I can honestly say that Johnny clearly wears his heart on his sleeve, and you know he's a great guy for it. A lot of people THINK they know their favourite UA-camrs, but Johnny leaves no doubts about the kind of man he is. Inspiring and encouraging. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us all!
really man i am 36 years old and was on pain pills and heroin for 21 years and ive been clean now for six months and have gotten fully back to gaming as a kid i had every system even sega cd and now channels like this one and other game chans got me to go get help and now ive been on suboxone for 6 months and have built it back pretty good i gt a switch a snes classic and og snes a sega and sega cd and a ps 4 bro thx ppl have been saved bc of this channel FR thx A LOT
Yeah I’m on methadone but I still double and triple dose and take a lot of benzos, adderall, and neurontin. Usually just above prescribed amounts but still. Bout to be sick for a day cause I already took my Thursday bottle and I have to wait til Friday for more. Well I saved like 15 Mg’s maybe but not much.
COD ProCamp yeah I actually got down to 10mg’s and that’s the only time I actually felt the sickness. Got in a car accident and such and ended up going back up on my dose. Best of luck to you.
One of my biggest regrets was when I was in first grade. I never had any friends and always got picked on and one day I had a chip on my shoulder and saw some kid while I was drinking water at a fountain I walked up and I spit water in his face and laughed at him. But I did not get away with it thank god my dad caught me and I was grounded HARD. I am 26 years old now and I still think about that to this day and wish I knew who that kid was and where he lived so I could apologize to him like a man. I always tend to look back at my past self and get mad at the stupid and down right mean things I've done but the past is the past all you can do is learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward
January 11th, 2012 My sister died of a heroin overdose. I was 15 and my world was shattered. without getting into the nitty gritty, you sincerely (along with petedorr) really saved my life, showing me a world that i had always known- but displaying the real depth of the beauty that comes with being an active appreciator of the arts. The world is absurd and never fails to astonish, that is why i believe arts are the only true escape sometimes. anyway man, I sincerely was a dick mostly out of anxiety, and my crazy life has taken so many strange turns- but i say all of this to say you have helped me be a better person. I treat people with sympathy and empathy as much as i can bc i know we are all suffering- in our own way. Anyway hope you read this, you deserve to know your impact on my life- and im sure many others. Im in japan now, for a week, having my own life changing England-esque experience. I hope you continue to help the world
John, I think it's wonderful that you have gotten in to rehab some of your friends. You're not alone though in losing people. My girlfriend hung herself last year on thanksgiving day. We had only been dating for a month and she had a history of suicide attempts for years before I even met her, but I felt soooooo guilty. Like how did I not see how much pain she was in and did I egg her on by showing her depressing music, etc etc. I couldn't even sit at her funeral, I got up and walked out. I think about her all the time and sometimes it'll dawn on me what she did and I get so heartbroken for her. Anyways I'm sure you remember the better times u had with guys like Rob and Andrew and the ones who aren't around may have left some fond memories for you to love and be grateful for. Here's to our fallen comrades!!
Wow. So many times you have told us about the fun part of your younger days. The skateboarding, anime, videogames, smoking and playing games with Rob Man, etc. It sounds like such an awesome time, and I'm sure it was. But it's interesting to hear about the darker side of your childhood.
I used to do a lot of drugs in the late 80s early 90s, i was an skateboarder too and i can relate to a lot of stuff you said. To me it was always a battle to keep darkness at bay, with video games and music always being the positive force keeping me from going insane. Today i'm clean, and i have been for more than 15 years and i can safely say video games saved my life and that wouldn't even be an exaggeration.
I'm a recovering addict so I can definitely appreciate this story dude. It's so hard getting out of that kinda stuff, but once someone finally does, there's definitely a renewed love for life and art and hobbies and creativity.
I’ve been gaming all my life, but at 18 slipped into serious addiction. As I grew sick of addiction I started gaming again, and it helped save my life. People trying to ban games & say they make ppl violent, they don’t understand that games have positive impacts on ppl. One of my earliest memories is getting a Super Nintendo for my birthday, then gaming with all my cousins at my grandma’s house on the weekends.
@@SwatyChopsuey I am too right now, tapering off Gabapentin and then transitioning off Suboxone for good. Feels like I'm finally going at the final boss. Are you doing okay?
@@drainedeyes4268 Just Alcool for me rn, but it's like I stop for a week and then be like oh I've done well and then binge drink and feel like shit again, been on and off for a year now after drinking way too much everyday for 7 years. But the fact I'm able to stop for days now is progress Ig lol
@@SwatyChopsuey no you’re right, you’re making progress, just keep working at it. I’m actually about to try using Psilocybin, either macro or microdosing to help reset my brain. Have you ever considered it? They recently finally did some studies and found it was 70-80% effective compared to nicotine patches (16% success) for people quitting nicotine - and they’re finding it’s very effective for quitting alcohol and cocaine. They’re also currently doing studies to confirm its use for opiate addicts (my current situation). I’m working on my own batch right now for personal medicinal use, really hoping it can help me get off these shit drugs. I know it sounds nuts, but I highly recommend you check out the research. It works by shutting down the default network the brain uses to function and opening up all these normally closed neural connections - it essentially resets the brain and shuts down old pathways that contribute to habits and addictions and opens up the possibilities for quitting or forming new healthier habits. You just have to integrate the experiences effectively and use what you learn from them, put it to use. Highly recommend you check it out, tons of people are trying it now. It’s also objectively the safest drug we have in terms of overdose potential. I do hope things get better for you soon, though, also video games are good for the soul ❤️
Bit of a sexist comment, Clyde. Larry Bundy comments on every gaming video also and nobody accuses him of trickery. Some people just watch a lot of videos. Some of them are cute girls. Imagine that.
I️ lost a lot of friends to drugs myself. I’m 33 and I️ lost a a couple friends where there drug addiction escalated to heroin and crack and it took their lives at a young age. It’s nice that you still see him every now and then. Even though he’s a crack addict I’m sure he is lonely and appreciates seeing you again.
