It seems common that people with ADHD end up with addiction to drugs or alcohol and it doesn't surprise me really. I think it's great you are speaking out about this.
You've got that backwards. It isn't that people with ADD/ADHD "end up with" addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is that they already carried all the traits of an addict, while also being ADD/ADHD. Then their eventual exposure or opportunity, for lack of a better word, reveals their underlying addict nature. Said another wa: They aren't an addict because they do drugs. They do drugs because they are an addict. And the alcohol[ic] version: They aren't an alcoholic because they drink alcohol. They drink alcohol because they are an alcoholic.
@@Trephiningthat was really dumb not gonna lie made 0 sense… stop over thinking it.. you turn into an alcholic because you drink because you are depressed and to avoid your problems… most of aren’t just alcholics when I was younger I could have a few beers and not need to get drunk it’s when I started drinking cause I was depressed where the issues rose…
“Purpose, Connection and Meaning” you’ve just nailed it. I feel you. I feel that not being able to moderate. No matter what it is. More drink, more drugs, more sex, more money, more clothes, more, more, more. More anything but being left with that emptiness and pain of being me. You’re a good guy. Thank you for sharing.
Im currently 13 days sober, 2nd time quitting drinking after being two years sober, the battle is a day - but the war goes on. Thank you for opening up about this man, it's good to be reminded we're not alone in this.
I've been in the mindset of "this isn't good for me." I see how much days worth of negativity can come from one night of drinking. I'm set to live in my car, with my husky, to enjoy life's greatest gift. Nature. I truly believe nature is therapy. 10 years of drinking. I'm finally done with it. I kept hearing in my head "This is the last one." Yet I couldn't because I wasn't happy about the way I was living. It's like digging your grave, at the same time taking breaks to take a drink. Ive always wanted to travel. I think that's what kept me in the addiction. I wasn't where I wanted to be. I wasn't happy. Alcohol masked it for so long. I am ready for the journey ahead. PLUR. Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.
Gratz and keep it up and agreed! :) I just wish my mom and bro had no excuses for how good alc is for them since 15 years D: And if I ever say smth about it, they get aggressive etc. so :(
glad I've managed to somehow avoid and steer myself away from physically intoxicating addictions, I've somehow tried no matter what but to always keep my focus on the good habits and always have a chronological system and always be organised 🤔
I know this is an old video, but I am dealing with grappling with this exact thing right now. Both the ADHD and the alcoholism. It feels unbeatable right now, but finding this video makes me feel less lonely. I feel extremely alone and embarrassed. It's like I'm on an island with no raft to get back to safety, and I'm too ashamed to try to send up a smoke signal or anything to try to get help. It's not as though this video will solve this for me, but at least I feel like I'm not the only one who fell into this horrible, horrible pit.
A strange coincidence you posted this today, I drank last night breaking my two months sober streak. During the early pandemic I developed a drinking problem and what got me to stop was looking at my suit of armour I built for myself and saying, "I haven't worn that in over a year, I should try it on again". And Ofcourse after 7 months of drinking it doesn't fit, so I quit cold turkey and lost 20 pounds to fit back in my armour. Last night was definitely a mistake to drink, I didn't do anything regretful, but nothing was gained like you've said. Definitely need to stop drinking to make life fun.
The fact that you decided to open up about you addition is encouraging. I know exactly what it is like. It's been two years since the last drank, a little before the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I used to mix alcohol with substances, and I kinda had to get used to sobriety. Greetings from Brazil
First off, I want to seriously thank you for deciding to make videos, again. I actually brought your channel up to my therapist today and told her how nice it is to know there is someone who really understands what I go through on a daily basis. Everything from easily falling into addictions to struggling with relationships...I've been there and, well, I guess I'm still there. One of the things that I started doing again was training for a marathon, which seems to help in multiple ways; it gives me the time to process my thoughts (alone), it keeps me in good shape and when I finish, I feel as if I have accomplished something. All those things combined, to me, are what makes running/working out addicting. (Which in moderation, is a good addiction to have.) I'm also very lucky to have a supportive husband who doesn't try and change me, but he does keep me in check when I start to fall into negative patterns, which honestly, is almost inevitable. Anyway...I can't thank you enough. Please know that by you being so open, you are making others feel a lot less alone in this world. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I can relate, I have tried lot of stuff but alcohol (vodka) has always been very tough habit to break. You search for some kind of connection and meaning in the bottle and it always leaves you empty in the end. It takes so much life energy out you
Thank you for sharing. This applies to all kinds of addictions. No matter the frequency Or the thing... You're doing so well by being As consistent as you've been. I only pray Stop shutting myself down And be this consistent...like you.❤
9 mths sober, I NEVER thought I would get this far because I had so many binge relapses, however on the last relapse I was willing to throw in the towel and give up completely, however I tapped into my higher power that night, I swear the next week the cravings almost magically went away. Life is better, much better, during Christmas I was able to enjoy baking, made a British fruitcake for the first time, I was able really enjoy being with my family. It's not 100% perfectly better, I am cleaning up some major debt I accumulated on my credit card from buying stuff that I thought would make me happy (drunk buying). But I know I never, ever want to go back to binging on alcohol, disappointing my daughter, letting the hobbies go, hobbies that made me who I was. The first weeks it is rough, but when you get to the other side I swear it will be worth it.
