Wasted - A Documentary
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- Опубліковано 25 лис 2019
- In our documentary, Wasted, filmmaker Maureen Palmer sets out to follow me, her life partner and an alcoholic with five years of sobriety, on a search for the best new evidence-based addiction treatments. But, just as filming begins, I begin drinking again - and our theoretical journey becomes very real and deeply personal. We discover a revolution in addiction research that offers hope to people whose lives and families are Wasted by addiction.
Read Wasted, the book: www.amazon.com/dp/1771641967
Listen to the audiobook: www.audible.ca/pd/Wasted-Audi...
It’s nice to see alternatives to AA, though it was better than nothing. The other challenge here is making it available for all, not just those who can afford it. Also we all need a loving partner and a support group to make life easier in general.
Totally agree, accessibility of treatment options and support are huge barriers for many folks who are struggling with a substance use disorder.
Support system bs? I hope my comment was not misleading, I’m not the addict, it’s my wife, and she would not have gotten through it without support from friends, family, AA, and her belief in a higher power. There are some who get sober with the help of a faith, however no one does it alone.
My comment was in praise of the video.
No one is an island, we all rely on others in many ways. I, personally, feel privileged when loved ones are willing to open up to me and ask for support.
Up...I 7767
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I don’t believe all the warnings not to be in a relationship in recovery. It has helped me, in the past, to not be alone. What I think should be said is to be careful who you get into a relationship with, in recovery. It’s a hard time to go through heartache or a partner who has been using or starts again.
I was 5 months sober then relapsed. I’m once again back to 18 days. I feel like I’m not weak or stupid after watching this.
Good, because you aren't weak OR stupid! Relapse is a normal part of recovery!
Hope you're doing well
You were addicted to an addictive substance. That doesn't make you weak or stupid, that makes you human!
Sounds to me like you were sober for 5 months and 18 days this year, which is pretty great!
Rick Martin Yes I have heard of Kratom and it effectiveness. There are many plant medicines that show remarkable positive outcomes...Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, Iboga
I have done nearly 20 years sober. no alcohol. Never went to AA just made the decision and stuck to it. You just have to store some "bad memories" to remind yourself where you have come from and where you never want to return!!1 Good Luck to anyone who tries good on you NEVER GIVE UP GIVING UP!!!
You are such a brave person. Well done! Keep up with good habits 🌹💙👏
congratulations. I think most of us know just how difficult addictions are and the monumental effort required to stop.
@@C.E.Thomas1952 yes, sobriety don't come cheap!
and to not dwell on the “good memories”
Always know there's an answer out there and support from the community. Avoid being taken advantage of and seek some sort of assurance from scientists and doctors and know that there's always effort being put into the solutions for addicts and victims of mental health abuse!
I'm sober 37 years now and I do attend AA meetings once or twice a week but I have always had general anxiety that I see a psychiatrist for medication, and I eat healthy food and exercise, so recovery is a combination of behavior changes.
I met a guy in AA that I dated for 10 years. We eventually went our separate ways because he was addicted to AA! When I met him he had about 23 years sober and was still going to AA 7-10 times a week! He kept bugging me and shaming me if I didn't go to a meeting every day! I never really liked AA, its just not for me. I currently have not been to a meeting in about 5 years, nor do I drink!!
Did he like helping folks out there?
Good work girl. AA obviously not for everybody.
@@dublinsfaircity it wasn’t for me either. I don’t believe in a religious stuff.
Expelling Satan with the Beelzebub...
@@Herzeleydt_Diesentrueb there one in the same. Who cares who does what? Whatever helps you get through this. Just do it! Religion and anything do not mix well with me personally. I am agnostic.
Thank you for letting me know loving my father was the right thing while the rest of my family either shamed him, distanced themselves or hated him may he rest in peace.
May he Rest In Peace.
He was your Dad. Of course you did the right thing.
@@dublinsfaircity ❤
He took the abuse too I bet.
@@gonavygreg5203 if you mean he accepted the hate and blame he did when he was sober. When he wasn't our home was a war zone.
Honestly what helped me immensely was my guitar. When I got stressed, depressed and craving I would pick up my guitar and play. I still do this to this day. It takes me to another place that is my safety zone. I had no support from anyone but me.
Get on that flow state, whether guitar, or writing, whatever you expression. Its really mind over matter, I've gone thru it 13 years on and off and I needed to go through what I did. Through the darkness I found the light. I play guitar and drums and draw and literally if u replace ur drug with something of that nature, something expressive, but fun, then you will slowly see results.
I did the same thing with exercise and photography!
The beauty of AA to Ms is the love and connectedness I usually feel when I enter those rooms.
This! My Guitar and Ukulele are my true best friends. They were the only ones who were there for me.
@@daviddntait music is integral part of soul development. I don't know why. Whether you play or just enjoy it... God bless
So happy that doctors are getting addiction training. A much needed change
Not available in the UK at all.
@@vanwin5415 so for ibogaine I had to go to Canada.
My uncle was a alcoholic and hit rock bottom and went into AA and he is 20 years sober.
rock bottom is not a real thing
Hubby was sober since 1991, thanks to AA! ...Compassionate, interesting, and always keeping inventory on himself. Never came to be judgemental to me, and after a decade, he quit going regularly to meetings (before we met); but, has kept the best parts of AA with him. Very grateful, as it saved his life, and made him a self aware, and wonderful partner!
