I QUIT DRINKING ALCOHOL, HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED 

Great video! You have a gift in the way you deliver your message! Very engaging! I drank alcohol since I was 14. I was very good at it! I never threw up, hangovers were manageable and I loved drinking! Then it began to interfere with my life, physically and mentally! On August 13, 2020, I lost my wife , 2dogs, and a cat along with all of my possessions in a house fire. I was 69 years old and lost. I began binge drinking alone! I started realizing I was going down a bad path and began praying for help, literally. I had my last drink on December 9, 2022! Best decision I ever made in my life. The fog has been lifted from my brain and physically I have never felt better! Listening to videos like yours only reinforces my choices! Keep up the great work helping those who need it! God Bless 🙏

Two things: 1. When I quit drinking, after I hit the 4-month mark, it suddenly felt like, mentally, someone had turned the lights back on. I was totally floored by the realization that, yes, drinking does, in fact, make you very stupid if you do it regularly. 2. The quality of this video is amazing. You have skills. This is by far the most engaging "I quit drinking" video I've seen, and I've watched a lot of them.

I'm 4 yrs 5 months alcohol free after about 45 yrs of drinking. I drank daily and heavily for many years and "breakfast bourbons" weren't unheard-of. I had a true out of body experience as I was walking into a liquor store which scared the crap out of me and provided the immediate motivation to quit. After hearing a couple of radio interviews and reading 2 books I stopped drinking without any real difficulty or drama. The biggest factor in being able to stop was being able to picture my life without drinking. Life seems much more dull now but I'll never go back to that voluntary enslavement that is alcohol dependency.

I think I’m truly done with drinking. It never helps anything, I always regret it, and it holding me back from reaching my personal goals.

I started drinking alcohol years ago as a teenage, spent my whole life fighting alcohol addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 6 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

I also quit drinking - I was easily drinking 3-4 big IPAs, half a bottle of wine, everyday. And more when I had a chance. And hiding it. And it feels pretty good to barely drink anymore. I still have a drink here and there (one drink), if I go out with friends and we are at a special place that I can get some nice quality drink or craft beer. But that craving is GONE. Like, the daily craving and need to store alcohol in the house at all times. Its quite liberating, really... I thought i could never do it, and here we are. Anyone reading: if you think you might be drinking to much, you probably are.. But be kind to yourself.

I quit a year and half ago. Haven’t had a drop since. I’m so glad I did. It improved my life 100%. Very much encourage anyone thinking of doing it to quit! Stay strong. You won’t regret it.

30 days off the boose today! Feeling great! The peer pressure will be bad for upcomming events

This is great! I'm at day 400+ here and sobriety is lifechanging... Thanks for the video, Jonathan.

Don't know why that video popped up. Google is listening again. Cut down alcohol dramatically since January, lost 20 pounds, cut out sugar, too, high protein diet, working out every day. Experiencing the same as you, the social changes, people feel intimidated by others with a lot of discipline and self control, called boring and so on. But also met new people with the same mindset, successful people. Fascinating how this works, isn't it?! 😊

Dry January turned into 5 months sober and going! Thank you for sharing ❤ I’m going through the exact same things so glad to know you’re not alone :)

This is the first video about drinking that made sense to me. Man, it has truly inspired me. Thanks for posting.

This resonates so much… dry January in 2023, my friends called me a martyr, that I thought I was better than them. They don’t call me anymore. I feel so damn good, so happy, and I can FEEL. I admire myself every evening and never wake up hating myself. Thank you 🙏🏼

I loved this video. I found it because I figured out that I like my drink a little bit too much… So I started looking through YT videos to find some motivation or something. You somehow managed to talk about this topic without sounding preachy, which is something many ex-drinkers do. I also appreciate the filmmaking skills that were put into this vid.

I used to drink to kill the pain at the end of the day. It seemed like the only time I could truly relax. At some point it started to become increasingly clear that the vast majority of the pain I was trying to kill was only there because of alcohol. Drinking is the perfect solution to a problem caused by drinking. What a stupid endless loop.

I recently decided to take a little break myself. Going on 13 days now. I didn't intent on it going this long but there has been a sense of accomplishment by every additional day I go without. I have to agree that now in my 40's, and maybe because of other reasons, the steady drinking was/has been greatly contributing to my regular fatigue I have been experiencing. I also have to acknowledge that I'm way less productive and less inclined to get shit done when I'm 4 days into drinking and my body is basically telling me to fuck off. I currently have a 12 pack of beer in the fridge and I'm likely going to crack one today. But the fact that I worked-out 4 times this week and gave my body/organs a break has given me a reason to be proud of myself. Having balance in ones life can bring out the best in us. Thanks for the video good Sir. All the best moving forward.

