100 days alcohol-free and why I’m never drinking again
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- Here is my story about why I’ve decided to go alcohol-free and the strategy I’m using to feel confident that I won’t go back to it again.
I was inspired by this clip with @youup on the @joerogan channel: • All it Took Was One Bo... and this led me to read Allen Carr’s ‘The Easy Way to Control Drinking’. It's no exaggeration to say that this video and this book changed my life.
As I explain in the video, I’m certainly not trying to preach the alcohol-free way of life, but if you are questioning your relationship with alcohol, maybe this will help a little. I certainly found hearing other people’s stories helped me.
Enjoy :) - Навчання та стиль
I have been drinking every night for 35 years I have decided to stop drinking for good. I am only a week in , but believe I can do it . Please pray for me.
I wish you the best of luck on the journey 🙏
@paul ... BLOODY shelias don't understand that there's a Devil in the bottle and he wants to see us dead mate
You have my prayers, Paul. I am now approaching 4 months sober.
Don't think of it as you're losing drinking, think of it as gaining your life in a new way.
How are doing Paul? I relapsed after 10 days. Alcohol is the great trickster
I have not drank since 1987. I don't know if I will ever drink again, but I do know I won't drink today.
That's incredible! Amazing. I'm just starting the journey but I'm loving it ☺️🙏
You win. I thought i was doing good not drinking since May 2020.
@@matthewwilliams2424 Stay in the moment, do what you did before buit dont stop doing it this time
Well said, thank you...
great job
US Marine combat veteran…I’m 6 months no booze today. I promise you all I have every reason or excuse to play the role of bad alcoholic but I walked away from it. It’s taken a few years of trial and error and figuring out how to manage my anxiety levels. Eat better, get better sleep, do some basic morning exercise (jumping jacks, push ups, squats, and a light run). Take vitamins and cut off unnecessary or unhealthy personal and professional relationships. Respect your path and don’t accept the fact that it has to continue the way it has.
I’ve sold my home, bought a new one, have my dream music studio in my house, healed relationships, tripled my monthly income, and healed physically and mentally exponentially…just in the last 6 months! Imagine 1,2,3…years! We are running out of time drunk or not…lots to do and lots to explore.
One day at a time…ride the waves of anxiety and pray to your father giving thanks and asking for forgiveness.
You got what it takes…no one is coming to save you…save yourself with the blessings of God.
I loved this. Congratulations and thank you
This is amazing, thank you so much for the comment 🙏
Thank you for your service! Blessings on your journey.
BeaUUUUtiful! Thank youuu very very inspiring! 🎉❤
Take care buddy 😊
Im a week in alcohol free. My father recently died and I feel he's telling me to stop. I agree with him.
I'm sorry to hear about your father, but I'm sure he would be proud of your efforts in self improvement. I wish you the best of luck on the journey 🙏🙏
Keep strong my brother. And am sure your father is proud of you
Stay strong buddy.. the rewards are far greater then you can imagine
Have you stayed sober? I'm approaching a week now myself.
Thats interesting. My dad was alcoholic. He cleaned his act up then got cancer and later died of a heart attack. He feels close lately as I decided even though I'm not addicted I'm giving up because of gealth reasons that may occur and money. Its expensive. Good luck. I like good wine but will find another taste.
I started drinking at 13. I've tried to quit many times, always knew it was holding me back and sabotaging my life. Somehow 3 months ago at 48, I decided I was done. I've never felt calmer and more in control of my life. I just went to a social gathering tonight where everyone was drinking and I wasn't even tempted. It feels fantastic to finally not need alcohol.
Hi Daphne, thanks so much for the comment and I'm so pleased you have taken control of it. Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
Way to go !
Stunning!!! Started at 13 now 52 and so tired of myself sabotage!! Its a new day new me...
Wow ! Truly amazing 👏 🙌
Thank you Daphne for sharing your story. This is inspiring me to also quit. I have had this thought for some time now but never had the guts to make that step. The more I read stories from people like you, the more tempted I am to finally do it. Wishing you lots of success and health in 2023.
Aged 60 when l decided that's it, no more drink for me. And so it was 91 now and as fit and active. Could never think of taking the poison again. It's been a great life sober.
Amazing! That's so good to hear. I'm 20-months in now and my life is so much better too. I hope make it to 91 as a fit and active person too! Thanks so much for the comment ☺️🙏
I just turned 60 and have been a alcoholic since mid 20’s - lost so much - your story gave me some hope
Wow amazing! Thank you for sharing your positive story xxx
Oh my gosh! This gives me hope. I'm 52 and battling the worst thing...alcohol is evil. I'm so happy for you. Thank you so much for posting xx
Over 30 days alcohol free and I'm right there with you. I think the most simple way you can put it is - alcohol takes more than it gives.
This is so true. Good luck on the journey 🙏
It has no power over us except for the power we give it. Don’t believe the lies of AA. You have what you need inside you, and we are more than conquerors..
2 years free from alcohol 🙏🏼
Congratulations! Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
I’m 95 days free of alcohol and prescription opioids (oxycodone). I was a high-functioning addict, systems architect, but that was rapidly changing. Thank god I found a great outpatient place that helped me. I go twice a week for 1.5 hours of therapy and also see a medical doctor once a month. I’m doing it for 2 years and then going down to 1 weekly therapy session. I’m NEVER drinking or taking pills again, except in post surgery or extreme situations, which me and my psychologist have developed a plan if that happens. I started going back to the gym 6 days a week, 1 hour of weights and 40 min of cardio. I’ve lost 27 pounds of fat and probably gained back half of the muscle mass I had loss (thank god for muscle memory). I’m also about to get a promotion because of how well a big project I recently completed went. That project would’ve been a disaster if i’d done it before being sober. Best of all, I feel clear and energized all day, every day. No more brain fog, depression, random crying spells due to dopamine crashes. I’ve never felt better. I’m so happy I got out of that quicksand that was dragging me down. If you’re out there struggling, give sober a chance however possible for 1 month to see the difference, it may change your life. Thanks for the great video! You seem like a great guy. Subscribing!