I dealt with alcoholism since I was a child, first with my parents, then my own drinking which they encouraged from an early age. Trouble with the law from my teens, stupid drunk stuff that took me through the juvenile system into adult prison system. Homelessness, treatment centers, in and out of AA until I was 40. God and AA finally got through and now 20 years sober.
Amazing I have just started my AA and I'm overwhelmed at the support and what I am learning about my illness
“You have to do it for you and you have to do it the way it works for you”. That’s exactly it. I cannot be around it and have forgo a relationship with anyone who drinks even if it’s just sometimes. I couldn’t do it.
Bless you stay strong and true to yourself
That's why I'm single for life and also don't have many friends
ua-cam.com/video/nVqw0SRIpk8/v-deo.html
Hey my name is Kevin I'm a 29 year old addict in recovery I have 100 days and I can relate so much to this video. This is exactly how my life went in the town I'm from and we just got a impatient rehab for the first time in my entire life and they offer sober living after impatient and so many good things in my experience with treatment here this has changed my life dramatically. And it's really a game changing program. Just wanted to say thank you for this video. You help me a lot
How's it going bro
Im 8 months sober I LOVE IT God Bless You!
Same to you. Keep up the good work
@@michaelpond9272 I been sober 17 years
I'm so happy for you all that got sober.
Good for you!!! keep it up!!!
I'm about 8 months sober myself. Can't remember the day I stopped for sure. After the 3rd seizure in about 3 months things got pretty fuzzy.
But so thankful for the wonderful family I have.
Stay strong!
25 yrs sober Thanks to AA 12! Steps for long term recovery 🙏
Well done! That’s awesome!
Good for you!
Yes it works IF YOU WORK IT
That explains it. I lost everything because I was born with low level dopamine receptors. Oh well, Saturday I'll be on 90 days sober... Good luck on your own individual journey all, do what works best for you...
How do you know that about your dopamine receptors? I’ve often thought this is the case for me as well
think that was sarcasm, congrats on your 90!
@@Kthb80 its in the video...
Ponder this: I quit drinking with no program or counseling. Now people call me a "dry drunk" and tell me that relapse is inevitable. You can't please these haters. My theory is that therapy can be a replacement addiction for those who need attention all the time. Also, I know my quit date but I don't really keep track of days. That's just the devil in the bottle trying to tempt you into thinking you've hit some "milestone" all the time. Another reason to slip..
I hear that. I've never gone to meetings, but the people I know who have all say we're doomed without them. 🤷♂️ I'm sure they truly believe that when it comes to themselves, but I have a feeling they're almost jealous or resentful that I just stopped one day. I'm always being told borderline religious dogma straight from these programs. I get it. They're only trying to be helpful, and I truly believe these programs help a lot of people, but there's too much discouragement and shame put on people who just did it on their own. So much of the "sober culture" is that you can't do it alone. I just don't buy that it has to be that way for everyone.
I also acknowledge that formal programs and a sober community really is the way for a lot of people. I had a drinking problem. I don't consider myself to be a lifelong alcoholic. Maybe it's selfish of me to not reach out to those struggling in a formal group setting, but I don't want to get sucked into that world. I'm trying to move past that. Something tells me that any advice I'd give in an official meeting like that would actually be unwanted, looked down upon, or possibly even dangerous for some of the addicts there.
What REALLY grinds their gears though is that I admit to having a drink now and then. SACRILEGE! It was never alcohol that was the problem to me. It was my relationship to it and the pattern of my drinking. I've changed that pattern and my desire to drink just isn't the same anymore. I DO NOT recommend that sober alcoholics risk having a drink. I know plenty for whom that would reliably spell disaster. However, I feel like I can, and I've seen how resentful that can make people. It's just not in their ideology. So, I just stay away, wish people well, and do my own thing while recognizing that I may be some kind of exception to the rule.
Hope you're still doing well.
Geez...what a sad way to look at the other side of sobriety. Happy for you no matter how it was done. But for the aa/na program is bigger than just quitting. It teachs so much through the 12 steps. Those 12 steps are more of a living toolbox. Thank God for humility. I really hope n pray you change your bitter outlook about the program. Best of luck and life to you.
I get called that all the time and it drives me absolutely crazy to the point where I keep drinking on it it's not an excuse it really does drive me back to drink being told I am going to end up in a home with wet brain I don't know why I can't turn off my ears when these haters speak because my true friends keep telling me there are too many jealous people out there
AA meetings are so depressing! I can be having a great sober season and one of these wah wah meetings and I leave wanting a drink I wasn't even thinking about on the way in! Also not a great idea to go to an open or newcomers meeting as a woman. Some people are court ordered predators. Not a great spot for a vulnerable, often marginalized women.
Whatever works for you as long as it doesn’t harm others 😉
What I’ve learned about loving an alcoholic is you cannot have alcohol around them. I know his wife didn’t mean it but leaving wine available triggers cravings. It’s true they will get it if they want it no matter what but I learned not to even have vanilla for cooking in the house. Proud of Mike and my prayers are with his journey.
It wasn’t my wife or the wine in the fridge at fault. There was a tremendous amount of accumulative stress and traumatic family circumstances. Relapse is not a fail. We need to focus on the well days. One’s term of abstinence is not the only measure of success.
Hey Tarah, going to address this in a short video post tomorrow. Stay tuned. I'm proud of Mike too and I've had a chance to really think about wine in the fridge.
Tarah Princess I wouldn't drink if my significant other had an addiction. It's not that big a deal not to drink or have alcohol in the house. I think it shows support. Besides, if you can't leave it alone for them, maybe there's an issue.