Awesome Inspiring Video! I’m 1 Year Sober, and counting 🙏🏼 . Alcohol controlled most of my life. Started drinking at the age of 16 with a bunch of my “Buddies”. It started cool in the beginning. Then after, it’s just a dangerous slippery slope that you can never get off. I’m glad I caught myself early. Alcohol may be fun, but it’s Dangerous when it takes over your entire Life. I hope everyone find themselves and reach their goals of becoming better than yesterday.

We as people have to be aware of the people/energy that surround us. They may be enemies in friend disguise. The truth is sometimes hard to see but self control and confidence is difficult to obtain but is a form freedom. My opinion is that anyone or anything that goes against someones progress and health is no friend. Congratulations on ascending past the hold of alcohol. Many blessings 🙏🏾

Wonderful story, beautifully delivered. Stoped drinking after my 40th. Woke up dreadfully hungover and decided I’d had enough. I have never made a better decision. 12 years later and still, daily, getting the buzz of clarity and self awareness. Sobriety does not get old, drinking certainly does. Best of luck on your path Jonathon.

I'm on day one, and this video has put a smile on my face and given me the motivation to want to continue. Thank you!

Amazing video!!! I just passed my 1 year sober from alcohol mark and I love hearing these kinds of stories. Similar to your experience I wasn’t a raging alcoholic either but took a few weeks off and felt so good afterwards that it motivated me to keep going. 1 year later and I can say I never want to go back to that again. 

It definitely has its hurdles though. I’m definitely fine with not being nearly as social as I used to be but I’m starting to feel like I might be isolating too much. I’ve been invited to parties and events and haven’t gone not because I fear I’ll drink again, I just didn’t feel like being social. As a matter of fact, I’m at a point where I can go to a party or a concert or any social event and not feel tempted to drink at all. At first it was almost imperative that the event or concert sell non-alcoholic beer for me to curb the temptation. Another hurdle I’m working through right now is that my old hobbies don’t hold my interest as much as they used to. Even playing music which has been a staple of my entire adult life. Although drinking was also a big part of that hobby as well. Without interest in the hobbies that have been a huge part of my life I feel a bit lost, like I have to rediscover who I am without drinking. But with everything you have highs and lows and even when I’m my lowest I still don’t feel like drinking will make it better and I’m never tempted to do it and as you said, “It feels pretty good to be a non-drinker in a sea of drinkers”. Thanks for sharing your story.

Well done dude 👍🏻 I’ll be 3 years at the start of August. Not going back now. Keep strong brother 💪🏻

Good video. Was basically a daily drinker for years. Stopped doing it and the change was pretty amazing. Lost weight, most energy, more productive professionally. Over all just feel like a new person.

Awesome video! This the first video of yours that I watch. The self-awareness is top notch. I think that your drinking situation and results can be applied to many things that we as humans tend to overindulge in, be it video games, TV, social media, women, playing victim, etc. If we replace the word “drinking” with any of the aforementioned subjects, our results will not differ by too much, which is what I think makes your video and message very powerful. And yes, when one tries to improve oneself, the resistance and hate one gets from the outside world never ceases to amaze me. People have a problem with change, even if it’s for the better. But you gotta keep going. You can’t change people, you can only influence them by consistently being who and what you are and want to be. Consistency is key.

Thanks dude, something I needed to hear

Legend!!! I do 100 day stretch off every year, which has been a long journey for old party boy Pablo! 😂 I'm very proud of it and wish the same success for everyone else! 🙏

11 years of continuous sobriety here. Your experience was a lot like mine.

Really great video! I hope it goes viral and helps a lot of people out there. Congratulations!

this earned a sub, really well made. good for you man, im happy for you and i don't even know you lol. I quit for 6 months around this time last year but unfortunately fell back into bad habits and this has kinda inspired me to get off the boose again, which i was already contemplating.

Love this video. So honest and raw. Things I have done to justify my alcohol consumption etc. week 3 almost and I want to stay sober forever x

This is a great video bro. One I can relate to. Alcohol is the world’s largest killer, and unfortunately by the time you are diagnosed as an alcoholic a large amount of damage to your overall health and relationships has been done. There isn’t enough support for those that drink a lot but are not classed as alcoholics so I think making these videos or podcasts are inspiring to those that realise that their habits could turn nasty. I’m currently on 75 days of sobriety, and do 100 days a year to ‘clean up’ but this time it’s for good. Kudos to you my man!

