Hi! I know you said you lived with your partner during this process, so I was wondering, do they drink? I've been sober curious for a while but my partner really enjoys drinking so the temptation is kind of always there. If your partner did/does drink, how do you manage that?
I went out for the first time last night. Ordered non alcoholic beer of a NA menu at my local place. The bartender goes "oh the good menu!". Apparently he's been sober for two years+. It's nice to know I have another sober friend at my favorite local place!
I’m 6 months in, found NA beers to be a big help, though the further I go in this journey, the less I have the desire to have one, but occasionally it’s nice to know they’re available. That and they’re pretty good!!
I find that I drink the NA beers less often and slower. Some of them are really great though. It’s good to know that I can still have one on a hot summer day.
I’m 11 days alcohol free ☺️ This is the longest I’ve gone since I started drinking at 18 (I’m 32). I went to an AA meeting last week, and a man with 57 years sober said something that will forever stick with me. He said, “Someone once told me that I didn’t have to quit drinking. I just had to not pick up one drink today. So still haven’t quit! I’m just not picking up a drink today.” It really is one day at a time, as I’m learning ✨ Thank you for your videos ❤️
I'm 8 months sober and loving it. I ask God to take my hand, 1 sober day at a time. Every day I'm in the now, not worried about next week but can I get through just today. This has gotten me to my 8th month of sobriety. This is a true miracle from a man who always had a beer in his hand!
I watched your video just as I started to quit. I am encouraged to stop drinking. I’ve been 7 days sober. The last time I went 7 days without alcohol was 6 years ago. I know is shocking for sober people but for alcoholics like me it’s a fucking milestone. And after watching your video I know I wanna quit for good. Thanks for sharing.
The first year is the hardest. Going through all the birthdays, holidays, celebrations, seasons. I will also be sober two years in February and this second year has been sooo much easier. I feel so good, sleep better, look better, have more energy throughout the day and in the gym. Good luck to ever going through this journey.
Love this! I'm 58 and on Day 104. Been on the roller coaster of sober stints and going back to it for years. I started my last sober stint on 9/1/23, and I'm still going! The things that have made all the difference for me this time are: play the tape forward - how are you going to feel in an hour, 3 hours, tomorrow? Once I do that in my mind, it's never worth it. I've stopped romanticizing alcohol. It only ever takes, it never does what it promises!! I also LOVE the NA alternatives, mocktails, kombucha, etc. I've now romanticized them!! Congrats to you for realizing at such a young age the dangers & lies of alcohol!! Best to you!
You keep relapsing because of the Alcohol Deprivation Effect. Abstinence does nothing to treat cravings, which are the primary cause of relapse. Research The Sinclair Method for a permanent reversal of the addiction, at neurological level in the brain.
When we romanticize something, we put it on a pedestal, letting it have more power over us. When we feel deprived of something, we give it more value than it deserves. That's partly why it's so hard to escape the trap.
7 days ago I dumped $100 worth of whiskey down the sink. I was done. Haven't had a drop since. 2 nights ago I started sleeping. The best sleep in years!!! I feel great. I am not looking back. The first 3 days I took a robax back pain and muscle relaxer. That helped GREATLY with the cravings and anxiety. ❤ Now I don't need anything. 🥰 I had been drinking heavy for the last 5 years.
You talk so well😍 I’ve fighting alcoholism even before my daughter died. I really want to stop. I felt a strong cramping pain in my lower abdomen area and IT WAS EXCRUCIATING I’m praying it’s not related to drinking I’m praying I’m okay. I’m One day sober. Pray for me. It’s time to End this!!!!
@@lizziekindrewLiked your video am in the early stage this is the hardest I believe. I tried before and failed but I will tak😂 it one day at a time as many people have said. 🙏💪
I have been 8 months sober and the "forget about forever" tip is the first thing I tell people who approach me wanting to talk about sobriety. Another one that I have noticed is realizing that drinking just isn't worth it - everytime I think 'oh I could just have a little glass of wine with my girlies tonight' I immediately think 'I could also just have a bit of sparkling water and that would make me feel phisically and mentally way better so lol'
I can't tell you how much these videos help me. I am 42 days sober and it feels really isolating. It's so nice to hear these stories and to know I'm not alone
There is a whole world of recovery waiting for you, 24 hours a day, everyday! At this very moment, there are people around the world sharing their stories of sobriety. Find a "Zoom" AA meeting! You don't have to say you're an alcoholic, show your face, or even use your real name. Eventually you will become one of the people helping others. The only one keeping you isolated is YOU!