I was a popular boy at youth school in 1991. I used to bother other people especially a boy. I have always regretted how I behaved. Now 2 years ago, I met this man I used to bother and apologize for everything I had done. Now today we are friends. I think school is like a prison. If you are to survive then you have to stand up for yourself. If you do not, people will step on you. And it's sad and tragic how we humans are
I think it's a testament to the sort of person you are that the video turned into a melancholy story about lost friends and how video games saved you from that. You're a great influence my dude - long may it continue!
So sad about Jason. A lot of times, addiction expresses itself not just through substance abuse but also kleptomania and even things like eating disorders (either direction). It can all go kind of hand-in-hand and often has to do with some type of compulsion or neurosis, or even just gets blanketed as general OCD. It is serious stuff.
Serious question, have you ever thought about writing an autobiography or something similar? A graphic novel with anime-esque illustrations by you would be awesome. You have so many interesting stories from various years in your life and tell them in such a captivating way. I'd buy one for sure!
I wouldn't worry about any sins of the past, Johnny. I still remember running into you at a convention in Seattle, and being taken aback at how incredibly nice you are in real life. :D
Watched this when you uploaded this vid Johnny, and find myself coming back to it because its such a interesting and honestly somewhat relatable story. Hoping for even more videos like this !
I love that he is so honest. Like the story when Rob had the Dreamcast and waited for Johnny to come round before he put it on. Then when Johnny got the N64, Rob and another pal was waiting in his house, Johnny got angry and kicked them out 😄. Then invited him round later and still didn't let him play on it. BUT! The fact he can talk about it and be honest is RARE. Love the videos and Rob n Johnny's friendship. It is rare today. Stay safe people.
To me it was not just friends, but the whole surrounding. The majority of people in my area end up uneducated, jobless, thugs and drogue addict. What saved me wasn't my hobbies, but rather my own weird body; fortunately I couldn't get into those substances because they had an opposite effect on me, they just make me sad, angry and I start seriously thinking about all my issues in life, it always drove me crazy, so I stopped.
Drugs and crime always hit me the fuckin hardest lost all but 2 friends to them damn near myself but thank goodness I found comfort in my brother, last couple of friends and video games or I'd be a lost soul. Great vid man, subbed.
Johnny, this story hit deep. I grew up with a lot of very similar friends. We all went down different paths in life. Your stories are not only nostalgic and heartwarming but they also inspire one to appreciate this passion we share. Gaming. It really did save many of us from going down the wrong path. Thank you for sharing your amazing story. Cheers!
I was a mellow kid with limited friend options, so I was often stuck hanging out with jerks. I wonder what causes some teenagers to become assholes. It seems common, but it isn't a universal teenager trait.
I wouldn't be able to tell from your videos. Hah! Thanks to you as well, my man. Great content these past years. HappyConsoleGamer freakin' rulez though. Heh.
Johnny I've been getting into your videos more and more lately and I've gotta say I love the positivity that you bring to my day to day with these videos and your stories and your personality, thank you so much!
Yeah man, I'm 27 now but about 10-13 years ago I slowly watched my friends get into hardcore drugs. I was a punk and so were my friends. I feel like they were heavily influenced by Darby Crash and Sid Vicious a little much in all honesty but anyway I had a couple friends named Cody and Rob who basically told me that since I wasn't "experimental" with different drugs like Heroin and Coke and that since I only stuck to getting drunk and dabbling with weed here and there that they weren't going to be my friend anymore. Cody used to hate that I loved Video Games so much because he was constantly looking for more drugs. Since then my buddy Rob has come off the drugs entirely and we are now Best friends who live together. I too had a friend who would steal shit loads of stuff, specifically Manga from a local bookstore. Admittedly I had him grab me some here and there but he took at least 10-15 books at a time, mostly for himself. I eventually backed away from all that lol. I felt terrible because I had a huge collection of them eventually and a lot were from there. Karma came though and one night it was raining and my parents basement flooded, which was also my room at the time, and it ended up destroying most of my collection. Weirdly, I felt relief seeing all those books finally destroyed because I couldn't bare to do the deed lol.
Speaking of stolen candy or sweets as we call them in the UK, when I was growing up a truck carrying sweets and fizzy juice that sort of thing crashed near my house, being the early 90s there was no mobile phone so when the driver left to call for help all the local kids robbed that truck blind, I'm not proud of it now but I'll never forget it.
That's so wild that you still see Jason regularly. Reminds me of some of my childhood best friend from high school who got lost in his own ways but fortunately I don't believe he ever became homeless or addicted to hard drugs. Hope to see him again someday. Thanks for your stories, Johnny!
Great video dude. I have had similar experiences, let’s just say for a chunk of my life my asshole level was somewhere between yours and your friend Jason’s. I battled addiction and came through it, I’m very fortunate in that regard. Anyway, thanks for the video. Your honest and personable demeanour is always inspiring and makes a true connection with your audience. Best channel on UA-cam
Videogames does make you stay away from drugs.. Getting bored is one the thing that can make you a user, You will never get bored if you play videogames
I'm still 19 but a lot of my old group of friends have gotten addicted to debilitating lifestyles and its really sad. I pretty thankful though that I was able to get through those times and choices and at least make the decision to not do drugs. I see a lot of similarities between your childhood and mine it's really cool. Keep making videos about games and your life man keep it up!
Crazy how two people who know each other well go in such different directions in life, and you dont realize it untill you see them 30 years down the road.
One time I found a credit card outside 11 back in grade 12 in 1992. I gave it to a buddy of mine, he went and bought 2 Super Nes systyems, one for each of us!
There was a time in my life that I went down a dark road. Looking back so much could have been avoided if I would have stayed home and played video games! Lol. Hindsight is 20/20 thanks for your story.
Heroin is a black hole. All my friends who've gone there haven't returned. We all have sketchy pasts especially of that era. Punk was 'youth culture' back in the day. Thank goodness Grunge came along and took the edge off.
