How I gave up alcohol after 30 years of problem drinking

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  • Опубліковано 30 тра 2024
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    Book details:
    Title: Alcohol Explained | Author: William Porter | Publisher: Createspace | Pages: 258 | Publication date: 13th April 2015 | ISBN: 9781516997190 | Source: Purchased
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 917

  • @ralphdeshon9710
    @ralphdeshon9710 7 місяців тому +272

    I drank heavily for 42 years. Tried to quit so many times and failed. Ruined the best years of my life. One day while at my job laying wood floors I had a focal seizure, woke up in the hospital. All tests came back clear, MRI blood work ect. I feel it was related to my drinking, I have not drank in two months and I never will again. I took a serious medical crisis to wake me up, it worked. Great day to all.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому +19

      Congrats on two months! Sorry it took something so serious to make you realise you had to make a change, but great that you did

    • @richardadcock5450
      @richardadcock5450 7 місяців тому +10

      Congratulations on your sobriety.

    • @seamusmeehan6036
      @seamusmeehan6036 7 місяців тому +6

      Well dun have agopd life

    • @Caviar_Khabo
      @Caviar_Khabo 7 місяців тому +3

      How much of alcohol consumption over a few years is considered heavy drinking?

    • @ralphdeshon9710
      @ralphdeshon9710 7 місяців тому +2

      @@Caviar_Khabo I used to drink a twelve pack. Then a bottle of Captain. Every night almost.

  • @MrJosh066717
    @MrJosh066717 9 місяців тому +93

    I've been alcoholic for 10 years. I'm on month 2 of sobriety. Thanks for the encouraging video

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +6

      Well done for getting to 2 months! Keep it up, it’s so worth it.

    • @bigcub62
      @bigcub62 7 місяців тому +6

      Stay strong. Keep busy. You can do this.

    • @merledixonforce
      @merledixonforce 7 місяців тому +4

      Well done

  • @lawrencehelm2219
    @lawrencehelm2219 2 місяці тому +6

    I was an 18-year-old Marine in Korea when the truce was signed, after which I learned to drink beer. My beer-drinking-habits didn't work all that well back in the states, I was sort of a binge drinker, afraid of drinking too regularly, afraid it would interfere with my hiking, sailing, free-diving, etc. I didn't avoid trouble. I quit drinking during Watergate and am now 10 months away from being 90. The downside of being this old and being a serious reader is that my eyesight is no longer very good, and I have to use various forms of Kindle, but I I'm happy I quit drinking, and just as happy I work out regularly. Friends and relatives have mostly died off, but my kids are all living -- just not nearby. I'm living in a large house with a large library, and an Irish Terrier named Jessica and feeling better than one might suspect.

  • @tommonk7651
    @tommonk7651 9 місяців тому +101

    Olly, my dad was an alcoholic. He could not stop, and it ended up killing him at 58. He could never admit he had a problem. The last years of his life I never saw him sober. I am happy that you have been able to stop. Congratulations! Keep it going….

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +11

      Thank you Tom, and so sorry to hear that about your dad.

  • @Mcdogmom288
    @Mcdogmom288 7 місяців тому +155

    I started drinking alcohol since my teenage. Got addicted for over 23 years. Also suffered severe depression and mental disorder. It's just amazing how psilocybin mushrooms treatment saved my life honestly. 6 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

    • @laurj09
      @laurj09 7 місяців тому +4

      Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without alcohol and cigarettes.And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc that can cause so much damage to health.

    • @Bastianbishops
      @Bastianbishops 7 місяців тому +2

      Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Netherland. Really need!

    • @SusanaGomez-mp8sk
      @SusanaGomez-mp8sk 7 місяців тому +5

      Hey! Yes very sure of Dr.medshrooms. a single dose of shrooms saved me from Alcohol addiction. 6 years clean. no cravings. this doesn't sound weird to me in any way shape or form.

    • @Edennnn926
      @Edennnn926 7 місяців тому +3

      Yes very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I hate that psilocybin gets grouped with drugs like cocaine and heroin. Mushrooms are a remedy, not a vice!

    • @JohnDavis-zr8gf
      @JohnDavis-zr8gf 7 місяців тому

      How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

  • @jadilewis455
    @jadilewis455 7 місяців тому +46

    Congratulations!! I was drinking about 200 units a week. I’ve done the Allen care course, been in rehab, been in AA, managed at best a few months. Im six months sober. It feels like a miracle. I didn’t read anything or go anywhere this time. I just made a firm decision but didn’t tell anyone initially. Alcohol has taken so much from me. I make a daily pledge not to drink today and so far I haven’t had bi g cravings. I’ve also drank for just over 30 years.
    Thanks for the video 😊

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому +4

      Well done! It's weird isn't it, sometimes it's just the right time to quit and you can do it with just you and no other help