You are so beautiful in your sobriety the confidence, maturity and compassion that comes from your healed soul is just inspiring. Keep the pace and know there is no going back because you have so many good experiences being sober and so much to give others now that you have accomplished such challenges in your life. You have a life worth living, a purpose in life to help others in their journey towards healing from an addiction that kills the body and the soul as well. Good vibes ❤
I quit drinking for four months at the beginning of the year, for the first time in decades. I have been drinking again since May, and I know that it would be best if I quit again. Your tip about quitting now and not waiting for the right time, is a pretty good tip. Thank you for making your video.
I am about 1 month in. I wouldn't say I was an alcoholic, but I felt the trend to be going in that direction. It never negatively effected my life... I have 9 amazing kids and my husband and I would enjoy drinks now and then, but now and then became more and more frequent. Alcohol greatly effects my sleep, gives me anxiety, and then the next day I'm miserable. Even with little alcohol. I think my guardian angel has helped me. It has been hard, but also not hard. I have struggled to know where I'm going with this. Would I eventually have a drink now and then? Or am I done? Well in Thanksgiving my husband and I had an OF and a another small drink. I did this to try to figure out if I could onoy have drinks on special occasions. Well, the night was HORRIBLE. I was in full blown anxiety and could not relax. That's solidified it. I'm done. I don't count those drinks as back tracking. I needed to do that to know for sure. With all that said, I have moments where I'm sad and feel like fun is gone. But those pass and I'm good. Some of the feelings that come with it are hard. However, I have greatly dove into learning about alcohol and how horrible it is for one's body. That has helped me to be done too. I pray my kids can just never take that first drink. I am terrified foe them. Alcohol is everything in this world it seems. Thanks for your tips! The sleep, mental health improvements, energy levels, and absence of guilt and shame are heavenly.
Thank you for sharing your story! I am sure only brighter days (and better sleep!!) await you. As for your children, sharing your story and recovery will be the best thing you can do for them to set them up for success!
Was there too. Just tell yourself: Today I will not drink alcohol. Then say the same thing the next day, and the next. One day at a time works best and before you know it, a week has passed, and another week, etc. In the end your body and mind will be grateful, and not only this, all those close to you too. Good luck!
Good work! Your suggestions are so solid. Alcohol has always been a huge struggle for me. I was totally sober between ages 24 and 28, and then again through the majority of the last decade. However, for me this has not been a linear path. I want everyone to know that one slipup won't ruin your sober path. I have had many, but the vast majority of my life now has been siber. Indeed,, the last 15 months have been clean, aside from 1 day on a bike ride when I stopped at a brewery. 423 days minus one is how I see it. You radiate beauty in your sobriety, as all sober people do. Keep on keeping on!
I’m just over a month and I feel so much better!! Day by day but have a good feeling I’m not turning back. My eyes look brighter and my skin looks healthier.
Sober for twenty nine years for me! Best decision ever. I have achieved all the goals I had set myself, had wonderful experiences and so grateful I made that commitment to sobriety. One day at a time.
People, always picture the vagabond in a park with a brown paper bag when they think of an alcoholic. But look at you, you're an angel face comming from a good family... Keep the good habit, I don't know you but I'm proud of you. Simon Sober since 2011.
I am a recovering addict alcoholic with ten years clean. Now I’m also a working Professional in addiction. I Couldn’t have made a better video .Great insights! Keep going!!!!!! Ps. If you’re thinking about a career in recovery. You will do great!
You made a huge impact in my life. I want to thank you for me making my decision. I just lost my mom and she stopped drinking about 20 or so years ago and she drank for like 40+ years. So thank you for talking about it and helping people. You are an inspiration, and I want you to know that. You are helping people be the best selves that they can be.
In general, there is far too much emphasis on "not drinking", instead of "sobriety". Some might say I'm splitting hairs. Not true! For the vast majority of daily, maintenance, and chronic drinkers, the focus must be on addressing the root problem...SELF. Alcohol "causes" a lot of problems, but "SELF" is the reason why people get caught in the endless cycle of relapse. Unless we become willing to examine our fears, resentments, and day to day behavior, sobriety if any, will be precarious at best. I tried to "quit drinking" so many times I lost count. Then one day, I realized that the guy in the mirror was the cause of my troubles...and he HAD TO GO! No more excuses, no more reasons, no more "tomorrows", no more "I'm sorry's", no if's, ands, or buts! Pack your shyt, and get the phuck out! That is literally what happened to me. From that moment forward, my focus became how I was moving my feet. "Suit up, show up, and shut up" became the catalyst for continuous sobriety, and a life of abundance. I sincerely wish all of you the best!...Mark 5/8/1994
Thank you so much for sharing your story, your tips do really help. With having past trauma & failed relationships all the while loosing connections with children I have helped raise over the years Depression & Alcoholism hit me hard & I got into trouble with the "Law". I don't have much of a Support System beside these said type of Videos online & it's extremely rough. I'd really like to attend AA, but I'm afraid of revisiting the past & things I have accepted in letting go of. People close to me Don't Truly Understand & are in Denial with the lack of experience of their own. I want to Thank you for you insight & posting @};~ keep up the good work I'm Proud of you for staying strong.