Edit: 131 days sober from oxycodone/alcohol!
What an amazing story, you've done so well! You had so much more hardship to overcome than I did, that's so impressive. I wish you the very best on your journey, and good luck with the promotion; it sounds to me like you deserve it 👏☺️🙏
@@ChrisBranch Thanks, I really appreciate it!
I’m so proud of you, I’m struggling with addictions still and promised myself to let go today and keep 11-11 in mind in my detox and during recovery, your story gives me hope thank you 💜🙏🏻
Happy for you Simon!
Way to go. We think it might be hard but it’s not, but being addicted is a different story, but not drinking is way better. Whooooooo hoooo for ya
Today I'm sober 70 days,...... it's really a different life without drinking,......after years of a miserable diet I'm now able to make better decisions on what I'm eating. I'm lifting weights every other day, and walking 3-4 miles briskly every day,......my disgusting beer gut has shrunk,(not totally) but I'm very confident I will complete the job of getting rid of the rest of that gut. I'm not sleeping a whole lot better, but I sure feel so good in the morning as I plan my day headache free. Being 71(yep a bona fide geezer) and not having to work, gives me no excuses not to exercise, and being sober makes not eating junk food a whole lot easier. The sugar cravings are, I think, not likely to subside, but I'll have an apple or some pineapple instead of cookies etc . I no longer meet my drinking friends at the local bar, and whilst I do miss them,....my sobriety is more important than going to the bar and risk drinking again. Making new non drinking friends is something that may be necessary for me to do moving forward. I'm feeling pretty good,....and as the days pass, my resolve to remain alcohol free grows. Hoping that those of you who stopped drinking can continue. Cheers.
Amazing, I'm so pleased for you. You're right though, it really makes other decisions easier when you're alcohol-free and this compounds in interesting ways ☺️🙏
Update: Yesterday was my 100th day without alcohol,......I really think I've got a good shot at staying alcohol free for the immediate future. My cravings for beer have, thankfully, subsided quite a bit. I'm still dedicated to my fitness program, and I continue to shed weight. I feel better physically, and I'm making decisions that are actually in my own self interests. So, to those people who are recently off the drink, and to those thinking of stopping drinking,.....I wish you nothing but success,..... it's ok to be sober. Cheers.
I drank pretty much every day since I turned 21. (I'm 35 now) listened to this book on audible and haven't drank for 7 months. Definitely a good read
Wow, what a transformation! Congratulations and well done for making the change 👊
Same here. My friends don't understand. I told them that my perception of alcohol has forever been changed. It's kind of like when you were a kid, you believed in Santa Claus right? However, once it was revealed to you that there was no Santa Claus there was no way for you to go back and believe in Santa Claus.
Congratulations. 💯🙏🏾
wow...this is me...I turn 36 in a couple weeks and have been drinking every day I was free to (not on deployments etc) since my 20's. I was trying to convince myself to stop and seeing someone post what you did made me see the reality of it. thank you. I'm stopping today. pray for me!
Great to know that !!
I'm 4 years clean off alcohol, best decision I have ever made. I feel a lot better, more energy, workout, healthier life, and the benefits keep going. I'm never going back to it. Glad you made the decision to stop before it started to become a big issue.
Nice one chris , very well articulated. I’m 28 days alcohol free , I already feel like a better person All round . Thanks
Thanks so much, I'm glad your feeling better too! I'm about 18-months in now and life is so much better ☺️🙏
After 25 years of drinking nearly every day of my life this month I am two years of perfect sobriety and I have never felt better in my life! And I also looked back at all the major mistakes I made in the past. While I do forgive myself I can now clearly see that all of them were a result of alcohol or simply alcohol fatigue. I try to tell my drinking friends that once you get past the cravings you will wake up every day and scream hell yes! It feels so damn good to be clean!
This is amazing! Congratulations on the two years, I've just passed that milestone myself. Life is better in every way 😊🙏
Congrats! This book changed my life, I just surpassed my 3-year mark (and didn't even realize it). Keep it up!
I'm so pleased! And yes, I'm kind of keeping count of the days just so I know when to make my next video 😂 otherwise I never think about it! Good luck on the journey 🙏😊
Most important book I've ever read. Hands down. 4 months sober. My anxiety didn't completely go away, but it's better. I think I was drinking to deal with the physical effects of an auto-immune disorder which made me chronically stressed. Of course alcohol only made it worse over time.
I think that happens for a lot of people, not with your specific autoimmune condition of course, but where they use alcohol to cope with a problem but it makes the problem worse. I know I have been in that situation in the past. Well done for making the decision 🙏🙂
When I stopped drinking 5 years ago...I started REALLY living. :)😊
I COMPLETELY agree! Life is so much better now. Thanks for the comment 😊🙏
I decided to go alcohol free from. 1 jan 2023. Day 13 today and I feel better already. I have noticed improvement already in my sleep, mind clarity and mood. I highly recommend Alan Carr's book, I fall asleep listening to it, and channels like this for help. I went to a hotel/ba rfor dinner a few nights ago and it was r eally interesting watching others whilst sober. Thanks for you content 🙏
Amazing work on getting started, I wish you the best on the journey ☺️🙏
I also started 1/1/2023 with the motto "Alcohol Free for 23"...saw the Joe Rogan video and now half way thru the book...feel amazing and confident this is going to work..Good Luck in your journey
Me too ! Im on day 25 now....Hows it going ?