  • @peteatkinson3500
    @peteatkinson3500 7 місяців тому +56

    I'm 41 days sober, unfortunately I didn't stop drinking until it had some serious consequences for myself and my family. I hope I can, in time repair some of the damage but not sure.
    Thank you for sharing your story with us all. I am really enjoying listening to people and their stories, and I am constantly thinking about things past and present in relation to my addiction and life in general... when I began drinking alcohol in my teens it was to be social, to be included and be around people as often as possible... by the end of my drinking my use of alcohol was completely withdrawing myself from everyone and everything!! Best wishes!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому +4

      Congrats on 41 days! Hope it's over 50 now. I think sharing our stories is a really important way to help people in the same boat

  • @richardadcock5450
    @richardadcock5450 9 місяців тому +18

    I'm 3years sober myself. I was a heavy drinker myself

  • @PokhrajRoy.
    @PokhrajRoy. 9 місяців тому +122

    I’m so happy that you could be so honest and vulnerable to us.

  • @jennystout8600
    @jennystout8600 9 місяців тому +67

    Congrats on two years! I hit two years alcohol-free in May myself. So relieved to be out of that vicious cycle. Thanks for the book rec!

  • @Robert-wr8pz
    @Robert-wr8pz 6 місяців тому +20

    I'm definitely not a functional alcoholic. In a way its a blessing because it is actually making me terrified enough to wanna stop. Lost my marriage, and she left with my son, my parents died all in that same year and after years of being somewhat functional and working and drinking but doing well I gave up trying to control it and ended up homeless. And yeah that's no fun. It's quite scary and dangerous at times. So yeah, no longer. Got a room now but yeah, every time I get a place I get too drunk, black out and go mental eventually (although I do actually have Schizophrenia). So there's that too but I have found that everything is worse for my drinking no matter how long I do well for and no matter how much control I seem to have. Eventually I always find a new rock bottom. Even when it's all going great. Like it was for so long. Been sober 5 days now. Feeling a bit on edge and well, been here so many times. Three weeks sober. Two weeks sober. Then my anxiety kicks in. I just gotta push passed it this time. And get past the 3 week mark and keep going.

    • @goodcitizen3027
      @goodcitizen3027 4 місяці тому +2

      Drinking is like adding gasoline to a fire; it just blows everything up. I know that AA isn’t for everyone but it saved my life. At least give it a try.

    • @user-ld5he5sn4b
      @user-ld5he5sn4b 4 місяці тому +1

      What about Phlake Johnstoned????

    • @Robert-wr8pz
      @Robert-wr8pz 4 місяці тому

      @@user-ld5he5sn4b Who is that?

    • @misslemu
      @misslemu 3 місяці тому

      Good luck and God bless you ❤

  • @markwmbrown
    @markwmbrown 8 місяців тому +18

    15 years of hard drugs, meth, pills, and bathsalts in my early 30s. Smoking for 25 years. 25 years drinking. 7 months off cigarettes. 2 weeks away from alcohol. Feeling great. The book for me that did it for me is The Power of Habit. Thanks for sharing and congrats to you brother!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому +2

      Well done! Really glad you managed to break those habits

    • @margaretwebb389
      @margaretwebb389 2 місяці тому +1

      You go guy! Off the booze and cigarettes are next! You are inspiring!!!!!

    • @markwmbrown
      @markwmbrown 2 місяці тому

      @margaretwebb389 Thank you! Long hard road but it does get better!

    • @margaretwebb389
      @margaretwebb389 2 місяці тому +1

      @@markwmbrown Need to hear that! This time around has been a roller coaster! Appreciate the feedback! Blessings

  • @nuclearkid5201
    @nuclearkid5201 9 місяців тому +72

    I'm always impressed by people who have a problem like addiction and are able to get past it. It must be one of the most difficult things to do, and from what I have heard alcohol is one of the most problematic ones. So well done my dude! I think you've proven a lot about yourself.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +9

      Thank you - I'd tried before and struggled, but that last time it just worked

    • @joshgreer3527
      @joshgreer3527 8 місяців тому +3

      I had 4 years and relapsed whiskey right down the street its hard just driving by sometimes can't even go to the grocery stores anymore

    • @kingcormack8004
      @kingcormack8004 7 місяців тому +2

      Tobacco is much harder to quit.

    • @solutionsgirl
      @solutionsgirl 7 місяців тому

      ​@@kingcormack8004ageee

    • @pennyfleming3006
      @pennyfleming3006 5 місяців тому

      And proven a lot to himself

  • @RocketMyDog1
    @RocketMyDog1 8 місяців тому +15

    Your story and mine are similar…I drank for more than 30 years and quit in September, 2021. Congratulations! We did it!