If you have time research Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman....He breaks down why alcohol is poisoning our neural circuits. It's easier for me to choose an alternative drink to alcohol once I realize what I was doing to my body. Our body is a gift and just like if you put the wrong gasoline in your engine, car's not going to get far.
Great video, thank you! I once achieved 11 mos. of sobriety and then went off track when I had an emotionally bad relationship get to me. I'm once again making the choice to NOT drink, and the best part in these very early days is sleeping better, dreaming again, REMEMBERING the entire previous night, and NOT waking up with that agonizing feeling of regret and failure on TOP of a miserable hangover! It's coming up on a year since my mother died, and yes, she was 87, but she was literally suffering with dementia that went on for almost a decade! My enabling father (also a drinker) told everybody she had Alzheimer's, which was a flat out lie. She NEVER would have lasted 10 years with Alzheimer's and maintained her ability to walk, which she did. It was a fall and broken ribs that led to morphine and death within two weeks. He's drinking still. I'm certain that she was suffering from alcohol induced brain damage from a lifetime of "social" drinking, fist to fist with him. I am TERRIFIED of putting my three children through that. ALL of my older siblings drink, and frankly I have to just focus on myself and getting healthy again so I can keep my BRAIN functioning. NONE of my three adult children drink, and they were SO proud of me when I stopped, so I feel like I failed them and screw that. I want their respect again and mostly, I want my self-respect back. Yes, This Naked Mind is on my nightstand and I'm reading it AGAIN! BLESS YOU AND EVERYONE TRYING. WE CAN DO THIS! HAPPY DECEMBER!💓💓💓💓💓
Straight to the point tips. Thank you. I am 2 years sober now. I like to connect with other sober folks on youtube. We are growing in numbers. I love it.
This is a perfect summary of everything that helped me in my first year! I’m almost one year into alcohol-free life and I am so happy I decided that my one month off would just continue indefinitely. Life feels so much more manageable and my sense of inner confidence is much more permanent now. As someone who’s gone through a lot of self esteem / social anxiety issues, I can say without hesitation that I couldn’t have made such progress addressing things had I not stopped drinking.
Good Great Awesome I used to drink a lot and smoked weed also . Now alcohol and drug free more than a decade. Used to keep track and eventually reached a point whereas you described the need dissipated. It’s a freedom that can’t be described. Thank you for your positive energy. Garret
Awesome video, thank you so much for making it, I watched it 3 times in a row 🙏 Do non-alcohol beer in the beginning when gettins sober, this is the best tip for me! 🤩 Keep up the good work beautiful 😍👍
5 months and counting 💪🏼 Drinking alcohol is like being on an all organic diet and then eating McDonalds - it’s tempting, tastes good at first, but the aftermath leaves you fat, ugly feeling disgusting and sick. 😅 I wish I had stopped 10 years ago but am so happy I finally did, it’s been amazing. I switched to Humm kombucha, lots of coffee and energy drinks if I go out.
I couldn't agree with you more. I heard a quote from the 30 day sobriety solution. (The alcoholic king) the night your drinking you have all these plans, ideas, motivation and the next morning if your even functioning, you do the minimum just to get done and back home to sleep or drink again- a crappy way to live. I'm 10 days sober again for 20th time or so.
i Was sober a year 9 months congratulations I dont want to be negative as Im far from that I had to give up as my life was being ruined and I wanted to quit 2012 I unfortunately fell off the wagon but got back on Its such good advice you have given as Im listening as thats now my mantra baby steps everyday is a blessing never say never so good to hear you put this into perspective To all quitting Its a massive journey and an amazing one I found walking my spirituality focus helped alot Many Thanks
Thank you so so much! Please keep sharing! I'm trying to stay sober, I'm about to hit the one month marked and I'm so scared to be sober during Christmas dinner !! Watching this videos help not feel alone and that I'm nor wired for wanting to quit drinking! Thankyou so much ! You inspired and helped me so so much!
