Way to go! I drank like you. I celebrate 6 years sober on Sunday and I am so grateful to be out of the prison that my life had become with my drinking.
Grew up in an alcoholic home. Lost my sister to alcohol and a SIL. My father died a week ago today. All my siblings and mother are alcoholics. I've always been the outsider, black sheep in my family. Not a drop in 40 years. We all have free will and make our own choices. Im happy with mine. Best wishes, everyone.
Wow well done!!!! Exactly what i try telling my 21yr old daughter. Her father drank and slowly killed himself. Died at 51. Cant believe she didnt learn from it.
I drank beer every day from the age of 20 years old to the age of 57. A functioning alcoholic I'd say. Worked hard in a hot factory for 35 years. Most of my co-workers followed suit. Work hard, play hard. When the 8 hour day was done, it was a run to the beer store every night after work. You see, I would buy a quart of beer every night for the ride home, (12 miles), then I had plenty of beer when I got there. I consumed 6-12 beers every night from 11:30pm to 2-3 am, plus the quart. I woke up at 7am every morning. Work at home got done. Bills got paid, and I never drank before work, or, during work, ever. I retired. Ran into some irregular heartbeat issues, started a heart medication and quit drinking. I just quit. I still have 20 beers in my beer fridge. I'm not sure why because I'll never drink again. I've never told anybody this and I'm not sure why I just did. The video showed up in my feed and I watched it. I guess I'm just so stubborn and the hate I would have for myself if I drank again, keeps me on the path I need to be on. I wish all of you well with whatever cross you have to bear. Thanks for the video. It is part of your journey.
Work in healthcare. Cared for a patient with cirrhosis and alcohol addiction. The day of his discharge he looked at me with despair. “When I leave here, I’m going to drink. I’m going to drink even though I don’t want to. It’s like a job.” I never forgot him
That’s amazing, congratulations on your many years of sobriety. I’m 36 and I also got sober at 32. In the past 4 years I’ve bought a house, got married, and became a father. Life is good.
I just reached a year … bourbon as well & anything bottle & bond & if it didn’t cost 80/ 100 bucks a bottle I wasn’t having it.. what a fucking struggle life was with this shit, relationships crumbled my hobbies where just talked about wile sitting on a bar stool,turned into a 280 pound, size 40 load ..texting a 🥃 bourbon glass at 1030 am to my ol’lady as I’m still hammered from the night before of what we’re doing tonight…The reality finally sunk in one year after i had a sonogram of my fatty liver,(never slowing down)that If I continue down this road not to mention my kids telling me I’m going to “DIE” daily wasn’t enough I don’t know what is..After all that shit I wrote why wouldn’t you want to quit.you matter to someone that loves you more then yourself !! I never comet on any of this but wanted someone to hear my story too.. ❤
I’ve cut back drinking a lot. Only drink occasionally. If you’re occupied with other things it helps. I drank because I was bored and lonely. Now I’m okay with being lonely lol
Awesome. I recently did 115 days a decided to let myself drink again because I needed a break from being so damn sober and still lonely. I was hoping going that long without drinking would have made me happier. Not that simple.
Well done you I’m so proud of your progress!! It’s so poignant because I lost my brother my only sibling to alcoholism He died a few years ago too young I’m the last one off my original family My daddy died from prostrate cancer my mummy to dementia and recently my brother….. I tried everything to help by talking to him……Pleading with him to stop drinking Pleading so I wouldn’t need to bury him as well like my Mummy and Daddy I ended up burying him too It selfish !! You are being selfish to your family I got the dreaded phone call 2 am that my big brother had died !! The finality of hearing that message still gives me the chills Death is so final Nothing more could be done I just kept crying hugging my husband to me saying he’s dead he dead he’s dead My brother is dead I don’t have a sibling anymore I’m the last of my original family of 4 I hope someone reading my story will understand the heart break of losing a brother so young If I can help one person from a terrible death then my brothers life won’t me in Vain or make them think about how bad drinking huge amounts of vodka does it does I remember the first time he was admitted into hospital A nurse chatting to me She said how much do you know about your brother condition and I said I know he’s an alcoholic he will get better now since he’s been hospitalised She said I’m sorry I need to speak to you about this ! How much do you understand Your brother said I have permission to tell you this She said even if your brothers stopped drinking today and never touches alcohol again He’s going to die !! I remember squealing No ! No! No! That’s a lie isn’t it Your not being truthful to me And she shook her head and said Your brother organs are all failing ! He was on a knife edge many times ! He had tear in his oesophagus 3 times and needed surgery all of those times They would dry him out in the hospital and he would buy alcohol on the way home !! but he eventually he did die for real ! His wife was going to put him in a nursing home but he died suddenly and I have never been able to come to terms with it forever and ever I hope and pray you get help before it’s too late
I'm 41 and finally was able to quit after a seriously rough 20+ years of hard drinking. I am now 7 years sober. I tried for years to quit and nearly died numerous times in the process. Quitting... Trust me it was hard, but I did it and so can you all. None of you are alone and Y'all are way tougher than you think. Ya'll are some of the toughest people on this earth, believe it or not right now. This demon seeks out the toughest people to attack and destroy. Don't let it! Stay strong brothers and sisters! You can beat it! There is a light at the end of this dark path. Keep pushing and you will start to see it. Thank you for this video.