Man thank you for this video. A lot of my younger life was similar, and there were times when I was on a bad path. Sometimes I feel bad about how much I play video games now, but they replaced worse habits and addictions in the past. Hearing you talk about some similar issues reminds me that this hobby saved me in some ways and that I shouldn't feel bad about it.
Same here. Grew up the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Now I'm 26 and gives no fucks. Being nice only work with quality people but sadly they are too rare these days.
I have been addicted to drugs on and off since I was 16. I am now 36. I find video games are one of the most therapeutic things to take my mind off of the cravings for drugs. Its also important to have people there to help you, when you are ready to quit. I have alot of respect for you being there for friends, when they are ready to quit. Its so important to them and can make all the difference.
Your a great guy ;). Your stories and experiences are treasures that I'm glad you take the time to share because I enjoy listening. Never Change Johnny!
Great job in discussing difficult subjects without focusing on the negative or preaching at us! You came to terms with your past and tried to help others along the way, and that's all we can really ask of ourselves. You have a great outlet for spreading positivity here, and you're obviously putting it to use!
In my 13-14years old... the period 1999-2000 the period of playing dreamcast and ps1 most of the time.... every weekend hang out with my friends and go to store buy 20-30 eggs... take a bus and start throw on people who pass by on street... and do the competition who was the winner by doing most headshot on the targets... and this stupit thing was happend over a year and not cought by policemen once...
Vidro games saved me from bad influences too, many of the kids in my neighborhood got in to drugs and motorcycle gang, I hooked up playing Adventure Island 2 and Super Contra.
As a man in my late 40s who still LOVES videogames, I really wish I had close friends like Jonny...the friends I had went on to do regular "adult" things in life, and have no interest in videogames anymore.. I could connect in so many ways with guys like Jonny..😔
Thanks for sharing! Can relate to some of your childhood stories. Hoping the best that the friend you spoke most about can get himself clean and stay clean!
VIDEO GAMES SAVED YOUR LIFE HAPPY GAMER...I HAD A FRIEND JUST LIKE THIS GUY!!!! MY 3 BEST FRIENDS!!! TURNED TO THE DARK SIDE!!!! VIDEO GAMES AND SPORTS KEPT ME AWAY FROM DRUGS!!! MY VERY BEST FRIEND TURNED TO DRUGS... AND OVERDOSED WHEN WAS 37.HE WAS MY BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER...
Me and my best friend once stole a Daggerfall Demo CD from a magazine, he even brought a knife to cut the plastic of, it was crazy! We never get caught tought.
I know this is an older video, but wanted to say I can relate to many parts of your story, the real difference is I spent my childhood/teens in foster care and boys homes. I'm very lucky and blessed that I never got involved in any drugs, outside of minimal use of marijuana here and there, but even that wasn't anything I sought out. Your stories, memories and channel is fantastic, glad I found it.
thank you for sharing your story! im so glad video games and movies helped save you from that life your school friends group went through. you definitely are a positive influence on youtube! i always feel great after watching your videos!
I was the same way in the 90's. It's just boys being boys but in the end you have to know where and when the line is and some friends took a dive for the worse and some matured and made smart choices. But doing crazy shit while being a kid and fighting via couch co op is something I'll never forget and every kid needs that in his life at some point.
The grunge generation it was very much the same here in england so many lost it's very sad. videogames have always been there through hard and good times to keep us on a path somewhat.
its pretty amazing that you have become the person you have, and didn't go down the same road as a lot of your friends that became addicts. I know how hard it can be, I struggled with heroin addiction for many years and have come out of it on the other side of things. I have always been a gamer and always will be, we all have our demons, and it's who we are on the inside that truly matters. Loved your stories, thanks for sharing them
Wow, I grew up in very similar circumstances, and like John, video games became my drug of choice. Here's to vidja games! *raises a glass of Mountain Dew*
I was a very depressed child and teen, I didn't socialise with people all that often, still don't. Being bullied all the time for being different, quiet and poor was and still is seen as a crime by many. Many of the bullies couldn't stand the fact that I was a better gamer than them, that I could read complete books with ease when they could barely manage half a page. These days I keep to myself as much as possible, rarely interact with people and prefer to be alone. Over thirty years of being mistreated and hurt by so many insecure assholes hasn't exactly endeared me to people.
Sorry to hear you've had it so rough... it's honestly hard to relate even though I've had some tough times of my own. My one and only in the world suffered similarly though, and she still does. You probably don't need to hear it from me since you've got dis, but hang in there all the same!
I am a 40 year old ex heroin addict. Video games, and AD&D helped me out. The first time I got clean in 99 (after using h since 97)was all good til our AD&D group broke up and I got back into smack because of a girl I was interested in. We got together and had fun times in Phillyland, but it doesn't last. Fast forward to 2004, after being stabbed 4 times in the chest from Puerto Rican gang member in North Philly to being stuck up by a guy with a tech 9, beat over the head with a lead pipe and 40oz bottle, to landing a month in jail, I had finally had enough, and being on probation got on methadone and got clean 15 years later I am married with 2 kids, own a home and have a crappy but good paying job and a fun dog. I love video games, they get me through. The problem I have is I had to give up my old friends, now I don't have many at all. And spend time with family and gaming. I would love to get back into pen and paper but don't know how to do it. BEING OFF h makes me more anti social, and being 40 well those people I w use to play with are dead, stopped playing, on drugs, or stuck up snobs. Thanks for this video. Found your channel from Dragon quest videos. Dw1 was my first console rpg on nes, back when it came out. Then I bought ff1. As far as ribbing your friends, that's what we did. It must be a generational thing, that rock and roll, metal, skateboarding, dirt bikes, partying, girls, video games and playing pranks. All in all though I think my gen x generation isn't as whiny though, you never see us no platforming people from debate and rioting in the street, like you see on videos from college campuses. We also weren't politically correct. My turbo graphix16 i leant to twins back in 91, they wound up moving, didn't tell anyone, and I lost it. We used to lend each other consoles all the time as kids, would never do that again. That didn't stop my genesis and nes, plus my dq 1-4 collection from being swooped from my apartment in 99... yeah looking back I probably would of sold them for small anyway after relapsing in 2001, as I had with my 70+games ps1 collection, magic cards from 1st-5th ed. And a stack of 100 worth of AD&D 1st - 3rd ed books. Damn, I still look back in disgust at myself, but I could be dead or in jail.... Got to take things in perspectice.
