I’m two years sober this June and I quit because it was literally harming my body. I felt like garbage after even a few sips and yet my social conditioning kept me drinking. I finally quit after a bad hangover and have not looked back. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my mind, body and soul. So proud of you Lucy - it’s a tough but incredibly healing journey
I’m just hitting a year, and I feel like my body feels SO much better. No more sick stomachs, anxiety, guilt, shame. No more terrible hangovers. No more blackouts No more just constantly feeling blah, even if I wasn’t outright hung over. Even with all that I still get the occasional urge, but I do just what Lucy described, I think past the first few drinks, onto the fifth and sixth, and the feeling later that evening,and the next day, and that little urge passes pretty quickly. Breaking up was easy for me after I found Allen Carr, but however you go about it, if you feel like alcohol just isn’t working in up your life , at least consider a break. This Naked Mind offers a free 30 Alcohol Challenging that can guide you throughout it. There are many resources besides AA, and you don’t need to be labeled an alcoholic or attend meetings. There are definitely other options these days
I quit for 30days no problem and then I had some wine with dinner and then I drank again everyday for another month… 🤦♀️ no you can’t just have a sip and leave I know now it does not work for me either… hungover life is for the birds so I’m starting again and will stay busy doing things that interest me and away from it permanently…I felt GREAT when I wasn’t drinking
Just watching this in full hangxiety mode. I have been noticing more and more that alcohol triggers depressive episodes for me and it can take me a week sometimes to get back to feeling normal. Alcohol is a huge part of my social life with both family and friends, infact my brain always thinks 'what am I drinking' before I go to any event or meet up! I really need to take a step back. It's really reassuring to hear the experience of other young women. Thankyou for this video xx
I feel the same, it triggers like a week of feeling down and also being more likely to drink. Whereas I never have a regret when I don't drink, it's so nice to know other people are in the same boat.
@erin. I thought i was the only one. I dont drink..only like at christmas. The next day im always extremely depressed. I knew it was because of the alcohol, because i hardly drink. So now i have not drank in 4 years
@@coll6914 I went sober for 2 years and felt the best I ever had. Literally felt like a superhuman. Ended up slipping and again, a night of heavy drinking leads to 4 days of not feeling all the way there. I feel down and depressed, and although I know the feeling will pass and life is beautiful, who wants to feel like that? Being sober is really the best way to live, alcohol is poison.
Full hangxiety…I felt that. The day after I am literally beside myself like I’m losing my mind. I think if the worst possible things from the past and ruminate on them the whole day, next day and day after that. Also I go completely off plan with food - I go nuts eating everything. I’m generally not out of the woods until a week later. Such a waste of time!
YOU'RE AMAZING for talking about this. I feel like people don't really understand alcoholism. They tend to say "Just have one and leave." but it controls your whole body and perception. Thank you for talking about this I'm assuming it was difficult and triggering.
@@AutomaticDuck300 I was sober for almost 2 years and felt the best I have in years. Started drinking again and was able to drink in moderation the first few months. Eventually I got to the point where I was going too hard again. I've come to the realization that I can't do anything in moderation, either I do something or I don't. I'll be going sober in a few days.
From 49 years of perspective, I can tell you that it is distressingly easy to relapse. I started quitting when I was in my twenties , and I've been through several cycles of quitting and relapsing. The longest I ever quit was about three years. My advice: Hang out with sober people. Remember that if you relapse you can quit again. And don't feel bad about yourself if you start again, you can always take control of your life.
I think most drinkers gravitate towards other drinkers, and after a while your entire social group is made up of drinkers! So when you quit drinking you have to quit that social group!
The way you described your relationship with alcohol is almost identical to mine. I’ve ruined my life a few times over (seriously) because of my black outs. I’m currently just over 3 months sober and just finished a weekend working behind a bar at a festival - the pressure to drink was HIGH and CONSTANT. I wont lie, I was tempted a couple of times. I didn’t search for this video but I’m glad I found it, it makes me feel less alone. I recorded a video talking to myself, for myself and I also dislike the label “alcoholism”.
Hey I’m not sure if you’ve heard of the ‘I am sober’ app, but they have a posting section from people all over the world talking about their experiences that quit at the same time. It’s been very helpful to feel less alone 😊
Make it easier for yourself. Find out why you don’t want to drink and identify yourself as somebody who doesn’t do those behaviours. E.g. I’m somebody who doesn’t make bad decisions and alcohol makes me do that. I’m somebody who lives in the moment and alcohol takes me out of that. I’m somebody who likes to be in control and alcohol makes me lose control. Whatever works for you.
I watched this video a year ago but it didn’t really register with me. I just wasn’t ready. Here I am a year later, 1 month alcohol free, watching it again and relating to everything you’re saying. Thanks for sharing! ❤
I quit drinking for largely all the same reasons as you - girl about town, always the last one standing (I STILL AM), started blacking out towards the end of my drinking, tried to moderate cut down and quit many times before. My drinking wasn't considered by anyone that knew me to be problematic, but I knew deep in my heart that it really really was, I was just very high functioning. I didn't "drink in the morning" or "drink every day" or all of the things you're told make you a problem drinker. But I've been waiting for this video from you for ages and I'm SO glad you made it. I'm coming up to 2 years sober next month and legit best decision I ever made and the time does FLY by! Power to you Lucy, there's hardly any content like this online that I desperately wanted when I was in the early months so you're going to be helping so many people! x
Learning about gray area drinking was the light bulb moment for me. It’s easy to think you’re either an alcoholic or a “normal drinker” but for most people it really is a spectrum.
I have lost several "close friends" after I said I need to stop going out to bars at night. It was bringing me so much anxiety. I was simply surviving vs actually living. My life dramatically improved once I started to living a sober life.
I almost never post anything online - but I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to you, Lucy. It really takes courage to acknowledge that something that is so culturally normalised can be harmful. It doesn't need to be at the point of being the stereotypical alcoholic to realise that something is wrong. As someone who has grown up with an alcoholic parent, my perception on alcohol has always been different to my peers. Alcohol is at the heart of socialising and making friends, so I have spent many years in my teens/20s feeling really lonely and isolated. But seeing videos like this makes me feel so comforted and I just can't thank you enough
Your story sounds SO much like mine!!!! I just hit 8 years of sobriety in April 😊 to everyone reading this, you got this! It’s hard but knowing we’re not alone makes it so much easier ❤️
currently in sober living, been here for 5 and a half months after 60 days in residential treatment, been almost 7 and a half months without drugs or alcohol thank you so so so much for talking about this. I'm 23 and there aren't many young people sharing their experience with addiction and/or sobriety
as a person who also does not drink, I really relate to doing the things people do drunk when sober on a nightout. I have always gotten into the same 'vibe' als the people around me, I just have much more control over my actions. and so the next morning i can look at my actions and take full responsibility
Same, for phobia reasons I've only had about 2 sips of alcohol in my life and it made me panic. But when I'm with people who are drinking, I don't feel like I'm enjoying myself any less (up until the point where people start getting risky for vomitty reasons, and then I go into fight or flight and then I hate it). But I call it "contact drunk" because you do get silly and a bit more daring, but the "stop" button is always there
i don’t drink because my mother was/is an abusive alcoholic, and my step father would become violent when drinking. when people find out i don’t drink, they are almost horrified and demand why. i don’t think it’s anybody’s business, and there’s never a good answer when it comes to not drinking so i have no idea why people ask. knowing when you can’t handle alcohol is a powerful thing. i wish more people could be sober and avoid harm. thank you for talking about this.
So proud of you! Everytime I go out and stay sober, I feel so much better the day after, it's like wow I had so much fun just dancing and not drinking a single drop of alcohol and I feel great the day after. Truly the best
I set myself a target of 50 days sober which I achieved. Had my hen do this weekend an had a blow out, I had the BEST time. However it definitely put a lot of things into perspective for me, and will be continuing my sobriety from now onwards. I definitely recommend ‘The Sober Girl Society Handbook’. To those of you thinking of starting your journey, you’ve got this and you can definitely do it 💖
I’m so happy this video randomly came into my life. I’m currently 10 days sober. Everything you said in this video about when you were drinking hit so close to home. I’m already seeing so many changes and I can’t wait to see where I’m at at 6 months!
I know you say that you think your last video about alcohol was a disaster, but i remember so vividly watching it and realising that’s what I needed. It wasn’t clear to me until I saw someone basically repeat back to me (you) how I behaved with alcohol. I have been pretty much sober ever since (3 years) and it changed my life. So thank you!
I don’t feel like I have it in me to quit forever but I’m trying each day. It will be one day at a time for the rest of my life. I hope you stay strong and stay healthy and happy.
2 1/2 years sober for me now, honestly, it really helped watching you talk about this. Putting it in a much more real and honest perspective. Thank you. Seriously. Cheers love
From the description of wanting to drink, not wanting to drink, limiting the drinks, to the constant thoughts of drinking, the thyroid problems, negative impacts of alcohol, etc. this video and is me to a "T". Thank you for sharing this, it was the motivation I needed to set myself on a better path. Kuddos to you for sharing your vulnerability and setting boundaries for yourself.
