I Got Sober at 17 

Hell yeah Matt! I decided to commit to being drug and alcohol free since I was a teen and now at age 42, I don't regret that decision ever. Thanks for sharing this story of sobriety that rarely gets told.

I’ve been sober for 12 years after starting drinking/drugs at 13 and I’m so grateful for conversations like this.

Hey Mat, it's was rough for in the military social life where alcohol is THE way of life. But I'm going on 5 years sober. Fitness and crossfit has become my salvation brother. Thanks for making it interesting with your story and rise to fame.

Sober now for almost two years now. Best decision of my life

I got sober at 25 by Gods grace. Being a CrossFit athlete has definitely helped me stay sober.

thanks Mat your honnesty and authenticity is the most inspirying thing about all you've done HWPO !

That’s such a good way to put it, I never knew that I was a “holic” with everything until I became sober. I give 120% on everything I do. Addicted to the gratification of doing something great for yourself. Hell, I get a dopamine high just from cleaning my house everyday. Lol

Lol I was a late bloomer in every aspect…. Got sober at 34 …. Best decision ever …. Everyday I feel good and no hangovers . I never needed it …. It just became a habit to party and follow the pack , tv music vids music rap ect…. Young wild and free …. Glad I experienced it all but glad that chapter is over ;) so grateful and blessed I survived it . Get help if you need it . I pray for global sobriety and health

As a recovering addict and an ex convict, I have turned my life around completely and now am a real present father to my children. Fitness and martial arts have filled the empty void that was inside of me for so long. This recovery facility is absolutely the work of God, this place is absolutely amazing. Allowing addicts in recovery a safe, none judgemental atmosphere to come feel the support of others as well as improve themselves is amazing. The longer I go sober the more my dopamine system reacts to my training. Couple that in with some Martial arts and you get a rush as good as any drug out there. God bless

Passed the threshold into four years of sobriety a few months ago. If you are thinking about going to a meeting -- just do it. You will be happier. You will be healthier. You will feel the love you've lost in your life slowly begin to return. If you are on the fence, reach out to me or someone you know. I am here for you, the program is here for you, and soon, you can be there for yourself again. I love you all

It will be 3 yrs in august. Best decision I’ve ever made. Related a lot to your story. Thanks for being so open. Reminds me to keep going. 🙏🏽

I’m sober too now Mat it is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. If your reading this and thinking about getting sober go for it, it’s a journey that is hard at first but get easier and easier. You will be free in the end and a much stronger person.

From where I was born, they used to say " Smoke and drink if you are a "Man". Those guys had a miserable Life in miserable body. Thank you for sharing strong people lives being sober!

This is a must watch for anyone having trouble with addiction. Fitness and like minded people is everything. Good on you Matt and chief. HWPO

Hey Matt I got sober when I was 16. Praise be to god brother

Extraordinarily revealing, insightful and inspiring. So easy for us to assume that successful people have always had success in their lives/no real problems. Thanks for sharing this part about you Matt. Makes it easier for the rest of us.

This is why people have such huge respect for you. Your such a salt of the earth man! Don’t change!!

The most powerful statement I ever made was say ‘hi I’m Robyn and I am an alcoholic’ so proud to trudge the road to happy destiny with guys like you Matt!

I wish I had known what I know now a lot earlier but 7 years and some change later I’m clean and sober…. I spent a lot of time in jail missed a lot of things and I regret missing those but I don’t regret what I’ve been through because it’s made me who I am. Thanks for this Mat and Chief and Phoenix means a lot to see this

Huge respect for this project. I've been sober for over 23 years and discovered crossfit when retiring after spending my life as a traditional Brazilian Luta-Livre submission.

The negative comments on here are ridiculous! I’ve heard you talk about being sober on podcasts, etc. over the years, but I always appreciate hearing you talk about it. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your experience! Personally, I love going to breweries and craft beer but have dabbled with Athletic Beer after seeing you guys drink it. It’s actually great, which I was surprised by. Also I wish Sammy was my best friend, she’s so fun!

Thanks Mat, I found Athletic Brewing because of one of your video's. Love it have given up drinking and stocked the fridge with Athletic Brewing and jumped into CrossFit to get healthy. Just hit our 5th month of no drinking it and my husband and I don't think we will ever go back we feel so much better.

That was a very intresting moment when you said:”hi, Im Matt and Im an alcoholic.” Wow… very brave and congrats on the sobriety. Im definately checking out the Athletic Brew.

I volunteer at The Phoenix and I’m actually leading a rock climbing event this week 🙏🏼 thanks for sharing Mat.

I had no idea. Thank you for sharing.