  • @maryhaase1730
    @maryhaase1730 9 місяців тому +37

    I am so glad you made this video. Our culture has normalized drinking, and other forms of addiction to a great extent. When we have a bad day we say “I could sure use a drink!” A “girls night” or “going out with the boys” means a night of drinking.
    I was blessed with intolerance to alcohol. I vomit and feel miserable after a couple of drinks. Unfortunately my daughter did not inherit that gene. I lost her six years ago at 38 to complications from chronic alcoholism and anorexia. I found her when her boyfriend asked me to check on her because she wasn’t answering her phone.
    She had actually quit drinking but she didn’t seek medical support and, due to heart damage from the anorexia, she went into cardiac arrest.
    Watching my beautiful, talented girl descend into a shell of a human was torture, but finding her dead was my nightmare come to life. The door that led to hope slammed shut that day.
    I don’t know your personal situation but if I were your mom I would be so stinking proud of you and I would want to give you a big bear hug every day!
    Thank you for courageously stepping out of your comfort zone to make this video. If one person sees your video and quits drinking then you have saved a life, and a family. God bless. ❤️

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +8

      I am so so sorry for your loss, that’s really tragic.

    • @joyconnell1318
      @joyconnell1318 7 місяців тому +5

      Bless your heart for sharing the perils of alcoholism. So sorry for the loss of a child! I understand the shock as we lost our grandson at 22! I hope you take care of yourself and find new purpose and hope. ❤️

    • @kate60
      @kate60 6 місяців тому

      So sad. Alcohol is poison. It should never be consumed by anyone. It's big business. Alcohol is essential to our sick society.

  • @JH-th9th
    @JH-th9th 8 місяців тому +9

    I have been clean and sober for 8 months...drinking over 50 years...being sober is something I wish I would have done years before...drinking was such a part of my life...and after retiring ...it got to be..."you cant drink all day if you dont start in the morning" Its been life changing..so all who quit ...CONGRATULATIONS AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK...

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому +1

      Thank you! And big congrats on your 8 months!

    • @jeremyalcoser5742
      @jeremyalcoser5742 6 місяців тому

      How’s your liver?

    • @JH-th9th
      @JH-th9th 6 місяців тому

      had to have it surgically removed @@jeremyalcoser5742

  • @rutlegs
    @rutlegs 6 місяців тому +4

    24 days sober. Its way past time for me to give it up...for good this time.

  • @sidfactor1710
    @sidfactor1710 9 місяців тому +15

    Thank you for sharing that. I am also on recover from both hard drugs and heavy alcoholism. Currently sitting at about 16 months sober. Keep on fighting the good fight. We don’t need that nasty stuff anymore.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +2

      Well done! 16 months is great. I totally agree that we don’t need it.

    • @pennyfleming3006
      @pennyfleming3006 5 місяців тому

      Wow
      Well done

  • @SuperGrinch123
    @SuperGrinch123 5 місяців тому +2

    I've recently quit alcohol, it's been almost 3 weeks. I didn’t have a problem per say, and only drunk 2 or 3 times a month, but I always got way too drunk when I did, and was finding more and more that it was turning me into a bit of an idiot. I found I was often waking up the following morning feeling very embarrassed at my drunken behaviour. It isn’t for me. I'm trying to learn as much about alcohol as I can so I never get tempted to go back. I've just bought that book on Audible. Thanks!! 🙏

  • @typicalbooks
    @typicalbooks 9 місяців тому +18

    I've ordered this book now for someone I know, so thank you! I find the description of how the first 'one' of the day leads to more and the rate increases as the night goes on so accurate for so many people. Some treat smoking the same way so this book may even help for that. I've been mostly straight-edge for years and feel so much for people struggling with alcohol and any addiction. Even though I can have a drink annually or so, I still wish it was not as normalized. I find it a pain explaining over and over to people that you don't drink. Great episode, Olly!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +3

      Thanks Lydia, hope the book helps your friend as much as it did me.

  • @M-J
    @M-J 9 місяців тому +20

    I got the sneak peak over at Patreon and had to comment here as well. I am so proud of the decision you made! Well done buddy! - MJ

  • @beingpath
    @beingpath 8 місяців тому +7

    Good work! I was sober from about 34 years until 48, and then I went back after some petty disappointment. I had put my life back together quite well, but the next seven years of drinking killed my finances, my relationships, my self-esteem, and did horrible damage to my body and brain. I’m approaching three years back off the bottle, but God I wish I had never picked up again. It is so much easier to stay quit then it is to quit again. Stay well, and cheers from Seattle!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  8 місяців тому

      So glad to hear your got sober again after sliding. I imagine that was even harder than first time around

  • @LiterateTexan
    @LiterateTexan 9 місяців тому +30

    Two years is a long time. I'm glad you posted this, and congratulations. I gave up drinking in 2014, so I'm working on my tenth year sober. It's a better life. I can relate to being unable to handle projects like Booktube while you're drinking. I couldn't even keep up with guitar lessons when I was drinking.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +7

      10 years is amazing! Well done! And yeah booze steels so much time and brain power

    • @royreadsanything
      @royreadsanything 9 місяців тому +5

      I'm Class of 2014 too, best decision I ever made 👍

    • @LiterateTexan
      @LiterateTexan 9 місяців тому +3

      @@royreadsanything Best decision I've ever made, too. This sober life is the only good life I've ever known.