The way you talk about sobriety reminds me that you don’t have to a raging alcoholic to identify that you have a problem / bad relationship with alcohol. Thankyou for talking about this, it’s encouraged me to check in with my own habits !! Big love and congratulations on 6 months +🏆💖
im so glad you're talking about this. my boyfriend and I had trouble controlling our behavior when we would drink, getting into ridiculous fights that sober us couldnt comprehend. so we decided to stop binge drinking, stop going out and we honestly lost a lot of friends in the process...people just didnt understand why and thought we were being boring. now we'll have wine champagne and beer on special occasions, but its rare we cross the line from a drink or two to binge drinking and our relationship is so much better because of it.
well done !!! i've been sober for 13 years now and it's the best thing i ever did , i used to get depressed and this has disappeared also have had so many amazing holidays that i would never have been able to afford when i was drinking alcohol , keep up the good work .
I had a pretty bad relationship with alcohol in my 20s (I'm 33 now). I quit because I thought it was causing me anxiety which is crippling. I quit drinking for a year and a half, and for me my anxiety got so much worse. I realized for me that taking something away and saying you can't do that for some reason just set me on a bad path. I brought drinking back into my life in October 2021. It has made me realize what I was doing wrong before and how I can fix that for myself. I have worked very hard on not binging. Everyone's relationship is so different. Good for you on your journey! That's amazing 🥰
I think what many people outside of the UK wouldn't realise is that not drinking in the UK is almost seen as a cardinal sin The country has an enormous problem with excessive alcohol consumption to the point where people can no longer identify the line between what is too much alcohol and what's socially accepted. What is considered alcoholism in one country would still be normal/unalarming amounts of alcohol in the UK It's not just the frequency that British people drink, but the intention behind it. Most drink to get drunk, rather than in other countries like Italy where having a glass of wine each night with dinner is normal, but getting hammered or having more than one glass is not. For them wine with dinner is more seen for the sake of enjoying the taste, rather than the goal of becoming inebriated. So sober in the UK is literally another level of achievement. Thank you for sharing. Good luck on your journey 4 years sober myself and am so over it lol (as in over alcohol). I also started out like you saying never say never but I can't see myself touching a drink ever again.
It's absolutely insane how perfectly timed in my life this video has come. I'm 21 and relate to your blackout experiences immensely. My best friend doesn't actually drink and I really think I just need to quit. I always think maybe one day I could just "have one and leave" but I just don't think that's a reality for me. THANK YOU for this video. I've been watching you since I was a teenager for years and I remember your first video about this. That was before i even really had a close relationship with alcohol. It's crazy how I'm now here and I relate so much to your story. Thank you.
Admitting to yourself what is going is not healthy is defnitely so hard,I hope you figure something out that works for you and wish you the best! I believe in you!
This is such a vulnerable video, huge well done for talking so openly about your experience. You have been a massive inspiration to me to go sober, I've been sober for almost 4 weeks. I used alcohol as a way to cope with any family gatherings, I have a very narcissistic and abusive family and anytime I had to be in a room with them I'd just drink and drink not caring about any consequences. During lockdown, like everyone, I started drinking more frequently, 3 times a week instead of maybe one, and I then would count down the days until my next drink. Strangely what's happened to me now is that my body has built an intolerance to it and I just found out I'm actually allergic to alcohol after abusing myself for the past 2 years. So in a way, I'm so thankful I now have not only a mental but a physical aspect to going sober. Sending huge love your way xo
Kudos to you for being so frank and honest. I’m in my sixties and just couldn’t tolerate it any more. I’ve always binged. I watched Andrew Huberman UA-cam on alcohol. After that I was totally turned off. Thank you for your honesty. It takes a lot to expose yourself as you have but so helpful to everyone. Hugs.
I’m 7months sober yesterday - as a 28 year old in NYC with alcoholism in my family, I totally relate to how you talked about your journey, quit lit, and how the way my friends think about it is so different to me. So happy to see you happy and also it’s nice to see someone else who quit too. ❤
well done. I'm 42, currently 9 months alcohol free. amazing benefits. better mood, better sleep, better memory. enjoy music way more. don't listen to nay sayers, you are doing the right thing.
It is so incredible that you have offered up your story to us. I grew up surrounded by alcoholics, including one of my parents, and it is so emotional for me to see you speaking about this in such a measured, rational way. I carry a lot of trauma related to alcohol, but hearing you speak about it in the way you do inspires me to continue having those important conversations and getting to the root of my trauma. Thank you, and well done❤️
Hey Lucy! I stopped drinking in 2019 when I was 26 and I do not regret it at all. I was living in Ireland at that time so it was difficult because it is a country where alcohol plays a huge role. In the beginning, I felt judged by my decision by people and friends. However, I knew it was the best decision for me. After almost 4 years I can say that I feel more connected with myself and I feel healthier. Keep doing what you are doing!
Lucy this feels so full circle from when I saw your first video God, six years ago now? I remember at the time feeling in such a similar position and I cannot tell you how helpful it is to have a woman my age being able to objectively look at their relationship with alcohol and say it's not making them happy. You've grown into such a well rounded adult ☺️
I love this! I have a very bad physical reaction to alcohol (ie one drink and I feel horrible and sick) but often use to force myself to drink bc of social and societal pressure. Just recently I decided to stop doing that and it’s been great but also hard in those moments where people first start drinking and before they get really drunk. Support your journey!
@me too. When i drink , the next day i have a huge depression. I knew that it was bc of the alcohol. Because i hardly drink. Cut out completely. Feel super
this video is really really interesting, young women as a demographic not really associated to sobriety. thank you so much for sharing your experience with the world. you seem to be doing great and your channel is thriving! I am parasocially really happy for you lucy :)
This just makes me feel soooo much better. I’ve just decided to quit after getting black out drunk and being an absolute cow to my boyfriend. It makes you feel shit when you can’t remember anything. But this genuinely makes me feel so much less alone💕 thank you so much for this video x
I am studying to be a therapist and just know that talking about your story is helping so many people struggling with alcohol use. Please continue sharing your story and best of luck on your sobriety journey!
Thank you Lucy, I've been slowly going sober this last month, while still having a couple of drinks here and there. Went to my first sober home party saturday and it was great, woke up the next morning feeling tired, but so much more energetic and less worried (i'm a big black out girl too) ! This video really convinced me to stop completely, thank you for your honesty !
Blackouts are so misunderstood too… with people thinking it’s drinking to unconsciousness, but you can look pretty much “awake” when blackout if someone doesn’t realise what’s happening. It’s so dangerous to drink if you have this (I think genetic?) issue… glad you’re on this journey early in life.
Thank you for sharing! What you said about the big alcohol industry is so true, and I’ve definitely noticed it especially in regards to women’s alcohol consumption. And I think also a lot of women don’t realize they have a problem because what we see in media and stuff as alcoholism is the angry, agressive middle aged man who chugs ten beers every night. We don’t realize what it looks like in women, especially younger women. And we don’t realize what counts as borderline alcoholism. Even what most people consider normal “social drinking” would be flagged at most medical providers as alcoholism or at risk for alcoholism.
Lucy! This is amazing. I found your channel YEARS ago when I was trying to moderate/cut back on drinking. You really inspired me by sharing your journey. It took me a few years later to finally quit, but now I’m 3 years sober from alcohol. So happy you are back on this journey and feeling great 😊 Keep it up!
Thanks for sharing your story! I’m also quitting due to blackouts and oh my gosh the things I’ve done and said. No thanks. I don’t want that in my life anymore! But my friends don’t understand because they think blackouts aren’t a thing… because they’ve never experienced them before! I used to think that way… until I started blacking out… and they got even more frequent.
Really enjoyed hearing your perspective. I had kind of the opposite experience- growing up in a family of binge drinkers, I have always been so turned off by heavy drinkers/messy drunks. In my mid 20s, I ended up feeling somewhat pressured into drinking because that's the main thing people do for fun. I always felt miserable, like I'd compromised my moral integrity when I caved to having a drink because of the social pressure. At some point I just decided I'm done feeling responsible to keep the "vibe" fun for others - if they're insecure about someone not drinking that's their issue, not mine. I would literally push around some lukewarm drink all night, to try to fly under the radar but still not drink- so dumb and wasteful! It feels so much better to just be me and do what is right for me. It sucks that it's scary to deviate in such an objectively small way from the norm, so it's nice to see more people talking about being a non drinker.
"I'm done feeling responsible to keep the "vibe" fun for others - if they're insecure about someone not drinking that's their issue, not mine"--YES! Well said!
I love this. I’m similar, I’ve never been drunk because I had bad experiences with drunk people growing up and I also have an obsessive personality so kinda don’t want to risk it. In social situations I’d just say no to alcohol and people would wrap their heads around it pretty quickly and wouldn’t question me about it for too long which is nice. I don’t know if you’re the same but other people’s drunk energy rubs off on me anyway so I can have fun without actually needing to drink.
Thank you so much for being so transparent especially about how you admit that you miss alcohol sometimes. I am trying to stop drinking for good but it’s been so hard. I went three months once and I felt so good and lost 10 lbs but then I went back because I thought I had it under control. Even with my best intentions I always end up with a black out or evening of regrets. I’m older-41-and I just moved to a new city and don’t have any friends. Sometimes going to a bar seems like my only way to meet people but deep down I know it’s not true. You are right…this is a difficult journey and I hope to see more from you about this. Your truth is refreshing and inspiring because I feel like you are speaking my story.