Hi! We appreciate you taking the time to share your point of view. We've addressed these concerns here: ua-cam.com/video/t96pZO9Kek0/v-deo.html
I absolutely agree with this. Thank you for being so selfless and thoughtful. Not very many people are
What an amazingly thought provoking documentary! As a psychologist, I have learned to treat patients with addiction problems differently now and I will be taking the CRAFT course asap!
My second stint in rehab I was voted least likely to succeed. That was 40 years ago. What worked was getting away from every aspect of my drinking life..from friends to locations. Love to you all.
It worked as you were ready to make it work. 🤗
I just lost my family because of alcoholism nobody really understands why I kept relapsing. Aa doesn’t really help me. But I’m 5 days sober so far
Congratulations 🎉
How are you doing?
Its also good to highlight that this problem occurs even to a therapist. It's such a pervasive illness and can happen to anyone.
In the last 18 months, I can count the number of drunk days I've had on my one hand. I'm so pleased. A former daily drinker. Someone who was dependent. An addict to alcohol.
Success is “Any Positive Change.” Congratulations!
As Dr. Bill Miller would say, we need to focus on the sober, or well days, not the days you struggled. Your accomplishment is remarkable, especially in the light of the extraordinary stress brought by COVID-19.
Sounds like hell and boring
I'm a functional alcoholic and pill addict I make 6 figures a year
@ThaGVPSon yes but are you happy living like that, a slave to booze and pills, peace of mind is more valuable than 6figures a year
Got sober 2007.
Still sober to this day. Its not always easy ...
One day at a time I live, a minute, an hour, staying in the present moment.
Went through AA and then followed my faith. Im in a different realm now.
Helping others keep me sober.
Excellent! Keep up the good work!
@@michaelpond9272 it's awesome staying sober. Even on tough days.
@Tee Twetherlow don't give up. The seed has been planted. ❤
Although I've found AA works for me, I'm always glad to see another alternative in the fight against addiction. The more options there are, the better. Everyone is different, and we need those different treatment options.
You have an excellent perspective on the issue! Thanks for that😘
Yep I'll double down on what @The anti-Karen said above me. As John Lennon once sang 'whatever gets you through the night'
Agreed! Program has done wonders for me and the only thing that’s gotten me sober. But whatever works for someone else is great!
Same here. 15 years sober, never happier. But I saw a lot of people struggle because they wanted sobriety handed to them. They'd better hope the meds work long term. Who wouldn't rather take a pill than go through the program.
58 years tells me alcohol is the most dangerous drug on our planet. I’m so thankful I never touched it.
"Mr. Pond, don't you realize we have real sick people here?" Did they really say that....? How heartbreaking... I have been to the ER several times for withdrawal and the last time I went they were quite rude to me, but they didnt say that. That is a terrible thing to say to someone going through alcohol withdrawals when the fact is they can kill you... addiction is no joke. For a trained doctor to say that kind of thing makes me wonder what kind of an education they recieved. Totally ignorant... terrible. Glad he's doing good for himself.
When I tried to kill myself, I was in the ER until there was a bed available in psych, and I was freezing and asked 3 times for a blanket and the nurse snapped at me that "This isn't a hotel, lady."
This was right after I regained consciousness after attempting to take my life. Some people should NOT be in the medical field.
I filed a complaint.
One morning years ago while going through horrible heroin withdrawal and begging my parents for money my dad had had enough when i snapped at him for denying me money and he called the police on me because i smahed the closet door.
When the police showed up (i remember all of this as clear as day) I was literally curled up as much as i could curl my body up, on the couch soaked in nasty sweat and my legs and feet were moving as fast as anything. I could barely move at thos point, going through pure hell.
The police thankfully were empathetic to me and said comr on sit up talk to us. I think he could see in my eyes i was defeated and beaten down.
So i sat up which hurt horribly of course; those who know, KNOW.
He said to me, your option is jail or we take you to rhe hospital for help. (This was many years ago and i was naive to where proper help was available for opiate addicts like myself). Naturally I chose the hospital.
While we waited for the ambulance i went out to the deck and lit a cigarette. By time i got out there the ambulance was already here. But they all waited patiently for me which when i think back i am grateful to how remorsefully they treated me that day. They didnt have to do any of that.
Now the trouble begins however. When i got to the ER they rolled me into a room and the police left wishing me luck. I was thankful id get aome relief AND THEN THE NURSE WALKS IN and she says to me I DONT KNOW WHY THEY BROUGHT YOU HERE FOR OPIATE WITHDRAWALS BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU HERE. SHE SAID NASTILY, WERE NOT GOING TO GIVE YOU PILLS OR AN IV OF ANY OPIATES NOR CAN WE GIVE YOU METHADONE OR SUBOXONE OR ANYTHING AT ALL TO HELP YOU.
I flipped out. I said THEN WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING HERE!?!?! and she walked out the room and they left me there for almost an hour until i snapped. I watched them go back and forth and ignore me.
So i snapped Because i was at this point hurting really really bad but they had me on 24 hour watch so i couldnt leave. They had a security guard at my door who was old. I laughed at that because i said to him if i want to run out of here i will run right through you buddy.
I STARTED YELLING HELP ME HELP ME PLEASE MAKE THE PAIN STOP!!!
That got them moving i guess because i was so loud and there were obviously other patients in the ER. Head nurse came in and said doctor approved injecting me in my ass with a high dose of adavant i think it was. I may be wrong on that, but its to knock you out. And the nurse jabbed me and within a minute or two thankfully i couldn't keep my eyes open and as i started to curl up on the bed the security guard who i laughed at and threatened came next to me and put blankets over me and essentially tucked me in and said SLEEP SON. IT'LL BE OKAY. REST NOW.
