keystone habit' that seems to glue all my other habits together. I think it works like that because the biggest barrier to living well is our own mind. Thanks so much and good luck on the journey ☺️🙏