Thank you for your vulnerability! I am not a frequent drinker, but I am definitely a binge drinker, & I don’t like the way it impacts my life. I’ve been thinking about the impact it has and whether I should stop drinking altogether. I still don’t know what I will end up doing, but it’s great to hear a genuine experience!
So good to see people talking about this! I've just given up alcolhol for the first time in my life (like as a conscious decision) and it's so much better - the moderation thing wasn't working out for me either so this is great for now at least.
Congratulations!! I've just hit 10 weeks and I've genuinely never felt better. Thank you for inspiring me and helping me really look at my life to figure out alcohol was a problem for me
Congratulations! Keep up the good work you’re doing. People watching this are doing so for a reason, and you’re giving them the courage and confidence to go sober.
Thank you for being vulnerable, you have a skill in doing so while keeping it lighthearted, and very relatable. You spoke of your journey with such understanding and kindness. This was refreshing for me because I pretty much resonated with every detail, while I have my own self-critical views, but would never project these views onto you or anyone else. So it just eradicates those unnecessary critiques, leaving more space for self-compassion. I was sober for about 2 years, around age 26 - 27. But then I started traveling as a digital nomad, and returned to drinking for the social aspect. Never got drunk or dove back in fully, but still all these thoughts never went away. And now that I'm living in one place again with more stability, I cannot ignore these thoughts any longer. I don't need alcohol in my life. I have enough anxiety as it is, so for me, the choice behind sobriety centers around the desire for inner peace, mental clarity, to improve my self-esteem, to be confident and able to connect 100% percent of the time. And if there is struggle around any of those things, then at least I know it's not because of alcohol, thus able to better address it head on, rather than suppress. Nearly 31, I am now ready to take on sobriety with absolute certainty once again, and it is an absolute delight to find that there is more research, like from Andrew Huberman's podcast, and more shared journeys on the matter from other folks like you. And it's a massive help to not feel alone. So really, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It's an inspiration for me to hold myself accountable, and to take courage in being more open about it.
I gotta be honest, I had stopped watching your channel a few years ago because I found the mood quite depressing. But watching this video now, your energy radiates and it's amazing seeing how happy you seem after making this change. I also stopped drinking almost six months ago now - from when I'm watching this video - and you really motivate me to start enjoying the sober life I've decided for myself. Thank you
Weird having this recommended. I'm six months sober too. It's been amazing. I started drinking way too much was well during lockdown. I was in a bad relationship, he drank a lot, we drank a lot together. I started noticing that I was craving alcohol on days I had no reason to drink and just drank way too much. Quitting has been fantastic. I'm not outgoing at all, I'd use alcohol to be confident around people. It's taken a long time learning to enjoy social situations and just force myself to speak to people without that crutch. Now I'm more confident than ever and truly do not want to drink again. I also gained a lot of weight and generally felt terrible. I spent a lot of time in bed just feeling like shit. Now I get up early and go out and get things done. I've also lost 12 kilos. I struggled with productivity too, I'm self-employed, and now I work a lot more and earn more money. There's not a single reason left to drink!
I think this is really important The process of sobering up after a drink changes your mood a lot. And sometimes it takes longer than your next drink and sometimes your life will make it so it starts taking longer than it used to without you necessarily expecting it. Gotta learn how to deal with recovering in a healthy way and tbh the healthiest way is indeed just quitting
this came at a perfect time for me, THANK YOU for making this! I come from a long lineage of alcoholics (Irish) and I feel that for many people in GB alcoholism is normalized to a scary extent. It wasn’t until I realized my grandfather and I have the same drink of choice that I understood this was a cycle. The same goes for my father, alcohol was a way for us to bond but I believe they are in full support of my sobriety (love that word but I would need to use it loosely), either way I appreciate the perspective and support offered from this video and to everyone else struggling, WE GOT THIS! learning to take it a day at a time, almost a week in and needing to keep the strength, just knowing there are so many benefits such as saving money, feeling better physically etc. on a bit of a health kick either way but would just like to thank you so very much for this extra boost to support through the weariness. god bless
I read Allen Carrs Stop Drinking Now and will NEVER touch a drop again. It completely rewires your brain on alcohol and after almost 25 years of drinking every day, I cannot think of anything worse than having another drink. That book was so powerful that I stop drinking midway into it. the key message in that book that I took away was the alcohol is an addictive poison, and there is nothing wrong with you as an individual. It’s exactly the same as saying that you have an addictive personality, because you can’t quit smoking. Lucy, thank you so much for this video.
Love that more people are talking about this, thank for the video :) 'The Naked Mind' is another great book, I read it accidentally thinking it was a personal development book and it ended up being about quitting alcohol and I'm so glad I read it! It came after a big hangover after a work party and I just didn't ever want to feel like that again! x
Thank you for making this video. I’m 22 and basically don’t drink at all, barring the occasional pint/bottle if I really fancy it. I used to drink like every UK teen does from like 16/17 up until about the age of 19/20, when I reigned it in. Drinking fucks up my anxiety big time and I also cannot deal with hangovers at all. And while I’ve no problem with not drinking - I don’t miss alcohol at all - the pressure and the image of being a non-drinker, especially at such a young age, is really difficult and also plays on my anxiety. It’s just not cool to not drink or smash gear in the UK, it’s that simple. Having people like you speak out and identify as sober definitely helps; we all need our role models. Thank you.
I am on a VERY similar path. I relate so much to the way you describe your unhealthy relationship with alcohol, all the negative things it added to your life, and your favorite benefits about life post-alcohol. I’m in law school in the US and it’s a bit of a nightmare, and it’s so easy to make excuses, cave in, and “numb out,” as you put it. Quit Like a Woman is changing my life and I’m looking forward to the future. 11 days without alcohol and counting! Thanks for making this video. Best wishes to you ❤️
I never ever comment on videos, but couldn't not on this! I was nodding my head the entire time as our stories are so similar - I thought about alcohol ALL THE TIME and didn't know how others lived their lives without being as consumed by it as I was. Nothing too terrible happened during my drinking years but I felt shitty nearly every day, and going days without drinking was such a struggle and I'd be white-knuckling it. I quit drinking at 31 and I'll be four years sober this month. It was by far the BEST decision I have ever made and while there have been times that I've missed it (so easy to romanticize things that aren't good for us), it gets easier and I never think about drinking now or miss it. Life is amazingly full and beautiful without alcohol. Congrats on six months - that is huge!
Thanks so much for using your platform to contribute towards "normalising" sobriety, Lucy, and celebrating it! Congrats on your hard work. I'm so glad you're reaping (and espousing!) the benefits. They sure are countless :)
I haven't avidly searched for sober stories in a while now but I always appreciate them when they pop up :) this really validated the struggles I've been going through having made the choice to go sober for about the same time as yourself, and boy you are right, it's the most rewarding! The point you made about "owning all the bad things while being drunk when you're now living sober" has been the toughest for me cuz it feels like you're two different people being dissociative from one to the other but everyone around you just knows you as you, so breaking or rekindling those relationships is a such huge process. Anyway, much love and we got this girl, thank you heaps for sharing
Really thoughtful video, thanks for sharing. Day 1 (again) of sobriety here, managed two months off last year - looking forward to that clear head again soon!
You describe exactly my relationship with alcohol. I am an alcoholic, and joining AA completely changed my life. I have been sober for 1 year this month. So glad you found a solution that works for you 🙌
So happy for you, congrats; in a few weeks I’ll be 9 yrs. Couldn’t have done it w/o AA… don’t know about these books I’m seeing, and a lot of UA-cam channels, but thrilled this conversation is happening for a lot of younger women!! ✌️❤️Someone wise told me right before my 1 yr bday: be ready to work after your bday… you will need to go next level if you want to stay sober. I say this not to be discouraging but to remind you this is exciting but still a one day at a time journey. So grateful for that helpful ‘warning’ and I continued to bust my butt to never go back! Think of it this way: for all the growth you’ve done, you’ve never been this you before 1 yr sober, so still need support. 🙏
i drink mostly because i looooove the taste of wine, tequila, scotch, etc. but I tend to take many months off of drinking because it's so bad for my gut health. i hope you continue doing what's right for you and wish you the absolute best on this journey
I have the same experience. I take months off a whim and when when I have fitness goals. Here’s what I’ve noticed, the social element is often a big catalyst. Social pressure, sexual attraction, constant stimulation and the sheer weight of a social gathering is enough to make people anxious. Couple that with bright lights, sensory deprivation (it’s dark and loud in nightclubs), beautiful people, money, drugs… it’s kind of a recipe for disaster. This is not to say that alcohol isn’t dangerous but if people drank safely at home things might be different.
Iv struggled in all of the same ways. This video is everything. I am so glad to know I am not alone and all of the things you had to say in this video helped me. I cannot thank you enough ❤️ This is everything I needed to hear today.
I'm so proud of you Lucy! like many others, I drank heavily in lockdown. I constantly felt rundown. After cutting it out, i feel amazing. Better sleep, mood and anxiety levels. It's easier to maintain a healthy weight
This is SO hard to talk about and so hard for people to understand. Good for you for speaking out! If I can make it to October, I will be 2 years sober and my life has improved in every single way since then. Good for you for talking about this, good luck, I believe in you!
