I Quit Alcohol for 30 Days (After 20+ Years of Almost Daily Drinking). Here's What Happened... 

😂🎂🎉 I'm Day 34... After drinking a gallon and a half of Bourbon for the last 6 years... I was Sober almost 20 Years and they my wife passed from Stage 4 Colon Cancer,, an no she wasn't a Drinker ... I crawled back into that bottle as if id never had left it 😢 But im Sober and in it for the long haul im 67 an plan on making it go 70 and then 80 ... Stay well my Friend it gets better after the First 30 Day's 😅🎉

@@rennugm1 Thanks or the great comment. Dry Jan is over and I haven't even thought of having one yet. It feels good to feel good 👊

Interesting. Your drinking mirrors mine pretty much exactly - a few beers/glasses of wine a night and more on the weekend. We are also similar in age. I read Allen Carr’s book and have now been sober for 5 weeks. My sober experience has also been exactly like yours. I really enjoyed this video. All the best to you and your family and cheers to no beers!

Thanks for the great comment! That' awesome to hear you are feeling great. We did dry January and this time around it's really penetrating my psyche I think. I really hope to continue this path moving forward. It takes time to changes habits but it sure is worth it! 👊 @@sambrewstermusic

I'm Sean from Sacramento California....lost my job in 2021 and I've been a hermit basically not leaving the house for 2 years with depression and drinking too much every day atlest 8-12 drinks. I feel terrible which is odd because I e always been an athlete and MMA fighter. Always felt great but I'm out of shape. Barley lifting at this point. I have a home gym and a jump rope. Last time I quit was 6 months ago and I quit cold turkey. I lasted 20 days. Apparently I wasn't addicted they say after that long. But then I started again. I could definitely use some tips friend. I'm tired of this posien it's killing me. Btw I'm only 32.

Thanks for the comment. And good for you. I hope you remember to come back to this and share an update once you reach the end of your 30 days. I have gone back to old ways (summers are tough) and I feel much worse than I did when I wasn't drinking. It's crazy that I'm literally PAYING to feel this way. Old habits really do die hard, but I think I'm going to make a solid effort in the very near future to get back to where I was, because I felt (and slept) great.

That's amazing!

Giving up changed my life in a very obvious way. After quitting I found I had so much more energy and motivation. I had to do something with this new found drive…noticing all he great street art around my city I decided I would like to try it. I found out pretty quickly that I loved painting big with spray paint, it became a passion and an obsession. At the time I was in sales for a large print company and after a few years I started taking on commissions doing them at weekends. It got to the point where I had to make a decision between the well paid, secure, company BMW job or painting full time. I jumped ship and became a professional mural artist seven years ago. I often wonder if I would have done it if I was still drinking? I think not, the alcohol had been suppressing creativity, energy and general enthusiasm for my adult life. PS just for a timeline…I was 40 when I stopped and 52 when I started painting full time…oh and if you want to see my sober paintings hit this link instagram.com/glimmertwin32 Greeting’s from Brighton UK

Good luck bro. So hard. I wish I had your fortitude.

@@Alex-tm5oz I really appreciate the support man. Reading the book helped me out for sure and made it a LOT easier.

Oh this is so awesome to read. Thanks for sharing. It's really hard to battle 20+ years of programming. Drinking on a weekend is almost a reflex for me... but it really doesn't take that long to change patterns and feel good again. I've done more reading in the last few months than the last few years! Good for you! :)

I had the exact same experience when I did 30 days a few years ago, and then again last year. Sadly, I regressed both times. Hopefully not this time.

@@pieter5466 Recovery is not a linear journey (I know it hasn’t been for me)! You’ve got this!!

@@hebrewhammer8571 Congrats on entirely missing the point of this video...

@@hebrewhammer8571 Keep telling yourself that 😄

That's awesome and inspiring to hear. Alcohol has crept back into my life (though not as much as before this video) and every time I have it, I feel like crap. I don't know WHY the thought of removing alcohol completely is a scary though but it is. It's insane.

@@TheSAHDLife it took about two years of being sober before the strong temptation went away. I stopped hanging out with my drinking friends and stopped going places that primarily served alcohol. I worked a lot, and stayed home a lot. It's boring and lonely but you will save a ton of money. I got back into weight lifting and lost about 40 pounds. I became a morning person, and found so many more productive hours in the day. I met my wife, who never knew me as an alcoholic and she doesn't drink. Now I drink one or two beers a couple times a year on special occasions. It is not hard for me to stop at two now. I believe my brain has rewired itself and my old habits have died. It takes commitment and sacrifice. The hardest part is the boredom, you have to find something healthy to take it's place, such as working out. Good luck. Things will get better. It's worth the sacrifice.

Don’t regret that you didn’t start sooner. You’re a shining example of self control. Keep it up 👍🏽

I'm right there with you at the moment. I felt great this morning and I will feel great tomorrow morning too. So will you! Do yourself a favor and read the book though if you can. It'll really help.

Good luck man.. just take 5 min at a time

What kind of withdrawal symptoms did you go through? Does it feel better now?

Keep it up. Savoir your momentum. I am learning how stopping and starting over and over (me) is doing me no favors toward my goal of freedom. Hang in there!

How are you doing? Have you managed to keep going? I’m day 1 into it. I occasionally stop for 2-3 days but I’m tired of the headaches and cannot get out of bed and it’s getting worse. I’m 55 and really had a gutful of drinking. I’d love to stop. I hope you could work it out for yourself. If you have failed are you trying again? Please let me know.