You know what man? I appreciate this video. I really do. I could have gone down a horrible path, but by the grace of "whatever the hell" I turned out okay, and I am glad you did too. Keep it up Johnny, I really enjoy what you have to say, and I hope that as many of your friends as possible can turn out okay too. Keep being you bro, maybe some young gamers out there can watch this and learn to mellow out early. You never know :). Thanks dude.
We have all had moments we ain’t proud of mate. Anybody who says they ain’t is frankly delusional or a liar. It’s how you use them to take you forwards that matters. You radiate a lot of positivity in the way you address your viewers. I’d say that’s a fair sign of how far you’ve stepped. Nice that you felt you could share that with your audience. Takes guts to admit you wasn’t perfect. Keep on happy gaming😉
Ive lost about ten friends to heroin in last 5 years, i thank god everyday i nvr got into it just recently lost my 26 yr old nephew to it, but i love your channel bc your always positive and ver passionate about the things you talk about i love that keep up the great work johnjy
Hi Johnnymillennium! Thank you for this video. It really got to me, I started to get into drugs at 14 years and ended up using heroine for 8 years, I'm 33 years old now and sorted out but on subuxone for little over 7 years and that works for me and became my salvation as well as picking up games again. As you can imagine I've also buried and lost a lot of good friends, it sucks. But life isn't easy many times. Take care pz.
eksmad I enjoy it when he does videos like this. Like the video about his online addiction or the one about when he quit smoking. I find them therapeutic.
Ha! I was a similar asshole to my friends playing game Ma back in the day. I remember playing Super Double Dragon with my buddy Gary, and he ask how to pull of certain combos and moves, and I be like "Here! Like this!" While using the moves on his character and beating them up. He was a good sport, but I was a asshole for doing him like that. Maybe that's why we never beat the game.
Thanks for sharing this video and talking about your experiences!! I’m a music teacher...and I’m still into video games. I could relate to my Students more whenever I talk about super smash bros. As a music teacher, I see 90 percent of the student body in my school (the only ones I don’t see are the kindergartens). But here’s the thing: almost ALL my students play video games and are heavily into pop culture such as Marvel comics or Anime. Here’s another fact: 75-80 percent of those kids who are into video games get it from their parents: you have NO idea how cool it is to meet gamer parents!! Greetings from Toronto, Canada! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Really appreciate you sharing these stories. Hey who DOESN’T want to mercilessly beat and watch their friends fall now and then :) sorry to hear bout your lost friends. You give your viewers/listeners a lot of fuckin strength and thank you for being a decent person. Much love bro be well \m/
dude you sent that kid on a real life fetch quest
Moral of the video, don't do drugs, play video games instead.
What about both?
I dunno... I have lost friends to World of Warcraft in a similar way to losing ppl to heroin (ok, they didn't die, but...)
Haven't you ever heard that winners don't do drugs?
Amen.
Shintai Ha ha, winners don't' do drugs, right?
I can honestly say that Johnny clearly wears his heart on his sleeve, and you know he's a great guy for it. A lot of people THINK they know their favourite UA-camrs, but Johnny leaves no doubts about the kind of man he is. Inspiring and encouraging. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us all!
Agreed ❤
“I was like, “how’d you steal that Turbo Grafx from RadioShack?!” And he was like “This is Canada!”
JazGalaxy "sorry"
really man i am 36 years old and was on pain pills and heroin for 21 years and ive been clean now for six months and have gotten fully back to gaming as a kid i had every system even sega cd and now channels like this one and other game chans got me to go get help and now ive been on suboxone for 6 months and have built it back pretty good i gt a switch a snes classic and og snes a sega and sega cd and a ps 4 bro thx ppl have been saved bc of this channel FR thx A LOT
I hope you a still living clean and sober man.
Yeah I’m on methadone but I still double and triple dose and take a lot of benzos, adderall, and neurontin. Usually just above prescribed amounts but still. Bout to be sick for a day cause I already took my Thursday bottle and I have to wait til Friday for more. Well I saved like 15 Mg’s maybe but not much.
And I’m 34. My brothers 36 and was much more hardcore on the heroin. I only shot up maybe 50 times in my life.
COD ProCamp yeah I actually got down to 10mg’s and that’s the only time I actually felt the sickness. Got in a car accident and such and ended up going back up on my dose. Best of luck to you.
One of my biggest regrets was when I was in first grade. I never had any friends and always got picked on and one day I had a chip on my shoulder and saw some kid while I was drinking water at a fountain I walked up and I spit water in his face and laughed at him. But I did not get away with it thank god my dad caught me and I was grounded HARD. I am 26 years old now and I still think about that to this day and wish I knew who that kid was and where he lived so I could apologize to him like a man. I always tend to look back at my past self and get mad at the stupid and down right mean things I've done but the past is the past all you can do is learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward
I spit on someone in high school, then broke my hand punching him out. I relive that moment all the time. One of my deepest regrets.
Growing pains, many of us went through them. You're a cool dude now, it's all good.