I am so happy that I stumbled upon this video. I read "Quit Like A Woman" and "Allen Carr's Easy Way for Women to Quit Drinking" and they changed my life. You are so wise at such a young age and kudos to you for making the decision you did. I related to everything you said. I quit on my own for 15 years and went back for 10 and in my 50's quit again about 18 months ago. I have never felt better and like you, even when you think you may have FOMO, all you have to do is think of the hangover, anxiety and awful feelings the next day and that will nip those feelings in the bud. To wake up without regret at what you may have said or done and to feel good overrides any feelings of FOMO. No more lost Sundays of doing nothing - not because you are relaxing, but because you are sick and tired and literally can't do anything but nurse your dry mouth and pounding headache... It is truly the best thing that I have ever done for myself. It gave me my life back and I am so thrilled. I won't write too much because 100% of everything you said resonated with me and was a part of my journey as well. You are brave to tell your story and have not doubt will touch the lives of so many others: those who are trying to quit and those like myself who have. Thank you so very much.
The longest I went without alcohol was two years. It was pretty easy but I felt I had to avoid my boyfriend's family because their fun is always centered around drinking and I just can't match their energy without alcohol. I had a blackout two nights ago and I know I have to quit again. I need to find a good yoga class and fellowship among people who have fun sober or at least without alcohol.
i'm sober, both for religious reasons (alcohol is not authorized in my religion) and for health reasons (wouldn't mix well with my meds and lots of other things). honestly most people my age (21) drink when they go out but i don't feel like i'm missing out at all. i've tried alcohol before and only liked the taste of a few drinks, and never got the excitement or push people talk about when they're tipsy. it either had no effect on me or made me sleepy. the thing is just that alcohol, despite being a psychoactive drug, is everywhere, especially here in france since winemaking is considered a culturally rich craft and people are introduced to drinking alcohol at a young age because "that's what everyone does". winemaking and alcohol making are so deeply tied into the culture of certain regions that some people take sobriety or even putting restrictions on alcohol use as a form of cultural destruction. here's an anecdote- the first muslim person who was ever elected as a deputee in france was a doctor, in the 19th century. he came from a city whose economy was mainly reliant on absinth production, pontarlier (a city near switzerland), and became a respected politician because of his credibility as a doctor and his care for his people's health. however, when he tried to pass a bill at the national assembly that aimed at regulating alcohol addiction in france, people started thinking it had a religious motive because muslim people don't drink alcohol, and started mocking him because his bill would apparently tank the absinth industry in his city. his attempt at fixing the alcohol addiction problem in 19th century france, which was a very important and noble cause, was ultimately what caused his downfall as a politician. people's opinion on him turned from respect to mockery, and the moment he started touching the subject of alcohol, people felt entitled to tear him apart for his religion (which was at the time much rarer in france than now) and his physical appearance and attire.
I totally relate to you about struggling with the perceptions of other people about your sobriety. I'm so insecure about the fact that I don't drink- especially since I'm at uni right now. Before I found "my people" I felt left out, boring, like I was making a point of being healthy or better than everyone when I wasn't! It's nice to know other people feel like this top. Great video and I wish you the best with this journey!
I am 6 months sober in 2 days and I’ve never felt better! Your story really resonated with me, especially in my younger years. Even though the bad nights became fewer they were still there and were never worth it. I don’t think I’ll ever go back and I’m comfortable with that decision. I do miss a nice glass of red wine for the taste but I can have other things that are still delicious. Thanks for talking about this so openly! 💕
This is SO familiar to me, your story is almost identical to mine. I had a terrible horrible blackout night on Saturday and I am done, once and for all, (and getting help to be done). It is hard to realise it's a problem when it is so normalised. I feel silly for saying I have an alcohol problem because others around me drink more! I feel safe and peaceful knowing that alcohol won't factor in my life.
I don't find it hard saying I'll never drink again because I realized alcohol doesn't bring me any benefit. Before this realization, I was still of the opinion that I should probably not drink, that it is not worth it. However, when there was an opportunity I would excuse myself for a drink. I thought I was a party guy. I liked that persona, but after a while I felt something was missing. I didn't actually enjoyed alcohol or partying, I was just hungry for some connections and relationships. Those were more common at the start of my alcohol journey, but became less and less prevalent. A lot of the connections I thought I was making drinking were rather shallow and I couldn't really talk about the things I wanted to. Recently, I realized that alcohol doesn't help me with the most important thing in life - meaningful relationships. This is such a relief because I don't have to abstain from anything, I just know I don't want it. I also quit smoking in a similar fashion. I see a lot of people justify smoking as a stress reliever, but that is simply false, proven by science. This also apply to alcohol.
Thanks for your wonderful video. I recently became alcohol intolerant. I haven't drank in 2 months. I'm learning trying to learn how to socialize sober and stay involved with my friends who are all big drinkers. It's nice to feel like I'm not alone.
This video is incredible, guna help so many people investigate their own drinking. I quit alcohol 3 years and 7 months ago, after a boozy run up to Christmas time and too many blackouts along the way the anxiety felt like I was going out my mind, I knew there must be more to life than drink - feel like shit - hate life - feel better - drink. I'm proud of where I'm at now but don't see my old drinking buddies at all, like never
congrats on your six months!!! it's not easy to stop drinking and it's not easy to talk openly about it but this video is so important; I'm freshly 19 and I'm 2 years, six months and 15 days sober but recently I've been thinking a lot about drinking again since I don't consider myself an alcoholic (I don't use the word lightly as I have six family members who are addicted to alcohol, two of them being my uncles who passed as a result of it); it's hard being a young person who wants to have a social life and doesn't want to/can't drink but just knowing that I'm not alone and that are other young adults in a similiar situation it's a huge deal and it's giving me the strength to... keep trying. thanks for sharing
I'm currently pregnant so can totally relate to the lack of exciting non-alcoholic drinks. If i drink one more Elderflower.... argh! The only decent non-alcoholic gin i've found is Pentire. Has that same bite that you miss when drinking alcohol. Its delicious. Give it a try :) and keep on going!
What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your story. I also identify as sober (4 months today!), but don't feel like an alcoholic or have alcohol use disorder. Happy Sobriety!!
Aww amazing video! thanks for share it! It was not my plan quite alcohol because i loved, but because i had a bodybuilding competition i had to stop drinking, my first weeks were prery boring, then after 3 weeks im star feeling great! OMG I CAN NOT DESCRIBE having so much focus and clarity in my mind, my sking looks amazing, no more hangovers im saving so much money and i feel more confident when im talking cuz im not sayin stupid thing as when i was drunk. great!!!
Gotta say, I have mostly followed UK UA-camrs for the past x years, different styles different vibes, but what I noticed was that most of the people I followed drank (drink) a lot (here by a lot I mean, a lot compared to what I considered to be kinda normal social drinking here where I live). And I do come from a culture where drinking is a part of every day life, all celebrations, meals etc. But still, it kinda bothered me (sorry if this is worded a bit harshly) when I saw all those amounts of alcohol being causally thrown about in so many vlogs and videos. When I saw how much it bothered me to look at people drinking, I actually stopped caring about the "social norms" of just have a glass / let's celebrate! / Come on just one drink and that's it, kinds of things. I always hated that pressure that people some time (unintentionally) put in others when it comes to drinking. So now I rarely have a cocktail or something like that and sometimes when I just don't feel like it, I won't finish my drink if I see it doesn't sit right at that moment.
I remember you talking about your relationship with alcohol about 5 years ago and it gave me a huge wake up call and I haven't touched any alcohol since then. ❤️
I don’t know if I been sober today if it wasn’t because of this video, I’m 7 months alcohol free now, thank you!
I’m two years sober this June and I quit because it was literally harming my body. I felt like garbage after even a few sips and yet my social conditioning kept me drinking. I finally quit after a bad hangover and have not looked back. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my mind, body and soul. So proud of you Lucy - it’s a tough but incredibly healing journey
I’m just hitting a year, and I feel like my body feels SO much better. No more sick stomachs, anxiety, guilt, shame. No more terrible hangovers. No more blackouts No more just constantly feeling blah, even if I wasn’t outright hung over. Even with all that I still get the occasional urge, but I do just what Lucy described, I think past the first few drinks, onto the fifth and sixth, and the feeling later that evening,and the next day, and that little urge passes pretty quickly. Breaking up was easy for me after I found Allen Carr, but however you go about it, if you feel like alcohol just isn’t working in up your life , at least consider a break. This Naked Mind offers a free 30 Alcohol Challenging that can guide you throughout it. There are many resources besides AA, and you don’t need to be labeled an alcoholic or attend meetings. There are definitely other options these days
I agree . One of best thing that could happened in life : stopping drinking 🙂🫶🏼
I quit for 30days no problem and then I had some wine with dinner and then I drank again everyday for another month… 🤦♀️ no you can’t just have a sip and leave I know now it does not work for me either… hungover life is for the birds so I’m starting again and will stay busy doing things that interest me and away from it permanently…I felt GREAT when I wasn’t drinking
Seriously, it makes you feel absolutely disgusting:(
I am bill and I have been sober for going on 6 years and I can tell you is the best thing I ever did keep it up
Just watching this in full hangxiety mode. I have been noticing more and more that alcohol triggers depressive episodes for me and it can take me a week sometimes to get back to feeling normal. Alcohol is a huge part of my social life with both family and friends, infact my brain always thinks 'what am I drinking' before I go to any event or meet up! I really need to take a step back. It's really reassuring to hear the experience of other young women. Thankyou for this video xx
I feel the same, it triggers like a week of feeling down and also being more likely to drink. Whereas I never have a regret when I don't drink, it's so nice to know other people are in the same boat.