Good for you! It's tough to change at first, but then in the evenings when you would have been done drinking anyway, you think, dam I actually feel good! I'm glad I didn't drink earlier! It's tough to get through cravings... whether eating a treat, having a smoke, or a drink... but it always seems to be worth it. Thanks for sharing. It's always inspiring reading comments like this! 👊

Uuuuuuuuuall about u

Good work👍

Im barley starting on my journey to be sober I drinked for over 17 years Evry single week once or twice a week mandotary I have a week witouth drinking I know is not a lot but for me it is just want to live a healthier life with no drugs or alcahol involved n set an example for my family 🙏

Really? Are you a heavy drinker? I'm 6 months no booze and I think I'm going through PAWS. People feel like a million bucks at first. I did. but just wait. Hope it doesn't happen to anyone. Everyone is different during recovery.

Glad you found the video! And yeah isn't that awesome? I'm doing dry Jan too and any gerd is just gone... my ability to problem solve at any time through the day is way higher which I love... It gives me confidence. I'm reading way more, I'm learning way more. Yesterday I made pickled cabbage! Something I've always wanted to jazz up my wraps but I'd just never do that mid-day on a Sunday because I'd rather be chilling with a beer. Feels good! Keep it up, it just gets better and better 👊 Although I do have to say I had some strong cravings this weekend, but wife bought some non-alcoholic Corona's and I have to say, they were good. Hit the spot and scratched the itch.

I'm proud of you! Keep going, you can do it

My gerd went away after quitting as well.

Lot of people die from quitting cold turkey like that aren't you afraid you'd go into convulsions or something?

Read the book if you haven't my friend! The Allen Carr one mentioned in the description, go get a copy today. It sounds like things have been tough and it might be hard to see any positives at the moment, but to me, from the other side, it sounds like now is your chance and you have a huge opportunity in front of you. Life will feel good again and it sounds like you are on the right track. Stay strong and let us know if you need to chat!

If you went 7 years once you can do it again. That is amazing! Try to focus on what interests you and relaxes you. I'm on day 9. Best of luck sir

Listen to a bloke called Sober Leon. It helped me a lot when I thought I was beyond help. Good luck to you

There are some helpful medications for tremors go to any dr

I've been drinking alcohol almost daily for about 13 years. When my mom died I went over the edge and never came up. It has caused so many major problems in my life and I'm TIRED. I never experienced withdrawal symptoms though. Today makes 5 days sober for me. I'm rooting for you and hope you have conquered this habit. Much love ❤

Amazing! It's so easy to get sucked back into the trap and forget that feeling. Thanks for sharing!

I'm so proud of you

What a great comment to read, thank you for taking the time. It's so interesting, my wife and I used to argue and looking back, alcohol was always involved. I'm not going to say alcohol was responsible for every bad thing in my life but it's been there lurking pretty much the whole time. I have felt better this last few months than I have in a very long time. I drank 2 drinks twice this month and each time was meh. I don't even think about it anymore, it's awesome! We are having drinks tonight with friends but to be honest, I don't even really want to. But I'm just going to have a good time and not really think about it. I have completely shifted my thinking since beginning this journey and I can't wait to see what the future is like.

I really identify with your comment John. I think this video works so well is because its not as preachy as some other sobriety/sober curious content and this channel is not JUST a sobriety channel; it's a more laid back approach. As for the concept of "alcoholism", its now often refered to as Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD. AUD presents problem drinking on a spectrum of severity. The term "alcoholic" is misleading because it's like either you are an alcoholic or you aren't. I had a friend go to AA and he said he came out after one meeting and said he realized that he was not an alcoholic because he was "not like those other people" But he still had a drinking problem, right? Its always easy (and really convinient) to point to someone else and say "I'm not THAT bad! Look at that guy!" to justify our crumby behavior to ourselves. Anyway, sorry to go on and on, I just wanted to share. I hope you have a good journey!

@@colinrussell2017 Great comment! Thanks for sharing. And I agree with you.

Yeah spot on - a lot of videos did the same for me as I don't get blackout drunk all the time or even drink every day. But I have drunk every other day, at least once a week, consistently for over a decade.

Same here, this is by far the most relatable and down to earth of all the videos I've seen on the subject

Nicely done! It's always inspiring to read comments like this. What was it that made you decide now was a good time to dry out? I had a Guinness and a tequila on Friday night when a friend came over, which is the second time this month I've had alcohol (usually I would be like you were) and both times this month I've had garbage sleeps and felt like crap the next day, even though it wasn't much alcohol. I'm not sure if reading those books changed my outlook on alcohol or what but, I'm starting to shift my thoughts and I like it. I DO have happy memories associated with a nice scotch or glass of a nice red wine but there are other ways to spark joy too. Time to find out what all of those are! Thanks for watching and the comment. I really appreciate it.

It's a crazy mental trap isn't it? I blows my mind... I just finished Dry Jan, but it's Feb 2 and I don't even feel like drinking to be honest. It's crazy.

Wow, nice job 👊 Do you mind if I ask what caused you to stop drinking completely and what has been the hardest part along the way? Do you still battle with it or not anymore?

Haha that's awesome. I feel the same way though I'm not quit on that level yet. I'm just up for WAY more. Good for you man. Thanks for watching 🤜

Good for you friend, that's awesome. Love reading stuff like this. If you haven't already do get a copy of that book (from the library, it's free!)... it'll give you more tools than relying on willpower. You will get cravings and that's ok... it's just like hunger. Once it passes you will feel amazing. Better than you would if you had the drink! And treat yourself with something tasty! Thanks for watching!

Wow, good for you. Very inspiring to read, especially since alcohol has crept back into my life and I'm worse for it. Been thinking about getting back to this state because I was so happy... it's crazy how choosing to drink makes you less happy, yet we do it time and time again. Thanks for the great reminder, and my wife also read that book and found it really helped.

@@TheSAHDLifewow that hit me hard. Respect your honesty. I worry that it can never been given away completely. How are you going now?

I’m still not drinking. Sometimes it’s tempting, but I know I’m deceiving myself to think I can just drink socially once in a while. I know lots of people who seem to be able to do that pretty well. I’m just not one of them. Like my son honestly said to me, “ Mom, you just like to have ( too much) fun”!