I was in the second category , I gave up Alcohol COMPLETELY 4 Years ago, best decision of my life....
Amazing work Craig, I'm so pleased for you. Thanks for the comment 🙏☺️
Over 35 years I drank. I am 55 now and 6 months alcohol free, and I feel FREE! I also read that book about 2 years ago, curious about stopping. I feel so much of everything you have said! I feel like the true me now. Thank you for this video!
I'm totally with you, it's liberating, and such a joy to be free from it. Thanks so much for your comment 😊🙏
So happy to read your comment, Jill. I am 3 days sober at this moment. I am 50 and I have been drinking for the same amount of time, if not longer. I just want to be free as well. Best of luck to you.
@@vintagewino thank you and best of luck to you! I can tell you for some reason it is getting better everyday after that initial 6 months for me! I feel my joy coming back!💜
Keep going!
I have the same story. I saw that same Joe Rogan podcast you referred to, so thought why not read Allen Carr's book ( I listened to it on Audible). I was very sceptical. I still don't know how but it worked for me, even after years of trying with will power, and counting alcohol free days only to relapse countless times, i now have zero interest in drinking alcohol anymore, and very importantly, no will power needed! I simply don't want it. It's like a switch in my brain was flipped. That little snippet of a podcast I watched ended up being a major catalyst of my life.
Amazing! I’m so pleased it worked for you too. The analogy I use is that it’s like a magician showing you how a trick is done. For the rest of your life, every time you see the trick, you won’t be as amazed as before you knew. The book shows you how the trick of alcohol is done. Once you know, you can never unknow. Like you, I just don’t want it anymore. I never even think about it. I have been on two stag-do’s alcohol-free, I’ve been to weddings, on holidays, celebrated Christmas and birthdays, and I just don’t want to drink. It’s liberating!
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, I appreciate it 🙏☺️
Same story for me!
This is exactly what happened to me. Don’t know how it worked but it did. Congratulations!
Same here. My friends don't understand. I told them that my perception of alcohol has forever been changed. It's kind of like when you were a kid, you believed in Santa Claus right? However, once it was revealed to you that there was no Santa Claus there was no way for you to go back and believe in Santa Claus.
Congratulations. 💯🙏🏾
Thank you for your candid video. I am 63 and have really gotten back into working out and being healthy again. When I drank more than the equivalent of 3 beers, I would wake up with a racing heartbeat, sweating, feeling like crap and chastising myself. The next day or two were wasted. I hated it, but then I would do it again. I watched Dr. Andrew Huberman's video and it really hit me. I now drink soda water or I make myself a latte. I had a drink with my wife last weekend and, as you said, I did not even enjoy the taste. I definitely see the exit from the alcohol freeway, and I am accelerating toward it. Who knows, I may have already made the turn.
It sounds like your mind is questioning it. Maybe try a little experiment for a while, don't think of it as 'forever'. good luck on the journey 😊🙏
Carr’s book is amazing! I never could understand the AA stance that you will be an alcoholic forever. His book cured me and I am no longer an alcoholic and will never drink again! Thank you for your story and I wish you and your family the best!
Thank you so much for your comment. I agree, the AA model wouldn't work for me either, but I know it has saved so many lives. It just comes down to finding the model that works best for the individual. I wish you the best on the journey 😊🙏
Cure? What cure....its arrested my man
Great post. I'm 39 and drink socially, to excess fairly often but nothing TOO horrible. Never been in trouble, DUIs, broken things, fights or anything like that. But after a rough breakup that might have been influenced by excessive partying, it's been horrible. Moving out, new job, new town, new life. And with the drinking comes the rough morning, beer gut, irritability, anxiety/depression and paired with the thought of a former girlfriend moving on while you're half dead and bored on the couch all day and self-medicating with weed or "just one more beer" while watching the sun sink behind the horizon, culminating another wasted day is just too pathetic to bear. I actually was wondering what I'm even doing trying to live at this point. I remembered the statistics connecting alcohol use to s*icidal thoughts. It's too obvious now. I've vowed to change myself for the better in the past in other ways and stuck to it, so I am doing it now for drinking. Too many negative aspects in my life are tied to it and it's high time to cut back immensely before I enter my 40's if I'm ever going to have an enjoyable life. Thanks again for the encouragement in the video.
What a beautiful post, it sounds like you're in the right headspace to make change. Looking back, I used to have some pretty dark thoughts buzz around my head when I drank more frequently. As you say, the connection is obvious in hindsight, but I didn't make the link at the time. I am the most content I have ever been since giving up alcohol. Good luck with everything, I'm sure you will do well with it 🙏☺️
@@ChrisBranch Thanks man. Appreciate it! I'm fortunate to have a good family, career finally taking off, friends and passions so if some of these other guys can dig themselves out there's no reason I shouldn't be giving it a shot. I'll watch more videos here to keep up the motivation. Onward!
How's everything going for you?
How are you doing? Hoping you are free of it all in your 40's. Things ramped up in my 40's. I imagine it'd been even worse in my 50's. 56 days sober and loving it. Allen Carrs book was pretty amazing.
Re-reading my post, it doesn't even sound like me anymore! I still party- maybe a little too much still. But my spirits are higher and I'm socializing all the time. Dating is going okay, I got into better shape. I'd say I'm out of the weeds of depression at this point. Oh, and my ex came back. Though I'll be keeping her at arms length.
I'm very focused on my hobby (cooking) and am actually leaving to an award ceremony in a few hours to see if I placed 1st in a chowder competition haha
I did hit a couple low points during this time but there's a certain level where fight-or-flight mode kicks in for me and I just say "enough!" and start taking action to get out of the pit of despair. And it really helped. I know a lot of people caught in addiction and depression don't have the ability to do that, so I count myself lucky there.