@erin. I thought i was the only one. I dont drink..only like at christmas. The next day im always extremely depressed. I knew it was because of the alcohol, because i hardly drink. So now i have not drank in 4 years
@@coll6914 I went sober for 2 years and felt the best I ever had. Literally felt like a superhuman. Ended up slipping and again, a night of heavy drinking leads to 4 days of not feeling all the way there. I feel down and depressed, and although I know the feeling will pass and life is beautiful, who wants to feel like that? Being sober is really the best way to live, alcohol is poison.
Full hangxiety…I felt that. The day after I am literally beside myself like I’m losing my mind. I think if the worst possible things from the past and ruminate on them the whole day, next day and day after that. Also I go completely off plan with food - I go nuts eating everything. I’m generally not out of the woods until a week later. Such a waste of time!
I relate too that. Always feel depressed for a few days after. You really have to ask yourself if a few hours today is worth a few days of payback
YOU'RE AMAZING for talking about this. I feel like people don't really understand alcoholism. They tend to say "Just have one and leave." but it controls your whole body and perception. Thank you for talking about this I'm assuming it was difficult and triggering.
I physically cannot have one drink. I don’t understand the concept of moderation.
Did you always have that
@@AutomaticDuck300 I was sober for almost 2 years and felt the best I have in years. Started drinking again and was able to drink in moderation the first few months. Eventually I got to the point where I was going too hard again. I've come to the realization that I can't do anything in moderation, either I do something or I don't. I'll be going sober in a few days.
From 49 years of perspective, I can tell you that it is distressingly easy to relapse.
I started quitting when I was in my twenties , and I've been through several cycles of quitting and relapsing. The longest I ever quit was about three years.
My advice:
Hang out with sober people.
Remember that if you relapse you can quit again.
And don't feel bad about yourself if you start again, you can always take control of your life.
Yes I found hanging with Sober help but also zero was helpful
I think most drinkers gravitate towards other drinkers, and after a while your entire social group is made up of drinkers! So when you quit drinking you have to quit that social group!
Thank you. So in essence, sobriety is a process, not a destination.
Great advise!
The way you described your relationship with alcohol is almost identical to mine. I’ve ruined my life a few times over (seriously) because of my black outs. I’m currently just over 3 months sober and just finished a weekend working behind a bar at a festival - the pressure to drink was HIGH and CONSTANT. I wont lie, I was tempted a couple of times. I didn’t search for this video but I’m glad I found it, it makes me feel less alone. I recorded a video talking to myself, for myself and I also dislike the label “alcoholism”.
thank you for sharing! I'm proud of you for resisting the temptation, it must have been distressing :)
Hey I’m not sure if you’ve heard of the ‘I am sober’ app, but they have a posting section from people all over the world talking about their experiences that quit at the same time. It’s been very helpful to feel less alone 😊
Make it easier for yourself. Find out why you don’t want to drink and identify yourself as somebody who doesn’t do those behaviours.
E.g. I’m somebody who doesn’t make bad decisions and alcohol makes me do that. I’m somebody who lives in the moment and alcohol takes me out of that. I’m somebody who likes to be in control and alcohol makes me lose control.
Whatever works for you.
@Nitrodamous Not everyone has ruined their lives. It's not normal.
I black out too!
I watched this video a year ago but it didn’t really register with me. I just wasn’t ready. Here I am a year later, 1 month alcohol free, watching it again and relating to everything you’re saying. Thanks for sharing! ❤
5 months and 22 days sober from alcohol and weed. So excited to hit that milestone! Congrats keep up the good work
That’s really great! I can wait to get that far along- I’m at 3 months now, and really happy to have stopped drinking and smoking cigs!
I quit drinking for largely all the same reasons as you - girl about town, always the last one standing (I STILL AM), started blacking out towards the end of my drinking, tried to moderate cut down and quit many times before. My drinking wasn't considered by anyone that knew me to be problematic, but I knew deep in my heart that it really really was, I was just very high functioning. I didn't "drink in the morning" or "drink every day" or all of the things you're told make you a problem drinker. But I've been waiting for this video from you for ages and I'm SO glad you made it. I'm coming up to 2 years sober next month and legit best decision I ever made and the time does FLY by! Power to you Lucy, there's hardly any content like this online that I desperately wanted when I was in the early months so you're going to be helping so many people! x
Look up Melanie Murphy's videos on the subject too if you haven't already!
Learning about gray area drinking was the light bulb moment for me. It’s easy to think you’re either an alcoholic or a “normal drinker” but for most people it really is a spectrum.
1 year and 4 months sober. It literally saved my life. Please do it. Become sober. Your life is better that way.
I have lost several "close friends" after I said I need to stop going out to bars at night. It was bringing me so much anxiety. I was simply surviving vs actually living. My life dramatically improved once I started to living a sober life.
Yeah, a couple of my friends are pretty much alcoholics. Luckily they’re also a-holes so it’s easier to stop seeing them so much.
I quit drinking and the hardest part is having to explain yourself to some people around you.
Make more friends who don't drink! Lots of sober people or people who choose not to drink for religious reasons !
I almost never post anything online - but I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to you, Lucy. It really takes courage to acknowledge that something that is so culturally normalised can be harmful. It doesn't need to be at the point of being the stereotypical alcoholic to realise that something is wrong.
As someone who has grown up with an alcoholic parent, my perception on alcohol has always been different to my peers. Alcohol is at the heart of socialising and making friends, so I have spent many years in my teens/20s feeling really lonely and isolated. But seeing videos like this makes me feel so comforted and I just can't thank you enough
what a nice comment
If you can stay away from alcohol you're doing your health and bank account a huge favor!
@@BST-lm4pothis is sooo very true! Not only does my body feel amazing but my money management has drastically improved!
❤️❤️❤️ SO beyond proud of you xxx
Thank you for being there for me Mel 💕💕💕
Your story sounds SO much like mine!!!! I just hit 8 years of sobriety in April 😊 to everyone reading this, you got this! It’s hard but knowing we’re not alone makes it so much easier ❤️
currently in sober living, been here for 5 and a half months after 60 days in residential treatment, been almost 7 and a half months without drugs or alcohol thank you so so so much for talking about this. I'm 23 and there aren't many young people sharing their experience with addiction and/or sobriety
Thank you so much for sharing this, Lucy!
Thank you Jenn 🤍
as a person who also does not drink, I really relate to doing the things people do drunk when sober on a nightout. I have always gotten into the same 'vibe' als the people around me, I just have much more control over my actions. and so the next morning i can look at my actions and take full responsibility
Same, for phobia reasons I've only had about 2 sips of alcohol in my life and it made me panic. But when I'm with people who are drinking, I don't feel like I'm enjoying myself any less (up until the point where people start getting risky for vomitty reasons, and then I go into fight or flight and then I hate it). But I call it "contact drunk" because you do get silly and a bit more daring, but the "stop" button is always there
i don’t drink because my mother was/is an abusive alcoholic, and my step father would become violent when drinking. when people find out i don’t drink, they are almost horrified and demand why. i don’t think it’s anybody’s business, and there’s never a good answer when it comes to not drinking so i have no idea why people ask. knowing when you can’t handle alcohol is a powerful thing. i wish more people could be sober and avoid harm. thank you for talking about this.
So proud of you! Everytime I go out and stay sober, I feel so much better the day after, it's like wow I had so much fun just dancing and not drinking a single drop of alcohol and I feel great the day after. Truly the best
been sober for a month now, just because ! Money saved, skin glowin and body feeling very good!!! you've inspired me
I set myself a target of 50 days sober which I achieved. Had my hen do this weekend an had a blow out, I had the BEST time. However it definitely put a lot of things into perspective for me, and will be continuing my sobriety from now onwards. I definitely recommend ‘The Sober Girl Society Handbook’. To those of you thinking of starting your journey, you’ve got this and you can definitely do it 💖
Good job!! I'm happy for you!
I’m so happy this video randomly came into my life. I’m currently 10 days sober. Everything you said in this video about when you were drinking hit so close to home. I’m already seeing so many changes and I can’t wait to see where I’m at at 6 months!
Hope your journey is going well!
I know you say that you think your last video about alcohol was a disaster, but i remember so vividly watching it and realising that’s what I needed. It wasn’t clear to me until I saw someone basically repeat back to me (you) how I behaved with alcohol. I have been pretty much sober ever since (3 years) and it changed my life. So thank you!
I don’t feel like I have it in me to quit forever but I’m trying each day. It will be one day at a time for the rest of my life. I hope you stay strong and stay healthy and happy.
2 1/2 years sober for me now, honestly, it really helped watching you talk about this. Putting it in a much more real and honest perspective. Thank you. Seriously. Cheers love
From the description of wanting to drink, not wanting to drink, limiting the drinks, to the constant thoughts of drinking, the thyroid problems, negative impacts of alcohol, etc. this video and is me to a "T". Thank you for sharing this, it was the motivation I needed to set myself on a better path. Kuddos to you for sharing your vulnerability and setting boundaries for yourself.