@@TheSAHDLife , thanks for asking. I appreciate it.

@@Pretty60s I drink less than I did before but it is still in my life. I try not to beat myself up or make myself feel TOO guilty for having some. Reading the Allen Carr book was really helpful for me. Hope you are doing well 👊

Sorry to hear you've been going through some rough crap. It's tough but I guarantee you you will come out the other side stronger and more content with life... I hope you don't mind me suggesting a book but this one was a big game-changer for me so I love to recommend it when I can: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-V6BBArPhIuo.html

Truth and honesty

Love this! You know, I didn't want to get preachy in the video but I had a whole segment on how hard we've been brainwashed to thinking we need booze to have fun from a young age and like you said, just how poisonous it really is. It's like how we feel about smoking now... I think in the future our kids are going to be like "you guys drank that stuff ALL THE TIME?!?!". I think sleep is THE most important thing for us and I have always been a horrible sleeper. Not anymore :) I'm reading again too, when I drink I don't want to read, I just want to doom scroll. Good for you. It's very inspiring and I'm so glad to know there are others out there who are in similar boats. 🤜

Good for you....I'm day 17 aswell. I stopped Monday jan. 2. I plan to continue

I’ve been through the same evolution Tania. That first week was tough, but when the cravings diminished I was like “Hmm, how long can I do this for?” Like you, I see alcohol as being contrary to my goal of being stronger, faster, and leaner at 70 than I am at 60. Good luck navigating your newfound freedom. Peace!

Every time I would drink excessively, I would throw up. My body is telling me something.

@@TheSAHDLife I'm newly sober (Day 7!) but my two cents, you should make that video that you were referring to about our perception of the drink. I'm seeing a positive trend toward not drinking in our society. A lack of stigma and also that there are many paths to getting there, not just one shame filled one. You channel came up because I am looking at these types of videos for inspiration and yours was awesome!

Loved reading this, thanks for sharing! I'm just so game for anything that comes up in life right now, it feels amazing. Not only has my sleep improved, my weight is down, and we have extra money. Like I mentioned in the video my wife is an accountant so we have a spreadsheet for our finances, and it was crazy how often we went over budget each month for our "alcohol" category. Now we don't even have an alcohol category! She still can't believe it. Stay strong and if you remember do let me know how it goes for you guys!!

My husband is doing this with me too. At first, we were looking at each other at 5:00 going, What now? Ha! Now we are 10 days in and it is already our new normal. So cool. We both have had cravings and some irritability but thats gone now. Loving this!

Any update? Is your energy coming back?

Amazing! Love it. Thanks for sharing. I'm on a similar trajectory myself and am excited. Which diet plan are you on? Keto? Carnivore? Really glad to hear about the anxiety and sleep... my anxiety has gotten pretty bad lately. I worry about the stupidest crap and it gets triggered SO easily it's embarrassing. Even after a few sober nights I'm feeling better... more peaceful, more compassionate. I can't wait for the snowball to keep growing. Good job and thanks for the inspiring words 👊

Glad you found the video. I'm not sure if you saw the other video I did on a book review of Michael Singers Book 'The Untethered Soul' but, well it sent me on a path which helped get me out of my funk. Maybe you might want to check it out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-V6BBArPhIuo.htmlsi=wunI3WprUKf26nKM

Thanks for watching brother and stay strong 👊 I'm not sure if you would consider reading the book but I'm sure you could grab a copy from your local library... It'll just make you even more excited about the future. It's crazy all the programming that we have had. Alcohol is literally poison and the big money making machine wants us to keep drinking. And yeah what's the worst case scenario if you stop for a while, save a few bucks and lose a few pounds?! Good for you. Reading your comment makes me feel even more motivated.

Congrats in 20mins starts my 5 days. I'm not looking back. :)

Day 5 here as well, been a daily drinker for many years now, but I have to do add a 5 day short workout a week 30 minute tough stair step at gym, light weight workout, strict keto, basic vitamins but now add a potassium pill in morning. Feeling much better, less anxious.

@@thorazine0076 Good for you. That kind of lifetstyle... you're going to feel incredible enough to climb a mountain soon enough!

Keep going dude. It takes a few months to get it out of the body and mind 😉✌️

Wow, good for you my friend! Amazing, and I agree. So since we took a break we've had alcohol a couple times... and 2 nights ago (Friday) we drank like we used to with old friends.... holy crap did I feel horrible yesterday. I NEVER want to feel that way again. The last couple months the desire to drank has pretty much disappeared and, I don't know, I kind of wanted to see what would happen drinking again. Now I can see it for what it really is, and I can't wait to get back to where you are right now. I cannot WAIT. Even today my body is lethargic and exhausted. It feels so good when you treat your body good. Thanks for the share.

"lethargic as hell"......Exactly! 9 days alcohol free. Sleeping at night naturally has been a pleasant surprise. I didn't realize i'd want to sleep all the time though! I do go to the gym daily, but man, it's hard dragging my ass in there.

It’s tough when people say they’re never going back. Often they do go back and it just shatters all that they worked for

Love the energy, thanks for sharing. It's crazy how good you feel isn't it? It gets addicting in itself. I found I was so much more involved with everything in my life... sadly I have got sucked back in going through moving etc. but messages like yours remind me how good I felt and how I want to get back on track. Thanks for the message!