My finances are trash and my career feels stagnant, but that's most people at this point so I'm going to be grateful for what I have.
Thanks for checking, guys!
Thought provoking, thanks, not only got me thinking of alcohol, but also my relationship with sugar. 👍🏼
Totally! The mindset can be applied to so many things. It's all about really paying attention to why you think you want it and realising it can be reframed. He actually has a book on sugar too. Search his name on Amazon and you'll find it 😊🙏
Just passed 11 days kicking the habbit. Your story strengthens my self confidence to continue. I will do a video like you when i reach 100 days. Thanks again for sharing
Thanks so much for commenting Maxwrll, good luck on the journey! I'm now about 18-months alcohol-free and life is so much better ☺️🙏
Very well done. Great to see your excellent video. It appears me that alternatives to rehab and aa are popping up for those with alcohol issues that are far less than extreme and can’t quite buy into the conventional methods of kicking booze out. As a friend of mine says “it does nothing for you”. Way to go Chris and thank you.
How’s it going now? I’m day 11, today.
Congratulations to you and everyone on this journey! I was two and a half years without a drink when suddenly I craved drinking, smoking, and getting high again. I did and it felt awful. A month later, I drank again, but this time only three beers and had one cigarette . I thought it went pretty good. A week later I tried the same, but ended up downing five beers and two cigarettes. Then did the same again for three or four nights in a row. On the last night, I smoked a bowl at the end and that made me aware of how drunk I was. The next day, no interest. But the day after that, I was back at it again. When I went to bed that night, I felt so stupid and lame for starting again and didn't want to continue the creep back to old habits. So I got up before I fell asleep, poured out the two beers I had managed not to drink yet, and tore up half a pack of cigarettes. That was two weeks ago and I'm back on the wagon, hopefully for the long haul this time.
The voice in your head is telling you that , You did fine. You have no problem. You can have a couple more without any side effects. And that voice keeps saying the same thing
Congratulations to you, too. Keep it up. We’re all doing the best we can💜💪🏽
Start eating no junk. No sweet stuff and no chips etc. Stick to meat and veggies.... you will feel better and that helps you stop cravings too. Carbs are addicting and beer is a carbohydrate for the most part. So eating bread and toast and sandwiches and chips makes you crave carbs and that will include beer
I had 10 days then blew it and drank for 3 days straight. Today would have been day 14 instead I am at day 1 again
@@lpsglitterpaws8536 I just fell off the wagon myself and drank four nights out of the last seven after two months sober. I'm getting better at not letting it upset me and just seeing it as part of the process and another reminder that I don't really enjoy or get as much out of drinking as my memories tell me I do. It's just not as fulfilling as it used to be.
Remember to just take it a day at a time. You just have to abstain today, not for months or years. I also find it helpful if I can naturally, organically lose interest in drinking (not trying to make myself lose interest.) For me, this means I no longer want to count the days of sobriety because that feels like I'm still attached.
Sobriety can become just the opposite side of the same coin if we're not careful. The drinking or using still has a hold on us, just in the opposite direction. We don't drink, or use, but it still dominates our identity and thoughts. While that's better than drinking and using, it's still not freedom. I want to learn and finally accept completely that there's nothing I want in a bottle or pipe or roll of paper that I want anymore. I want to give up pushing it away because I simply have no interest in it anymore.
Good luck to you in any case. Don't guilt yourself for tripping up if you do - it might just be part of yoir journey.
Thank you Chris! I'm 35 days sober and feeling great. Happy naturally and being more outgoing without alcohol! Stay strong everybody it gets better...Cv
That's a great observation, I feel it too - I'm now *more* confident in social situations where I thought I would be less confident. Being AF is a superpower ☺️💪
Ending day 3 for me. Thank you for the video. Good night, friends, Here is to a sober, hangover free Sunday,
Hangover-free Sundays are the BEST! I hope you enjoyed it :)
Awesome video Chris. This ticked so many boxes for me. After drinking for 27years I’ve finally seen the light and have realised I never need to drink again. You certainly have helped me on my journey. Thank you so so much 😊
Thanks so much, and I'm so pleased it helped you! Well done for making the decision, it's a wonderful journey 😊🙏
The explanation about your own scenario is both heartfelt and honestly insightful, thanks for that and best wishes for the future.
Thank you. Great video. 68 days sober
I could have kept listening to you for an hour afer your video ended!
I don't know what you do for a living but I hope it involves speaking to/with and helping peple b/c you have a calming effect when you communicate.
I've been alcohol-free for only a month and came across your video.
There are so many good people on the path of self-discovery - and its so encouraging to know I'm not alone.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Thank you so much for the comment! You're not the first person to mention my voice - maybe I should start a side-hustel of doing audiobooks! I wish you the best of luck on the journey :)
@@ChrisBranch Do it! Could be a good gig for you. You have a better ASMR voice than 95% of ASMR youtubers.
@@jjberg83 😂 I've never understood the asmr thing, I'd feel a bit of a fraud 😂🤦♂️
This was such a helpful video. It's like all the things I know in the back of my mind but hearing them solidified and outload is really impactful. I don't think I am ready to give it up completely but hearing the reframing of the reasons I "want" to drink really helps me because I am one of those people that likes feeling intoxicated. I may come to the point where I realize, like you did, that there is no "controlling" but for the time being I know this is going to help me desire moderation more! Thank you for sharing your story.
Good luck with it, and I'm pleased it helped 😊🙏
Hi. Great video. Discovered it today. You, describing yourself and your story was like me looking in the mirror. Today, I’m almost a month sober. I read the book, and have listened to the audio version multiple times. Especially when I feel moments of weakness. And, it helps to get me back on track. I’m 49 yrs old, and have never been a fan of social media or similar venues. But, watching people like yourself tell their story, and listening to others who are further asking in the journey has been super inspirational. It reinforces my drive to drop this addiction. Ty.