January 11th, 2012 My sister died of a heroin overdose. I was 15 and my world was shattered. without getting into the nitty gritty, you sincerely (along with petedorr) really saved my life, showing me a world that i had always known- but displaying the real depth of the beauty that comes with being an active appreciator of the arts. The world is absurd and never fails to astonish, that is why i believe arts are the only true escape sometimes. anyway man, I sincerely was a dick mostly out of anxiety, and my crazy life has taken so many strange turns- but i say all of this to say you have helped me be a better person. I treat people with sympathy and empathy as much as i can bc i know we are all suffering- in our own way. Anyway hope you read this, you deserve to know your impact on my life- and im sure many others. Im in japan now, for a week, having my own life changing England-esque experience. I hope you continue to help the world
John, I think it's wonderful that you have gotten in to rehab some of your friends. You're not alone though in losing people. My girlfriend hung herself last year on thanksgiving day. We had only been dating for a month and she had a history of suicide attempts for years before I even met her, but I felt soooooo guilty. Like how did I not see how much pain she was in and did I egg her on by showing her depressing music, etc etc. I couldn't even sit at her funeral, I got up and walked out. I think about her all the time and sometimes it'll dawn on me what she did and I get so heartbroken for her. Anyways I'm sure you remember the better times u had with guys like Rob and Andrew and the ones who aren't around may have left some fond memories for you to love and be grateful for. Here's to our fallen comrades!!
I am so sorry.
I'm so sorry to hear that.
I hope you're doing well.
Jesus christ, Johny. Hit me hard with the addict talk.
Sorry dude.
Wow. So many times you have told us about the fun part of your younger days. The skateboarding, anime, videogames, smoking and playing games with Rob Man, etc. It sounds like such an awesome time, and I'm sure it was. But it's interesting to hear about the darker side of your childhood.
I used to do a lot of drugs in the late 80s early 90s, i was an skateboarder too and i can relate to a lot of stuff you said. To me it was always a battle to keep darkness at bay, with video games and music always being the positive force keeping me from going insane. Today i'm clean, and i have been for more than 15 years and i can safely say video games saved my life and that wouldn't even be an exaggeration.
Raw&Proud69 That's awesome man. God bless.
Thank you brother, right back at you.
Raw&Proud69 👍
Nice to hear that man, same here and respect to you! 👊🏿
Thanks dude, much appreciated.
I'm a recovering addict so I can definitely appreciate this story dude. It's so hard getting out of that kinda stuff, but once someone finally does, there's definitely a renewed love for life and art and hobbies and creativity.
I’ve been gaming all my life, but at 18 slipped into serious addiction. As I grew sick of addiction I started gaming again, and it helped save my life. People trying to ban games & say they make ppl violent, they don’t understand that games have positive impacts on ppl. One of my earliest memories is getting a Super Nintendo for my birthday, then gaming with all my cousins at my grandma’s house on the weekends.
I'm trying to get out of something rn it's so hard
@@SwatyChopsuey I am too right now, tapering off Gabapentin and then transitioning off Suboxone for good. Feels like I'm finally going at the final boss. Are you doing okay?
@@drainedeyes4268 Just Alcool for me rn, but it's like I stop for a week and then be like oh I've done well and then binge drink and feel like shit again, been on and off for a year now after drinking way too much everyday for 7 years. But the fact I'm able to stop for days now is progress Ig lol
@@SwatyChopsuey no you’re right, you’re making progress, just keep working at it. I’m actually about to try using Psilocybin, either macro or microdosing to help reset my brain. Have you ever considered it? They recently finally did some studies and found it was 70-80% effective compared to nicotine patches (16% success) for people quitting nicotine - and they’re finding it’s very effective for quitting alcohol and cocaine. They’re also currently doing studies to confirm its use for opiate addicts (my current situation). I’m working on my own batch right now for personal medicinal use, really hoping it can help me get off these shit drugs. I know it sounds nuts, but I highly recommend you check out the research. It works by shutting down the default network the brain uses to function and opening up all these normally closed neural connections - it essentially resets the brain and shuts down old pathways that contribute to habits and addictions and opens up the possibilities for quitting or forming new healthier habits. You just have to integrate the experiences effectively and use what you learn from them, put it to use. Highly recommend you check it out, tons of people are trying it now. It’s also objectively the safest drug we have in terms of overdose potential. I do hope things get better for you soon, though, also video games are good for the soul ❤️
You are such a good story teller! 😊
I’m sad your friend couldn’t get his act together ☹️
I always see you here in the comments Pixel. WTF.
Johnny fucking Millenium!!
Chubzdoomer she comments on every single one of the bigger retro game UA-camrs. I'm guessing to get traffic on her page. Probably works.
Bit of a sexist comment, Clyde. Larry Bundy comments on every gaming video also and nobody accuses him of trickery. Some people just watch a lot of videos. Some of them are cute girls. Imagine that.
I️ lost a lot of friends to drugs myself. I’m 33 and I️ lost a a couple friends where there drug addiction escalated to heroin and crack and it took their lives at a young age. It’s nice that you still see him every now and then. Even though he’s a crack addict I’m sure he is lonely and appreciates seeing you again.
I was a popular boy at youth school in 1991. I used to bother other people especially a boy. I have always regretted how I behaved. Now 2 years ago, I met this man I used to bother and apologize for everything I had done. Now today we are friends.
I think school is like a prison. If you are to survive then you have to stand up for yourself. If you do not, people will step on you. And it's sad and tragic how we humans are
I think it's a testament to the sort of person you are that the video turned into a melancholy story about lost friends and how video games saved you from that. You're a great influence my dude - long may it continue!
Well that was mainly a sad episode.
SadConsoleGamer
Martin Skjøtt SappyConsoleGamer
So sad about Jason. A lot of times, addiction expresses itself not just through substance abuse but also kleptomania and even things like eating disorders (either direction). It can all go kind of hand-in-hand and often has to do with some type of compulsion or neurosis, or even just gets blanketed as general OCD. It is serious stuff.
Serious question, have you ever thought about writing an autobiography or something similar? A graphic novel with anime-esque illustrations by you would be awesome. You have so many interesting stories from various years in your life and tell them in such a captivating way. I'd buy one for sure!
Great idea. I would pick that up for sure. HCG Scott pilgrim style
I agree. HCG has some amazing stories and an awesome way of telling them.
yep agreed
I'd definitely buy one too!
What's this "WAS" nonsense? j/k, you rule.
John Riggs: RIGG'd Games LOl savage !!!