And all you want to do is talk about yourself

@@dg9015 they would been a selfish drunk and now they even more me me me i i i

@@Junkitup Heh? Interesting comment. Sorry you completely missed my point. No worries, best of luck to you all the same, dude! 🙌🏼

Wow nice job! Getting through your first weekend (for me) was a real milestone. If you can do that you can do anything. Thanks for sharing man, I hope you just keep feeling better and better 👊

Nicely done! Isn't it so crazy we forget how good it feels? Love hearing about your positive changes, thanks for changing! Stay strong 🤜

That is impressive my friend, nice job. I almost felt embarrassed creating a video that was like "Hey I made it 30 days without alcohol" because a lot of people do that all the time... but you know what, it was a big accomplishment for me, and I know it was a big one for you too. It feels good right? I just love being sharp mentally... like I'm ready to talk to anyone or handle things all the time. A year ago we were having a party and my daughter split her head open, I had to drive her to the hospital... I probably shouldn't have drove, and when I was there I realized how I could have made things even worse just driving in my condition. Ugh. So many of those moments with booze where you are like, what was I doing.... Anyway, it's nice to feel like myself. Thanks for the comment. Really appreciate you watching.

Keep at it after 3 months the thoughts go you will just avoid the alcohol isle and wish you had never had started drinking it. It is evil and so self destructive.

Keep saying that you are winning or better yet, I 've won. I beat it, it only has power over you when you drink, but never let your guard down. Live for today.

Keep up bro,you will get your goal,even when bad times kick in,it's not worth it to drink again

Oof. It sounds like that night started off fun but I could see how thing got out of hand fast... I'm glad you found the video. I still struggle with drinking. It's not like it was before, but I still just go over what I should have by at least 1 big beer still every other week. I'm not waking up with crippling hangovers but still, it affects me and I don't like it. Glad to hear you are feeling awesome and good luck on your journey 👊

@@TheSAHDLife oh man, I’m giving up for good!

It took almost 20 years of being together for that to line up... It is so difficult to do alone but with that being said, since making this video I have had to do it alone too... I think it's really important that you read a book or something that gives you the tools to get through the cravings and temptations. Once you learn how, instead of feeling like you're depriving yourself of fun you actually feel bad for people that have to drink... It's hard to unbrainwash yourself after a lifetime of thinking that fun and the weekends revolve around alcohol. But then once you do you look at life in a whole different, exciting way. Sorry for the long comment I'm just dealing with what you're going through right now myself and it is hard... It's hard at the beginning but becomes a joy later on. Can you get any friends or family to join you?

👊 nicely done my friend! I feel the same way as you. I've had drinks a few times since doing this in November and to be honest, each time drinking hasn't been as fun as I remember. Not sure if it's because that book kind of changes your thinking or what but, like you, I am happy even if others are drinking and am enjoying the health and mind benefits of staying sober. I'm not sure what the future looks like... I am slightly concerned about sliding back into the trap in the long-run, but right now I am just crushing it again and it feels good.

How are you getting on?

Wow, that's amazing! Thanks for sharing. Do you ever find it challenging even over a year later? What has been the hardest part of that journey for you?

Great comment! Thanks for sharing 👊 It's crazy that we poison ourselves thinking there's a good reason for it. Heck alcohol got its hooks back in me and my life is overall worse, yet I still look forward to that beer at night. Your comment is a great reminder to how good I feel and how excited I am to get back to that lifestyle.

Thank you! I needed to read this comment

@@1realtruthrightnow742 your welcome! 9 months now 🙌🏻

I'm glad you found the video. Thanks for the comment! Yeah it's definitely something I still battle with but since making a his video I feel like I have more tools to handle cravings.

Hey brother! Thanks for the comment, and glad to hear/see you are on a similar path. It's crazy how sometimes it takes so long to changes lanes eh... better late than never though right? That's rad you are working on your RU-vid channel. Best of luck man!

Don't forget the extra money! That doesn't suck either. I think most of us associate more fun with drinking. Like we could hang with people OR we could drink and it would be MORE fun. Eventually though, you realize it's not actually more fun... that was a lie. Anyway, it sounds like you are grabbing life by the horns so good for you! Thanks for watching.

Yeah I found it pretty easy too. I was drinking daily for years and all up 30 years drinking alcohol

@@hobo1704 That's crazy eh? What a long time that is. Can you imagine if you poured vinegar or something on a plant for that long, how much stress it would add to the life of that plant? Good for you!

@@TheSAHDLife yeah exactly mate. Cheers 👍

"I feel all zen and shit" HAHAH. Yep. Sums it up beutifully

Thanks for watching! And yeah, it sounds like you're in a bit of a funk. I get it. It's tough to get out of. It's like being trapped in a cloudy day without realizing there's sun beyond the clouds. I encourage you to read the book... get an audio version or free copy from the library and just read a couple pages a day. You don't have to quit. Just give yourself some new tools to change how you think. I mean, just for something to do.. what would you think about or do if you didn't think about alcohol. Is there anything you've ever wanted to do?

Glad you found it! So since I'm in a similar boat I figured I'd ask... how do you manage your depression? Have you gone down any spirituality paths at all or found any people/books that help get you back on track? For me it was Michael Singer (I have his book review on my channel) that helped me out so whenever I get down, revisiting his work or podcasts always brings me back to contentment.

@@TheSAHDLife Microdosing Magic mushrooms have good results with my friends. I heard Ketamine could cure depression. I took a line 1cm long spun me out a bit for an hour. Cured. Get normal life's ups and downs but generally no depression since, it's been a year. I was suicidal depressed 3 attempts and was depressed 10 years. Also gave up alcohol which I know now was causing anxiety and depression. Note I have never touched any drugs before or since that trial.

Wow, that's amazing! What was the hardest part for you, and do you still ever struggle with it?

@@TheSAHDLife The hardest part was probably the beginning...inwas quite sick and felt very overwhelmed by doctors' visits, meetings, etc. I am doing well now. My life is amazing now.