The way you talk about sobriety reminds me that you don’t have to a raging alcoholic to identify that you have a problem / bad relationship with alcohol. Thankyou for talking about this, it’s encouraged me to check in with my own habits !! Big love and congratulations on 6 months +🏆💖
im so glad you're talking about this. my boyfriend and I had trouble controlling our behavior when we would drink, getting into ridiculous fights that sober us couldnt comprehend. so we decided to stop binge drinking, stop going out and we honestly lost a lot of friends in the process...people just didnt understand why and thought we were being boring. now we'll have wine champagne and beer on special occasions, but its rare we cross the line from a drink or two to binge drinking and our relationship is so much better because of it.
well done !!! i've been sober for 13 years now and it's the best thing i ever did , i used to get depressed and this has disappeared also have had so many amazing holidays that i would never have been able to afford when i was drinking alcohol , keep up the good work .
I had a pretty bad relationship with alcohol in my 20s (I'm 33 now). I quit because I thought it was causing me anxiety which is crippling. I quit drinking for a year and a half, and for me my anxiety got so much worse. I realized for me that taking something away and saying you can't do that for some reason just set me on a bad path. I brought drinking back into my life in October 2021. It has made me realize what I was doing wrong before and how I can fix that for myself. I have worked very hard on not binging. Everyone's relationship is so different. Good for you on your journey! That's amazing 🥰
This has come at the best time, I've been toying with the idea of sobriety & I feel like this is a sign to do it!
same here!
You won’t be sorry!
I think what many people outside of the UK wouldn't realise is that not drinking in the UK is almost seen as a cardinal sin
The country has an enormous problem with excessive alcohol consumption to the point where people can no longer identify the line between what is too much alcohol and what's socially accepted. What is considered alcoholism in one country would still be normal/unalarming amounts of alcohol in the UK
It's not just the frequency that British people drink, but the intention behind it. Most drink to get drunk, rather than in other countries like Italy where having a glass of wine each night with dinner is normal, but getting hammered or having more than one glass is not. For them wine with dinner is more seen for the sake of enjoying the taste, rather than the goal of becoming inebriated.
So sober in the UK is literally another level of achievement. Thank you for sharing. Good luck on your journey
4 years sober myself and am so over it lol (as in over alcohol). I also started out like you saying never say never but I can't see myself touching a drink ever again.
It's absolutely insane how perfectly timed in my life this video has come. I'm 21 and relate to your blackout experiences immensely. My best friend doesn't actually drink and I really think I just need to quit. I always think maybe one day I could just "have one and leave" but I just don't think that's a reality for me. THANK YOU for this video. I've been watching you since I was a teenager for years and I remember your first video about this. That was before i even really had a close relationship with alcohol. It's crazy how I'm now here and I relate so much to your story. Thank you.
Admitting to yourself what is going is not healthy is defnitely so hard,I hope you figure something out that works for you and wish you the best! I believe in you!
You will be light years ahead if you decide to quit when you are 21.
@@chrishnah you have no idea how much this comment has just reassured me. Getting a lot of pressure recently from people saying I'm too young to quit
This is such a vulnerable video, huge well done for talking so openly about your experience. You have been a massive inspiration to me to go sober, I've been sober for almost 4 weeks. I used alcohol as a way to cope with any family gatherings, I have a very narcissistic and abusive family and anytime I had to be in a room with them I'd just drink and drink not caring about any consequences. During lockdown, like everyone, I started drinking more frequently, 3 times a week instead of maybe one, and I then would count down the days until my next drink. Strangely what's happened to me now is that my body has built an intolerance to it and I just found out I'm actually allergic to alcohol after abusing myself for the past 2 years. So in a way, I'm so thankful I now have not only a mental but a physical aspect to going sober. Sending huge love your way xo
Kudos to you for being so frank and honest. I’m in my sixties and just couldn’t tolerate it any more. I’ve always binged. I watched Andrew Huberman UA-cam on alcohol. After that I was totally turned off.
Thank you for your honesty. It takes a lot to expose yourself as you have but so helpful to everyone. Hugs.
I’m 7months sober yesterday - as a 28 year old in NYC with alcoholism in my family, I totally relate to how you talked about your journey, quit lit, and how the way my friends think about it is so different to me. So happy to see you happy and also it’s nice to see someone else who quit too. ❤
well done. I'm 42, currently 9 months alcohol free. amazing benefits. better mood, better sleep, better memory. enjoy music way more. don't listen to nay sayers, you are doing the right thing.
Love how you said, you just romanticize your life. That is what it comes down to-living our best life and seeing ourselves in that role.
15 days alcohol free! Love this and happy you are on your sobriety journey as well
Ugh 8 days for me - lol seems not long but it is for some of us. Good job, you got this!
It's been 4 months since you typed this. Did you stay sober?
How’s it going? If you’re back to consuming: this is your sign to quit again. You got this.
@@timothygibney159 Hi, sadly i did go back but i will be 2 months on 6/22 :)
It is so incredible that you have offered up your story to us. I grew up surrounded by alcoholics, including one of my parents, and it is so emotional for me to see you speaking about this in such a measured, rational way. I carry a lot of trauma related to alcohol, but hearing you speak about it in the way you do inspires me to continue having those important conversations and getting to the root of my trauma. Thank you, and well done❤️
Hey Lucy! I stopped drinking in 2019 when I was 26 and I do not regret it at all. I was living in Ireland at that time so it was difficult because it is a country where alcohol plays a huge role. In the beginning, I felt judged by my decision by people and friends. However, I knew it was the best decision for me.
After almost 4 years I can say that I feel more connected with myself and I feel healthier. Keep doing what you are doing!
Lucy this feels so full circle from when I saw your first video God, six years ago now? I remember at the time feeling in such a similar position and I cannot tell you how helpful it is to have a woman my age being able to objectively look at their relationship with alcohol and say it's not making them happy.
You've grown into such a well rounded adult ☺️
I love this! I have a very bad physical reaction to alcohol (ie one drink and I feel horrible and sick) but often use to force myself to drink bc of social and societal pressure. Just recently I decided to stop doing that and it’s been great but also hard in those moments where people first start drinking and before they get really drunk. Support your journey!
@me too. When i drink , the next day i have a huge depression. I knew that it was bc of the alcohol. Because i hardly drink. Cut out completely. Feel super
this video is really really interesting, young women as a demographic not really associated to sobriety. thank you so much for sharing your experience with the world. you seem to be doing great and your channel is thriving! I am parasocially really happy for you lucy :)
This just makes me feel soooo much better. I’ve just decided to quit after getting black out drunk and being an absolute cow to my boyfriend. It makes you feel shit when you can’t remember anything. But this genuinely makes me feel so much less alone💕 thank you so much for this video x
I am studying to be a therapist and just know that talking about your story is helping so many people struggling with alcohol use. Please continue sharing your story and best of luck on your sobriety journey!
Thank you Lucy, I've been slowly going sober this last month, while still having a couple of drinks here and there. Went to my first sober home party saturday and it was great, woke up the next morning feeling tired, but so much more energetic and less worried (i'm a big black out girl too) ! This video really convinced me to stop completely, thank you for your honesty !
Blackouts are so misunderstood too… with people thinking it’s drinking to unconsciousness, but you can look pretty much “awake” when blackout if someone doesn’t realise what’s happening. It’s so dangerous to drink if you have this (I think genetic?) issue… glad you’re on this journey early in life.
Thank you for sharing! What you said about the big alcohol industry is so true, and I’ve definitely noticed it especially in regards to women’s alcohol consumption. And I think also a lot of women don’t realize they have a problem because what we see in media and stuff as alcoholism is the angry, agressive middle aged man who chugs ten beers every night. We don’t realize what it looks like in women, especially younger women. And we don’t realize what counts as borderline alcoholism. Even what most people consider normal “social drinking” would be flagged at most medical providers as alcoholism or at risk for alcoholism.
Lucy! This is amazing. I found your channel YEARS ago when I was trying to moderate/cut back on drinking. You really inspired me by sharing your journey. It took me a few years later to finally quit, but now I’m 3 years sober from alcohol. So happy you are back on this journey and feeling great 😊 Keep it up!
Thanks for sharing your story! I’m also quitting due to blackouts and oh my gosh the things I’ve done and said. No thanks. I don’t want that in my life anymore! But my friends don’t understand because they think blackouts aren’t a thing… because they’ve never experienced them before! I used to think that way… until I started blacking out… and they got even more frequent.
Really enjoyed hearing your perspective. I had kind of the opposite experience- growing up in a family of binge drinkers, I have always been so turned off by heavy drinkers/messy drunks. In my mid 20s, I ended up feeling somewhat pressured into drinking because that's the main thing people do for fun. I always felt miserable, like I'd compromised my moral integrity when I caved to having a drink because of the social pressure. At some point I just decided I'm done feeling responsible to keep the "vibe" fun for others - if they're insecure about someone not drinking that's their issue, not mine. I would literally push around some lukewarm drink all night, to try to fly under the radar but still not drink- so dumb and wasteful! It feels so much better to just be me and do what is right for me. It sucks that it's scary to deviate in such an objectively small way from the norm, so it's nice to see more people talking about being a non drinker.
"I'm done feeling responsible to keep the "vibe" fun for others - if they're insecure about someone not drinking that's their issue, not mine"--YES! Well said!