    • @RealziesCuts
      @RealziesCuts 8 місяців тому +2

      ✊🏆

    • @rdbjr52
      @rdbjr52 6 місяців тому +1

      Me too. I’d be long dead if I didn’t quit then.

  • @raymondlin8728
    @raymondlin8728 5 місяців тому +3

    Quit drinking 2 summers ago. Worst time with all the bbqs, hot days, yard work, the beach, a beer or glass of wine would've been great to reward myself. Or even to start the day. Anyway year and a half without a drink, over 500 days, nights. 3 glass a day , that 1500 glasses of wine that didnt pass through my liver or soaked in my brain

  • @ASIF_M1934
    @ASIF_M1934 9 місяців тому +11

    Thank you for flagging this topic Olly for alcohol has blighted my life to a large extent. Still a struggle tbh but 3 months sober now and feeling much better for it. 🙂

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +2

      3 months is great, Asif - I'm delighted for you!

  • @dirtwhisperer658
    @dirtwhisperer658 5 місяців тому +3

    I turned 60 this year and was a problem drinker for years and should tell my story. I would say I was an alcoholic but I sure went about it in a crazy way. I could go for weeks without drinking as long as I didn't buy any or have it around the house. But if we went to a party or wedding, etc. where there was alcohol I would binge drink. Then for about 5 years I only drank around the holidays. Like now, this time of year.....I would go thru several bottles of bourbon or crown or Seagrams 7. Anyway it was enough that 2 years ago I started getting bad blood tests. High liver enzymes. My doctor sent me for a scan of my liver and I had fatty liver. That scared me enough to quit but I haven't really totally quit and I don't know why. That's why I am here watching these videos. I have cut down to 1 maybe 2 beers a month when we go to eat at the Mexican place close to our house. I have also drank at parties but limited it to 2 beers only. Anyway I am ready to take the leap and just tell everyone I quit drinking. My plan is to go 30 days without drinking any alcohol first and see how that goes. Hopefully it sticks and I can just continue on with no alcohol. BTW- my health has improved substantially the last 2 years and my blood tests are normal now. Oh thanks for the recommending the book. I just ordered it.

  • @pegthebookprizeaddict579
    @pegthebookprizeaddict579 9 місяців тому +21

    So happy to hear this from you! I am an old(er) woman who got sober 38 years ago through a book (ADDICTIVE DRINKING probably oop now) so we can both say our lives were saved by reading!📚❤️. I am happy for you now and you won't believe how wonderfully life gets through the years, compared to what it would have been....and so many more books read!🥳🥳❤️📚

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +4

      Wow 38 years is an amazing achievement! Well done! And yes. Books have saved us both!

  • @JoeBauers
    @JoeBauers 9 місяців тому +9

    Congrats, Ollie. Good choice to share this story...

  • @samanthakatecreates6179
    @samanthakatecreates6179 9 місяців тому +9

    Another huge fan of William Porter here. One of the books that changed my life for the better too.
    Huge well done ❤

  • @penitent468
    @penitent468 9 місяців тому +20

    I don’t drink myself, but I can see what alcohol is doing to a few of my close family members and I sometimes feel hopeless about how to help them. Your video gives me hope! Thanks for opening up about it. It was very timely, at least for me.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +3

      So glad it was helpful. I hope your family members can get help soon

  • @thebookishknitter
    @thebookishknitter 9 місяців тому +18

    Congratulations on 2 years. I was never much of a drinker but was an almost pack a day smoker, so I understand the addiction. I quit February 2022. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +2

      Ah that’s fantastic you were able to quit smoking! Congratulations 😊

    • @jessetaylor9536
      @jessetaylor9536 7 місяців тому

      Keep going Queen!

  • @danton1982
    @danton1982 9 місяців тому +9

    My love of reading helped me stop drinking. I drank heavily for about 14 years and I hated it. I cut down in the two years leading up to cutting it out altogether, it was difficult but I'm four and a half years sober now and I'm so grateful for every day I have. There were other factors in how I managed to quit ie; health problems but mostly reading. When I drank I didn't read as I found it hard to focus on the page, so I pretty much gave up reading. When I was ill I read constantly, in the end Dr Sleep was the nail in the coffin. Since then I've read every day instead of drinking. Glad to hear you beat it too, it's not easy.
    PS love your channel, thanks.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +1

      Thanks Dan - really glad to hear that you were able to beat it and are seeing the benefits!