@@jaqueitch Glad to hear that my man, thanks for sharing 👊

Amazing. Was it hard for you at any point? Have you read any books or done anything to help you with the changes you've made? It's funny how I always thought the non-drinkers of the world were the ones missing out... lol

@@TheSAHDLife I was fortunate to have support from friends. I watched other people’s stories of stopping alcohol on RU-vid and listened to Alan Carr’s audiobook. I explored alternatives to alcohol. Bitter lemon was a great discovery. I do miss wine with a nice meal or peaty whiskey but when I reflect on how I now feel and how much control I’ve gained back in my life I’m not tempted.

@@Ovingdeanmark Bitter lemon you say? Can you explain more on that? I'm the same... I always enjoyed a big velvety glass of red wine or to sip on some spirits but the sleeps I get not to mention the gerd... it's never worth it afterwards. Similar to eating I suppose

Nice comment! 👊 A year and half? That's awesome. Did something happen to you to spark you on this journey or was it just the culmination of lots of little things?

Good for you! Have you read the book or are you doing anything to help?

Wow, that's amazing. Good for you. What was it that made you quit back then if you don't mind my asking? And that's been the tough part about his book is that, in order for his method to work, you really have to quit it out of your life for good. I still wrestle with that decision. I'm still early on my journey but am feeling really happy these days. Thanks for watching and sharing.

@@TheSAHDLife Thanks. I was getting gut issues, my hair was falling out. I genuinely looked 10 years older after a night out. With the depression and inability to think clearly, even days afterwards, it became an easy decision. One I wish I'd made 10 years earlier. Drinking is fun at first but I realised it made me less of a person and I made worse decisions because of it. It also helped me figure out the right diet for me (high raw vegan), which has been a revelation. I hope you keep going with this because it's well worth it.

Sounds like an expensive night! lol. Those nights ARE fun... but hopefully you aren't feeling like too much garbage today. Nights like that would take me DAYS to recover from at my age and make it tough for me to do high brain processing tasks (like working on RU-vid videos). It'll be very interesting to hear how it goes for you, taking a break. I bet you'll feel incredible. Good luck my man 👊 If you remember come back and tell us how it goes.

Stop altogether bro before you think you need to, you won't regret it, I assure you.

Thanks for watching. Oh yeah, I get all kinds of comments both positive and negative... But mostly positive. I think we all want the same thing which is to enjoy our time on this rock without feeling like garbage. Some people can have alcohol and others can't, but that's ok... It turns out that doesn't make life less fun!

So glad you found the video! You got this my dude. How you feeling?

Thanks for saying that, I really appreciate it. I was a little embarrassed putting this video together but I have been amazed at the response. There's a lot of people just like us, so it's so cool to see everyone come together and support one another. 🤜

Glad you found the video! Really appreciate the support and comment. Hope you are feeling awesome 👊

Great comment. Loved that ending :) It's wild that I get hooked back into drinking... so much of the stress in my life comes from drinking and my thoughts while in the alcohol trap. Annnnd it's completely avoidable.

Great ending to the story and, yea, congratulations for the last 44 years. You deserve it.

@@FrankRizzo557 Thanks!

Thanks my man! Appreciate the support. Since the video I have been hooked back with drinking a bit although not as bad. I definitely feel worse and less motivated while drinking for sure. I think having goals or a hobby really help... You need something to do because boredom always makes your reach for the drink. Is there anything you've ever always wanted to do or learn that you just never did?

Oh good for you. Yeah I had the cravings and still get them once in awhile. But they pass. Feel great these days! Have you read any books at all to help you? They give you more tools to help which was huge for me.

I’ve just been reading books in general for optimizing health. Thank you for the response.

I’ve been watching lots of these videos to help me too. Been super helpful. Alcohol seems to beat up the part of your brain that’s responsible for remembering just how bad it’s hurt you.

I've embarked on a year long challenge that started on the first, so I'm 19 days in. I've done the monthly challenges like Dry Jan, Sober Oct, etc, and a six-month challenge, and at the six month mark I was feeling better than I've ever felt as an adult - but the "challenge" was over so I went back to it. And found myself eventually once again habitually drinking in ways that were not productive to me. But I never seem to slip into being a total alcoholic mess - like, I can function fine, and "enjoy" drinking in moderation, but I always feel like I'm not at my full potential, or underperforming in a lot of ways. This time around, when my year is complete, I think I'll make a hard rule to only drink when socializing with friends and cap it off at 2-3. The really unhealthy behavior, for me, was keeping alcohol in my house or buying beer every time I went to the grocery. It just seemed like an automatic thing to do, I never questioned it, but if the beer is in the fridge, I will 100% drink it as a habit. ANyway, I get you Warren, and hope you figure out a good strategy - best of luck..

Good for you! I don't think having a scotch here and there is a problem... it's just the reflex of "I need this to feel better / unwind" that's the problem. You say you miss it, but there are other things you could fill that space with, and who knows, they might be even better things! We program our brains with scotch being the reward right... Once we update that reward, we change the pattern. With that being said, I agree with you. I'm trying to strike a balance too because I like scotch as well, and if someone offers me a 16 year Lagavulin, I'd like to say absolutely! Although to be honest, now that I've changed my thought patterns (from that book), when I do have something now I find I don't enjoy it as much as I did. A couple weeks ago I was craving a drink so I had some nice tequila. To my surprise it was meh and I felt like crap after.

"Dryjuary" I'lll see myself out.

@@pieter5466 Nope Flooded February, Muchbooze March, Alcohol April and so forth

Nice job on the two years! I do like the idea of what you're saying when you're out with your wife or with friends having a nice time then it's ok to have a drink. It's the back-to-back nights of drinking at home that were really causing me suffering both physically and mentally. The same with me on New year's... Wife and I had a fun time with a little too much and I'm still foggy in the head not being as productive as I'd like. We're doing a dry January so hopefully I get my energy back. Thanks for commenting and good luck!

😊

Nice job! I'm right there with you. First weekend not drinking in quite awhile. Can't wait to keep going! Going to post an update video next day or so in case you're curious.