Now, I have these damn sugar cravings to kick. lol.
😂 yes, that darn sugar! I do find they're linked though; by giving up alcohol, that improves your sleep which reduces sugar cravings. Plus one good decision proves you are tough enough to make another good decision. You'll get there! Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
I would love to be the person that could have a little and stop. 11 days so far and I’m noticeably happier. Currently don’t want to go back to it. If I go back, the first time will be fine but it’s the snowball effect that gets you into a vicious cycle. Well done you and everyone else on this thread making the choice to stop - you’re all awesome.
I would definitely snowball back to my old ways too. I can't go back, but life is so much better now anyway I just don't want to. I wish you the best on the journey 😊🙏
@@ChrisBranch life is bloody brilliant without! All the best
Keep going!
Outstanding presenter. Clear and concise leaving me with an unexpected beautiful perspective change on alcohol!
Thanks Joanna, that's a lovely thing to say 😊🙏
I've watched so many videos and have read so many articles about the benefits of quitting drinking/alcohol, and I've had my moments of quitting/abstinence in the past but they never stick. I don't know why, but your video/story resonated more with me than any other. And I'm talking about 15+ years of watching videos or reading articles having a good intention behind doing so but would always fall into drinking for whatever reason/excuse I'd give myself (makes me more social, fun, etc.). I ordered Allen Carr's book, and I'm excited to read it. And I'm even more excited to have my partner read it after I do because I know they need the help as much as I do. Thank you for your story and video! 😃👍
Wow, that's a wonderful thing to read, thanks so much. Drop another comment once you've finished the book, I'm interested to hear what you think 🙏
One evening I didn't drink at all because I had Covid, it struck me in conversation that night how I really liked who I am.
I've just ordered Allan Carr's book and looking forward to being able to be that person who I like again.
Honestly, always being myself is my absolute favourite thing about sober living. I'm nearly 3 years in, and it hasn't got old. Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
Congratulations Chris. I'm glad your happy. I also read Allen's book. It changed my opinion of alcohol. I'm alcohol free and feel great.
Thanks so much Jim, I'm pleased it's working for you too! 😊🙏
7 days sober when I watched this. I'm a normy that can quit when I get tipsy....but I have been drinking every night for a really long time. I like all the points you brought up and thank you for making this video because it's helping me at this moment to try and stay alcohol free!
I saw that same video yesterday and immediately bought the book. I’m reading it now
Good luck on the journey! I'm approaching my one-year mark now, I'll make another video then (in 4 weeks time).
People still ask me why I've given up drinking, and my simple one-liner response is that, 'my life is better in every way!'.
good luck 😊🙏
Thank you. Such a genuine, thoughtful video. Your words made a difference. I’m ready to make this change, fear of living life without alcohol has held me back. But, I’m in your category of people, once I start drinking, all of my lovely intentions evaporate.
I’ll be getting the book and setting off on my alcohol-free journey. Very happy I found your video 🩵
I'm so pleased it helped! I have two more videos on living Alcohol-free - one at a year, and one at 1000 days. I share different ideas in each, so they may help you too 🙏
Your video was wonderful! It articulated and explained a lot of opinions I had before. Hope you are staying strong with your journey
Thanks so much, I appreciate that! And yes, I am now about 18-months in and my life is sooooo much better. Best of luck to you too :)
How ironic, saw the same Joe Rogan video and did exactly the same thing you did. Read the book 3 times cover to cover. Still didn’t work for me but I believed in the book. I couldn’t beat the little monster as you did so I did what I knew I needed to do. Finally signed myself into a recovery facility and stayed two weeks. Went in with the intention to just get past the little monster phase and then let the book work. Happy to say I have been sober since. I told them of the book as well and now they also offer it to others who come to their facility as well as an extra alternative resource.
Great video and thank you for sharing. I also will be creating a new channel to help others with this miserable addiction. Cheers mate
Amazing work, and well done for trying alternative routes when the book wasn't enough. You knew we had you needed to do, and you kept working til you achieved it. I admire that. Good luck on your journey ☺️🙏
Today is my 2nd day, I am not a heavy drinker but I just feel like I can be much better with zero alcohol. I recently got a girlfriend and I have the urge to be a responsible, caring partner and this video portrays what most of us want to have - a peaceful family that stays together as family. I want that for my future self too. Thank you for this video
That's the best reason to start the journey - to improve your relationships with your loved ones. Mine have become so much better since giving up. I wish you the best with it 🙏
I just ordered the book and I’ll get it on Friday before my trip home. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the tip and the great video.
Thanks so much, and good luck with it 😊🙏
Really a beautiful, heartfelt, incisive, lapidary exanation of how you got where you are today, Chris. Thank you so much. Inspiring!
What a lovely comment, thank you so much 🙏🙂
I am 10 months Alcohol Free. So far so good. Stay strong. Good video. Cheers.
Congratulations! I'm so pleased for you 😊 Good luck on the journey 🙏
I loved this video! Have been watching a lot of these on You Tube to help keep me on track with Dry January (and hopefully Dry Life!) and this is one of my favourites - lots of what you said resonated with me, and you have a nice manner - kind and engaging. Thank you!
Thanks so much for your kind comments, I'm glad it helped! Best of luck with Dry January 😊 🙏
Its crazy how similar my story is to yours. Way to go man keep it up and stay strong. Sober is the best life.