  • @johnward5404
    @johnward5404 9 місяців тому +18

    Couldn’t be happier to have you clean from alcohol. I too struggled with alcohol to the point where I nearly died. Thank you for your honesty and for encouraging people to seek sobriety… it changed my life. I think people rationalize it in the way you did at one time because of its legality and their ability to “handle it.” It’s still poison. Peace and love Olly Cheers!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +4

      Thanks John. So glad you managed to make that change too

    • @joereilly1899
      @joereilly1899 5 місяців тому

      What is the name of the book

  • @GracieMarie011
    @GracieMarie011 7 місяців тому +7

    Happy 2 yr sober bday Ollie. I just lost my mom of 60yrs old to alcoholism last month. She had liver failure, heart failure & and internal bleed due to the alcohol. Both my parents were addicts & it caused so many detrimental effects on us all. Extremely painful! I lost 4 family members to alcohol aside from my mom. Proud of you! I know your family is proud & so grateful to have you around! Take one day at a time! Have a good support system to talk to when you’re struggling! Congrats & thank you for sharing this book & your story in hopes this vid might reach/help someone else. I wish it had found my mom. Take care!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому +1

      Thank you. I’m so sorry to hear about your mum.

  • @captainredbond
    @captainredbond 9 місяців тому +12

    Congratulations mate! 2 years sober is an absolute achievement and nothing to scoff at. Keep strong brother 💪🏻

  • @24kachina
    @24kachina 2 місяці тому +1

    Thank you so much for this video. I am 55 and a problem drinker for a LONG time, this information I hope will help me quit, for good. Gracias.

  • @FlowerPower69123
    @FlowerPower69123 8 місяців тому +4

    Thanks for talking about this. I often like a drink on an evening. Its strange i can go the whole day without even thinking about drinking but when it gets to 8pm it becomes very inviting. I think alot of people have this problem. I will be checking this book out.

  • @ReginasHauntedLibrary
    @ReginasHauntedLibrary 9 місяців тому +10

    This is hitting home and I’m feeling emotional. I lost a close family member who literally drank himself to death at 55. It made me change my relationship with alcohol. It’s important to understand what you’re taking into your body when you drink. I’ve also had friends who’ve made incredible changes in their lives with sobriety. It’s inspiring. Congratulations on two years and thanks for sharing. ❤

  • @tompardini7939
    @tompardini7939 7 місяців тому +4

    Love this. Over 2 years sober here, and loving life! Great work my man.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому

      Thank you! And congrats on your sobriety!

  • @BookishTexan
    @BookishTexan 9 місяців тому +4

    Congratulations on two years.
    Thank you for sharing.

  • @waltbbadd
    @waltbbadd 9 місяців тому +7

    Congrats, brother! I've got 6 months sober at 42 after a 20+ year drinking binge. The pandemic did me in as well- got shakes, panic through the roof, and blood tests showed liver deterioration. My only regret is not quitting earlier, thinking about all the time and opportunities wasted, but onward and upward. Now I look forward to the mornings instead of dreading them. Am going to read this book, drinking would energize me instead of sedating- I'd want to keep drinking all night as well. Love the channel, keep up the great work. Happy anniversary!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +1

      Thanks so much and congratulations on 6 months! Definitely read the book. It will keep you strong!

  • @mattb5370
    @mattb5370 6 місяців тому +5

    I relate 100%. I knew as soon as you mentioned a book it would be Alcohol Explained or This Naked Mind. I’m still fighting the demon. Trying every day to stop. Listen to Porter’s book and others every day as well as videos like yours. Appreciate you. Stay the course.

  • @jonathangomez5131
    @jonathangomez5131 7 місяців тому +4

    Congrats for your achievement! You have a new subscriber here ✋🏻

  • @rickcroucher
    @rickcroucher 9 місяців тому +9

    I am happy to hear that you left drinking behind. A lifetime of heavy drinking killed my uncle in 1996 and I have missed him every day since. It isn't easy what you did and it could not have been easy making this video. I am very happy, along with so many others, that you were able to give it up and that you started this channel. Three hip-hips for your vanquishing the addiction.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +1

      Thanks Rick, I really appreciate your kind words, and sorry for your loss

  • @harrietclarke9599
    @harrietclarke9599 9 місяців тому +4

    Two years bro! That's amazing! Love you lots ❤❤❤

  • @SheilaTheGrate
    @SheilaTheGrate 9 місяців тому +10

    First of all, I'm so proud of you. The more of us talk about this, the easier it is. The middle of the night wake up is so familiar. Except for me, because I was closing the bars or drinking after work on the night shift, I would wake up at 6 or 7 am and be wide awake, having only been asleep for 2 - 3 hours.
    The worst place I woke up was on one of those school yard merry go rounds from the 70s. There were kids literally poking me with sticks. Surprisingly *that* didn't tell me that I had a problem, it was a funny story to tell. Party Sheila was my personality, and I absolutely used alcohol as a crutch to not deal with trauma and untreated mental illness. It wasn't until I was basically on self destruct 4 years ago that I finally just hurt too many people playing this hard partying persona.
    I never could have done it without the support of my wife, and I never could have taken her help until I was all out of options. I am hardheaded when it comes to some lessons, but once I make up my mind, it's done. It's been easy for me to stick with ever since.
    I don't mind being around booze, and I still love making cocktails and beer recommendations for my friends (and anyone else who will listen). The only time alcohol bothers me is the smell of some hand sanitizers (the one that smells like tequila is bad), and if I have a nightmare that I am drinking.
    You're an incredible guy, Olly. I'm so glad that I've made your acquaintance in this universe of 1s and 0s.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +5

      Thanks Sheila! So glad to have met you too, and that you were able to get sober yourself.