Nicely done brother! I forgot I've been wanting to get into regular yoga. Good call. Do you do any particular kind? Did you just sign up at the local studio? I know, I feel great too and we have extra money... it's just so weird when you remove alcohol as something to do... what else do you do? Well, everything! 🤜

@@TheSAHDLife I do yoga at home most mornings, there’s loads of RU-vid channels dedicated to it but I have my own routine now. It’s amazing stuff once you get into it

LOVE it! That's great, I'm so glad. Today was just an awesome day. Every day lately feels like this lately and life is sure feeling good. It's hard for me to not want to spread this feeling. It's funny how we look forward to a drink or more in the evenings like THAT'S going to make us happy. You should give it a shot. Maybe get a copy of that book if you're up for it!

That's amazing man, thanks for sharing and nice job! Yeah it was the first time I'd stopped too. It's crazy when you think about it eh? But yeah, feels good. I'm doing dry Jan now and I slept so frickn' good last night I feel like a champ today. It's awesome. Keep it up it's just going to get better and better if you can believe it! 👊

We're all in the same boat right? Reading all the comments on this video has been awesome and it's really interesting to see all the different perspectives from people at different stages of life. I'm loving life and have never had more hope and curiosity than I do right now, it's awesome. Have you read any books to help you on your journey? I feel silly kinda pushing it but man, it just changed my outlook so much which has been a game-changer for me.

That is incredible! Good for you guys. Very inspiring. Man, reading some of these comments has been amazing. The stories people are sharing... the support and love people are providing.... I really didn't expect it but it's bringing a lot of joy and positivity. It's so cool we are all just lifting each other up. And yeah good call on the next challenge. It's so hard with young kids to eat right all the time but it is worth the thought, so thanks for for the reminder. I'm pretty good with the diet as I went down the Paleo road years ago and some of it stuck... similar to alcohol though, a life of habits to overcome for some things (stress eating etc). Thanks for watching 🤜

Glad you found the vide, and good for you! It's a hard trap to get out of. When I'm out, I feel great! But then you drink for a couple days in a row (even just a few), that's the trap for me... Fri/Sat at least, then maybe some on Sunday... that Monday is the hard battle for me. Easiest and least stressful to just NOT do it!

Amazing! Nice job 👊 Alcohol keeps getting pushed back further and further in my life and I'm engaging with life WAY more. It's rad. It's worth reading the book just to give you some extra tools to handle cravings/thoughts etc... just thought I'd mention it. Keep it up!

Thank you for watching, I appreciate the support. Have you read the book? In it he talks about a situation where him and his best bud would always get to Vegas and start off that trip getting drunk. Once he switched his thinking, it was interesting because when they again made that trip, his buddy felt sorry for him that he didn't get to enjoy the alcohol with him.... but it was the other way around (he explains it so nice). That finally starting to happen with me... when I'm in situations where other people are drinking *I* feel like the one who gets to have the most fun (let alone feel the best) and feel sorry for them instead! Not feel sorry but... We all have to take our own journeys, and even though it took me until 40, I finally realized life can actually be fun without alcohol!

Good reminder... it's easy to forget that. I haven't made the decision to quit quit, which is odd because my life is more full when I don't drink. It's a hard decision to get to for some reason. But hearing people like you say it's the best move they've ever made carries weight.

Thanks my dude! Really appreciate the support and vice versa... I hope all is going well and you are enjoying each and every day! 👊 Bumps 'n bro hugs from Vancouver Island!

Really appreciate the support. Thanks for watching 👊

Thanks for your comment my friend, you made my day! Ugh, I had a bunch of drinks breaking my streak and it SO wasn't worth it. In fact I just made another video about it on this channel. Anyway, knowing there are others out there like me, like us... it's just lifted me up and I can't wait to continue back on that journey. Let's DO this!!!

I'm bingeing on Alcohol testimonials. Trying hard to stop.

Wow good for you man. So glad you found the video and decided to comment. Appreciate it!

Thanks for watching my man! How's your week been going? Wife and I are going to do Dry January and I'm really excited about it. It's really tough going through the holidays without drinking. I still do recommend reading the book though. It's just great info to know. You don't have to commit to quitting forever but it's still super helpful. Nicely done. Let us know how it goes!

Sorry to hear you went through that but it sounds like it's launch you into a new mindset and it sounds like you are ready to crush life! I'm not sure if you've considered the Allen Carr book but I highly recommend it. I feel SO good when I don't drink... it blows my mind I go back to it time and time again. I just can't believe the trick it plays on us. Keep us posted with how it goes. I imagine it'll take awhile for your body to readjust but I have a feeling you'll have more energy and positivity in no time! 👊 Thanks for the comment.

@TheSAHDLife I know that everything I've been through has led me to this point. My body is repairing one day at a time. Going through the detox process isn't fun but well worth it. I'll definitely keep yall posted. Thank you for the support. Love and blessings 🙌

Same on day 8 over here

@@tiffb1300 Good for you. I'm on day 16 ❣️

Hey nice name brother (same name) lol! Well good for you... there's really no negatives about at least trying it out right? I mean the addiction in your brain will tell you it's a horrible idea, but once you get past the initial cravings everything just comes alive.... at least it did for me. Let me know how it goes and if you ever need support or wanna chat shoot me a comment! What are you going to do instead?! Hobby? Gaming?

same

I started off as a 30 day then went out and drank. I felt like poo the next day then I went back to not drinking

I'm now 5 days in. I am so excited to feel better! Let's do this!!!