I love this. I’m similar, I’ve never been drunk because I had bad experiences with drunk people growing up and I also have an obsessive personality so kinda don’t want to risk it. In social situations I’d just say no to alcohol and people would wrap their heads around it pretty quickly and wouldn’t question me about it for too long which is nice. I don’t know if you’re the same but other people’s drunk energy rubs off on me anyway so I can have fun without actually needing to drink.
Thank you so much for being so transparent especially about how you admit that you miss alcohol sometimes. I am trying to stop drinking for good but it’s been so hard. I went three months once and I felt so good and lost 10 lbs but then I went back because I thought I had it under control. Even with my best intentions I always end up with a black out or evening of regrets. I’m older-41-and I just moved to a new city and don’t have any friends. Sometimes going to a bar seems like my only way to meet people but deep down I know it’s not true. You are right…this is a difficult journey and I hope to see more from you about this. Your truth is refreshing and inspiring because I feel like you are speaking my story.
Thank you for your vulnerability! I am not a frequent drinker, but I am definitely a binge drinker, & I don’t like the way it impacts my life. I’ve been thinking about the impact it has and whether I should stop drinking altogether. I still don’t know what I will end up doing, but it’s great to hear a genuine experience!
So good to see people talking about this! I've just given up alcolhol for the first time in my life (like as a conscious decision) and it's so much better - the moderation thing wasn't working out for me either so this is great for now at least.
Congratulations!! I've just hit 10 weeks and I've genuinely never felt better. Thank you for inspiring me and helping me really look at my life to figure out alcohol was a problem for me
As a (non-drinker) Muslim living in the West, I find your point of view and this video so interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Congratulations! Keep up the good work you’re doing. People watching this are doing so for a reason, and you’re giving them the courage and confidence to go sober.
Thank you for being vulnerable, you have a skill in doing so while keeping it lighthearted, and very relatable. You spoke of your journey with such understanding and kindness. This was refreshing for me because I pretty much resonated with every detail, while I have my own self-critical views, but would never project these views onto you or anyone else. So it just eradicates those unnecessary critiques, leaving more space for self-compassion.
I was sober for about 2 years, around age 26 - 27. But then I started traveling as a digital nomad, and returned to drinking for the social aspect. Never got drunk or dove back in fully, but still all these thoughts never went away. And now that I'm living in one place again with more stability, I cannot ignore these thoughts any longer. I don't need alcohol in my life. I have enough anxiety as it is, so for me, the choice behind sobriety centers around the desire for inner peace, mental clarity, to improve my self-esteem, to be confident and able to connect 100% percent of the time. And if there is struggle around any of those things, then at least I know it's not because of alcohol, thus able to better address it head on, rather than suppress.
Nearly 31, I am now ready to take on sobriety with absolute certainty once again, and it is an absolute delight to find that there is more research, like from Andrew Huberman's podcast, and more shared journeys on the matter from other folks like you. And it's a massive help to not feel alone. So really, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It's an inspiration for me to hold myself accountable, and to take courage in being more open about it.
I gotta be honest, I had stopped watching your channel a few years ago because I found the mood quite depressing. But watching this video now, your energy radiates and it's amazing seeing how happy you seem after making this change. I also stopped drinking almost six months ago now - from when I'm watching this video - and you really motivate me to start enjoying the sober life I've decided for myself. Thank you
Weird having this recommended. I'm six months sober too. It's been amazing. I started drinking way too much was well during lockdown. I was in a bad relationship, he drank a lot, we drank a lot together. I started noticing that I was craving alcohol on days I had no reason to drink and just drank way too much.
Quitting has been fantastic. I'm not outgoing at all, I'd use alcohol to be confident around people. It's taken a long time learning to enjoy social situations and just force myself to speak to people without that crutch. Now I'm more confident than ever and truly do not want to drink again.
I also gained a lot of weight and generally felt terrible. I spent a lot of time in bed just feeling like shit. Now I get up early and go out and get things done. I've also lost 12 kilos. I struggled with productivity too, I'm self-employed, and now I work a lot more and earn more money. There's not a single reason left to drink!
Oh wow, I’m six months sober tomorrow! Glad to have found my sobriety twin, haha
I think this is really important
The process of sobering up after a drink changes your mood a lot. And sometimes it takes longer than your next drink and sometimes your life will make it so it starts taking longer than it used to without you necessarily expecting it. Gotta learn how to deal with recovering in a healthy way and tbh the healthiest way is indeed just quitting
this came at a perfect time for me, THANK YOU for making this! I come from a long lineage of alcoholics (Irish) and I feel that for many people in GB alcoholism is normalized to a scary extent. It wasn’t until I realized my grandfather and I have the same drink of choice that I understood this was a cycle. The same goes for my father, alcohol was a way for us to bond but I believe they are in full support of my sobriety (love that word but I would need to use it loosely), either way I appreciate the perspective and support offered from this video and to everyone else struggling, WE GOT THIS! learning to take it a day at a time, almost a week in and needing to keep the strength, just knowing there are so many benefits such as saving money, feeling better physically etc. on a bit of a health kick either way but would just like to thank you so very much for this extra boost to support through the weariness. god bless
I read Allen Carrs Stop Drinking Now and will NEVER touch a drop again. It completely rewires your brain on alcohol and after almost 25 years of drinking every day, I cannot think of anything worse than having another drink. That book was so powerful that I stop drinking midway into it. the key message in that book that I took away was the alcohol is an addictive poison, and there is nothing wrong with you as an individual. It’s exactly the same as saying that you have an addictive personality, because you can’t quit smoking. Lucy, thank you so much for this video.
Love that more people are talking about this, thank for the video :) 'The Naked Mind' is another great book, I read it accidentally thinking it was a personal development book and it ended up being about quitting alcohol and I'm so glad I read it! It came after a big hangover after a work party and I just didn't ever want to feel like that again! x
Thank you for making this video. I’m 22 and basically don’t drink at all, barring the occasional pint/bottle if I really fancy it. I used to drink like every UK teen does from like 16/17 up until about the age of 19/20, when I reigned it in. Drinking fucks up my anxiety big time and I also cannot deal with hangovers at all. And while I’ve no problem with not drinking - I don’t miss alcohol at all - the pressure and the image of being a non-drinker, especially at such a young age, is really difficult and also plays on my anxiety. It’s just not cool to not drink or smash gear in the UK, it’s that simple. Having people like you speak out and identify as sober definitely helps; we all need our role models. Thank you.
Congrats on 6 months sober, Lucy!
I am on a VERY similar path. I relate so much to the way you describe your unhealthy relationship with alcohol, all the negative things it added to your life, and your favorite benefits about life post-alcohol.
I’m in law school in the US and it’s a bit of a nightmare, and it’s so easy to make excuses, cave in, and “numb out,” as you put it. Quit Like a Woman is changing my life and I’m looking forward to the future. 11 days without alcohol and counting!
Thanks for making this video. Best wishes to you ❤️
I never ever comment on videos, but couldn't not on this! I was nodding my head the entire time as our stories are so similar - I thought about alcohol ALL THE TIME and didn't know how others lived their lives without being as consumed by it as I was. Nothing too terrible happened during my drinking years but I felt shitty nearly every day, and going days without drinking was such a struggle and I'd be white-knuckling it. I quit drinking at 31 and I'll be four years sober this month. It was by far the BEST decision I have ever made and while there have been times that I've missed it (so easy to romanticize things that aren't good for us), it gets easier and I never think about drinking now or miss it. Life is amazingly full and beautiful without alcohol. Congrats on six months - that is huge!
You are incredible.I adore you. I can't stop drinking no matter what.
Yes you can, choose life... choose yourself ❤
Thanks so much for using your platform to contribute towards "normalising" sobriety, Lucy, and celebrating it! Congrats on your hard work. I'm so glad you're reaping (and espousing!) the benefits. They sure are countless :)
I haven't avidly searched for sober stories in a while now but I always appreciate them when they pop up :) this really validated the struggles I've been going through having made the choice to go sober for about the same time as yourself, and boy you are right, it's the most rewarding! The point you made about "owning all the bad things while being drunk when you're now living sober" has been the toughest for me cuz it feels like you're two different people being dissociative from one to the other but everyone around you just knows you as you, so breaking or rekindling those relationships is a such huge process. Anyway, much love and we got this girl, thank you heaps for sharing
Really thoughtful video, thanks for sharing. Day 1 (again) of sobriety here, managed two months off last year - looking forward to that clear head again soon!
You describe exactly my relationship with alcohol. I am an alcoholic, and joining AA completely changed my life. I have been sober for 1 year this month. So glad you found a solution that works for you 🙌
Congrats!
So happy for you, congrats; in a few weeks I’ll be 9 yrs. Couldn’t have done it w/o AA… don’t know about these books I’m seeing, and a lot of UA-cam channels, but thrilled this conversation is happening for a lot of younger women!! ✌️❤️Someone wise told me right before my 1 yr bday: be ready to work after your bday… you will need to go next level if you want to stay sober. I say this not to be discouraging but to remind you this is exciting but still a one day at a time journey. So grateful for that helpful ‘warning’ and I continued to bust my butt to never go back! Think of it this way: for all the growth you’ve done, you’ve never been this you before 1 yr sober, so still need support. 🙏
i drink mostly because i looooove the taste of wine, tequila, scotch, etc. but I tend to take many months off of drinking because it's so bad for my gut health.
i hope you continue doing what's right for you and wish you the absolute best on this journey
I have the same experience. I take months off a whim and when when I have fitness goals.