Comments like this make me want to keep sharing, so thank YOU! I have a holiday sobriety tip video to upload this evening! Check back for it or subscribe so you get notified when it's up 🫶
Thank you I binge drink every few days. I've missed work and other functions because of my hangovers and I'm just done letting myself and others down. I make it a week and then the weekend comes and I anyways cave
Plan ahead! See if there's a meetings you can go to on the weekend days to have some accountability, get some NA drinks to sip on when those cravings hit, avoid going places or seeing people that might make it even harder to stick to your plan. There's a future for you where you can be really, truly proud of yourself. It hard in the beginning, but it gets easier. And you can do hard things x
I quit back in 2020. My best tip is to face reality. 1 drink leads to the next. The ONLY way to stop drinking is to simply never again get that « next drink». When your mind is made up and you have made past the first 48 hours, the worst part is over. In fact you can say « i will never again take the next drink» . Get this clear in your mind. Alcohol is a highly addictiv drug. The idea of « i can handle just one drink» is the illusion that breaks even people that has stayed sober for 5-15-20 years and so on. Stick to your plan of NEVER again drink content with alcohol. 1: Realise alcohol is highly addictiv 2: Even « just one drink», will get you hooked again. It can take years to you get back the willpower and determination to quit again. So don’t do it! 3: Non alcoholics are excellent drinks to still feel « civilised» Motivation: Alcohol steals everything that it promisse to give 1: confidence: By quiting you actually build your confidence. That is trusting « the promises you give to your self» 2: Health: your health improves radically 3: Body: your weight will go down - more easy to get to the gym, you no longer have a hangover 4: Mental health: No more hangovers!!!. Anxiety will also go down. life will never be perfect, but trust me you will feel more stable mentaly 5: Money: you save ALOT of money. You will also have more energy to get work done 6: life goals: You are no longer hungover. You have more energy and can acess more brainpower. To get projects done!. Great video 👍
I'm only on day 4 and just had a pretty strong craving to say F it start again tomorrow. Your video knocked some sense into me thank you. I have to stop this internal dialog that keeps saying "Relax there's always tomorrow" or some variation of that.
These are the hardest days!! And that voice can be so convincing... Take it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time if you have to. Every time you get through a craving and make it another day, that voice will get quieter. You got this!
I used to be a moderately heavy drinker, then I was in a relationship with an alcoholic who got clean. So I just didn't really drink anymore to be supportive, it just seemed weird to me to drink around him. Then we broke up six months ago. There has been a gradual increase in my drinking since then and last week I blacked out twice. I decided that I'm done with alcohol in my life after that. I'm too old for that behavior (mid 40's), and serves no purpose in my goals for myself.
😂 you got to be careful, 😉 alcohol is everywhere, you almost have to go into captivity,😮 good for you I hope things go well, 👍 I've learned get rid of the booze, you get rid of your problems,😊 your critic ❓🤔🧐
Im on day 6 today .... i had a huge wake up call last weekend i want to go sober for me and my daughter as she needs me !!!!! Ive done meetings before and they didnt work for me this time im going to try doing it by myself.....im only a once a month drinker but im a binge drinker thats the problem.
I think I’m done, it needs to happen. Everything is a mess and has been. I start projects and don’t finish them, everything is in disarray. I don’t drink to bury things anymore. Things got really dark, but I still abuse it. Alcohol gives me energy, I can’t stop until it’s gone. I’m all or nothing..balls to the wall. And a long family history on both sides. I need to change and grow again, conquer this demon
Thanks for sharing. Just a word of warning, most "near beer" has small amounts of alcohol, and they can definitely trigger a return to the real stuff. Also, near beer can cause real problems if you are taking disulfiram(Antabuse). Other things, such as cologne, perfume, mouthwash, generally anything containing alcohol can cause Antabuse to make you sick, or can lead you to trash a sobriety run. Thanks again, very informative, and I appreciate anyone who shares with others. Vodka took my son 6 months ago, he was 30 years old. I never knew that someone his age could get stage 4 cirrhosis, but it killed him. One of his doctors told me and his mother that there was an increase in cirrhosis cases in people age 25 - 35, so I would just like to pass that along, because I do care, and it is a horrible way to die. So I am a huge fan of anyone who wants to live the sober life. Peace friends
Non-alcoholic alternatives definitely aren't for everyone - and a good note to be on the safe side with medications you might be taking! I'm also so, so sorry for the loss of your son. Alcohol is a dangerous drug and absolutely kills. Sending lots of love, thank you for leaving a comment ❤
Your awesome!! Thank you!! I plan to start my New Years Resolution Dec. 1st (2 days from now) instead of waiting for the New Year! Wish me luck! Gonna need it. lol. Nice to hear about the NA’s. They do help with the cravings I feel
I was 7 years sober, thought I'd never go back. But after some difficult life events foolishly started again. Now have to pick up the pieces and quit again. Don't recommend it! 2 days sober now..