@@mattoast7325 Oh baby you got this! Good for you 🤜

Good for you brother, that is really impressive and inspiring! I too am slightly worried about certain times ahead, but like you said, coming through the other side will feel awesome. I have very deep patterns carved over a lifetime but I have more mental tools ready this time around. I love being able to handle any situation any time. Thanks for watching :)

Still not drinking

Really appreciate your comment. It's very motivating for me, so thank you 👊

Thanks for the comment! I did another 31 days this January and my relationship with alcohol is permanently shifting... it takes awhile to change your thoughts, but once you get booze out of your constant thoughts, everything just seems to get brighter and more interesting in life. I am really excited about the future and hope you are too. 👊

Man that's awesome! Good for you. I definitely went the other direction. Good sleep is my number 1 goal in life so I find it crazy that my body/mind still drinks sometimes. It just shows how addicted I am.

@@TheSAHDLife thanks for the respond. my hangovers were pretty severe and I had the same nightmares everytime I had drunk the evening before. They were totally gone now. The only difficulties for me are NOT the alcohol gravings but the old connections my brain made: alcohol combined with certain events. that is something i'am struggeling with sometimes, but then I think about the hangovers that I will not have when i stay sober and all the energy I can put in my hobbys :p

Those are two pretty big things my dude! Good for you. I slept like a boss last night, it felt great. Are you going to keep it going or are you just taking a break? Do you think you will go back to the way you were before?

@@TheSAHDLife I started with the intention of just taking a break but I feel so much better I want to keep going. Eventually I want to be able to indulge occasionally in social situations but would like to not keep it in the house. It's so easy to fall into old habits so I want to limit the temptation.

I sleep worse

Thanks for the message. Alcohol has crept its way back into my life and I'm tired... bored... don't feel like trying new things... it's exhausting. I hate it! I have no clue why I'm choosing this either. Good for you. Inspiring comment! 👊

Thanks for watching my friend, glad you found it! I'm a few months past this and honestly, my life has changed for good it seems. I rarely even think about alcohol anymore, it's awesome. Also if you need another reminder, check out my hangover video I just made lol.

Good for you man! You know, I am so happy to read comments like yours... I almost felt silly making this video, but the fact others are trying it too is just awesome... it's motivating. Just, our parents generation was blasted so hard with cigarette and alcohol ads I feel like it spilled over to our generation. Even still booze is marketed HARD but we are smartening up! Eventually....

Loving hearing that. Good for you. It sounds like you weren't as far in the trap as I but it's still a trap.... it always amazes me how much it affects sleep not to mention other ailments that don't come out right away (mood, mental health, etc). Stay strong!

Thanks for the comment! The first time we quit (making this video) it was scary I'm not going to lie. Plus after alcohol made it's way back into our lives... but this recent Dry January (I made a vid on it too) was a different experience, and man, it's just kind of sticking this time around. I've gone from thinking about alcohol all the time to not. And that frees up thought for everything else life has to offer. It's amazing! Good luck 👊

Thanks for watching. And good for you. Yeah I hear you on the sleep for sure. It always takes a while but once you get there it becomes the highlight of your day! Hopefully your friends get inspired. At the very least you're saving some calories and money too right?

I know right? I had 2 drinks last night when a friend came over an yeah, just my thought process was so much more negative as I was going to bed, I don't like it. I'm over it. I've only drink a couple of times since beginning this in November and EACH time I do it's like, what was the point? Thanks for watching!

Have you had a chance to read the Allen Carr book I mentioned in the video? I recommend it if you haven't. Don't play on quitting, don't do anything, just go to the library, get a copy and start reading. Read a few pages every day. Start with that.

Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate it. Alcohol has sunk its claws back into my life but since doing this video I have more tools to battle it. I hope you are feeling awesome and loving life too 👊

Glad you found the video my friend! And yeah I hear you... we're all in this together and have all made (and continue to make) stupid mistakes. Did you say you are 40 days stopped drinking? Or was that something you did previously? I'd be curious how you feel. Yeah I think having hobbies or things to live for or things to improve upon are important to wanting to keep a sharp mind. For me having a RU-vid channel, and reading books, or a good show.. those are things where, when I'm drinking, I can't do them. And I get a lot of joy doing them... so when I have a plan on what I want to work on, what I want to read etc, it helps me fend off drinking at least for awhile. Did you read the Allen Carr book on your path?

Thanks for watching! I think some people are able to include it in their lives casually and it not be a problem. But for me, for right now... I need a break! So much to do!

Wow, nicely done! 👊 That's awesome. Has it been difficult at all for you at any point? If so, what in particular?

Aw, thanks for saying. I really appreciate that 👊

That's awesome! I'm happy for you. Since the 2nd time stopping drinking (in Jan) I just want to do it less and less. But then when I do have some drinks, it kicks my butt so hard. Last night I had 2.5 glasses of white wine and was up at 3am with a headache. I just don't want to deal with that anymore... what's the point? It was nice and tasted fine but it wasn't THAT fun. The reality is, I have a very hard time having just 1.... and anything over 2 makes me feel like crap.

Thanks for sharing. I'm back on the dry train too after a couple times drinking again. Part of me doesn't believe that this is how things could always be moving forward... I feel that good. It's tough because while I was usually always the one to want to drink, now the role has reversed with my wife. She just started a new job though so I get it... we are not on the same paths but she didn't drink with me on the weekend which is something she would normally do. Nicely done 👊

It feels so good waking up without the feeling of "oh no, did I overdo it? Is my day ruined?". Good for you, that is awesome to hear! Honestly, reading the book changed how I look at alcohol... my wife started a new job and has been daily drinking and in the past when I would have joined her, now I don't. And when I do have the odd beer it never tastes as good as I remember. Crazy changes. I too am down about 7-8 pounds without changing anything else. 👊

I'm not sure if you are familiar with that book I recommend but I highly suggest you head over to the library (or Amazon) and get yourself a copy. Don't stop drinking don't make any changes just get the book and start reading... read just a couple pages a day, that's it. While it's great to get inspiration from videos like mine you need actual tips and tools to help you and the book has all that. Whenever you need motivation come chat on here and we can work together to get you excited about all the amazing benefits not drinking has, but do yourself a favour and check out that book!