That's exactly how I feel I'm just over one year sober and I can completely agree with everything u said here, I too will will never go back to the excuses and the need for alcohol at every event or every occasion. My financial situation is 100 times better, and probably the most notable change I've noticed is my cognitive abilities in pretty much any situation. It takes awhile, a few months maybe even a half a year but eventually I started thinking fast speaking more clearly and I'm able to communicate my different ideas and thoughts better than ever before. It's also true my social life has pretty much all but vanished, but I'm also ok with that too. There's a time in life for making friends and laughing then eventually of ur lucky u decide u actually want a future, not just to live in the moment. Anyways great vid man, chears and congrats

Great video Brother.678 days here. I have shared many of the experiences you described. Thx!

This ran across my feed because i love watching people "click" into things that make things better, and soberiety is one of them. Peeped a few videos and love your path. Just wanted to drop some appreciation and encouragement!

Really enjoyed this very well produced video Jonathan. I relate to so much of what you said being sober just 100 days after 25 years almost each day.

Well done JB....it's hard to have an awakened mind and perspective on life if always in a low grade fog. I still drink, low amounts, almost daily but it's getting old and I see the day when I too will only make exceptions for that '88 Petrus!!

Hey there! I just turned 2 months sober and I could not be more happy! I had the idea for a long time but after seeing your video I took the decision and did it. Thanks for the inspiration!

I liked ur sense of humor! Thank you, inspiring people in Brazil too

Well done! Drinking so much and stopping is awesome! What about myself, now I just can’t drink. Not because I don’t want, sometime I want to! but it’s just not tasty. And then it is hard to do workouts normally. So I stopped. And I support everyone who want to give up drinking or doesn’t drink. Life is full of cool things that fill you up just as much as alcohol

Great video. I’ve quit, started, many times. I felt tired. Didn’t like my job, where I was drinking alone. It was time to stop again and see what happens. On day 5. Withdrawals tapering off now. I was drinking 1/2 liter of whiskey a night. A a terrible lot, but certainly not healthy coupled with working 12-15 hour days 6 days a week for 2 1/2 years. I quit the job too. I have some savings to help me through to the next job. We’ll see what happens. Keep up the good work.

I was never one for drinking until I got into the nightlife scene😬 I don’t drink every day, but I have a habit of drinking socially, and I definitely want to work on stopping it for health reasons. Your video was amazing, and perfectly executed😅 The energy is definitely in my favor at the moment I’m gonna keep going😅

Man great video! And congratz on 548 days!!

Nice one ❤ I realized I needed to change my drinking habits years ago. It took a while for me to take that step. Over the last years, Ive been drinking daily and my mental and physical health deteriorated. My dog helps me a lot to stick to my decision, Im responsible for him and I always wanna be sober and clear. Smells like conscious living and freedom!!

This hit home. Especially that it rubs people the wrong way for a few reasons.

Excellent work....appreciate all the points you made. Congrats!

Great upload. Really enjoyed listening. For me alcohol and drinking just got super boring . I've been in all the bars, heard all the jokes , and tried all the cocktails. So now I just focus on health and wealth & education .

"if you think good things happens only to other people - well, just become the other" - this is just great! :)

I have been sober for 8 months now and I too am in my 40s. I feel like I have struggled socially because of it but my health and mental well being have far exceeded anything I anticipated. Kudos to you!

I quit drinking early in the year as my way of supporting a friend who was undergoing surgery (and wasn't able to drink with me anymore). It seemed like a real sacrifice, because I was drinking every day before then. Anyway, like you, the more time I spent sober, the more I realised how much better life was like this. It's crazy to me that what seemed like a huge sacrifice a few months ago, now feels totally obvious - like I can't think of a single good reason to ever drink again.

“If you think you’re drinking too much for yourself, you take the proper steps.” I think this is the key. Well said

Dude. I know you must live in San Francisco. This video really resonated with me. TY TY TY. I’m so close to kickin it.

Congratulations on your milestone. I’m about to hit three months, and I don’t really care. I feel so apathetic.

Thank you for sharing. Living with an alcoholic for the last 24 years has been a struggle. I drink occasionally, but for those who suffer with trying to quit, it can be not just personal, but affect all of those around them. It has to be something you do for yourself. Not for your partner, not for your family and not for your friends...for yourself. Of course everyone else will benefit from it, but it has to be a personal decision. I think you are doing great!😊

Duude! I just tried to see a video of how bad alco is (been without for 3 months). And omg! U are kinda a new/small youtuber (still), and you motivate in your videos. My second thing i wanted to search for was - How to start to make videos, I am feeling PERFECTIONISM and stuck. So THANK YOU, thank you for sharing you, thats how people can really find you!