  • @hartereads
    @hartereads 9 місяців тому +11

    Congratulations on your anniversary! A brave, generous, and important video.

  • @raekwonthachef
    @raekwonthachef 3 місяці тому +1

    Glad to have found this, thanks for sharing! I'm on day 4 (no drinking, no smoking), still very early but looking forward to being sober. I totally relate to the 'i can be fine if i don't drink, but if i start drinking i'm going to be drinking until bed' thing. Lots of love, and congrats!

  • @joukokulhelm6844
    @joukokulhelm6844 9 місяців тому +4

    thanks for this. i think it's important to talk about addiction issues to reduce the stigma

  • @seamusgaelic6447
    @seamusgaelic6447 9 місяців тому +7

    Congratulations on achieving two years of sobriety, Olly! And, well done using the anniversary to benefit others who may also struggle with addiction!

  • @Lisa_5591
    @Lisa_5591 6 місяців тому +1

    Wow, so interesting! Congratuations on 2 years! I'm on Day 6! I just ordered the book.

  • @kyllancarrington
    @kyllancarrington 5 місяців тому +1

    Well done Olly. Folks will listen to your words and will feel human comfort from your words.
    The universe rewards the Brave.
    Our Parents were heavy drinkers and both smoked 60/80 cigarettes per day.
    My Brother and I have never smoked or touched alcohol.
    However at University I was addicted to heroin.
    Which lasted 3 years to the day.
    I awoke on the street between two parked vehicles.
    I have been clean for 15 years.
    Australia

  • @awebofstories
    @awebofstories 9 місяців тому +5

    Congratulations on your sobriety anniversary! And thank your for the book recommendation. I'm not a big drinker, but I know a number of people who might read it and find it useful.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +1

      Thank you! It really is a great book

  • @Kuyjac258
    @Kuyjac258 9 місяців тому +5

    Congratulations on two years Olly. Such a great video.

  • @NovelFindsByKassi
    @NovelFindsByKassi 27 днів тому

    Hey there Olly. I didn't know this about you and it's so interesting to find out! I can't identify with an alcohol addiction, but I was addicted to cigarettes for 12 years in my teens and 20s. I stopped the day I found out my dad had cancer, incidentally aged 29 and I've been smoke free now for, gees, looks like 15 years this August. It's a pretty remarkable thing; that sudden switch that went off in my mind compared to all the times that I had tried to stop previously. I rarely struggle with any cravings anymore, but I still have smoking dreams though. ::hugs:: Congrats, seriously.

  • @BandysBooks
    @BandysBooks 9 місяців тому +7

    Great video! I come from a family of alcoholics and even lost my uncle (age 39) to alcoholism, so I know first hand the impacts. I’m glad you overcame your battle with it. It’s amazing to see the power of books in action.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +3

      So sorry about your uncle. But yes, I really do think that book changed my life

  • @paulflint6254
    @paulflint6254 9 місяців тому +4

    Thanks for this, im 44 and have stopped as i realised it's not for me. Glad you managed it too. Didn't know you'd gone through this as well. It's good to share as you'll help others too.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +2

      Thanks Paul. Glad you were able to stop too

  • @tedcr
    @tedcr 6 місяців тому +3

    Well this has been an interesting video to stumble upon and a bitter pill to swallow. I'm nearly 31 and drink around 100 units a week, do my job properly and have good relationships, but always had the thought in my mind that this isn't normal compared to people I know. I'm always worried about being called out on my consumption but somehow justify in my head it's OK and to drink again. I am going to read this book and give it a good go

    • @pennyfleming3006
      @pennyfleming3006 5 місяців тому

      I used to be able to do that at 31 yrs old too
      Not anymore

  • @Hazel_Diaries
    @Hazel_Diaries 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your story. It's been 11 days since I quit my drinking. It's not easy, but the best choice. I was also drinking only on occasions, but after the first dtink I can't stop until I wake up in my bed. Alcohol can be evil and you loose yourself so quickly. Good luck to you and congratulations on your 2 year sobriety.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  5 місяців тому

      Thank you, and good luck with your sobriety

  • @myhtcevo4g
    @myhtcevo4g Місяць тому

    Wife was leaving with the kids..all it took for me..30yrs of alcoholism. In my 2nd month of sobriety..feels amazing..if I can do it you can too. First 2 weeks of sobriety was a special kind of hell. I embraced it to get to where I wanted to be..well worth it!!!

  • @ironjade
    @ironjade 9 місяців тому +4

    Well done. I know what it's like to be in the grip of an addiction.