@@TheSAHDLife Great will do thank you

6 months?! Nice. You are going to get so much done during that time! lol. Do you drink just a little too often regularly? It makes you feel like garbage?

Yes my friend!! Ugh, I overindulged on the weekend and it was the worst feeling in the world. I am SO excited to continue on this journey full of joy it's crazy. My mood, my outlook on life, everything is so much better. My brain was programmed for SO long that things would be more fun with a drink, but they're not... not even close. Good for you 👊 and thanks for sharing.

¨ A brief evening of mild numbness is not worth all the issues¨ That about sums it up brilliantly!

Haha that's amazing! Thanks for sharing. I know... we have LIFE long behaviors we are messing with here and they don't want to be disturbed. But once they are gone and out of our thoughts it's like, how the heck did we ever get to that point in the first place?! It's insane. A friend came over last night and brought beers. I had one Guinness and sipped a glass of tequila and... it really did nothing for me. My wife didn't drink (though she usually would) and was proud she didn't. She thought she would for sure. Getting to sleep was difficult for me as my thoughts were more negative (due to the drinking)... I just don't even really want to do it anymore but still get cravings in certain situations but, it's phasing out. We think we are missing out but we're not. It's the opposite. I can't wait to get more new hobbies myself. If you ever feel up for sharing your art I'd love to check it out. Send an imgur link or something! Proud of you man! 🤜

Cheers mate, that’s so encouraging! I’m afraid my “art” isn’t quite at the sharing stage yet, but who knows what the future holds. I agree, alcohol definitely seems to push thoughts into a more negative space. I turned 40 last march and pinned so many health issues on my increasing age, but now wonder if alcohol had a bigger part to play… we will see. I did envy my GF gin and tonic tonight though, my apple juice wasn’t quite the same 😕… Cheers again for your encouraging words. Great video, instant subscribe 👍

@@TheFrankm3Hi Frank not had alcohol for over 3 weeks. Still tired during the day but sleeping better at night. Hubby has stopped too which really helped. Anxiety has all but gone and low blood sugar in the morning! I feel sooo much better about myself and am really proud of achieving this. Also been with drinking friends and not had alcohol. Miss the drink in front of me so bought alcohol free gin and that really helped me through the evenings. Can’t believe I’ve done this long from drinking a bottle or more of wine every night for the last 15 years. Keep up the good work! 😊

@glutenfreekz amazing!! Very inspiring thanks for sharing. Alcohol-free gin is that any good?? I want to try it.

@@TheSAHDLife Yes I’ve tried Gordon’s gin 0% alcohol with ginger ale, and Nosecco, Prosecco without! I just like a drink in front of me. Also they have very little calories so.. let me know what you think? The first week I had trip drinks which are cbd drinks which just helped me to relax a little. Keep going

Good for you man. Have you read or listened to the book yet? I highly suggest you check it out. It give you tools you need to help get out of situations you might otherwise cave in. I should listen to it again also as, like you, I've fallen back into old habits. I'm not as bad as I was but still...

Oh I know right?! And good for you friend :) that's awesome. I know, the boredom was a tough one for me. Eventually your curiosity will kick in and you will want to start doing things. Like maybe you might get the energy to paint a wall, then you do and it feels so good you might just keep going. Who knows where that could take you. Or maybe you might join a walking group, or a choir lol. So many things to do in life. So much joy to be had. I think it's normal for the food to replace the drinking for now. You would constantly get spikes of sugar from the booze right? That's fine for now, just drink lots of water or tea as well. It'll take awhile for you to get through this part, so don't be too hard on yourself. Love hearing that you are getting movement in. Motion is lotion baby! Our bodies adapt. And if you sit around all the time, you adapt to that. It's so crazy that the more I move the more energy I get. Hang in there. If you ever want to chat shoot me a message! It can be about anything!

Try a potassium pill in the morning, and vitamin C for energy, might work

You're so right. It's crazy how the brain is like "just one more... c'monnnnnn!" and at the time you're like FINE. You have it and don't have any more fun or feel better... But then you wake up and you're like f***!! Why did I have that last one? Well, me anyway lol.

Glad you found the video! And thanks for saying. It was difficult yet so rewarding. Better late than never right? 👊

Wow that's amazing. Nicely done. I had drinks over the weekend as I thought it would be fun to try it out again and you know what? It wasn't fun. Not only that it made me feel like crap! It stuffed up my nose and robbed me of all my energy for days. Why do I keep doing that?! Might be time to really take it serious for me. Inspiring!

Good for you my friend! It's funny how you said drinking and playing video games were great... I know exactly what you mean. But guess what, video games are still great without alcohol! In fact I would argue they're even better. Gosh I remember getting more drunk and worse at the game I was playing often, or forgetting what I was doing the night before. Do yourself a favor and read that book I mentioned. Get a copy from the library. It will give you tools to make life without booze a privilege, not something you think you probably SHOULD do. Relying on willpower will ultimately fail. Sorry, I'm not trying to say you can't do it or anything, I just know how helpful that book was for us. Everyone should read it! Thanks for watching 🤜 p.s you playing anything fun right now?

@@TheSAHDLife I've got the mind set as long as you keep trying something, you'll get it eventually. I'm finally at the point where it doesnt effect me too much to be off of alcohol. I dont imagine my self not meeting my goal at this point. I've been playing Halo Infinite and Witcher 3! How about yourself? Thanks for the great video! Cant wait to get to the benefits after 1 month 👌

@@mycelialturtle643 Awesome! I just installed Halo Infinite myself (campaign) and have been playing Death Stranding though I'm not sure if I want to keep going. It's neat but slow. I also always have some Rocket League and Hearthstone on the go lol

@@TheSAHDLife rocket league is one of my favourites as well lol