That (11:28) is also my essential experience. You're just clearer in your head. Very simple... Thanks for the good and entertaining video!

So first of all, congrats! Its good to hear a more objective opinion on this matter. Now, how in the hell, is this level of quality production, but you only hav 2.6k subscribers ?:)) Keep it up!

God Bless you. I am sure this video will help many people to quit drinking so thank you for sharing. I will share it with someone I know but they may not be open to it yet. With prayers, it may spark a start in them.

Great video sir. I never had a problem per se, I will say when I would drink I noticed I would go to excess but never had a problem stopping. I would always hit the rest button at the first of the year for a month or two. In 2018 I embarked on a low carb eating plan and my beloved IPA's were a no fly zone so I stopped. I still indulge a few times a year (vacations, Christmas). I had the same issues with friends looking at me odd because I was not drinking. Again great video.

Thanks for this inspiring vidéo! I think about getting rid of the habit of drinking for the same reasons as yours, and eating your experience helps me! I know it is not going to be easy but it definitely worth it!!

Great video and thanks for sharing some insight.. As a fellow bartender I know that industry can be a slippery slope!! Keep up the good work

Amazing content! I like the way you share your story without making people feel bad about the journey they're on. Rock on!

Day 1,222 and counting for me. Much like you, i wasn't a "raging alcoholic" but I did drink most days, and the days I drank, I drank a lot. I decided I didn't want to drink so much anymore so I cut down until I just stopped. At first I made it around 80 days and decided I'd have a few drinks on New Year's Eve, but i regretted it the next day. I felt like I'd failed myself, so I decided that I just wasn't going to drink anymore. That was 3 NYE's ago. Sometimes I miss the drinking, but one thing I never miss is the hangovers. Also, I'm not sure why the algorithm sent me here but I'm glad it did. Congratulations and well done on your current sobriety.

My parents always told me "Only boring people get bored" which came in handy when I found myself with long evenings at home after I decided not to go out to the brewery or bar...

Great message that was told beautifully, and your editing is 100% legit. Keep doing what you're doing!

Mate , this is a fantastic video . Im sat watching with a hangover from hell thinking this has got to stop .. the same routine . Go out / metal gig / beers and rum .. cheeky lines . And mess work up the next day . This video is really hit home as im not a great talker and terrified of losing all my mates , but this is the first time ive seen something like this where i haven’t thought ‘ oh get stuffed you self righteous prick ‘ . Seriously great video and thanks 🤘🏼

Great video! I'm so glad that I found it now, I've been drinking since 2004-2005 I've dicided to clense myself like you've said, however my choise was made cuz of planned surgery after week from now and I can say that you motivated me to do it a bit longer, thanks for that! P.s. Sorry for my grammar not a native.

Jonathan, amazing video! entertaining, fun, and honest. Your RU-vid site is going to be very popular. also love your dog.

Excellent video bro. Very balanced, & super helpful to others👌

Great video - not only great points, but your timing/editing is awesome...

really good video. i've just done a month off.. which has stretched to 50 days and i'm thinking to keep going. i've done this before, and then gone back to drinking and it never ends. not enough to be a big worry, but i find myself making excuses to drink and i don't like it. in some ways it's easier to simply not drink at all, there's nothing to think about. for social occasions non alcoholic beer is really good.

I feel the same way about weed. It's so prevalent in the US right now. You're in the minority right now if you're not high or have some type of altered state. Great video. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for your video! I believe many of us need to hear this message, not just "raging alcoholics." That makes about as much sense as only folks who were morbidly obese should discuss healthy eating and exercise

Lovely outlook man. Thank you!

I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It's shocking the reactions that you received when trying to move away from drinking, but it makes sense. Proud of you for making this change!

