Hi Eddie. A couple years ago the doctors warned me that my liver enzymes were elevated and I had better control my drinking or stop entirely. I have a very strong family history of alcoholism. My father and multiple family members on his side were alcoholics. So I think the genetic cards are stacked against me. I was also suffering from mental depression which got worse after returning from overseas traveling. Because of all those factors that I described above I decided I too was an alcoholic and joined AA. That was one of the best decisions of my life! I am now 14 months sober and have never felt healthier mentally and physically. My liver enzymes are normal and my psychiatrist has proclaimed me cured. I attend meetings regularly and I am an active volunteer. Last winter I spent a few weeks in Thailand, the majority of the time I was enjoying Pattaya. While there I discovered a wonderful chapter of AA and attended many morning meetings. I made a lot of great new friends there and intend to keep them for life! Let me be clear about one thing. Although I no longer drink alcohol, I still enjoy the company of young ladies of the evening! Actually, I feel that eliminating the alcohol has helped me enjoy sex even more! The very best of luck to you Eddie. You will be in my prayers.
I'm in the same boat, but now gratefuly 25 years sober . Whether it's travel, watching football, fishing excetera. Everything can be done sober and enjoyed.
Congratulations on 90 days sober! You look fantastic, I can see a difference in your appearance. I'll have 8 years sober in August. Keep going it only gets better!
Dude, I'm so happy for you. Well done! You definitely look better. I've got to tell you, all the drinking you did in your videos was a bit of a turnoff for me. I was actually a little worried for you. I used to drink. I never had a problem with it, but I just decided to try to get super healthy and I totally quit 100%. Now it's been 7 years I have not touched the stuff. And I travel and go to clubs and parties and stuff. I actually feel much better and when I'm out and about I feel like I have an edge over other people because I'm straight and alert and they're impaired. It actually makes me feel kind of superior, but not in an arrogant way. And whether you realize it or not you're setting an example for others. You're a celebrity so if anything you're being a positive influence, and people will have even more respect for you.
I've stayed in Thailand in the past and been able to abstain from the booze. I found that by treating myself to a proper decent hotel I gave myself a reason not to be going out every night. It definitely worked for me and the benefit of waking up with a clear head in the morning made me appreciate my time away even more. Don't overthink things mate. You're the one now in control.
@@TerryT324 I'm happy you have no issues with alcohol. For long term travellers any advice is surely a worthwhile contribution. Imagine slating someone on this subject. Dear oh dear.
@@TerryT324-No argument there. At the age of 70 I go to bed at 1000 and hit the streeets again at 0600.I’m retired and have time.However if I was 45 years younger and only had a month in the LOS my present routine would be absurd. “If youth knew and If Old Age could.”
Well done Eddie, you just do what’s best for you. As a pensioner & the cost of alcohol these days I have had to cut back otherwise I would not be able to afford my trips to Thailand.
I've tried stopping over the years and found that it plays on my mind too much. I just have periods of low or no alcohol, life's too short not to enjoy a pint in my opinion. However, if it's adversely affecting your mental health then that's very different
You've don't really well to kick the booze.👏 I follow cheap charlie a lot also on youtube travelling around Thailand pattaya etc . He's been sober now for 2 years, so it can be done as his problem was probably worse. The trade-in is enjoyment and lack of it being sober, which he commented on regularly it's just not the same. You 2 are quite a good comparison. Both youtubers both had a drink problem, and now both are sober. One is a bit further down the road. My take on it is dump the all or nothing attitude. Make a promise to yourself no alcohol 4 days a week. Pick those days and stick to that. You obviously have willpower. I think you may struggle with the alternatives, particularly when travelling. That's how i navigate around consistently drinking .
Ed, respect to you mate! I am sure all the regulars will always be watching. I think we all appreciate your honesty and frank comments. A rare thing these days.
Hey Eddie. I commented on your video yesterday but you can tell that you have lost weight and look great. I just returned from the Philippines and it was the first holiday where I never drank. Every morning I woke up fresh to do something new. I too have decided at 56 that 40 years of drinking is enough if I want to improve my health and still be around to travel. I don't miss the wasted days after a big night and the savings in the cost of drinking alone is a big incentive. We've all seen those guys in their 70's in Soi Bukou starting at 11am and still sitting there drinking at 7pm. Good on you mate and thanks for sharing!