I remember immediately having utmost respect for that man. And i slipped away to sleep. When i woke up obviously i was still withdrawing but i was able to leave and my sister and mother thankfully were already there for me and i noticed the staff had went through my things and locked it up.
Before leaving a guy came in who said he was a psyche doctor and had to ask me a questions before signing off on my release.
First thing he did when he sat down was look at me, make a face of remorse and said FUCKING DRUGS MAN. FUCKING DRUGS.
Asked me if i wanted to kill or hurt myself, i said of course not, even though i would love to haha
I left. I used. And the cycle continued. But i often think of that whole time.
All that written just to say that i agree with the staff being nasty and rude. Haha
It's because it's self inflicted
I would never go to an ER again to detox after I saw them kill one lady for not bringing her down with medication. Hopefully I will never go through that again, but if I needed it, I would get the medication needed for safe withdrawl and detox myself in a quiet/positive atmosphere.
@@wickedwonka9155 Ive recently had EXACTLY the same experience here in the UK.
The second I tried a substance that changed me, I was hooked. At 15, I started to try various drugs. By 18, I was a full blown addict. Heroin was my true love. Weed was a constant. But, alcohol had me for 35 years. Then TRUE heroin addiction- for years. Then the VA decided to give me 200 mgs. a day of Morphine Sulfate for over a decade. Then, after the "Opioid Crisis"- I was cut-off. Decades of heroin, alcohol, various pills, various substances I finally had enough. Somehow, someway- I survived "me". I was the problem- NOT drugs or alcohol. Once I got SO tired of waking up sick? It was over. But, only until then- after countless ODs, jail visits, prison twice, I stopped. I now have 23 years of "clean time" except for the Methadone I will have to take for the rest of my life. And I use Cannabis for medical and recreational issues. I know I'm NOT "clean" in the strictest sense of the word but, I am alive, happy, and doing well.
I have 15 years sober, I will never let alcohol take another day. So nice to never having hangovers, all the embarrassing things half you don’t remember
this is a great documentary but as in a lot of medical help, what alcoholic has 1,200 for vivitrol? These meds need to be more affordable to ALL people.
The pill version of naltrexone costs less than one beer and it can stop that "I need to keep drinking" craziness. You must watch this documentary on The Sinclair Method. watch.amazon.com/detail?asin=B07NC3TVTR
Then just Google The Sinclair Method ! Good luck.
Yes, especially when we see the billions of dollars spent on punitive measures and so called law enforcement
Naltrexone is the same thing, but you have to take everyday. Very affordable.
Nick BohoGuido, you actually believe taking an extremely addicting, dangerous, often deadly drug is a cure for anything. You may want to educate yourself on the dangers of ALL psychiatric drugs, including vivitrol.
In the U.S., Vivitrol is covered by most insurance plan and Medicaid in every state. It is very much underutilized.
When the low dopamine receptors portion was mentioned everything really came full circle for me. That is something I suspected for a long time. I have been trying to uptake protein, exercise and meditate as what it recommended to help with dopamine.
Special shout out to Maureen. I have been judged, cancelled and disregarded and that has probably been the hardest part for me. The moral vs. biology aspect.
Moral vs Biology aspect.
Perfectly said.
Anna lempke’s work is worth studying on dopamine
Try mucuna bean powder
The doctors continued to prescribe for my husband despite the fact that I told them REPEATEDLY that he was an addict. He eventually fatally overdosed. The doctors never did apologise. I was explaining addiction to the doctors. They didn't care. More drugs. I lost the love of my life 15 years ago.
I'm so sorry to hear about your husband 💔 And your pain it caused. I wish peace and happiness for you ❤️
This documentary has giving me a valuable tool in understanding my recovery. Witch is the knowledge that I have less dopamine receptors. You have opened my eyes to a whole new world of self awareness. It's hard to put into words my gratitude for that gift. Thank you for sharing your story it has effected my life immensely. ❤
Huberman's episode on alcohol is what did it for me. Having everything that alcohol was doing to my mind and body flipped a switch in my brain.
This deserves WAAAAAY more views.
Facts. Every time I watch/listen, I learn something new. This documentary played and continues to play a role in my sobriety.
Thank you Mike, for making this film happen. I needed to see that. I hope your doing great🐸💜🌍
No form of treatment can work until one wants to recover. In my personal experience, AA offers lifelong fellowships and support. It's a safe place where one is almost sure to find at least one other person who will offer companionship, compassion and a lending hand. No matter the avenue, I wish for all who are suffering addiction to find freedom and peace from the grips of despair.
This gives me hope for my lifetime of addiction. Thank you.
I would like to see eating disorders lumped in with alcoholism and drug addiction because they are ostensibly born of exactly the same genes, just manifest in a different addiction. Same goes for gambling and sex addiction, addiction is addiction is addiction and as such, there should be a common place to start treating it with scientific studies of the brain and how addiction manifests and plays out. The people who can't seem to free themselves of addiction are victims of their genes. Excellent video. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for posting this. I’m almost 30 years sober one day at a time. I’m in AA thank God i was never shamed,because when I got to AA i was vulnerable enough without being exposed to that. From Covet i haven’t been to many imperson meetings have been doing them online. I found this fascinating and believe that most Doctors don’t understand. Thank you again i really enjoyed this program. Sending Blessings from Ireland ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🇮🇪🇮🇪
I found this doco fascinating. My family has been plagued by alcoholism on my mothers side, but weirdly I'm allergic to alcohol! I get a racing heart, rash, swelling and itching if I have just one drink. My dear Uncle was a member of AA for abt 30 yrs - he acted as a mentor and he attended meetings until he was around 80yo. He was about the most favourite person in my life & I miss him so much.