Here’s what I’ve noticed, the social element is often a big catalyst. Social pressure, sexual attraction, constant stimulation and the sheer weight of a social gathering is enough to make people anxious. Couple that with bright lights, sensory deprivation (it’s dark and loud in nightclubs), beautiful people, money, drugs… it’s kind of a recipe for disaster. This is not to say that alcohol isn’t dangerous but if people drank safely at home things might be different.
Iv struggled in all of the same ways. This video is everything. I am so glad to know I am not alone and all of the things you had to say in this video helped me. I cannot thank you enough ❤️ This is everything I needed to hear today.
Congrats to you and everyone who is now sober! I am 2 months and feel great! I am on meds for depression and anxiety and they definitely help!
I'm so proud of you Lucy! like many others, I drank heavily in lockdown. I constantly felt rundown. After cutting it out, i feel amazing. Better sleep, mood and anxiety levels. It's easier to maintain a healthy weight
This is SO hard to talk about and so hard for people to understand. Good for you for speaking out! If I can make it to October, I will be 2 years sober and my life has improved in every single way since then. Good for you for talking about this, good luck, I believe in you!
I am so happy that I stumbled upon this video. I read "Quit Like A Woman" and "Allen Carr's Easy Way for Women to Quit Drinking" and they changed my life. You are so wise at such a young age and kudos to you for making the decision you did. I related to everything you said. I quit on my own for 15 years and went back for 10 and in my 50's quit again about 18 months ago. I have never felt better and like you, even when you think you may have FOMO, all you have to do is think of the hangover, anxiety and awful feelings the next day and that will nip those feelings in the bud. To wake up without regret at what you may have said or done and to feel good overrides any feelings of FOMO. No more lost Sundays of doing nothing - not because you are relaxing, but because you are sick and tired and literally can't do anything but nurse your dry mouth and pounding headache... It is truly the best thing that I have ever done for myself. It gave me my life back and I am so thrilled. I won't write too much because 100% of everything you said resonated with me and was a part of my journey as well. You are brave to tell your story and have not doubt will touch the lives of so many others: those who are trying to quit and those like myself who have. Thank you so very much.
Congrats on quitting again! One thing I’ve learned so far is no journey is linear, I’m thrilled you’ve found your way back 💕
Summing up so many thoughts I’ve had and not heard many people our age talking about. Thank you for sharing this Lucy
The longest I went without alcohol was two years. It was pretty easy but I felt I had to avoid my boyfriend's family because their fun is always centered around drinking and I just can't match their energy without alcohol.
I had a blackout two nights ago and I know I have to quit again. I need to find a good yoga class and fellowship among people who have fun sober or at least without alcohol.
i'm sober, both for religious reasons (alcohol is not authorized in my religion) and for health reasons (wouldn't mix well with my meds and lots of other things). honestly most people my age (21) drink when they go out but i don't feel like i'm missing out at all. i've tried alcohol before and only liked the taste of a few drinks, and never got the excitement or push people talk about when they're tipsy. it either had no effect on me or made me sleepy. the thing is just that alcohol, despite being a psychoactive drug, is everywhere, especially here in france since winemaking is considered a culturally rich craft and people are introduced to drinking alcohol at a young age because "that's what everyone does". winemaking and alcohol making are so deeply tied into the culture of certain regions that some people take sobriety or even putting restrictions on alcohol use as a form of cultural destruction.
here's an anecdote- the first muslim person who was ever elected as a deputee in france was a doctor, in the 19th century. he came from a city whose economy was mainly reliant on absinth production, pontarlier (a city near switzerland), and became a respected politician because of his credibility as a doctor and his care for his people's health. however, when he tried to pass a bill at the national assembly that aimed at regulating alcohol addiction in france, people started thinking it had a religious motive because muslim people don't drink alcohol, and started mocking him because his bill would apparently tank the absinth industry in his city. his attempt at fixing the alcohol addiction problem in 19th century france, which was a very important and noble cause, was ultimately what caused his downfall as a politician. people's opinion on him turned from respect to mockery, and the moment he started touching the subject of alcohol, people felt entitled to tear him apart for his religion (which was at the time much rarer in france than now) and his physical appearance and attire.
I totally relate to you about struggling with the perceptions of other people about your sobriety. I'm so insecure about the fact that I don't drink- especially since I'm at uni right now. Before I found "my people" I felt left out, boring, like I was making a point of being healthy or better than everyone when I wasn't!
It's nice to know other people feel like this top. Great video and I wish you the best with this journey!
I am 6 months sober in 2 days and I’ve never felt better! Your story really resonated with me, especially in my younger years. Even though the bad nights became fewer they were still there and were never worth it. I don’t think I’ll ever go back and I’m comfortable with that decision. I do miss a nice glass of red wine for the taste but I can have other things that are still delicious. Thanks for talking about this so openly! 💕
This is SO familiar to me, your story is almost identical to mine. I had a terrible horrible blackout night on Saturday and I am done, once and for all, (and getting help to be done). It is hard to realise it's a problem when it is so normalised. I feel silly for saying I have an alcohol problem because others around me drink more! I feel safe and peaceful knowing that alcohol won't factor in my life.
Wow. Yes. Hard to realise problem, when it is normalised
I don't find it hard saying I'll never drink again because I realized alcohol doesn't bring me any benefit. Before this realization, I was still of the opinion that I should probably not drink, that it is not worth it. However, when there was an opportunity I would excuse myself for a drink.
I thought I was a party guy. I liked that persona, but after a while I felt something was missing. I didn't actually enjoyed alcohol or partying, I was just hungry for some connections and relationships. Those were more common at the start of my alcohol journey, but became less and less prevalent.
A lot of the connections I thought I was making drinking were rather shallow and I couldn't really talk about the things I wanted to. Recently, I realized that alcohol doesn't help me with the most important thing in life - meaningful relationships. This is such a relief because I don't have to abstain from anything, I just know I don't want it. I also quit smoking in a similar fashion. I see a lot of people justify smoking as a stress reliever, but that is simply false, proven by science. This also apply to alcohol.
I am also celebrating six months sobriety! Nice company! Great job !
A huge thank you to have the courage to open up like this ❤️
Thanks for your wonderful video. I recently became alcohol intolerant. I haven't drank in 2 months. I'm learning trying to learn how to socialize sober and stay involved with my friends who are all big drinkers. It's nice to feel like I'm not alone.
So much of what you say rings true. I have just learned that if you scratch an itch it only makes it worse. Only took me 63 years!
This video is incredible, guna help so many people investigate their own drinking. I quit alcohol 3 years and 7 months ago, after a boozy run up to Christmas time and too many blackouts along the way the anxiety felt like I was going out my mind, I knew there must be more to life than drink - feel like shit - hate life - feel better - drink. I'm proud of where I'm at now but don't see my old drinking buddies at all, like never
congrats on your six months!!! it's not easy to stop drinking and it's not easy to talk openly about it but this video is so important; I'm freshly 19 and I'm 2 years, six months and 15 days sober but recently I've been thinking a lot about drinking again since I don't consider myself an alcoholic (I don't use the word lightly as I have six family members who are addicted to alcohol, two of them being my uncles who passed as a result of it); it's hard being a young person who wants to have a social life and doesn't want to/can't drink but just knowing that I'm not alone and that are other young adults in a similiar situation it's a huge deal and it's giving me the strength to... keep trying. thanks for sharing
I'm currently pregnant so can totally relate to the lack of exciting non-alcoholic drinks. If i drink one more Elderflower.... argh!
The only decent non-alcoholic gin i've found is Pentire. Has that same bite that you miss when drinking alcohol. Its delicious. Give it a try :) and keep on going!
What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your story. I also identify as sober (4 months today!), but don't feel like an alcoholic or have alcohol use disorder. Happy Sobriety!!
Aww amazing video! thanks for share it! It was not my plan quite alcohol because i loved, but because i had a bodybuilding competition i had to stop drinking, my first weeks were prery boring, then after 3 weeks im star feeling great! OMG I CAN NOT DESCRIBE having so much focus and clarity in my mind, my sking looks amazing, no more hangovers im saving so much money and i feel more confident when im talking cuz im not sayin stupid thing as when i was drunk. great!!!
Gotta say, I have mostly followed UK UA-camrs for the past x years, different styles different vibes, but what I noticed was that most of the people I followed drank (drink) a lot (here by a lot I mean, a lot compared to what I considered to be kinda normal social drinking here where I live). And I do come from a culture where drinking is a part of every day life, all celebrations, meals etc. But still, it kinda bothered me (sorry if this is worded a bit harshly) when I saw all those amounts of alcohol being causally thrown about in so many vlogs and videos. When I saw how much it bothered me to look at people drinking, I actually stopped caring about the "social norms" of just have a glass / let's celebrate! / Come on just one drink and that's it, kinds of things. I always hated that pressure that people some time (unintentionally) put in others when it comes to drinking. So now I rarely have a cocktail or something like that and sometimes when I just don't feel like it, I won't finish my drink if I see it doesn't sit right at that moment.
I remember you talking about your relationship with alcohol about 5 years ago and it gave me a huge wake up call and I haven't touched any alcohol since then. ❤️