Eddie - way to go! I added a few comments to others' posts, but wanted to send one directly to you. I stopped drinking over 20 years ago, when I was 30. Since then I've traveled a lot - over 30 countries, lived in Vietnam for two years where I was co-owner of a restaurant, and lived on Cozumel in Mexico last year. Now living in Las Vegas. I am grateful that I've been sober through it all. I have had some amazing experiences that I know would not have been nearly as great had I been drinking. I could write pages of advice, but here's one thing that may help you for the here and now, and on your next trip -- people don't care if you're drinking or not. Don't let your head get caught up believing other people will think you're a wimp or a lesser person. If anyone around you really thinks that, they're not the kind of person you want around. ANYONE that knows you at all, or cares about you, will be very supportive of your decision and help keep you on your chosen path. Anyone that tries to push alcohol on you or makes fun of you is NOT a friend. Those people need to be removed from your inner circle. I understand the cliques and the culture - I've spent a lot of time in Pattaya, Phuket, Bali, Phu Quoc (Vietnam - where I lived), etc. The drinking culture in the expat community runs deep. Once you feel secure in in your own sobriety, you really won't give a second thought to it - enjoy your water or Coke Lite or whatever. If someone you think is a real friend hassles you about it, pull them aside and tell them you'd appreciate it if they'd support your decision. Let them know this isn't easy for you, but you made this choice and want to stick with it. If they're really a friend, they will be behind you 110% - they'll be there buying you a water or soda, and will help block the rare jackass that comes along and insists on buying you a beer. I wish you good health and a long and happy life!
Hi Ed, I'm a Brit living in California and I've been a fan of yours for quite some time and this latest one (in the UK) was touching! I'm 84 and still drink and travel. Moderation is the key. Keep in touch with yourself and you can't go wrong!
For those that don't have a problem, moderation is easy. But for those of us that had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, moderation is not possible. And many 'normal' drinkers just can't understand that concept - for us, one is too many but a thousand isn't enough.
@@thunt1565but it doesn't mean that the people who can handle it have to apologize when they drink moderately. Life is not everything or nothing.... If you're an alcoholic you started for a reason and not because the beer tasted so good....
Your doing the right thing Ed! Give it another six months before you go traveling again. Trying to stay off the booze when your in a hot country on Holiday is not easy. Just from looking at your Face Ed You look really well. Good for you Mate!
Great to see you Eddy, I like a beer or two though never touch the stuff before 6pm. When I go to Pattaya I don't drink a lot, I find a cold soda water and lime very refreshing also a bit cheaper. I prefer to have my head working properly!! Having said that a beer or two does no harm, moderation is the key word.
When i used to see you in your videos drinking multiple pints of beer just with your lunch, it was awful to see. Its great to see you have made this life affirming choice to leave the booze behind.
A very honest and respectable statement. And, you're visibly healthier! I can go weeks and months without a drink, and if, for some reason, I'd have to see my days out without alcohol it would not bother me. But, there's no achievement in, or effort behind that. Hasn't got anything to do with moral, character or will-power. We're just wired differently. To ask someone with an addictive mind to drink with moderation is utterly useless advice.
You have a lot of will power Ed and also a lot of love and respect from your subscribers, you no what you are doing Ed and it will be fine. all the best mate.❤
Looking fresh Ed and as if you’ve lost a bit of timber also? Good for you mate, I think you’ll be able to still travel & not have a drink without any issues. Your fellow RU-vidr Cheap Charlie had alcohol issues as well & managed to spend the last few months in Thailand nightlife areas without having a drink.
Much respect and congratulations Eddie. I felt the same after finally giving up drinking. And before that, I gave up a forty five year tobacco habit. I used to smoke 25 - 45 cigarettes a day. Now it’s been about 20 years since I had a smoke. Not easy when first quitting. But now I never give alcohol or cigarettes a thought. You’ve won Eddie. Cheers mate 👍🏼👏🏼👍🏼👏🏼😃 Instead of a cold beer after working up a sweat in the tropics, I have a lovely cold fruit juice or big glass of nice cold bottled water.
@@paulweston285 yeah….carbohydrates…there’s another one. I’m a spaghetti addict. Damn hard to give up also. But at least I use whole grain or multi-grain spaghetti now. Sugars…….might as well call sugar a drug. Carbohydrates get converted into sugar don’t they? And look at all the Coke and Pepsi drinkers…. Drinking lots of it everyday. Full of sugar….
@@vinquinncorrect. I gave up for 9 years, (40 a day) had a bad day, just had one and back to over 40 a day. Carried on for years till my doc said I had 90 percent chance of not seeing 70. Over 15 years ago and not smoked since. But I know if I had just one I would be back again.