I quit alcohol over 2 and a half years ago. Just smoke
Same. 8 years no booze. Weed is far easier to manage
I lived with my dear sister who was a "food addict", basically addicted to sugar. I learned a lot from her. Her Food Addicts group called alcohol "Sugar with a Kick". She begged me to not have tempting items like ice cream, & chocolate cake (her favorite) around the house. I ABSOLUTELY respected her request. I ended up eating more healthy & even losing some weight. Maureen, please no need to be on the defensive towards others' statements of not having any liquor in the home... it is probably still a temptation for a former user, especially a serious one. If you want wine, go out with your girlfriends & imbibe without him.
argh. Not defensive. Simply saying your sister's experience cannot be extrapolated to everyone who has a substance use disorder. I have friends who've been sober for two decades who buy the wine for their friends who come to visit. There are as many answers to this problem as there are people.
Or even try stop drinking yourself Maureen,there's no good that comes from alcohol,,you maybe able to control it, but it can damage you body,it's not worth it
Especially when Maureen couldn’t remember if she finished the bottle. What was that all about?
I am ACOA however I have always shunned alcohol. I have a degree as an Addiction therapist and have argued for substance abuse as a "dis-ease". It is so good to see science supporting that theory. Thanks so much for sharing your story and all you have learned from your journey.
Substance abuse isn't a disease. It's a choice.
Diseases are something people get and have no say in it...
God works in mysterious ways. At a time in my life I am struggling with my sobriety and addictions, this video found me. Thank you... your story was extremely inspiring ... and opened a part in my life I had all but forgotten. As a child I was appointed a therapist through the courts ... it was you and I just want to say thank you, this was exactly what I needed today.
God works in mysterious ways…well, that explains everything doesn’t it. Convenient reasoning.
@waynejpark560 The more religious one is, the less critical thinking they do.
It's really bizarre...
@@billymacktexasdetective5827 Agree.
Excellent!! This Naked Mind is about a science based approach to living alcohol free. It saved me 3 years ago. Alcohol is unimportant to me now.
Same here
'Unimportant to me' I've never heard it described that way. It makes sense and all it just leads me to a question is it like everyone needs their own way to 'own' and describe our feelings towards alcohol/substances? 🤔. I'll probably be pondering on this all day..lol. Congratulations Tracy btw.
@@brazenlilhussy5975 Annie’s methodology requires the brain to see alcohol as toxic, unrewarding and realizing that turned this dry drunk into a content, happy AF living woman. I’m not a sick diseased alcoholic who will be forever chased by a bottle of liquid, I’m an enlightened woman who no longer believes alcohol is a powerful fixer of problems or magic elixir. It’s poison, and I no longer poison myself. I was addicted to an addictive substance, now I’m not.
"Everyday, we are humbled, we are not humble"
-Mike Tyson
To comprehend humility is to know the deep pain of heart pounding freedom, and through the truth of defeat.
That's profound.
9
@@christopherdaly1399 Have you done your Daly workout, Christopher? I did sat ups. I sat up out of bed twice. My stomach has its own rock hard I.Q. waves in the air. *gru ts, throws out back* Okay, I lied.
This is a wonderful documentary spreading awareness about options for those seeking recovery. Thank you!
What a great man.. Alcohol shatters lives. I believe its an addiction he is doing great again. Well done on your recovery.
Coming up on 13 years of sobriety. I don't remember the date but I do remember the month. I had tried for many years to stop drinking however each time I ended up back where I left off. I was a functional alcoholic and looked forward to the 5:00 bell. Which means I would get off work and know the store was holding my best friend in a very cold cooler. The downside my once so called friends were no longer in contact as they were before. I deleted maybe 70 contacts that all was once a part of my drinking days. I had reached out too many to try and tell them of my new life with my Savior but was shunned again and again. I had attended AA I also believe its a great group however it wasn't for me. I still remember the morning I woke up after a weekend bender and heard a voice. The voice ask me do you want to continue waking up saying good God its morning or waking up saying good morning God! I chose the lattter and thank my Savior many times daily and always praying for other's!
AA didn't work for me but worked for friends of mine. I'm 3 years sober now after over 20 years of heavy alcohol and drug use. It's a daily struggle. Stay strong....
Thank you so much for this work you are doing and telling your story. I hope that this helps ease the pain and trauma addicts and their loved ones experience.
The greatest science of addiction that I've ever come across. This is a great documentary about addiction. Thank you. I plan on sending it to my three sons. I believe that a divorce followed by the death of their mother at such a young age and them all being below the age of 17 contributed to alcohol and drug addiction. At least they are going to rehab but I want to show them this information and hopefully get some medical treatment. Keep praying for them and myself. I do everything that I've learned from going through the experience and try to steer them in the right direction. Having God in your life helps so so much. Thank you for your documentary.
I am sober ever since 4 Jun 2012. I'm in AA. I think I am blessed by the AA community in my area. It's not perfect nobody is. I'm surrounded by good people who don't shame and admit AA is not the only way and that people may have success elsewhere. I've seen a few clowns that shame and criticize. Well they have issues within themselves. God had to bring me to my knees before anything could work and I had to want it for myself. I also have relatives in AA. It runs badly in my family, alcoholism. I take no credit I give it all to God. Whatever works for this guy I pray it continues and he stays the course. I have mental illness too and receive outside help for that. So AA is not the only thing I do. Indeed I have more than just alcoholism. I believe it works if you work it. But recovery is possible.