I've been in a terribly dark place lately, and quitting alcohol was one of the best decisions I've ever made.. Yes, it helps killing inner demons and memories, but it kills your soul too. For all those of you who are struggling in life. Life is beautiful, don't think when you die it's all over. I've been near death and at that point, life seems overwhelmingly beautiful. Even if you are alone , completely alone, you will always have yourself. And if you have someone by your side, you have a treasure . Do it for them, find the will you lack in them. We are lone warriors, proud warriors. Cheers from Spain!

man o man. I have always said I had more peer pressure in my 30-40's.i did not start really drinking until I was 43. then I dove into the deep end of the bottle and did the backstroke. so manipulative my own mind was to myself. love your video

J'adore t'écouter et regarder tes videos remplis d'amour pour soi. Je ne sais plus comment je suis tombé sur toi. Felicitation pour ton cheminement. 🎉 9:04 m'a fait vraiment rire 😂

3.5 years off..... every aspect of my life has improved immeasurably... self confidence grows as time passes and my mental health / anxiety has fully disappeared.... set positive goals for yourself whether it's financial / fitness / family and watch your life transform

Woohoo nice job 👍🏼 I am 76 days alcohol free, also on day 4 from weed :)

What a great, fun, inspirational video! Thank you! I’m day three🎉 for like the hundredth time, but I’m really sick of letting myself down. So thanks for the inspiration! I’ll definitely follow you!

Congrats for your year and a half sober and your channel! Very inspiring! 🔥🔥🔥

Thanks for this video.! Your sharing is very on point and also nice you mentioned that you don't want to demonize those who are still drinking.. If you are strong enough to keep it under control, that's a blessing.! Anyhow, go for year 2, 3 etc etc.! I'm nog 8,5 years in, best decision of my life beside choosing to follow Jesus..

Great video! I stopped daily drinking 3 weeks ago. Love the changes so far, nice to hear morn to come!

same here...drank all my life with no side effects to speak of.woke up at.6, walked the dog til 7:30....on the tennis court at 10...then my life took a turn and a faced a huge amount of stress and my body could take it any longer.. All my money went into drinking. cooking great ,eats but really drinking. last 2 years i was washed out every morning. had to stop. it's a year that i am on and off barely making the 20 days mark. but i am convinced that i can break thru.

Wow, amazing video and your message is truly inspirational! I've never been much of a drinker but I know someone who needs to hear this.

...Quite possibly the best video ever made on This Topic! Thank you for creating and sharing this gem 🌟 (and I love your dog...)

You are awesome!! Thank you for lightening up the "I drink too much" weight

Well put together video man, You deserve more subs with this quality, I wish you the best and congrats on your sobriety!

After reading Dopamine Nation by Anna Lemke I decided to take her advice and stop drinking for 30 days as an experiment to see how I felt. The first few days were really hard but after two weeks I started sleeping like a baby. 9:30 pm would roll around and I was practically running to the bed I was so sleepy, whereas when I was drinking I would often stay up late and still have trouble falling asleep. Three weeks in I started feeling amazing, almost like I was high on life. I used to feel a lot of anxiety during work zoom calls and that completely disappeared. But then at the end of the 30 days I started back again. It never really occurred to me that I would stop forever but I miss that feeling.

I’ve been a moderate drinker for 30 years, not an addiction but a bad habit. Turned 51 and I’m six months sober, I didn’t get any withdrawal but my mood is a work in progress, it takes several months if not a year or so for your brain to heal and recalibrate after years of drinking. I feel better but it takes time to get there.

i love this positive take. Looking over at my beer I ask myself.. am I ready to leave that behind... I want to more and more after every day. . . Congrats JB

I am so proud of you. I turn 62 next month and am an alcoholic & addict addicted to opiods and benzos. Yes, I know I am in a bad situation. The good news I decided to check into treatment because I can't stop on my own. Your videos have motivated me to get sober. God Bless my friend. Quick question....did you just go cold turkey or did you seek treatment. I have zero chance of sleep without alcohol. I mean not a second of sleep unless I have at least 6 drinks before bedtime. It sucks so much. I can't wait to be sober. I truly want it more than anything in life. 🙏

Finally for the first time, I actually feel like I WANT to stop. I've felt like I should stop, but something in me feels different now, and I'm kinda excited about it

According to one of the quit-drinking apps I started using the day I quit, since that day I've saved $6000 USD

I found your channel from Finland! Your youtube indexing must be working/getting better! I found some similitaries about your life. Trying to get sober and my life together allso. Thanks for your advice and input to the internet.

The social aspect is definitely the most difficult part of being sober. If you count the benefits of not drinking to the benefits of drinking, then it's a no brainer to stop.

Great video! Love the style. Currently on *another* tactical break from booze, and trying to stay motivated, and videos like this help - the tone, length and style is spot on, thank you! You have a new fan in the UK.

thank you for sharing. i’m on day 1 no drinking because i realized just how unproductive and depressed drinking day after day has been making me feel. i want to prioritize learning new skills and improving my overall health. i’m only 26 but want to advance in my career and build that “summer body” if you will but keep it. let’s see how far i can get… 😵‍💫

I think you just saved my life.

This video is awesome! Nicely done brother. Please keep up the good work.