John Riggs: RIGG'd Games you beat me to the joke this time
Riggs Reggie etc are the best
haha
This is the reason why I love your videos, you speak words from your heart. Eres un crack!
I wouldn't worry about any sins of the past, Johnny. I still remember running into you at a convention in Seattle, and being taken aback at how incredibly nice you are in real life. :D
Too Satanic John, Too Satanic !
This never gets old
lol!
lel
j.c - πmtl i see a lot of these "too satanic" jokes on this channel, can you please explain the reference? I think im missing something here. Thanks
off course, look 4 the video Mr. SHIMIZU this is the link ua-cam.com/video/apM2sJFUPUU/v-deo.html
Watched this when you uploaded this vid Johnny, and find myself coming back to it because its such a interesting and honestly somewhat relatable story. Hoping for even more videos like this !
I love that he is so honest.
Like the story when Rob had the Dreamcast and waited for Johnny to come round before he put it on.
Then when Johnny got the N64, Rob and another pal was waiting in his house, Johnny got angry and kicked them out 😄.
Then invited him round later and still didn't let him play on it.
BUT! The fact he can talk about it and be honest is RARE.
Love the videos and Rob n Johnny's friendship.
It is rare today.
Stay safe people.
"I gotta confess...
I'm not happy, nor a console gamer...
I'm a SaltyPCGamer"
that Kelly Bundy poster is 🔥. On a side note, I'm proud to be a subscriber of your show and I enjoy all your positive content.
Do as many of these as possible.
I know it's a sensitive topic, but could you make a video about your experience with drugs when you were
younger. Thanks
To me it was not just friends, but the whole surrounding. The majority of people in my area end up uneducated, jobless, thugs and drogue addict. What saved me wasn't my hobbies, but rather my own weird body; fortunately I couldn't get into those substances because they had an opposite effect on me, they just make me sad, angry and I start seriously thinking about all my issues in life, it always drove me crazy, so I stopped.
Drugs and crime always hit me the fuckin hardest lost all but 2 friends to them damn near myself but thank goodness I found comfort in my brother, last couple of friends and video games or I'd be a lost soul. Great vid man, subbed.
Johnny, this story hit deep. I grew up with a lot of very similar friends. We all went down different paths in life.
Your stories are not only nostalgic and heartwarming but they also inspire one to appreciate this passion we share. Gaming. It really did save many of us from going down the wrong path.
Thank you for sharing your amazing story. Cheers!
I was a mellow kid with limited friend options, so I was often stuck hanging out with jerks. I wonder what causes some teenagers to become assholes. It seems common, but it isn't a universal teenager trait.
HOO HOO
Christina Applegate poster is best girl.
Johnny, you are the most influential youtuber to me. Your stories are a blast to listen to. Keep up the good work.
I would hate to bump into me in the 90's... some good times though :D Thanks as always mate!
I wouldn't be able to tell from your videos. Hah! Thanks to you as well, my man. Great content these past years. HappyConsoleGamer freakin' rulez though. Heh.
Don't worry, I loved the crack in the 90s too (apparently. I thought I was a good chorister).
Johnny I've been getting into your videos more and more lately and I've gotta say I love the positivity that you bring to my day to day with these videos and your stories and your personality, thank you so much!
"There's a TurboGrafx kiosk outside RadioShack Jason! Hmm whaddya think!?"
Yeah man, I'm 27 now but about 10-13 years ago I slowly watched my friends get into hardcore drugs. I was a punk and so were my friends. I feel like they were heavily influenced by Darby Crash and Sid Vicious a little much in all honesty but anyway I had a couple friends named Cody and Rob who basically told me that since I wasn't "experimental" with different drugs like Heroin and Coke and that since I only stuck to getting drunk and dabbling with weed here and there that they weren't going to be my friend anymore. Cody used to hate that I loved Video Games so much because he was constantly looking for more drugs. Since then my buddy Rob has come off the drugs entirely and we are now Best friends who live together.
I too had a friend who would steal shit loads of stuff, specifically Manga from a local bookstore. Admittedly I had him grab me some here and there but he took at least 10-15 books at a time, mostly for himself. I eventually backed away from all that lol. I felt terrible because I had a huge collection of them eventually and a lot were from there. Karma came though and one night it was raining and my parents basement flooded, which was also my room at the time, and it ended up destroying most of my collection. Weirdly, I felt relief seeing all those books finally destroyed because I couldn't bare to do the deed lol.
Jacob Fortner Darby Crash is cool lol
Spencer Johnson He was, but not the best influence LOL
I am the same age.
Holy shit that story got dark! Was lovely to hear though as I can, sadly, relate to an extent. Loved the honesty, and keep up the great work.
"Video games are my drugs now." - HCG
Speaking of stolen candy or sweets as we call them in the UK, when I was growing up a truck carrying sweets and fizzy juice that sort of thing crashed near my house, being the early 90s there was no mobile phone so when the driver left to call for help all the local kids robbed that truck blind, I'm not proud of it now but I'll never forget it.
That's so wild that you still see Jason regularly. Reminds me of some of my childhood best friend from high school who got lost in his own ways but fortunately I don't believe he ever became homeless or addicted to hard drugs. Hope to see him again someday. Thanks for your stories, Johnny!
Great video dude. I have had similar experiences, let’s just say for a chunk of my life my asshole level was somewhere between yours and your friend Jason’s. I battled addiction and came through it, I’m very fortunate in that regard. Anyway, thanks for the video. Your honest and personable demeanour is always inspiring and makes a true connection with your audience. Best channel on UA-cam
You always talk from the heart. It made me really sad to hear about your friend the kleptomaniac :( hope he gets clean!!
Videogames does make you stay away from drugs.. Getting bored is one the thing that can make you a user, You will never get bored if you play videogames
Oh also your videos definitely Have a positive impact on my son. Thank you Johnny milleniun :)!!
I'm still 19 but a lot of my old group of friends have gotten addicted to debilitating lifestyles and its really sad. I pretty thankful though that I was able to get through those times and choices and at least make the decision to not do drugs. I see a lot of similarities between your childhood and mine it's really cool. Keep making videos about games and your life man keep it up!