For tip #4 with non alcoholic drinks: don't sleep on soda water!!! Was such a game vhanger in my recovery! My need for boze was replaced for soda water in the early stages and its a win win as it helps with hydration instead of the dehydration of alcohol
I found that keeping a daily journal helped me remain aware of the changes in me that were good. I had pains in my back and abdomen when I started, I also wasn't able to concentrate as I used to. My journal let's me take a daily checkup of what pains I feel and how my thinking is improving. It also helped keep me on-track not drinking because I looked forward to documenting the improvements I'd notice on each tomorrow...
@@lizziekindrew thank you for being such a light and inspiration to so many souls that feel the light already died in them Sending you love and grace on your journey as well💐
So happy I stumbled across your content. Day 1 (again) for me today, keep thinking that I can moderate, its incredible the alcohol creep, it happens so quickly. Its also so hard to let go of my perceived identity (party girl / champagne supanova :) ) realising that is not actually the real me, its how I thought I needed to be. That's hitting hard.
Day 1 is the most important one! I definitely understand the struggle of letting go of the identity you related to for a long time - but you get to discover a whole new version of yourself in sobriety! That's such an exciting thing to look forward too. Sending you lots of love ❤
Good catch on the mantra thingy. Mine is "I want to play and look great as I did in my early twenties being sober most of the time" (sounds weird, eh?). And also I would add "I want to be capable of learning new stuff".
I have been sober since May, these are helpful tips. I dunno that I’ve ever really decided for certain that I’m never going to do it again, but the idea of that doesn’t cross my mind as much because alcohol in general is just not on my mind. I think the key is to just think about now. Don’t make it a big thing, don’t announce to people you’re making a big change or think about what others will think. That just makes it intimidating. Just stay in the here and now. For me, talking to a doctor or a therapist is helpful too. Helps you to acknowledge to yourself that your drinking isn’t healthy, and orients you toward making the decision. For me, that’s the most important aspect because as soon as I commit to the decision, I find I am always able to cease consuming pretty reliably without any hiccups or relapses(other people may find it more difficult, this is just me).
I’m not counting days because I know I’m done with it so what’s the point? Like waiting for NYE to make a resolution. I look on alcohol as the poison it is now. Soda water and lime is my new drink of choice, dropped the coffee some time back too. I sleep better and feel better too. 😎👍
I gained about 20 pounds from alcohol alone in 2020. In 2021, I decided to cut back quite a bit on drinking just to lose weight. I lost 75 lbs two years ago, and have been maintaining a healthy weight. Now, alcohol isn’t even very appealing to me. I’m such a lightweight, that if I have more than 2 drinks, I feel wasted and hungover the next day. It used to take like 10 drinks for me to feel that way.
I also gained a LOT of weight drinking. when I think about how easily I was crushing 1,500-2000 calories on drinks on the reg - it's not very surprising either 😬
No one has prepared me for how hard this would be. I’m on day 5 right now and really struggling. Luckily I wasn’t an alcoholic for too long so the physical withdrawals aren’t bad, however I feel so depressed and worthless and I know alcohol will make me feel better but I also know it’s only a quick fix. Today especially hit me hard as all my friends who I haven’t saw in a while are going on a big night out (perfect timing😅) and I told them I can’t go when deep down I really want to. I know I can go and not drink but it’s too early on and I don’t trust myself not just accepting a drink as none of my friends know how serious I’m being about this. It’s killing me. I also am very socially anxious and have used alcohol to make me more confident and get by so I am going to struggle so much just being myself without alcohol. Please tell me it gets easier
I promise you, I promise you IT GETS EASIER. One day, it might even be effortless. I know first hand how hard those first days are, trust me. Take it one minute at a time if you have to, but just know you can survive this. And then one day, you'll look around and realize how far you've come - and there isn't enough booze in the world to replace that feeling of real pride in yourself. Sending you all the love tonight! ❤
Thank you ❤ today is September 5, 2024. I loved listening to your story. Keep up the amazing journey. I hope to listen more. Today is day one. There is one beer in the fridge...
20 days in and that's a big change in itself , so determined to push on , and as you said so well, ONE Day at a time. 🙏Subbed from Scotland . Much love
I totally get step 1 I've been doing that for ages, making a day to stop...it dosnt work, today I am detoxing, I have a massage booked in 1 hour to help me relax, then the only goal for today is to walk past the shop on the way home, little wins, 😀 💜🙏🏽