Do it before it is too late. My brother died at 36 due to Liver failure. All because of alcohol. 6 weeks in intensive care. 2 weeks in a coma. 2 heart attacks. They couldnt stabilise his Liver so was given morphine as a way to be able to comfortably leave this reality. Sadest thing was, he was ill for weeks beforehand and didnt tell anyone about it (he lived 600 miles from me so not easy to drop in to see him). By the time he was taken to hospital, it was too late. He had been ouking so much his voice box was permanently damaged, so he couldnt even speak in hospital. To anyone on the same path as my brother - Realise that your actions have consequences beyond just yourself. There are people that will be affected by your actions. His death will be the most painful experience of my life. That pain will be with me fir the rest of my existence. I no longer have a sibling, the dreams of getting older and playing backgammon together on a porch are gone.
My brother died on 6/28/24. We didn't know it, but he was in the end stage of cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis. We had seen his on Mother's Day and knew he was shockingly I'll. He was thin, sedate, didn't eat, totally not himself. His color was yellowish grey. I knew something was terribly wrong. It was a very quick visit as we met at our Mom's in Colorado, him from Northern Wyoming, and us from Phoenix. Three weeks later, we got a call that he was in the ICU in liver failure in WY. Husband and I flew up the next day and stayed with him about a week. His condition was horrifying. He had hepatic encephalopathy, further weight loss, bruises over his arms... We had to leave back to our jobs, and he had improved to get admitted to a regular care floor. I called almost every day to talk. He was discharged on 6/20/24, and drove 5 hours to southeast Wyoming to a rehab facility to gain strength and then into alcohol rehab. He passed away there on 6/28/24. He was only 48. He was a wonderful soul. Always seemed happy, we so intelligent and unique. I wish I could have known what triggered him to drink...I want to say I would have tried to stop him, but I know the reality. I am gutted. I'm so traumatically sad learning about the suffering he went through alone. I had no idea how sick he was. I don't know if I will ever get over it.
LD, this literally made me cry. I felt so sorry for you and me too, for what we lived through every day just to drink. Pitiful. But now we are free from that bondage,thank God.
I have 6 months sober after 18 years of drinking. Deep in AA and working the steps praying to God every day that I stay sober. Such a deadly disease. Love your honesty!! Good luck ❤
I quit drinking regularly at 53. Had to do it every Saturday. Had to...decided I was done wondering what I had said or done and feeling like I was hit over the head with a $h*#bag every Sunday morning for 20 years. No more excuses. If you are adjusting your life around alcohol and making excuses to use alcohol, those are warning signs to stop. Because if it takes over, it ruins your health and your life. Thanks again LD, keep inspiring.
I'm an occasional drinker. Mostly on weekends but lately I've noticed it has started creeping into the week days. I'm not an alcoholic however I can see how it could slowly creep up on anyone. Thanks for sharing
I know how the anxiety is when you’re hungover the next day. Sometimes I thought I would lose my mind or I was going to die of a heart attack or stoke. Almost all alcoholism can be traced back to depression or anxiety caused by underlying trauma.