Johnny Millennium, The Shawn Michaels of gaming?
But really, thanks for the story. Appreciate your honesty.
“Video games are my drugs now!” This hits home
Crazy how two people who know each other well go in such different directions in life, and you dont realize it untill you see them 30 years down the road.
One time I found a credit card outside 11 back in grade 12 in 1992. I gave it to a buddy of mine, he went and bought 2 Super Nes systyems, one for each of us!
I've watched this video more then once. I forget all the stories so every time is like the first time. I did a lot of drugs back in the day myself.
There was a time in my life that I went down a dark road. Looking back so much could have been avoided if I would have stayed home and played video games! Lol. Hindsight is 20/20 thanks for your story.
Thank you man, this was inspiring & incredible Johnny. Keep being you.
Heroin is a black hole. All my friends who've gone there haven't returned. We all have sketchy pasts especially of that era. Punk was 'youth culture' back in the day. Thank goodness Grunge came along and took the edge off.
Man thank you for this video. A lot of my younger life was similar, and there were times when I was on a bad path. Sometimes I feel bad about how much I play video games now, but they replaced worse habits and addictions in the past. Hearing you talk about some similar issues reminds me that this hobby saved me in some ways and that I shouldn't feel bad about it.
i was a super nice guy, white knight beta, when i was younger. Now I'm a hardened criminal
cacadodo666 don’t cut yourself with that edge
Mate we should compare our backstories! I’m writing a new one right now.
Same here. Grew up the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Now I'm 26 and gives no fucks. Being nice only work with quality people but sadly they are too rare these days.
BluBlaDe ow the edge
I'm glad Johnny turned into a nice guy. Not everybody grows out of this phase. Love this channel!!
I have been addicted to drugs on and off since I was 16. I am now 36. I find video games are one of the most therapeutic things to take my mind off of the cravings for drugs. Its also important to have people there to help you, when you are ready to quit. I have alot of respect for you being there for friends, when they are ready to quit. Its so important to them and can make all the difference.
Your a great guy ;). Your stories and experiences are treasures that I'm glad you take the time to share because I enjoy listening. Never Change Johnny!
Great job in discussing difficult subjects without focusing on the negative or preaching at us! You came to terms with your past and tried to help others along the way, and that's all we can really ask of ourselves. You have a great outlet for spreading positivity here, and you're obviously putting it to use!
In my 13-14years old... the period 1999-2000 the period of playing dreamcast and ps1 most of the time.... every weekend hang out with my friends and go to store buy 20-30 eggs... take a bus and start throw on people who pass by on street... and do the competition who was the winner by doing most headshot on the targets... and this stupit thing was happend over a year and not cought by policemen once...
Vidro games saved me from bad influences too, many of the kids in my neighborhood got in to drugs and motorcycle gang, I hooked up playing Adventure Island 2 and Super Contra.
If my younger self was standing in front of me, I would beat the crap out of him. I was an obnoxious teenager.
As a man in my late 40s who still LOVES videogames, I really wish I had close friends like Jonny...the friends I had went on to do regular "adult" things in life, and have no interest in videogames anymore.. I could connect in so many ways with guys like Jonny..😔
Thanks for sharing! Can relate to some of your childhood stories. Hoping the best that the friend you spoke most about can get himself clean and stay clean!
VIDEO GAMES SAVED YOUR LIFE
HAPPY GAMER...I HAD A FRIEND
JUST LIKE THIS GUY!!!!
MY 3 BEST FRIENDS!!! TURNED
TO THE DARK SIDE!!!!
VIDEO GAMES AND SPORTS
KEPT ME AWAY FROM DRUGS!!!
MY VERY BEST FRIEND
TURNED TO DRUGS...
AND OVERDOSED WHEN
WAS 37.HE WAS MY BROTHER
FROM ANOTHER MOTHER...
Me and my best friend once stole a Daggerfall Demo CD from a magazine, he even brought a knife to cut the plastic of, it was crazy! We never get caught tought.
I know this is an older video, but wanted to say I can relate to many parts of your story, the real difference is I spent my childhood/teens in foster care and boys homes. I'm very lucky and blessed that I never got involved in any drugs, outside of minimal use of marijuana here and there, but even that wasn't anything I sought out. Your stories, memories and channel is fantastic, glad I found it.
Johnny I always find these kind of videos very therapeutic. Really good stories with a relatable situations and I always get a good lesson out of it.
Thanks for the poignant stories!! Very vivid and emotional.
thank you for sharing your story! im so glad video games and movies helped save you from that life your school friends group went through. you definitely are a positive influence on youtube! i always feel great after watching your videos!
I was the same way in the 90's. It's just boys being boys but in the end you have to know where and when the line is and some friends took a dive for the worse and some matured and made smart choices. But doing crazy shit while being a kid and fighting via couch co op is something I'll never forget and every kid needs that in his life at some point.
Interesting video. I can relate to this. once in a while I think to myself, “ how did I survive all of this?”
The grunge generation it was very much the same here in england so many lost it's very sad. videogames have always been there through hard and good times to keep us on a path somewhat.
its pretty amazing that you have become the person you have, and didn't go down the same road as a lot of your friends that became addicts. I know how hard it can be, I struggled with heroin addiction for many years and have come out of it on the other side of things. I have always been a gamer and always will be, we all have our demons, and it's who we are on the inside that truly matters. Loved your stories, thanks for sharing them
Wow, I grew up in very similar circumstances, and like John, video games became my drug of choice. Here's to vidja games! *raises a glass of Mountain Dew*
Lost old friends to drugs as well johnny... It's a feeling that always lives in your gut. Takes courage to talk about things like this. Major props.
I love getting to hear these amazing stories
@1:22 Johnny became the Emperor Palpatine of Double Dragon.
I was a very depressed child and teen, I didn't socialise with people all that often, still don't. Being bullied all the time for being different, quiet and poor was and still is seen as a crime by many.