Good job with the booze mate, I gave up smoking a year ago after 35 years plus smoking and 15 years living in Thailand. The next challange for me is giving up the booze.The best way is to stop drinking during the day time and at your hotel, Good luck
We are proud of you, instead of drinking and pissing your life away you’ve taken control of your future. Your health should continue to improve, making your future travels even more enjoyable as you won’t be miserable, tired, achy, sore, etc.
Looking healthy Ed. I’m in same boat I want to be off the booze at home ans just have a few on holiday. I’ll be in Greece from Tuesday and I can’t help but think of having a beer in the sun. Your liver will be fully repaired by now and you look healthier for it. All the best
Hey Eddy, congrats on achieving your goal. Your liver will thank you for this. Like others have mentioned, alcohol free beer can be a good alternative. I once mistakenly bought a six pack of alcohol free Heineken from 7/11. Still drank it even after I noticed the label later on. At that time I just felt too lazy to go back and exchange it and didn’t bother. Tasted closer to the real thing than I’d care to admit. So, don’t dread having to drink juices and soft drinks during your future travels. Cheers, mate!
Brilliant effort Eddie, sure it’s going to be tough in the future to stick with it but I think you’ve done the hard part! Keep it up and keep making great content 👍🏻👍🏻cheeeers
I havent tuned in for a while but before you said anything i was surprised at how healthy you now look, well done onwards & upwards ! A more positive way of saying i havent had a drink for 3 months is saying i havent had a hangover for 3 months.
You're looking a lot fitter Ed. I had a cold recently and skipped booze for a week, no big deal. Saw myself on video a few years back after having too many drinks in Saigon and it wasn't pretty. A good reality check. Nothing wrong with a bit of self discipline.
I suppose Cheers won't be the end of the video's anymore, well good luck with it all Ed.The hot weather will make it very hard when you travel again, if you can abstain from it, when it's hot, you have won .
Hi, Eddy. I like you spent many years drinking. I started when I was 14, over the next 7 years I tended to only drink at the weekends. Then I got a job offshore, making 3 times the average wage of someone onshore. This meant that I was able to Party a lot more than someone working onshore. I had two weeks of shore leave where my friends and I would be out most nights getting bladdered, over the years this took its toll on my health. One night I went out with some friends and we had a very heavy drinking session, I drank so much alcohol that I should have been in the hospital getting my stomach pumped, but I walked home sober, and got up in the morning without a hangover. It scared the hell out of me, and I made up my mind there and then that I was going to give up drinking. Well, I didn't touch a drop for 13 years. But the first few months of soboriety were very difficult, drinking calibre, orange juice, and the like, while all my mates were enjoying a Beer was hard. I have fallen off the wagon a couple of times. but It was only for a few days, although I still like the taste of alcohol, I can no longer deal with the effect it has on me. I have travelled to Thailand many times over the years since I gave up alcohol, and I can tell you it is still not easy being in a bar with lots of lovely girls, where people are drinking and enjoying themselves, and not being tempted to just give up. Eddy, I hope you make it. living sober is far better than continuing to drink and shortening your life, not to mention the amount of money you will be saving. Neil.
I drank everyday for a long time I stopped for 3 months just to prove to my myself I could,I drink now but only to the degree a "normal" person would social events etc, credit to you mate
Hey Ed. I love your honesty and emotional intelligence. You have real self awareness and self regulation. Keep up the good work mate. Believe me you really well bro. 👍👍
looks like you have a nice home there Eddie. I always enjoy a fresh coconut after a hot walk on a thai beach, or an ice cold sprite if I am melting hot.
I do drink a little bit more when I’m travelling. But by more I still stick to 2-3 beers max per day on a holiday. I don’t drink to get wasted or have a hangover. I just enjoy a drink with my meal.
great to hear its been 3 months steady lad i remember telling you on the first day you can do it (i did ) im 62 feel 22 nowadays 3 ston lighter helps to keep up the good work great vid be positive..Cheers
Hi Eddie, good for you mate, I know you can do it, all the best in your new life style, iam sure you can still have a great time without the boose. Good luck,
Think you’ve broken the back of it now Eddy, keep it up mate. One thing for sure travelling will be a lot cheaper for you now, you’ll save more before you go, and spend less when your there 🙏
Wishing all the best on your journey. After 30 years, it's time to take a break. Do what you can to eat right and get exercise and find new things to do with yourself. I'll be here to watch your content w/o alcohol if that is what it becomes.
That's cool and you have to look after your health and yes it just seems travel and booze goes together just for me I only drink a bit on holidays only.