@@check4v Agreed. I also cannot stand the term alcoholic, I prefer alcohol addict or alcohol addiction, it's a kinder term for people who are already beating the shit out of themselves. "Alcoholic" is similar to "junkie" to my ears and it's not a kind label. I'm a former alcohol addict and I find that easier to use, it's not as shaming.
So many similarities. It really is mind-blowing now when you think of what lengths we'd go to, how much we'd play mind games with ourselves and others to just stay drunk and not feeling. I'm sober with You, 3yrs for me, and I'm struggling to stay alive. Your story will help so many. Once again, thank you for your vulnerability and sharing from the ❤
Congratulations on 3 years my friend! I'm so sorry that you can relate to my story. It really is crazy what we will do for a buzz. Thank you! God bless❤❤❤
I’m praying for you brother, I haven’t had a drink now in a few years and if I can do it, you can do it, the moment I called on my higher power Jesus Christ my life changed, you gotta seek the truth though on your own ❤you can do it if I can , I’m a simple hillbilly who barely graduated high school
I’m a chef as well. Alcoholism is rampant in the cooking industry. My brother cooks as well and he’s still in really bad shape… hoping he changes soon. Love the videos and would love to see that old video of when you were chef.
Yes I waited tables years ago and we would literally drink all night until the morning; I was only 19 at the time ; I realize that's when my drinking began It's so true about drinking making anxiety so much worse/amplified, and then having to chase it down again with more alcohol. LD this is so vivid for me to hear; I Thank You
As in nursing too.. after the 3-11 shift we’d go to grab one or even after working night shift.. I can’t help but wonder if addiction runs in the service industry..
Hey there! It really is rampant in the industry. Everyone drinks or does drugs or both for the most part. Late night parties after work, going to the bar, "wine tasting...." . You know all about it. Especially when the wine rep comes in and you need to find some wine for a wine dinner..... I would get drunk tasting. I hope that your brother stops too my friend. Thank you for being here! God bless😊😊😊😊
I worked with 15 chefs over 7 years , as a waitress and substance abuse was rife among all of us. Chefs work very hard, it was hot, sweaty work, split shifts and it was tough on them.
Currently me rn. 😔 its tough. I need to quit completely. Ive relapsed several times. My anxiety is severe when i withdrawal. I had a bad panic attack and was ready to go to the ER. Bieng bipolar with anxiety and depression is not easy. Wish me luck 🙏🏼
Kratom helped me quit. It is addictive and expensive but it was well worth it. I knew I couldn't drink on it and it took away that urge. Not suggesting to swap one addiction for another but it was a positive change for sure.
Ive went to the ER twice for withdraw anxiety. Got so bad I felt like I was having a heart attack and just one large pull of whiskey and I would feel normal. Still struggling with it every day. Ive got to the point where im functioning. I can last the full week with only a drink or two in the evenings, but if I drink too much on any given day I end up having to spend a week just weening off a little less every day until im back to normal.
@user-lf2lf6wy4z same. I need to quit. It's difficult for me 😔 my anxiety is severe and Depression. I can't focus nor have interest in anything. Some people don't know how ot feels but it's a bad feeling. Especially when you have no one to talk to or be with. 😔 it need to studied more and brought up. Cause is it does exist
I started Friday night and drank til Sunday night. Weekends for 5 years, straight. That doesn't mean I never drank during the week, I started after 5 when I got home and made myself stop at 11pm. I had to. I was petrified to be homeless and that was my drive to finally get to dexox and then rehab. Best thing I ever did. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom, strength and courage. Proud of you!!
Dear heavens! Thank you for scaring the crap out of me. I have been prone to excessive alcohol use, and hearing your story just made me feel like never drinking again! Thank you for sharing your story
I'm still an active alcoholic of 37 years and even though I only drink beer listen to this young man because it doesn't matter what your choices are, the results are the same! Im 53 yrs old now and trust me, when this man talks about the anxiety and paranoia, its certainly out there if you choose it!