  • @Natali_Talis.Library
    @Natali_Talis.Library 9 місяців тому +4

    Congrats Ollie! I stopped drinking when I was carrying my first 6 years ago, and realised I was happier not starting again, although I have the odd wine with friends maybe one every 3 months or so.

  • @mcraig1969
    @mcraig1969 Місяць тому

    Congrats!! Keep up the recovery! I'm recovering from alcoholism as well.

  • @dizzyspinner648
    @dizzyspinner648 3 місяці тому

    When I quit I was drinking moderately and occasionally. As I got older, I found any amount would raise my blood pressure and give me rebound insomnia. I'd wake up after two hours and wouldn't fall back asleep even though I felt exhausted. It's Groundhog's Eve today and it's the fourth anniversary of my last drink. I've lost weight, my blood pressure is much lower, and I sleep well. Alcohol is like self flagellation - it feels so good when you stop.

  • @idioz75
    @idioz75 9 місяців тому +3

    Well done Olly. I was an alcoholic and drug addict for about 15 years and a problem drinker for the 15 years prior. Luckily i hit rock bottom and realised something needed to change. Be proud of yourself everyday. 💜

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +2

      Thanks mate, really appreciate it. So pleased we both beat it and met each other

  • @gdude7397
    @gdude7397 7 місяців тому +3

    I held my breath when I heard you say early on that you were going to recommend a book, because there are some very popular books out there that fall short, and I've read most of them. But you hit it spot on and recommended THE book that is above all books, because it explains why we drink and the effects that alcohol has on all of us, without exception. I no longer felt like I was in a small minority of problem drinkers after I read it, and instead came to realize that I had just followed the progression of heavy drinking. Most importantly, this book (Alcohol Explained, by William Porter) explains the futility of just trying to cut down and "just have one or two" after the rubicon of heavy drinking has been crossed.
    THANK YOU for sharing this book!!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому

      Thank you! I'm so glad to have found the book and really wanted to share it with others

  • @goodcitizen3027
    @goodcitizen3027 4 місяці тому +1

    I have 34 years my friend. By the grace of God. Not everyone makes it. One day at a time my friend. The great news was that books I read while inebriated, I got to read again. And understand them.😊

  • @photomanmitchtvr
    @photomanmitchtvr 23 дні тому

    I quit for 2 years, felt amazing and in the last couple of years I relapsed also been having trouble quitting. Been on and off and now I'm one week sober. Thank You for sharing!

  • @georgebennett1242
    @georgebennett1242 9 місяців тому +5

    Well done mate, very impressive and I'm glad you feel comfortable sharing

  • @ArtsReallyCool123
    @ArtsReallyCool123 9 місяців тому +3

    I just hit 4 months! Thanks for your transparency and keep coming back, brother! 😎🔷

  • @skipdog9912
    @skipdog9912 8 місяців тому +2

    Almost 8 weeks here. Gave it up for weight loss and health. Just taking a little break. But man, the benefits are undeniable! Just the sleep alone all worth it!

    • @breed0778
      @breed0778 22 дні тому

      Did you lose weight I’m 7 days clean no alcohol?

  • @bookboundweirdo
    @bookboundweirdo 9 місяців тому +8

    Congrats on your soberversary Olly!! I'm so proud and happy for you!! 🎉
    Thanks for sharing your story, I'm sure rhis will help many people!

  • @hognatius_valentine9057
    @hognatius_valentine9057 9 місяців тому +4

    Congratulations, Olly!👏👏👏🎉

  • @squashchefan
    @squashchefan 9 місяців тому +4

    Congratulations Olly, sure you're feeling the benefits and as an extra bonus, more money for books

  • @puppy2haley
    @puppy2haley 7 місяців тому

    Congratulations, Ollie!! Very interesting story & hopefully will be helpful to many. 👍❤🇺🇸

  • @stevegiller1331
    @stevegiller1331 Місяць тому

    I’m x6 weeks sober, and no coffee either. Feeling good!
    Never take advice from a man whose TV is bigger than his book shelf.”
    Don’t remember where I heard this but I stand by it! 😉👍

  • @alex_unabridged
    @alex_unabridged 9 місяців тому +3

    Congratulations and happy anniversary, buddy! And thanks for sharing your personal experience, it's really valuable. 😊

  • @andreabknight
    @andreabknight 9 місяців тому +4

    Congrats on 2 years! I haven't drunk alcohol for 16 years (16th anniversary this month). With me the impetus to stop was realising what it was doing to me/my life and that it was in reality giving me nothing in return. You can do it!

  • @royw65
    @royw65 7 місяців тому

    Excellent stuff, thanks for the honesty, book ordered from your store.

  • @TimeIdle
    @TimeIdle 9 місяців тому +2

    Thank you so much for sharing such a personal story. And congrats!