Mann I’ve been waiting for this video. I knew Mat was sober and would always look for information on it as I really look up to him and I’m also newly sober

So amazing that you share this I’ve been sober for 11 years now and you sharing athletic brewing changed the sobriety game for me I love it and even convinced a couple places I go to with friends to bring it in!! Thank you for continuing to be such a positive influence in the lives of so many!!

This is beautiful, thank you for sharing your story and being vulnerable! You continue to inspire and truly are an amazing human being!

the phoenix gym in Costa Mesa saved my life..thank you to the founder for providing people with a safe space and thanks Matt for opening up about your journey!

Mat I liked you before...I love you now. Truly an inspiration.

Congratulations Mat! Thank you for sharing this private side. I got sober much later in life but my life got amazingly better once I quit drinking. I hope your story can help someone else.

Thanks for sharing brother. I never knew. Cant believe I'm just seeing this video now. Im 18 years sober myself.

Love this!!! Thanks for your honesty Mat. I quit drinking almost 6 years ago.. Best decision ever. Keep doing what you're doing. You are inspiring many.

"I'm a holic". Literally dropped my jaw it resonated so strongly. Realizing that an addictive personality can be used for good has changed my life, and the word "holic" works so well!

Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve been sober 30 years. I think people like you speaking out can highly effect the negative stereotypes attached to alcoholism and recovery.

Only watched CrossFit games because of you man keep inspiring 👏

This video is awesome! I will be graduating soon and I can proudly say I have kept my promise to myself that has been to never drink or do drugs! Your story is inspiring and will help me continue the path I’m on. Thank you!

Awesome video!! I traded drinking for CrossFit back in 2016. Best decision I made!! I don’t have any desire to drink even one beer, and I would drink everyday back then. It changes your outlook on everything. Great inspiration Mat!

Thanks for sharing your story. When I was in my early 20s I was hitting the bar with a friend at least 2 or 3 nights a week. I was eating and drinking excess and I was very overweight. I quit going to the bar completely and started taking better care of myself. That same friend recently got a liver transplant and he is barely 30. That was the path I was going down. I still struggle with my weight but I have the tools and knowledge to do something about it.

I insist, for me the biggest personality and heart of the sport. Thanks Mat for your legacy!

Wow Mat!! Thanks for sharing your story. All these years of watching you in CF and had no idea. Really enjoyed seeing this side of you. Love my craft beer so love your collaboration with Athletic Brewing and The Phoenix as well! 🙏🏼 you are still crushing it!

Thanks Matt. You have no idea how much this affected me. All kinds of love, brother

Here in the UK alcohol and drinking culture is a real issue. It's so embedded and regarded as 'normal' and there's almost an expectation that you should drink. It's only in the last few years I have witnessed first hand how evil and destructive it can be. It can take a good person and make them do things they would never dream of normally. Lift weights, break a sweat and help your fellow friends and family and if you can, walk away from alcohol forever. It's a trap!

When I watched crossfit all these years I always woundered who you are as a person. You always had this positive likeable vibe, but now that you are sharing more and more I really appreciate how open you are about the hard parts of live and seeing the awesome human being. Thank you

Your sincerity cements you as a true GOAT, champ! Thank you for your inspiration.

Blown away by this video. So courageous and encouraging. By far your absolute best video in my opinion. 👍👍

Awesome video. Recovery rocks. Best decision ever.

Mat, thanks for sharing…. I actually work in a rehab centre… I can tell you this is inspiring and will be inspiring… your story will be shared with many people

WOW, thank you for being so willing to share this...shared!!! #HWPO

Thanks, at about 12 minutes you talk about being a “holic” and that related to me. Being a first responder it’s part of our culture and I’ve struggled for years on and off but made the decision January 17 to quit drinking and to be honest I feel great even though it’s a struggle to be honest with people. I’ve told no one except my wife the real reason I quit drinking and thanks for being a role model to even an older guy like me!

Great video, thank you for sharing along with O’Keefe.

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story.

Thanks for sharing Matt ! 👍🏽😎❤️ Keep the legend alive , you are made to encourage those around you . 👏🏾🏋🏽‍♂️🔥

Thank you Mat for sharing your story! You are always so humble. So much respect for you!

This was such a great video. Thank you for your honesty Mat!

Matt, you've been an inspiration to me for well over a year now just in the cf community, but this video is just what I needed. My sober date is Dec 4th 2019 and shortly after that I became a member of my local box. Cf and AA has given me the drive to not only to better myself physically but mentally. Keep killing it and being that inspiration to many.