I'm a person who understands addiction and I'm surrounded by a dysfunctional society that tells me I don't.
I took my son at 14 to Mike Pond and between Mike Pond and the boys estranged father I was belittled and pressed into a corner as my confusion grew, my son didn't get the help he needed and it took me years to understand what my body was trying to tell me.
It was the center fold spread on Ponds addiction in the National Post years later that finally enlightened me.
Mike Pond seems to have no awareness of the havoc he wrecked in the lives of those he touched through his practice. He still has a license. That says a lot about the state of the system.
It's good to have clarified who gets to be propped up and who gets to carry the responsibilities for the weaknesses of this sick society.
Idk, but I'm sending this to my son. He's dying.
That has to be a living hell for a parent.I can't imagine,even if I did have kids.
Hope it helps. We're so sorry for what you're going through.
I’m so sorry for you!
I lost my son last year. He was 37. He didn’t have to die; he just could not stop drinking. Was in the hospital 12 times over three year period. I went trough hell right along with him. So sad!
@@technojunkindatrunk we are so so sorry you lost your son and if anything in our film helps anyone, we are so grateful. We get so frustrated because the medical system does not treat addiction like the life-threatening disorder it is.
Sending good thoughts to you and your son. I hope Wasted helps
I think living with alcoholism is like grieving the death of a loved one. You never really get over it. You just have to find ways to deal with it.
For a lot of people ( like myself) it's a disease you're born with. I'll never forget my 14th birthday, after having a tooth pulled for the first time. I'd never tasted any other intoxicant at the time but my one honest request to my mom for a birthday gift was a tank of laughing gas.
A few years later I was of drinking age. I'd found the cure to my incessant boredom and restlessness. Now I consider myself an alcoholic, even though I always have been one.
Something is “off” about Maureen in my opinion and I could very well be wrong.
Everyone wants to justify having wine in the fridge BUT it’s insensitive to do that to someone recovering.
It’s like having heroine in the house saying a recovering addict should look and not shoot up?
It’s a daily struggle and decision. We saw the “light up” in his brain scan just by seeing alcohol in a picture, think of it real life?
If she is unable to not have wine in her house she should also check herself for potential dependence at least.
In general alcohol is not innocent. Never has never will.
It has no real benefits and it’s far more damaging.
If alcohol were invented today, it would NEVER be legal.
The end of the documentary gave me a weird feeling.
I wish Mike well.
She's an alcoholic , puffy eyes, enlarged liver, shaky hands, and the biggest sign...keeping alcohol around when living with an alcohol
They say you go to AA long enough you will hear your story. Well this is wear I finally heard mine. Thank you so much for posting this. I hope I haven't heard the whole video yet but I will watch to the end and I have saved it so I can watch it again and share it with others. I have lost everything and everybody in my life because of alcohol. I really don't want to die from it. If I keep drinking I will. God bless you all.
This was really informative. Thank you for your work and time that was put into this. I can relate to your experiences. We need this same certification requirement here in the US as well I believe.
Thank you so much for this video. I have a close friend who is a recovering alcoholic. My friend went to the AA meetings, every night, for years. The meetings were no help at all. My friend explained that the fellowship was nice, but they were not helpful in helping to stop drinking. You echoed exactly what my friend experienced from AA. Thank you.
Meetings are fine to meet the newcomer and have fellowship but they aren't the entire base of recovery. You don't get better through osmosis.
You clear away the wreckage of your past using the steps, live a principled life, and pass it on to the next person.
Helping others keeps you sober not binging meetings. Most who fail 1. Never work the steps 1 through 12 efficiently and 2. Haven't helped the next person.
Addiction or Alcoholism does not discriminate. It definitely needs inpatient at times. To anyone struggling now or on the streets, I care about you and I really pray that God will help remove the urges from your body. ❤️
Im glad research is finally being taken seriously for addiction, addiction services and treatment. I have witnessed love ones relapse time and time again
and I like how the term "alcoholic" is on its way out. It has always been associated with a lifelong disease and it made ppl like me think it was hopeless to try to quit
yes and the research hopefully is coming to us up to date!!! We absolutely no longer in the world the big book was written.
Thanks for this doc. I feel that hope will spring forth for many people who are in need.
Since May sober and Happy! But must say thanks to the help of a brilliant counseler, 3 months stationary rehab! Alone would have never made it! Now staying sober that is me fighting for me, my Life and my Dreams!
Good luck everyone!
I have been sober for 19 years now. AA did not help me. I did it alone after years of relapsing.
My friend however was saved by AA.
whatever works. We just know there are many paths to recovery. And people need choice. Glad you are well!
Any assistance at all?
AA was created by humans , thus like people not perfect .
I’m part of SAA, Sex addict anonymous and it really works for me
Been sober since 1998 and I went to AA and got me a sponsor and WORKED ALL 12 steps all of them
I got sober in AA… It was the best thing that ever happened to me ‼️ sober now for 30 years…‼️ never give up... it's not AA fault if you didn't catch on… Willingness honesty one day at a time and you need a sponsor… Do all the RIGHT things and God will see you through it… Guarantee.
This is a great doc. Thanks for sharing this paradigm shift.
You're very welcome. Thank YOU for the compliment. Please share it with anyone who could use it.