  • @lovenature7823
    @lovenature7823 9 місяців тому +6

    Congratulations Olly on your 2nd year of Sobriety! And on your sharing on this video, it will also help people that want to live sober. 👋👍

  • @susanjohnson5824
    @susanjohnson5824 9 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for sharing and Congrats on the anniversary I'm so glad you were able to start the UA-cam channel and that you have improved health and wellbeing.

  • @Forgetthehorrorhere1
    @Forgetthehorrorhere1 5 місяців тому

    Absolutely brilliant Ollie. I can totally relate and have bought the book for my Kindle.

  • @elaine8985
    @elaine8985 7 місяців тому +1

    Happy 2nd Anniversary! Thank you for your honesty and I will definitely buy that book!

  • @beezus99
    @beezus99 9 місяців тому +5

    Congratulations on your milestone, Olly! My dad stopped drinking when I was a kid, and though it had never made him cruel or abusive, once he stopped he became so much more present in my life. I owe the great relationship we have now to his ability to quit. I also never started drinking because of this and I think my life is easier for it. It's a very brave thing to do and to talk about, you should be quite proud.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +2

      Thank you! And so glad your dad gave up and you saw the benefits of that

  • @JasonLockwood87
    @JasonLockwood87 8 місяців тому +5

    I have been sober since I found out I had high liver enzymes last year. I’m 35 years old and have always been pretty healthy. The doctor told me to drink less for 3 months and come back. I gave up and took another blood test 3 months later. I was shocked to hear it had got worse. They said it could be fatty liver so I then went vegan. 3 months later it was perfect again. It wasn’t the alcohol, it was my diet. I realised being sober was something I needed. I have been on an interesting journey this last year to be honest. I’ve learnt so much about who I am and who I have always wanted to be. Theres too many things to explain in a UA-cam comment to be honest 😂 All I can really say is that doing the right thing doesn’t mean you’re losing something. Also, you’re never too old to “catch it in time”

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому

      That's really interesting! Sounds like it was a really positive change for you, even if the path that led you there was a strange one

  • @BookwormAdventureGirl
    @BookwormAdventureGirl 9 місяців тому +2

    Congratulations on two years!! Thanks for sharing, Olly. 💙💙

  • @MrEquusQuagga
    @MrEquusQuagga 6 місяців тому

    Just found your channel and then saw this video. I had a year of sobriety up until March and fell off the wagon. Definitely need to read this book. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I'm truly inspired.

  • @SusannahPerri
    @SusannahPerri 7 місяців тому +3

    Congratulations and thank you for the book suggestion. I will pass this on to my husband, who struggles with the same middle of the night anxiety. His pattern is similar to what yours was. I wish you all the best! 😊

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  7 місяців тому

      Thank you, I really hope it helps him

  • @michellehood3523
    @michellehood3523 9 місяців тому +3

    Congratulations, Olly! I lost a cousin to alcohol related disease a few short years ago. He was heavily into the whole liquid business lunches thing in the 1980s and it all finally caught up with him. He was only 55.

  • @kathymish2820
    @kathymish2820 7 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing your story! I found this very helpful. Congrats on your sobriety.

  • @davidnovakreadspoetry
    @davidnovakreadspoetry 9 місяців тому +2

    This was most interesting and a great chat. Glad you’re doing well.

  • @souichiramen-oo7kn
    @souichiramen-oo7kn 9 місяців тому +4

    This is exactly what I needed to see. Love your channel and had no idea. Im in recovery now. Been struggling, had a month sober then slipped up for a few days and back to 7 days clean. Love hearing others recovery stories

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +3

      Hey - keep it up. 7 days is great, just keep adding to them, the further you get from that last drink the easier it gets.

  • @Johanna_reads
    @Johanna_reads 9 місяців тому +8

    This was so inspiring, and I think this could help a lot of people! Thank you for sharing your story and book recommendation on this topic!

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +2

      Thank you Johanna! Hopefully it will help at least a couple of people

  • @diamondslashranch
    @diamondslashranch 9 місяців тому +2

    I’m so very grateful we have you and your channel. Thanks for the book recommendation.

  • @jamieserrano827
    @jamieserrano827 8 місяців тому +2

    That is wonderful and encouraging to hear one day at a time, right
    Good luck on your continued journey of sobriety

  • @richardadcock5450
    @richardadcock5450 9 місяців тому +5

    Thank you for doing this. I'm glad you did. It's nice to be able to relate to someone on that level.

    • @CriminOllyBlog
      @CriminOllyBlog  9 місяців тому +1

      Thanks Richard, glad you found it helpful

  • @richardadcock5450
    @richardadcock5450 9 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for sharing this. I felt the same way. My faith and my wife helped me.

  • @edlewisnoctreviews
    @edlewisnoctreviews 9 місяців тому +2

    Very interesting. Congrats on two year and thank you for sharing this with us.

  • @kellyhookedonbooks4394
    @kellyhookedonbooks4394 9 місяців тому +2

    Thanks so much for sharing Olly! Quite an accomplishment!