I don't drink anymore, and my only issue is when I travel, many will question why I don't drink and will even say "cheap charlie". No matter, I feel amazing and fit, and the performance between the sheets is better. Good for you, Eddy. I'm proud of you. 👍
Hope a lot of others heed your words. You already look like you have lost some weight and look healthy as well. I am sur you will handle the travel ok 3 months is a great start to your new life.
hello Ed, you actually do appear so much healthier, without the fog of alcohol one looks and feels fresher, remember you are not obligated to please other people by drinking your only obligation is to please yourself and the most important thing for you and me is to enjoy female company
The key to it is moderation. You can still enjoy a beer and not overdo it. And having and enjoying a couple of beers in the sun after a prolonged time off it doesn’t mean you’ve ‘relapsed’ either. It’s about finding a balance. And that can be applied to lots of things in life.
@@floki1503 nothing to do with wine at all. In Canada now they are on the verge of adjusting alcohol recommendations to no more than 2 drinks a week for low risk. There even might be warning labels on liquor just like there are for tobacco. Zero risk will be zero drinks due to the direct cancer links. Every amount you consume affects you whether you like to here it or not. I heard Japan may also implement similar guidelines soon. It's just not worth it. Thankfully the younger generation is getting smart and moving towards non alcohol beer.
There is a fellow on line called James Swanwick, he is all about getting off the booze. He makes a lot of sense , he charges a fee but all the points he makes are real, what booze actually costs you, and gives lots of ways you can think about it. Actually Eddy, you are on a better path without the booze, I’m positive your videos will end up getting better . I’m thinking of joining you and quitting myself…
I can really only echo what others have said Ed WELL DONE, you are total geezer, and dont worry about not drinking alcohol when your out nabout in Pattaya, im very sure the ladys out there would rather see you sober.
Ed i went 8 months w/out drinking when i got to Cambodia an when i saw that first frosted mug of beer with everyone around me drinking i went back to drinking then when i got back home i stopped drinking until my next trip.. so just drink when your traveling ..good luck
On holiday have a beer and look at it as a well earned reward . Then when your back home go back to not drinking . If you think that’s something you can control . Good luck pal 👍👍
Good for you Eddie. I've never really been a drinker. Visiting bars to have a juice or water doesn't stop you from enjoying a night out. Especially in thailand.. take care mate
I really like your videos I will agree with you flight prices are just to high at the moment! Regarding alcohol fair play to you and well done I sadly have lost a lot of friends to alcohol and drugs over the years! I have been drinking for over 46 years as an expat I don't use the bars if I have a couple of beers now it's in the comfort of my own home with my wife and dogs to keep me company! My tips for travelling have been avoid the expat bar scene and stick to the restaurants!
Hard to do. A good person I know 67 years old with at least 40 years of steady drinking cooked his liver, and had an esophageal hemorrhage. Never even made it to the hospital.
I used to love sitting in a bar travelling the Far East, "only used to drink one or two an hour" . I just lost the taste for a beer. I've got into renting motorbikes, just makes travelling more interesting, but I still may have one or two beers in the evening after a day sightseeing.
Congratulations Eddy. Keep up the good work! No you're not a wus if you tell a subscriberthat you don't drink alcohol. And you can still report on beer prices in your volg. Nothing wrong with that. You're an expert in the field, as you do have 30 years experience. I myself have been sober 38 years, and I can tell you that life is so much more full without it. You will find other activities to fill your spare time. Maybe you can end your vlogs from the golf course, pool table, or local hiking spot instead of with a beer. Anything I can do in the way of advice, support or just to chat, all you have to do is ask. You'll know when travel is right for you again. Don't rush anything.
Hi Eddie i too have had a drink problem and tend to not drink in the uk now. I always thought that growing up in the 1970s drinking was almost expected. My Dad used to say, when i was around 13 years old 'he's got to learn to hold his beer' and my mates all drank and met at the local 3 or 4 nights a week. it was in our culture. It 's hard to beat it when it's that ingrained but you're proving that life can be good without it and in so many ways better. Hats off to you Eddie you're doing great!
Hi Eddie. I can relate to everything you said. I’ve been off the drink now for two years. Although I do miss Mr Chang and his mate Mr Singha. However if I can do it, anyone can. It’s not just the liver that gets the damage. My cardiologist told me my heart failure and ultimately cardiomyopathy came as a direct result of years of daily alcohol consumption. They’ve now fitted me with an ICD/pacemaker ready for the next episode. Well done chum for staying off the drink. Best wishes from me here in Pathum Thani.
A lot of people underestimate the effects of ethanol (alcohol) has on your cardiovascular system. If you're drinking consistently your liver has to process it. Your liver has over 500 functions but can't work optimally if it constantly has to process toxins like alcohol. This is where the term inTOXICated comes from. If you do travel again try drinking every 2nd or 3rd day. You'll be saving a lot of money and be a lot healthier.