LD! Raw story ! It sounds like such a difficult struggle and time. The best part if this is the fact you survived and are spreading awareness and help. Hugs n blessings to you LD. Thank God 🙏🏼💚
Dear Brother…I literally have no words to describe your honesty and openness with this video. Although I was never a morning drinker, I completely understand some of the things you referenced…on the toilet for at least 30 minutes (that still happens often unfortunately…sorry for the TMI…lol), being afraid to drive to work (out here in Metropolitan Phoenix AZ we don’t have any back roads, so I had to navigate the freeway…uggg)…the sitting on the back porch drinking and smoking after work until I couldn’t drink or smoke anymore…the excitement and also DREAD of having a day off and having to deal with the “return to work day”…I called off MANY of those days…it was a nightmare!!! Those days are over, as I am practicing the Sinclair Method to control my drinking. I don’t know how I survived it, and I NEVER want to be there again! God Bless You Brother…YOU are an inspiration to MANY! ❤️✌️❤️
I was given 2 - 5 years to live. That was 3 years ago. 😢 I've always struggled with severe anxiety and depression. I've even tried to unalive myself. It's a horrible way to live. 💔🙏
Sorry to hear about your struggles, but I’m glad that you’re still around. I’m sure you’ve tried lots of things for your anxiety over the years. Increasing fat and protein in my diet and reading scripture/having a relationship with Jesus are two things that have helped with my anxiety.
Decree you shall live in Jesus name! He breaks these curses and pains we go through as we are only human so He did it for us. Through unconditional sacrificial love. He loves you. People have been given six weeks to live and are here 20 years later. Pray and seek Gods face. He is faithful to heal you if you lean on Him. You’re worth being here. I’ve been there feeling so awful and the constant anxiety and fear is crippling. Jesus is the only thing that has ever helped me face the day. He wants to do the same for you. You are a child of God and worthy of living your life. Remember, He made you. He doesn’t make mistakes. Though we do- that’s why He sent His son Jesus. None of us have it all together. Just seek out who is Jesus not people. Look for Him. In private call out to Him for help. Watch what happens and who comes into your life. All sent by God. God isn’t done with you. He is just beginning
OMG the shit we went through to be able to function, to provide for our families. Scary familiar. So glad your still here to remind people how horrible life is as a alcoholic. So glad your on your way back. Praying everything is going to heel. Never give up hope. God bless!!!
Hey Thanks for sharing, dude. I lost my brother to alcohol a few years ago. He was 33 years old and drank himself to death. Acute alcoholic hepatitis. I know it runs in my family. Sometimes I drink too much but I really need to quit because I know what damage it can cause. Thanks for telling us about your experience.
I'm surprised nobody ever smelled it on you and confronted you about it. Your lack of DUIs is even more impressive. I'm a sober meth addict. 4 years now! But I can always spot when one of my employees has been drinking or using. Great video man!
@@Manos-de-Piedra you can see it in their eyes. If you've been around it enough it's almost like you intuitively recognize it. It's strange. But the eyes give it away.
@@darcymccabe-pb1se I bet a lot of them got DUI’s, I’m in the UK and meth isn’t that prevalent here but other drugs are and still lots of drunk driving
@@Manos-de-Piedra yeah DUIs are super common. They don't give them out for meth hardly at all because it's next to impossible to prove when you consumed it and if it affected your driving. The burden of proof in criminal cases in the US is very strict. But alcohol is easy to prove with a breath test so alot of people get them.
@@darcymccabe-pb1se Very similar to the UK, Weed can be detectable on the police swab tests for quite a few days too so people can go without weed for a few days but still get banned as it can still come back positive days later which is crazy!
Thank you for sharing your story. This is a warning to people like me that tend to over do it. I slowed down alot after having my 1yr old daughter. I just couldn't be that way around her. I even stop smoking weed after 14years. I still have my glasses of white wine, but I know my limits now.
I really relate to this. This was me. Thank god i’m coming up on 15 years sober of alcohol. Much love to anyone out there struggling. Life gets so much better.
Brutal. Thanks for sharing your I created structures around drinking. Boredom. Lack in other places. Quit for a year and 8 months dabbled briefly and now I'm back again 10 months and counting. I have no plans to return to the lifestyle I used to live. I wish everyone the best.
Thanks for sharing all that. As they say “confession is good for the soul” and I think that as we admit the problem to ourselves and others it helps us along the road.
To other people who are not alcoholics this sounds sickening and like suicide ,i went through a similar experience I would walk miles in a snowstorm to get my beer ,i wish i put more effort into other aspects of my life .!!