Thanks so much for your comment. I'm now 20-months in and life is so much better! Even with Christmas coming up, there's not a thought in my mind that I ever want to drink again. Good luck on your journey 😊🙏
Everything you said resonates with me. I'm 16 months sober and it's not will power keeping me here, but rather true gratitude and appreciation for how my life is now. Thanks for your post. ❤
This is so true. Thanks so much for the comment 🙏😊
I read alan carrs book on stop smoking 10 years ago. I at that time was smoking and drinking WAY too much. After reading the book on smoking, quit both. Feel so much better!!
Great video I’m glad I saw it , I’m starting sobriety,today is the first day, can’t wait to be alcohol free for at least a month and so on .
I'm not a member of AA, but I do like their 'one day at a time' principle. That's all we can ever aim for, and gradually your life will change 😊 🙏
Did you manage to reach one month?
@@mariyanzhelev3190 hi thanks tie asking and yes it has been little over a month today , I’m so happy .
Thank you so much, Chris. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Appreciate you!
Thank you so much for your kind comments, I'm so pleased it helped. I wish you the very best in the journey 🙏🙏🙏
Absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much. I needed to hear this message.
Great video! I wasn't a heavy drinker I'm just in love with red wine and I'm not into socializing that kind of thing so quitting alcohol is the best decision ever! My mind is a lot clearier, my productivity is increasing and I'm preparing myself to be a sober mum :))
I'm so pleased it's working for you ☺️🙏
Eu estava com imunidade baixa e os meus exames do fígado acusaram TGO e TGP elevados. Há um ano eu simplesmente parei de beber e, em menos de 15 dias, já comecei a sentir os benefícios. Nunca mais tive uma gripe, perdi 10 kg, retomei as atividades físicas, durmo bem, abandonei todo tipo de remédio. Hoje eu apenas me pergunto onde eu estava com a cabeça por me maltratar assim pelo uso do álcool. Uma parte da resposta é o estímulo via publicidade, música, TV e cinema.
your presentation of this information was really disarming and thoughtful. thank you for putting this out into the world, it's a huge benefit to be able to listen to it!
That is so kind to say, thank you so much 😊🙏
I was addicted to alcohol for 40 years and was instantly cured of the addiction after listening to The Easy Way audiobook. That was six years ago. After finishing the book my addiction was gone. Since then I have had no desire to take alcohol. It took no willpower whatsoever. It was like a miracle. A true cure. I'm so thankful I found it.
Wow, that is amazing to hear! In one sense, I’m not surprised; I also have zero desire to drink thanks to the book, but I wasn’t dependent on alcohol. Many of the comments I get on here from ex-addicts say the book hasn’t been helpful, so I’m pleased it was for you ☺️🙏
I like your test regarding the feeling of getting tipsy. All I can say is I know A LOT of people who drink to excess. I’m just glad I’m not one of them anymore.
Me too, I can't ever imagine going back to it now - life is too good without it 😊🙏
Excellent video. Thank you. I stopped drinking 7 years ago, and it is still relevant and helpful to hear your experience. It seems like the approach the book takes which you describe would apply to so many things. Interesting to observe how our mindset can mold itself to what we believe is bringing us relief and/or pleasure, and also how that can shift. Good to know about Allen Carr's book. And glad to know about you. Looking forward to hearing more of your insights.
Thank you for this lovely comment, and I'm so pleased you have had 7 years without alcohol too!
And yes, I loved how this book helped me reframe things, and I have helped other people reframe things in their life too, like sugar addiction, for example.
I'm coming up to 2 years sober now so I will be making another video soon :)
Wow. Excellent story and video. Thanks for sharing. I am almost 2 years alcohol sober . I appreciated this message for support 😊
Thanks so much for the comment and good luck on the journey 😊🙏
Great video Chris. Thanks for sharing and being so open and honest.
Thanks so much, I hope it helped! Best of luck on the journey ☺️🙏
Thanks for making this Chris. It helped me and I’ll share it with others. You can add to the benefits list that buying booze it’s far more expensive than even a few years ago. $50!for a bottle of liquor is nuts.
Oh yes, I'm saving a fortune! It's funding all my ultrarunning kit! 😂
3:33 This is a fine point but an important one, I believe. At 3:28 you say “…this is not okay…” and “I don’t want to be doing this anymore…” in the same breath and it sounds like you mean those phrases as a single thought. My own experience is that they’re very, very different things. One is recognition of a problem, the other is the beginning of resolution to do something about the problem. In my roughly 30 year of drinking somewhere between too much and way too much, I recognized at nearly every drink that I had a problem, but I said quietly to myself ‘right now I don’t care’ and carried on. It wasn’t until my wife - miraculously, still married to her - took me to ER and I emerged three days later that I was clear enough to say ‘no more’. The act of rejecting alcohol was a totally separate event in my life from the recognition of a problem. I believe that saying you have a problem, whether to yourself or to someone else, is just the spark of an idea. A hard, meaningful, lasting decision is another order of awareness altogether.
I’ve been sober 15 years.
This is a fantastic analysis, and I completely agree with you. I had also known for a long time that it wasn't okay, but I think that day was the first time that I ever had such clarity that it can't ever happen again, and the only way I can achieve that is to take it out completely.
Thank you for sharing your story too, and I'm so pleased you have stuck to the journey all this time. I wish you the very best 😊🙏
Thank you, this has helped me a lot. I will keep you updated :)
I wish you the best with it 😊🙏
Excellent video, very well articulated. I bought the book years ago but never finished it....I think it's time to pick it up again. Thanks fella 👍
Don't worry, he covers that in the intro - it's common to have the book on your shelf for a while, it needs to be the right time, but I can definitely recommend it 😊 🙏
Ive found that taking magnesium gets rid of the anxiety that comes from alcohol withdrawal,and helps with sleep if taken in the evening.I decided to quit recently as have been binge drinking for 12 years and honestly life is too precious..and i hate the depressed feeling alcohol causes.