Really happy you appreciated Wasted
This was awesome, ending the shame of addiction. Using every tool at your disposal to end your cravings and addiction 💯☯️⭐👏
AA saved my life. I’m over 14 years sober 😊.
I live in Vancouver and I hate to say it but I actually laughed when he said he jumped on a bus to escape the wine country and ended up in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. I think that may be the contender for the worst place in North America to end up.
This was a fantastic documentary. I have been sober for 11 + years now and Was in AA for the first year of that. It didn’t work for me.
I have thought for awhile that brain chemistry should be taught in recovery and at school to prevent drug use, I had to figure it all out by myself. I was also thinking why on earth isn't the shot more available.
This doco really hit the nail on the head.
I had an excellent treatment center treat me and I haven't had a drink in 20 years but I still at times feel shame and part of that is I know my family is ashamed of me
Another excellent Canadian documentary! Thanks very much for sharing.
"wine tasting". Upper class definition for "getting smashed".
The rooms of AA and NA are the reason I’m 10 months and 1 week clean and sober today.
It took 3 attempts but the 12 steps have changed my life because I was able to be open minded, willing and honest.
Without a program I’d be dead.
Congratulations Chris, keep coming back 😊😊
Way to go Chris. Those three things are all we need. Don't need faith. Hopeless is better. I hope you're doing well.
The thing that makes this story so alarming is that there was wine in the refrigerator. Someone with this degree of alcoholism should never be afforded the temptation in their own home. It seems to me that they should have both known that.
this was an excellent documentary. thanks for your vulnerability mike and maureen.
Childhood trauma is always at the core of all of this. DR GABOR MATE’ explains this brilliantly. Look no further.
Exactly! 👌👍
Not true at all. And, Mate has made many ludicrous claims that are completely untrue.
Such as?
@@mindfuleats4517 Such as, the precise opposite of your upbringing!
All possible forms of abuse...
@@sol2117 Gabor created a lot of ideas and content for us; it's impossible not to be wrong sometimes. But, most importantly, he highlighted the idea, that also others talked about, that early childhood experiences are crucial for all human beings no matter who they are, or their location, race, income, etc.
Parenting and modeling are simply the base for your potential future.
I went to my first AA meeting in 1981, I was 15, I took my last drink on October 31st 2003. I've spent the last 18 years focused on anything except what I think and how I feel about it, that's how you end up with a gun to your head. Great documentary, I especially like the part where your instant reaction to his drinking is that your in danger of looking stupid, maybe he came into your life to save you and get you to an Alanon meeting princess. Its in the self forgetting that we're found.
My mom was a heroin addict. My dad was an alcoholic. She shot and killed him when I was 2. I spent years in foster care, and had my own battle with drugs, alcohol, and prescription pills in my 20s and 30s.
I'll be 49 next week, and I've been able to keep things in balance for the last 15yrs. I still enjoy some wine, whiskey, beer, or weed, but I'm able to keep things under control now.
AA meetings can vary so much not just the particular meeting but also the surrounding community
Reading a bit of AA bashing in the posts. Like any therapy, it works IF the person sincerely wants to change. Stanford released a study this year that shows AA does produce good results when compared to other therapies and even higher results when paired with another program. A lot of people need other types of counseling concurrently. I have not seen anyone bullied in AA. 13th Step (generally known as dating someone early in sobriety) is definitely frowned upon. People make their own decisions, definitely see that in the people that I sponsor. Some progress thru the steps the first time, some relapse and come back, some have a very difficult time and outcome remains TBD. I like a program that offers sobriety whether you have no religion, worship nature, are protestant, muslim, jewish, etc. I cannot relate to the screaming and shaming that this person speaks of...have not experienced. In fact, the groups I attend do NOT shame and self esteem is considered key to recovery. Humility is key to the program. Many of the reasons that people drink are related to how we think and feel. AA DOES address this as well. AA saved my life. Best wishes to all who struggle with addiction and/or know someone who does.
David thank you for your articulate and reasoned response. We do know there are many wonderful, supportive AA groups out there and as Dr. Bill Miller told us, he visits a group where he considers the participants so sage they are almost mystic. You have obviously flourished. Mike has since been to similar groups. But we do know the other kind of groups are out there too, as we've heard from too many who have been shamed and humiliated. Mike would agree with you, a support group that find works with you, perhaps in combo with counselling and/or medications. A person must sincerely wish to change. I wish Mike had met your group many years ago. His journey may not have been so painful.
It definitely has to be wanted by the individual to change foremost. And you may stay sober for a long time. But our brains have a funny thing of only wanting to remember the good things alcohol brought us and not remembering the bad. And the longer you go without constant maintenance the more pronounced that effect becomes leading to relapse.
That's a bit of circular reasoning. By your definition it is impossible for therapy not to work - if it doesn't work it you didn't want it enough and if it does, it is because it works.
@@monroefuches2707 Haven't seen it fail yet when someone surrenders completely and is totally honest. Note that I also mentioned that some people need other types of counseling as well. That can mean therapy or however you interpret it. I've had people lay topics and experiences on me that definitely were outside of my lane and emphatically told them that they needed help from additional resources.