LD I would do the same only difference was with Vicodin ES… it’s a wonder my liver tolerated all that Tylenol. U can’t smell a pill & easy to take with u. I find it so incredibly mind blowing that nobody knew or thought they “caught a wiff” of alcohol while you were at work. 🥰 Hugs
Thank you Kristen! Yeah.... I guess you are right, they are easier to hide. I'm sure people knew, just no one ever said anything to me. Hope your day is going well! God bless❤❤❤❤
Thanks, man. My was much of the same without getting physically sick everyday. Last for 23 years straight. I only drank vodka from water bottles with lots of gum; everything else smells on your breath.
I’ve never been a drinker, this sounds brutal. Hoping the best for any of you if you’re struggling with this. My sister is an alcoholic and I know what he’s saying about the fact that no one can convince you, it has to be your decision to quit.
I listened to this entire monologue. It really hit home. I can entirely relate. I can honestly say I've hit multiple points recently of literally being physically incapable of stopping drinking. And it's scary as hell.
Thanks for your story brother. So happy to see another great human being win their battle. I’ve been sober from fentanyl for about 7 months. You can do it if you put your mind to it, don’t ever stop ! God loves you !!
7 years sober in April. Most of these stories are similar to my story as well. 😢 Although by the grace and glory of God I received a liver transplant 6 years in Oct. I am thankful for a second chance. 🙏 for everyone struggling. You can do this!
I was diagnosed with cirrhosis when I was 38 years old. I am now 46 & have been sober for 8 years. I never thought I would be able to get sober & I did. Anything is possible.♥️ I now coach humans on their path of recovery ❤️🩹
This was so real and straightforward and beautiful. Thank you for your honesty and care and courage. I can relate to so much of this and in a way, I just didn't realize some of these things about myself cause these are the things we don't really share. Not even in AA meetings all the time. Thank you for reminding me of the misery. 2 years sober in October. Sending love and hope to everybody and thank you for sharing your love and hope!
One month away from two years sober, and I always find myself watching these type of videos… They always said in AA they don’t want to hear the war stories. Well, I disagree, and I need to hear these type of stories to remember my own horror, I put myself my family and friends threw for years, so thank you for helping me go one more day.❤
After hearing your story and reading the comments below it really highlights the fact that there are probably thousands of people driving drunk on a daily basis or even drinking while driving . And the worst is coworkers, friends, spouses etc. know what’s happening yet do not intervene. Thanks for sharing.
Great video. I’m years sober now however I still remember my drinking days like they were yesterday. I’d drink from sun up to sun down, pass out, and do it again. I did that for years and years . Lost everything and that made me smarten up. Keep fighting the good fight!
Can relate to the fear of failing a breathalyzer. Sometimes I'd wonder if I was sober enough to pass one of those if I got pulled over. I never would plan on it, but if the family needs something, they didn't know if I had drank and I would go take care of stuff for them.
Omg...I feel this. I haven't thought about this in a long time... When you're hiding your drinking, well enough that your family hasn't picked up on it.. And then they ask you to run an errand .. And you feel like you can't say no? Oh wow, those were some of the most anxiety inducing moments I can think back on. So glad that's over. Hope you're doing well!! ❤😊
This is such a good story. I was pretty bad with drinking for a long time, but you we're on another level above me. I'm thankful I was able to give it up before i got to where you we're at. Thank you for sharing your struggle, you definately are not the only one
Never heard a store like this and I am so so glad that you are better and I hope the rest of your life is always always like it is now and that you are healthy and the alcohol problem is completely behind you
Hello. Wish you all the beest in your future, free of alcohol. I only got drunk (to the point of blacking out) twice. I decided then that I only have a glass of wine or something and no more. I kept that decision for many years now (since 2008). Since I had to start taking some medication early this year, I completely say no to alcohol now. I'm very very happy that you're sorted out now. Alcohol free. Very proud of you. Keep up the good fight.
these kinds of videos are completely interesting. how could anybody waste their time watching nonsense on tv when they could hear first hand what drama is happening with actual people. i always imagined that this only happened to people in their 50s and later. it is scary to hear the truth.