I completely agree. Well done for making the transition ☺️🙏
This video was so inspirational thank you!!!!!
I'm so pleased! Good luck on your journey 😊🙏
Just like to say you're very brave to put this out. Happy that you've come this far and are inspiring many others to stop drinking.
That's very kind to say, I appreciate it ☺️🙏
I relate so much to this.
Thank you. Here’s to day one once and for all, I pray.
I wish you the very best on the journey 🙏
How's it going
Spot on I'm 50 now.. 30 plus years of binge drinking mainly weekends, holidays etc, your story is a lot like mine...Had periods where I abstained...Sick of it now though ,Suddenly I really dont want it anymore,,Prefer spending time up gym etc...Anxiety gets worse, recovery gets worse it affects every area of my life.. The hard part is socal situations and your drinking buddies etc its like my mind tells me I should still be doing it as everyone else is and it's the norm..
Thanks for the comment, and yes, I agree, it can be hard in social situations, but definitely not impossible. The book helped me, and I also have good friends! I haven't had one single episode where people try to get me to drink. I've told them what I'm doing and they respect it. The only anxiety is is my head; my mates really don't care! I made another video at 12 months where I discuss this a bit more. I repeat some of what I said in this video, but then I talk more about the strategies I've learnt to help socially. I hope it helps :) ua-cam.com/video/S8eKTFtlAes/v-deo.html
@@ChrisBranch Nice one thanks mate !
I’m amazed! I found the book from that same Joe Rogan episode and it changed my life.
I had tried with will power over and over and failed.
This book truly saved my life
It's such an incredible book! I'm 18-months in now and I still have NO desire to drink. It literally flicked a switch in my mind and it requires zero effort to stay alcohol-free. Life is SO much better now, and I didn't even drink *that* much (most of the time!). I love the alcohol-free life, and I'm so pleased you are doing well with it too 😊🙏
That book helped me to stop too! Since April 😊
@@rhondasedillo4612 amazing! Well done Rhonda, good luck on the journey ☺️🙏
Hey, this video is awesome. This is the first video I have come across of yours, and I just happen to be a runner as well!!! Wonderful channel and great story, best wishes to you!! This video has helped so many people you have no clue
Thanks so much for the comment! I'm so pleased the video helped 😊🙏
Great video! I saw that same interview on Joe Rogan last week and I’ve just finished the book. I’m on day five of being alcohol free and feeling great. Thank you.
AMAZING! I’m so pleased for you ☺️ . Best of luck with it 🙏
I read the same book 3 years ago. Haven’t drank since. Don’t miss it. The books makes you feel free 🙏💖
Totally, completely free, it's liberating! 😊🙏
I just stopped drinking a few years ago! Don't need it and don't miss it. I don't feel any better for it and never lost any weight!
Well done Wendy! Haha, it's a shame you didn't feel any better for it though 🤦♂️☺️
Ouchy
Bless you. Fantastic message. Many thanks!
I am connecting with all the benefits and downsides you’re talking about right now.
I wanted to say I'm 11 months sober. Got in trouble with the law due to it. I could not quit for the life of me with several failed attempts. The way I stopped was due to a book called How to Quit Drinking without willpower by Allen Carr. Once I finished the book I never craved alcohol again.
Well done Justin, that's amazing! Good luck on the journey 🙏
I totally understand what you mean with the one person that will naturally stop after a few drinks and the other type, like myself that keep drinking till passing out really
I've looked into it and I think there are genetic factors involved which change how alcohol interacts with the brain. (For reference, I heard Jordan Peterson say it on Theo Von's podcast.) Whatever it is, I definitely do better without alcohol in my life! Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
@@solarcoffee640 you're right, it's more nuanced than I said in the video. I wish you the best on your journey 🙏☺️
I was trying to say thank you for sharing and you most certainly did make the right choice🥰😁👍💕
You just told my story. I’m on day 70. Thank you for sharing
Hi David, thanks so much for the comment and I'm so pleased it helped. Good luck on the journey 😊🙏
I picked up smoking at the age of 29 and it took me 4 years to quit. I'm now 147 days smoke free and it's been incredible.
I read Allen Carr's Easyway to Quit Smoking book and I never looked back. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't read the book all the way through or they don't follow Carr's instructions to the letter - they don't smoke while reading or they don't smoke the last cig at the end. These mistakes lead them back to smoking.
Sadly, my best friend is an alcoholic, so that's why I found your video. Thanks, mate!
The book definitely works best when read to the end. His theory is so complete, but you have to read each chapter so there are no gaps to fall through.
I wish your friend the very best. It sounds like they are in a tougher situation than I was, but with the right help, I’m sure there’s an answer 🙏
@@ChrisBranch Thanks, man, really appreciate it ❤
I’m finishing his book today and made some notes in the end chapters to look back on when I get cravings because I still feel like ‘losing’ something while I read to the last chapter twice. But I’m still quitting today 11-11. It’s a brainwash I worked 15 years with, man it’s almost the same as a harddrug to come off 😕
Dr Hubermans podcast on alcohol and its impact on your body is a great watch and how we chase a better buzz after the first drink. He explains the physiology and psychology of it very well. I think the biggest obstacles to stopping are social events and cultural aspects of how we view drinking.
Thanks for your comment, I keep meaning to listen to that episode with Dr Humerman - thanks for the reminder! 🙏
@@ChrisBranchIt’s a must-listen!
His smoking book has been helpful for me as well.
Thanks for sharing your story.