Props Mat, I can’t imagine what it’s like having these issues but I do know it is hard. I never did like alcohol so I guess it’s a blessing in disguise.

So inspiring! And we get to learn much more about you everyday!! Btw I am from Mexico and finally got to order Sammy’s “Feeding the Fraser’s” hard copy(was not available for shipping Mx)im super excited!!!

So important for kids and teens to hear and see this video. I hope it helps add positive exposure to The Phoenix too!!

so much power. Loved this brother❤. Recovering addict from Sweden❤

Sober a long time. So grateful I left that life behind.

Seeing your serenity prayer tattoo I always wondered if you were involved with a recovery program. Praise God and thanks for sharing your story.

Mat, keep going! Love your story!!!

Powerful. Thanks for sharing.

I’ve always thought the world of both Matt’s, and this video and the honesty and willingness to put themselves out there is incredible and made me more of a fan ! True champions

I didn’t think I could get into NA beer but then I tasted Athletic Brewing. Plus the 2% for trail clean up is awesome.

God Bless guys, thanks for sharing your story, you helped me today. 🙏🏻

I needed this video right now. As a youth without a positive father figure to guide me, it was tough. I grew up around alcoholism and drugs, so it was normal for me. I was getting drunk and high by the time i was 15. It took 30 years to break that cycle. I only recently hit rock bottom, and thankfully I did- otherwise I may have never changed for the better. It's great to see others out there, especially guys like you who are open and proud to be sober. Thanks Mat.

Thanks Mar your honnesty and authenticity. You are amazing person and thank you for inspire people. You inspire me to be a better athlete. Thank you for everything you do!!

It's awesome to see people being courageous enough in taking on the real challenge to conquer the demons that once conquered them. 🙏

Thank you for sharing Sir

Hi Mat, Thanks very much for this video. This video motivates me loads. Your approach to sobriety is very much so totally and absolutely inspiring.

This has been one of my favorite episodes!!

Good for you Mat. You are inspiring in so many ways. Keep up the hard work!

Thank you for sharing 🙏🏽🔥

THIS IS EVERYTHING!!!!

Needed That Video 10 years ago! Really cool Video! Thank you 🙏

Great example, thanks for sharing!

Thanks Matt! Me too!

Holic that’s me I find something I can’t stop at It make it my goal

I can really relate to what you're saying, Mat. I come from a town where it's normal for kids to start having sips of their dad's beers at age 8 and start fully drinking at 12. By, 17, kids usually have their favourite liquor picked out because they've had enough time to try everything and figure out what they like and don't like. It wasn't just booze either, a cigarette is a very common 13th birthday gift. It's funny, living in a large city, people ask why I don't play the lottery and I say, "I played from 11-14, it's boring..." and they're like "WHAT?!" I stopped smoking at 20. I gave up drinking at 25 and I was a habitual drinker but never addicted perse. Just one day, I was getting groceries and decided I didn't want to spend my monthly $80 on booze. I do enjoy edibles once a week and I'm not giving that up, edibles help with muscle fatigue, university stress and unwinding from work.

Powerful and sharing will help so many!

Hey guys, thank you for being just so goddamn real.

Congratulations, Matt! You're a strong man and a very good person. You have truly used your gift to teach so many and ease their suffering and anxiety through your faith and gift. I'm certain Our Father is very pleased with you, Matt. All of us are said to have been giving a gift but you have used it to lead people closer to GOD and Honor the Lord. May God Continue to Bless You and Your Beautiful Family. 🙏💕🌹

great video, always wanted to hear your story. You're my role model Mat, cheers.

I had no idea Okeefe was sober. Awesome.

I am SO glad Scott clarified his pronouns I was really thinking that ABSOLUTE UNIT went by she/her

Good stuff May, Sammy, and Chief 🙌🏼

Great honesty

God bless those people at " The Phoenix" amazing people

Love the inclusivity of this box!

I hope to meet you both one day.

Who is the facilitator at the gym? I’d love to connect with them. I’m studying to become a licensed mental health counselor and want to know more of their background.

Great message, especially for the youth. The speaker who was mentioning creating a safe space and the other rubbish was ridiculous. Do we have to state this now? All the things he mentioned the facility was against or fosters is basic human decency and kindness. Do we really need to remind others to be good?

Thank you for this.

Will that HWPO swag Sammy is wearing ever go public?

Thanks 🙏

Im not saying the video suggests it or not, but if you feel you have a problem with drinking, from my personal experience and many others I have interacted with, in a variety of places, including ones that focus on sobriety as a goal, switching to non-alcoholic versions of your drinks is not a recommended first step, nor is it a complete solution.

Love ya Fraser

Cool one