Lol you keep saying “if the person commits”. The program doesn’t work if you’re relating on that. People with addiction are struggling. If someone is already in a program that means that they want to change. The program should be helping them stay on track. A program doesn’t work if they come out of it continuing to consume the substance and/or if they can’t reach everyone in the group. People need connections and treatments where they feel less alone and looked after, part of a community and connected to their work, environment, and most importantly the people around them. Every single person is different and the reason why I don’t really like this doc is because they are focusing on brain chemistry and pharmaceuticals to help with addiction/cravings. This way we are basically labeling these people as broken, instead we should be sitting down with them to understand every individual’s specific case to see what is the thing that’s missing in their life or what is the thing that they’re trying to regulate with substance and help them that way. This documentary of separating people with addiction from the rest of the population and what we should be doing is seeing how all of us have these tendencies, the only difference is that some know how to regulate themselves and other not as much. I don’t really think that this movie really told the story of addiction. It’s a bit of a traditional way of thinking about addiction. Ppl who are interested about addiction would benefit from looking into “Rat Park”. Good luck everyone.
I've been sober for 23 years, ❤and I thank AA and I still go to meetings, and I still do 1 day at a time
This was so inspiring to watch and absorb. Thank you!
I relapsed so many times and it made me feel like a bad person like I was an idiot..I’m now over a year sober I take the Naltrexone everyday and I have found ways to keep me occupied and happy so I’m not looking for that artificial fix
The problem with wealth and privilege is it can take forever to hit rock bottom. I had no family or real support early on so rock bottom hit much earlier (30s). The world of vineyards and shit is heaven for a regular person and hell for an alcoholic.
I’m so happy for you Mike
As an addict in recovery and a Forensic Psychology graduate student, I agree that 12-step fellowship may not be the end all be all. Not every home group is quite welcoming and helpful. I do believe that 12-step fellowships should be a part of SUD treatment along with IOP, family therapy, spiritual care, and mindfulness.
yea i couldn’t deal w AA /NA. Ive always felt its a brain chemistry issue that needs to be treated as such.
Smart recovery is a superior evidence based methodology
I couldn’t handle those meetings either. They made me uncomfortable.
It can kill so many brain cells you lose your memory, some of them forever and cannot make new memories, not even know what day it is for many months.
I'm sober almost 3 years of meth alcohol heroin and all other mind altering chemicals
I had to get all of me I could handle and when the booze and dopes stopped working it got worse
I went to treatment 28 days go out stayed in AA day and night
I closed my mouth and listened for the cure And greatful to GOD I did
Thank you for this amazing film!
Congratulations to this man, and the woman who supported him.
I’m excited about the emerging studies using psychedelics for addictions treatments. I have found working with Ayahuasca to be life changing.
I’m inspired by Mike’s progress, though my challenges have not been with alcohol. Wishing him and his loved ones many years of stability.
I agree but try finding anyone or even any legit doctor who will even TRY to help me to try DMT. i do not understand why our country is so hard nosed about something that is naturally occurring substance and can actually help people and save lives potentially. And there are so few down sides (at least from what Ive read). Addiction is not an issue, violence never happens and the whole thing lasts 15 - 20 minutes. I cant even find anywhere on the internet that will help me to find a legit DMT source - I m willing and wanting to go to a dr to administer it under medical care yet ????? Cant find anything. And I am at the end of my rope.
@@HeidiSvenson Western Dr's risk loosing their medical license if they participate in illegal activities.
So, you will need to go about things differently - either wait until it's legal, head underground, or head to a different country.
I did a big dose of mushrooms several years ago, and after that, I quit drinking, quit smoking, quit my job, and started a business.
Changed my life.
Day 17 for me. No intention to ever drink alcohol again. Ever.
Just worry about not drinking today
Something i noticed is that many addicts not all, but many will stop when they have been scared by the life hard enough. For me, it was the fear of losing my child. I got clean when i was pregnant but relapsed for 2 weeks when my son was 1. I had to bring my son to stay with my parents because i lost my apartment and almost got kidnaped by a pimp. Most of all, my best friend overdosed and died. I saw what i was losing and what i was gaining a d it scared me straight. I went to rehab and was reunited with my son 3 months later, and i never looked back. That was 3 years ago, and i really needed to experience all that to realise the drugs did not work anymore after becoming a mother. My son gives me a high no drug could ever mimic. Also that vivatraul shot is 1200 dollars? Ill stick to yoga and meditation thank you very much.
You’ve been through some hellish scary stuff! I’m so glad you survived and got to be with your little one again- you saying they give you a high like nothing else is the sweetest thing- I have a lot of hope for you and him! Thanks for sharing your story!
Good on ya mate.
20 yrs sober with the help of aa. The support and friendships that I have found in the program have been a major positive
factor in my recovery plus the fact that it's a spiritual program not a religious one.A spirituality of your own choosing;freedom of thought. Wish you the best mate.
🍻 🥂 🍻. Gingerale.
I've met two people who got sober in rehab and stayed sober without AA. But I've met thousands who stay sober with AA. It's a very complex issue because practically EVERYBODY struggles with getting sober. So, someone might not be getting sober because: 1)they are doing something wrong, or 2)AA is doing something wrong. In my opinion (for whatever that's worth), usually it's that the individual is doing something wrong. AA is an absolute godsend -free and almost all over the planet. I've met amazing, supportive people in AA across the world. However, I've also been to meetings where some people focused so much on dogma that they lost a degree of their humanity. I've seen fruitcakes from California imposing their weird views on their sponsees. I've seen old timers sexually take advantage of newcomers. But, to my knowledge, at this present moment AA is still the most effective route for staying sober. If it weren't, I'd be doing something else. Huge congrats on your 20 years. Nice to see someone in the chat supporting AA.
They are a gorgeous couple, and I wish them everything of the very best.
Thank you. It’s Maureen that makes us gorgeous
Hope you and Maureen are still well and happy