You're most welcome 😊 🙏
I still struggle to go longer than a month sober (my record) but I keep getting back up. So glad I read Allen Carr's book. It changed my life. I sense a really chill forthright soul in you dude. Subscribed
Thanks so much for your comment. Did you manage to go past a month once you'd read the book? I wish you the best on the journey 🙂🙏
@@ChrisBranch You bet. Yes soon after I went 10 days, then 29 days lol and then 31 days sober. Now the goal is 50. Thanks Chris!
I am alcohol free and I am drug free.
Congratulations! I'm loving this lifestyle too ☺️🙏
I'm the same type of drinker as you were. I do enjoy a beer, but it's not at all habitual. However, once I start drinking, I get this thirst and I just don't know when to stop.
I haven't quite decided to pack it in altogether, just yet, but I am having a go at not doing it for a while.
Good luck on the journey 🙂🙏
Great video Chris. Stumbled across your channel recently and your videos really speak to me. (We are the same age, young family, recently got into speciality coffee, the works!) I am currently getting back into physical fitness and recently made the decision to kick alcohol for most of the reasons you outlined in this video. Part of my attempts at shifting towards ‘intentional living.’ Best of luck for the channel and please keep posting new material. - Rob
Thank you so much for this comment, I'm so pleased these videos have helped. This has actually given me motivation to get back to making videos this week (I was a bit lazy over Christmas!).
I loved having a sober Christmas, I did so much running! My 1-yr milestone will be in April, so keep an eye out for that video. I'm confident I won't be going back to alcohol at all this time, i just don't want it anymore (although, I stress that I'm not preaching this approach to anyone else! This is just what works for me 😊)
Thanks again for your comment and I'll pull my finger out and start making more videos 😊🙏
Thank you. This was really helpful, relatable and delivered in a lovely, calm manner. I'd already watched the interview with Nicky Glasseer, so will definitely read the book now!
Thank you so much, I hope the book helps you 😊🙏
Very disappointed in this video. Was expecting to hear your story and your opinions. Felt like you were promoting somebody else’s book. Thought that mentioning the book as a tool to use would be great but then just went on and on about what the book said. Wanted YOUR story not reciting a book.
Fair enough. I think I felt like the book *was* my story. It totally reframed how I thought of things, and I still live the lessons from that book every day. I made another video when I crossed the one-year mark which shares some real-life examples of how this has affected my life, but the book really did change things for me and I do use the strategies all the time.
Either way, thanks for the comment and I wish you the best 🙏
Here is the link to the audio file of the book - free to listen - this is how I quit - good luck. ua-cam.com/video/lsTLkZ71ANA/v-deo.html
I blame the vikings
I just bought this book and cannot wait to read it, there is another lovely soul on youtube named Leon who has his own program now and became AF after ten tears of drinking while reading this book. I wanted to join his program but it is way too expensive. I like learning from others and hope you can learn something too, do not give up we can all work together to live one another up.
@@jenniferanand3306
True Story - I bought the book
Allen Carr's How to Control Alcohol.
Then I found someone had uploaded the audio to UA-cam.
Here it is.
ua-cam.com/video/lsTLkZ71ANA/v-deo.html
Its 8 hours long so I listened to it in 1/2 hour segments.
After 30 plus years of self abuse with wine I stopped drinking at the 2 hour mark.
And I did it BEFORE the book arrived!
Closing in on 1 year sober now. Good luck!
Fantastic video, Chris! You're very soft-spoken and articulate. I'm in the process of re-evaluating my relationship with alcohol, and this video was really insightful. I'm very shy in social situations, and I've used alcohol as a band-aid in those types of situations, but I've come to realize, as you talked about as well, that I need to work on embracing the anxiety and the discomfort instead of hiding behind alcohol.
Thanks so much for your kind comment. I have found that I have become more confident since giving up and embracing the discomfort of social situations. Every other area of my life is better too, so I'm definitely sticking with it. Whatever you decide with it, I wish you the best on the journey 😊🙏
Hi Chris..Great video! I just wanted to say also that my life has been ruined (I’m 75 now) ,not by drinking myself but by people in my life drinking to excess and impacting my life negatively! I want to get away from them but it is so difficult when you love people and And then, at my age and circumstances it is so difficult to manage a move on my own. I am going to try though as their behaviour has affected my health and sanity and I just want some peace before I die. Bless you for your message and I sincerely hope that many hear your message!
This sounds tough, but worth fighting for. I hope you find your peace 😊🙏
@@ChrisBranch thank you 🤗
This was great Chris. Thanks
You're most welcome ☺️🙏
Inspiring and cogent review of the book and your explanation of how your life has improved. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind comment 😊🙏
just ordered the book... thank you for this :)
You’re most welcome 🙏 Good luck with it!
THANKS SO MUCH for your advice. Read the book. Didn't listen to the final instructions as I thought "the timing wasn't right." Failed! DUH! Read it again (as suggested) and l followed the directions on a quiet weekend and DONE! No alcohol for 4 days so far, and not missing it. Thanks so much for your advice and thanks so much to Allen Carr for writing this amazing book. Cheers! 😀
Great work! I hope the days are clocking up for you 😊🙏
Great to see these posts. Im About to be 2 years sober in September.
AA was my solution to start and it helped get me sober and to really self reflect on my life.
The over the top threatening to not leave or youll drink and die rhetoric and the desperstion of do you think your better than the rest of us wore me down in the end. Its an interesting place where a pile of ego resides, however it can absolutely work but just choose your home group very carefully and if you get sober and want to leave have a crack....it can be really liberating
Thank you for this. I've just passed two years too and I need to make another video soon.
It's been interesting reading the comments on this video. I have no experience with AA, and I didn't feel like my relationship with alcohol was severe enough to try it.
I totally believe AA is the best approach for many though, and as you say, with the right group, there will be peers to help you along the way. Surrounding ourselves by good people is the best way to build any new habit in life.
Good luck on the journey 😊🙏