Thank you for sharing. This video came into my feed. I wondered why, but your share is giving me great insight into what my former close friend is going through. Thank you 🙏
The honesty is amazing. Recovery from chemicals is possible. Oct. 17th 2011 is the very last time I put narcotics into my body, after nearly 5 years of IV use and many years before that abusing in other ways. Stay strong, one day at a time. ❤
31:12 When you said 'I was in handcuffs and the alcohol had me.. completely locked up, I was not free' and the Sun went behind the clouds and it got darker and then you said 'but now I am' and it got a little brighter. Artistically, that said a lot! You were meant to make this video to help others, thank you for doing that. I'm currently over 1000 days sober and I completely understand the illusion of control that alcohol has a over a person. You described it in a great way.
I continue to struggle with alcohol addiction after two decades of drinking habitually. I've binged to the point where I get shaky and lose my appetite until beginning drinking. I'll go for periods where I drink no more than four tall cans of 9% ale in the evening, which is pretty manageable, but once the whisky comes into play, especially if I start mixing it into my morning coffee, I become insufferably drunk and prone to blacking out. It's cost me countless of career opportunities over the years. I find the combo of ale and cigarettes to be heavenly, and can never seem to get enough.
I had my first drink in 1976, at age 4. Got a hold of it by accident. Started drinking again in 1988 , at age 16. I've finally put an end to this. I buried my addiction in June. RIP addiction. 1976-June 27, 2024.
Thankyou for this video! You are an inspiration 💕. So much of this resonates with me. I am day 15 into my recovery & detox program. I am ready for it !!! Your story had made me even more determined beat this poisonous cycle. Thankyou so much for your honesty and warmth, you will help so many xxx
Thank you for sharing your story with me. It is overwhelming to hear where you were to now where you are. I hope you continue to improve in all areas of your life. ❤
Thank you for telling your story..... I am so Glad that You Stopped.... My dad drank from Junior High..... He went to live somewhere else.... I don't drink at all....I enjoy Breakfast & Lunch Foods.... I drink water throughout the day as a Cleanse.... I tell people that I'm too cheap to Drink or Smoke.... I really just don't want to cause myself to Feel Horrible.... I'm healthy & I do Stop to Smell the Roses....
Brother,not for batum but you just described this alcoholics life before I quit, life is so much better on this side, wouldn't trade sobriety for the world!!
Hey G, your story is so sad but true. It really brings to light how serious alcoholism is and that we do such dangerous things an still can't quit. Being sober, I now think of all the dumb things I did and am grateful that I made it through alive. ! I'm glad that we all are on a healthy journey. Thank you for sharing! It's 100° here and going to get hotter by the weekend 😮 Take care love Jersey girl. ❤❤❤ I haven't seen Kristen on here in awhile. Hope she is okay.
Hey jersey girl! I've talked to Kristen, she is good. She commented on here too. That's so sweet of you to check on her. Thank you! It really is scary. But.... it's all true. I want people to know that they are not alone and not to be embarrassed to seek help. Trust me.... I do not like talking about this. I really don't like sharing the things I did... it's embarrassing. But... I know it will help someone out there. Thank you!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ God bless😊😊
This sounds so familiar except I didn't bother with cups, glasses, ice or mixers. One thing that sucks being a functional alcoholic is that every little thing you need to do, even the simplest no-brainer things, are so intense and stressful because of being in pain constantly and at the same time you have to appear being normal while at work. I'm sure many people knew I had a problem, including the bosses but they ignored it if you were functioning fairly well.
Thank you so much for sharing. I definitely recognized some of my old habits too. It wasn’t as intense for me but over the years I noticed that it got worse to the point of wanting to drink wine in the morning on my days off. I am getting healthier and I prefer this happy stable life. Hugs.
I did it for years too brother!!! 6-10 beers every day and a pint of Vodka with Ginger Ale..... I did that for the better part of 10 years..... Weekends partying were even worse..... I've been Sober almost 8 years..... I just put it down and stopped..... I am one of the lucky ones who didn't need help. Stay with it brother!!! Life is soooooo much better.
As someone who basically tries to eat healthy I was spellbound by your candid description . I didn’t know there was more than a hangover to worry about. Did you ever think about your health back then? All the best.
I’ve been sober for 17.5 years and I’m so incredibly grateful for my sobriety. The chains of alcohol are unbearable. I thought I was the only one also until I went to rehab (one that actually helped me and changed my life) and started going to meetings. I met my people at meetings and recovery groups. I was a functional drunk I guess…but it was so tiring and exhausting and stressful. Now, I’m happy, joyous and free!!