Many of the bullies couldn't stand the fact that I was a better gamer than them, that I could read complete books with ease when they could barely manage half a page.
These days I keep to myself as much as possible, rarely interact with people and prefer to be alone. Over thirty years of being mistreated and hurt by so many insecure assholes hasn't exactly endeared me to people.
Sorry to hear you've had it so rough... it's honestly hard to relate even though I've had some tough times of my own. My one and only in the world suffered similarly though, and she still does. You probably don't need to hear it from me since you've got dis, but hang in there all the same!
I once punched a good friend about 18 years ago (I was 15) for beating me at WCW/NWO Revenge.
Brandonsaurus64 ditto but it was Tekken for me.
lol we all did!
I am a 40 year old ex heroin addict. Video games, and AD&D helped me out. The first time I got clean in 99 (after using h since 97)was all good til our AD&D group broke up and I got back into smack because of a girl I was interested in. We got together and had fun times in Phillyland, but it doesn't last. Fast forward to 2004, after being stabbed 4 times in the chest from Puerto Rican gang member in North Philly to being stuck up by a guy with a tech 9, beat over the head with a lead pipe and 40oz bottle, to landing a month in jail, I had finally had enough, and being on probation got on methadone and got clean 15 years later I am married with 2 kids, own a home and have a crappy but good paying job and a fun dog.
I love video games, they get me through. The problem I have is I had to give up my old friends, now I don't have many at all. And spend time with family and gaming. I would love to get back into pen and paper but don't know how to do it. BEING OFF h makes me more anti social, and being 40 well those people I w use to play with are dead, stopped playing, on drugs, or stuck up snobs.
Thanks for this video. Found your channel from Dragon quest videos. Dw1 was my first console rpg on nes, back when it came out. Then I bought ff1.
As far as ribbing your friends, that's what we did. It must be a generational thing, that rock and roll, metal, skateboarding, dirt bikes, partying, girls, video games and playing pranks. All in all though I think my gen x generation isn't as whiny though, you never see us no platforming people from debate and rioting in the street, like you see on videos from college campuses. We also weren't politically correct.
My turbo graphix16 i leant to twins back in 91, they wound up moving, didn't tell anyone, and I lost it. We used to lend each other consoles all the time as kids, would never do that again. That didn't stop my genesis and nes, plus my dq 1-4 collection from being swooped from my apartment in 99... yeah looking back I probably would of sold them for small anyway after relapsing in 2001, as I had with my 70+games ps1 collection, magic cards from 1st-5th ed. And a stack of 100 worth of AD&D 1st - 3rd ed books. Damn, I still look back in disgust at myself, but I could be dead or in jail.... Got to take things in perspectice.
As always, thank you for sharing your stories with us Johnny, you are a great guy and you deserve to have a good life :)
Your stories are always great. ....one of the things that make your channel so special.
I like the part 7-11 "i don't think he bought this stuff, i think he acquired through his hand" lol XD
You know what man? I appreciate this video. I really do. I could have gone down a horrible path, but by the grace of "whatever the hell" I turned out okay, and I am glad you did too. Keep it up Johnny, I really enjoy what you have to say, and I hope that as many of your friends as possible can turn out okay too. Keep being you bro, maybe some young gamers out there can watch this and learn to mellow out early. You never know :). Thanks dude.
Video games are my drug too although I've never done drugs 😂 but I love hearing these stories from you, really makes you appreciate what you got
Wow. And I always used to think "It'd be so cool having grown up with a friend like him.".
It definitely is - but not everything was pure sunshine and lollipops along the way.
We have all had moments we ain’t proud of mate. Anybody who says they ain’t is frankly delusional or a liar. It’s how you use them to take you forwards that matters. You radiate a lot of positivity in the way you address your viewers. I’d say that’s a fair sign of how far you’ve stepped.
Nice that you felt you could share that with your audience. Takes guts to admit you wasn’t perfect.
Keep on happy gaming😉
Ive lost about ten friends to heroin in last 5 years, i thank god everyday i nvr got into it just recently lost my 26 yr old nephew to it, but i love your channel bc your always positive and ver passionate about the things you talk about i love that keep up the great work johnjy
Hi Johnnymillennium! Thank you for this video. It really got to me, I started to get into drugs at 14 years and ended up using heroine for 8 years, I'm 33 years old now and sorted out but on subuxone for little over 7 years and that works for me and became my salvation as well as picking up games again. As you can imagine I've also buried and lost a lot of good friends, it sucks. But life isn't easy many times.
Take care pz.
“Acquired it through his hands” lolololol!!!!!
Wow. That's a totally different video. But I loved it so much.
eksmad I enjoy it when he does videos like this. Like the video about his online addiction or the one about when he quit smoking. I find them therapeutic.
Ha! I was a similar asshole to my friends playing game Ma back in the day. I remember playing Super Double Dragon with my buddy Gary, and he ask how to pull of certain combos and moves, and I be like "Here! Like this!" While using the moves on his character and beating them up. He was a good sport, but I was a asshole for doing him like that. Maybe that's why we never beat the game.
Thanks for sharing this video and talking about your experiences!! I’m a music teacher...and I’m still into video games. I could relate to my Students more whenever I talk about super smash bros. As a music teacher, I see 90 percent of the student body in my school (the only ones I don’t see are the kindergartens). But here’s the thing: almost ALL my students play video games and are heavily into pop culture such as Marvel comics or Anime. Here’s another fact: 75-80 percent of those kids who are into video games get it from their parents: you have NO idea how cool it is to meet gamer parents!! Greetings from Toronto, Canada! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Those are always the best kinds of friend groups. The ones where you can just constantly shit on each other and make each other laugh doing it.
Really appreciate you sharing these stories. Hey who DOESN’T want to mercilessly beat and watch their friends fall now and then :) sorry to hear bout your lost friends. You give your viewers/listeners a lot of fuckin strength and thank you for being a decent person. Much love bro be well \m/