Hi Eddie. I have always enjoyed your vlogs so thanks. About the booze. You have done fantastic to stop. Surely you feel better physically and sharper mentally? Well you will be feeling that way when you travel too. The problem with the booze is it encourages other bad habits, like overeating and eating junk. You can still see your mates when you travel. Remember, if you don’t have your first drink you cannot have your second. Would love to bump into you one day. Thanks again 👍🏼
You certainly look healthier Eddie - keep it up mate! Would be really interested to know whether your new no booze situation has impacted the number of folks watching your videos…..Cheers, Archie
i suppose a logical postion to take would be to set yourself a limit while abroad and make it beer only..if you find yourself constantly breaking your own rules or frightened of a full habit returning you are probably better off without it permanently
You can but just have to drink less or change your regime for drinking, like your doing now. Instead of pounding them back sip and later when at home, and your not having anymore, your can look forward to going back and having a controlled couple while away and traveling. Just don't forget to do a laundry parlor live stream drinking Thai chai tea somewhere in Pattaya!
It is very possible to travel without drinking. - 1. Try differnent locations. Try to avoid the bars. - 2. AVOID the people who try to pressure you to drink. ++ I tell people - I have a medical condition - that doesn't allow me to drink. If they continue to push, I ask them if they want me to die? - If they continue to push, I tell them I want positive friends, not ones who want me ill health. I then walk away. 3. Health is worth the lifestyle change. 4. People who don't drink can save money, but water, soda, juice, etc. often costs the same (or more) than alcohol. The true financial savings happen when we avoid the bars.
Well done Edward you did the best thing in your life some comments saying the life is short, but I think life much more shorter driving too much alcohol my past was similar to yours Edy I was drinking for 30 years then suddenly I gave up alcohol for 20 years then Covid 19 happened I was stranded in Bali as everything was close even beaches I was bored so I started drinking alcohol again from angur merah to arak local made arak very strong and now I'm on and off alcohol sometimes I stop drinking alcohol for week or so then back to it again and again the thing is if you are pensioner you get bored doing nothing your mind is on driving open the fridge get cold beer or wine all day and every day same, but watching your video I'm thinking of getting up alcohol completely Eddie thanks for sharing this video with us ❤
Hi Eddy. Lke the old saying One day at a time. I was/am an alcoholic. I had my last drink on the 22nd of Sepember 2004. I alwys wanted to go abroad but was always too pissed. Anyway I booked a flight to Thailand in Feb 2005. I was very scared that I would have the free booze on the plane.When the time came and was offered a drink, I asked for a Sprite. Managed the flight without a drink. I then went to Pattaya and could not beleive what I was seeing. So many bars and young Ladies inviting you to join them At the back of my mind I was still very scared about drinking again I have now been to thailand 30 times and still sober. I have had amazing times over there and remembered what i had done the nights befoer. I was out yill 3/4 oclock most days. So fun starts being fun when you have a clear head. To this day I still have to keep my brain in gear and just remember what it used to be like. I do admire your courage in speaking out in this video and I wish you a very happy Sober life.
Neither my wife nor I drink so no issue for us. I’ve never found alcohol to add any enjoyment to my life. Just gives me a headache and I don’t like the taste so I just don’t indulge. Usually fine with just water or coffee. Most places have non alcoholic beer and such. Just have one of those when out and about. Start buying it for your fridge so you can get used to it. I’ve been told the tastes are very similar to alcoholic beer. So much of it is habit so by having the non alcohol beer in your hand at the bar may satisfy that habit.
Fair play Eddie. It's the habits that make it difficult to give things up. I still miss my bedtime and after dinner cigarettes even if the smell of it makes me sick and I haven't smoked in over 10 years. Totally understand why you wouldn't want to put yourself in the position of being tempted to have a beer and falling off the wagon!
Great job Eddy. I'm currently trying to kick the demon drink. I've went from drinking heavily 4 or 5 nights a week to drinking moderately 1-2 nights a week. My problem is that I am a binge drinker, when I start I don't stop until I pass out. But I am making progress!
Hi Ed, I was a regular drinker to the point of drinking every day, many times to excess until, like you I decided that was enough and I stopped completely and to my surprise it wasn't the hell I thought it would be. What I now do when I'm on holiday is say to myself 'you're on holiday so you can have a drink but it stops the minute you get home', and it worked. I'll be over in Thailand in Oct for a month and the same rule will apply. Just a suggestion. Good luck mate.