I'm a few days away from reaching a year sober. I had already not been drinking very often before I made the decision to go sober, but it's the longest period of sobriety I've had in the past 10 years. It took me turning 30 to realize that the 10 years I'd spent drinking and partying, I thought I could drink my depression away. Sobriety has made me realize that I needed to face my traumas head on and work through it instead of running away. It hasn't been easy, but the clarity of mind and the long term mental stability it brings is priceless. I heard a saying that really helped me remain sober was "drinking alcohol is like taking a loan out on tomorrow's happiness."
I’m really glad you’re back, and I’ve been there. I drank heavily for years, often alone or under the guise of coping with whatever that day was, aka “today was so awful I need to blow off some steam!” OR the inverse “today was amazing let’s celebrate!” When in reality both were me not knowing what to do with myself outside of my job. I quit drinking May 31st of 2016 and it’s been hard not to relapse during the pandemic. I turned to food instead, and undid a ton of work I put into my body and fitness. I was down about 90lbs from my heaviest (when I got sober I was severely overweight from all the drinking) when the pandemic hit. I’ve put 45lbs back on and this video made me snap out of it today, like I can’t keep escaping in food like I used to with alcohol, or cigarettes… tldr-thank you so much for posting this video. It’s helping some of us come back to ourselves and one day at a time is the only thing that ever kept me sober. It really works if you do it every day, and only worry about today.
Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. This is how i felt before I started taking care of my mental health and before getting my ADHD diagnosis. My life is constantly getting so much better now that my
Stuart-I commend you for your courage in posting this. You were completely vulnerable with us and I have total respect for that. I wish nothing but the very best for you. I’m so happy you have this channel that is a blessing for you, and a blessing for your subscribers. Well done, I enjoy your videos.
I didn't see the title before watching so I was blown away by the raw admission and direct, powerful message. Well done!! I have a family member that is an alcoholic and I think they have undiagnosed ADHD. I watched a video they posted on Facebook where alcoholism is like an allergy. The speaker in the video described "normal" people drink, relax, get sleepy, their speech gets slurred, etc. He described his experience as the drinking picked him up, gave him energy, sped up his speech instead of slowing it down, and it elevated his perception of himself. I don't know why, but I was surprised to learn that people could have such a strong reaction like that to alcohol. It definitely made me more sympathetic to the struggle of alcoholism. I greatly appreciate this video!! Thank! You!
Its really healing to hear Im not the only one. I was diagnosed with adhd a year ago, ok so now i know why i struggle so much. Trying meds. A rollercoaster and still is. I was planning to buy a bottle of rum this weekend, and yeah... maybe not. My mother died from cancer and alcoholism so..anyway thank you so much for sharing, Im kinda having a rough time, I woke up this morning thinking its no use what I do anyway, this is like a peptalk, thanks keep it up, you ´re helping more than you know. Thanks
Hey Stuart. I've watched many of your videos but this seemed to resonate with me most. The outdoorsy vibe is working! How has your drinking been since you made this video? I relate to a lot of the things you describe but rather than going tee total... it is possible to learn to moderate your drinking. That is a habit or a routine in itself. Live like the French. Enjoy the positive benefits of alcohol. Drink it with meals and drink water at the same time. A lot of the problems you are describing whilst certainly made worse by ADHD are also down to being human and the culture of drinking we have in the UK and other parts of Europe. You have the power to change that if you want. I have developed a more positive relationship with alcohol which for the most part works. I have too much to lose if I don't. If I abstain completely then the risk of relapse is too strong. Going cold turkey and surrounding yourself with these serious goals is only setting yourself up for failure as you won't get any happiness from it really. You will still feel empty. Cook a meal for someone and enjoy a glass or two and call it a night. Go for a beer or two and call it a night. Have a whiskey or two whilst watching a series and call it a night. You get the picture. Loneliness makes this very hard I accept but there is someone out there for you who will help you make sense of your life and give you meaning. I'm still working on all this of course and I do drink more than I should really but my drinking isn't at the point where it is out of control. I would be happy to talk about this more... take care. Matt x
I've experienced everything in this video. I also did a Pros & Cons list and couldn't find any Pros. But it can be bloody tough. Thank you for your honesty. 💪
Always coming back to this video. It's taken the words out of my mouth. All facts, mirror of what I'm going thru. thank you for expressing the cons that drinking brings, that ultimately it's running away and self abuse. ugh. sneaky little devil indeed.
I'm rubbish at keeping moderation in so many things. But stopping drinking was so worth it. So many bad memories of making a complete fool of myself and waste of money and for what? Feeling horrible the next day and a temporary nice taste.
A lot of this might have been straight out of my head. There is alcoholism in my family, and I had a heavy dependence on booze all through my 20s for avoiding any and all of my problems. I can't have just one drink, ever. But I stopped drinking a few months ago because I hated the amount of money I was pouring down my throat every week and just feeling like crap all the time. It's a hard cycle to pull yourself out of, but glad to see you're doing it. You're not alone.
For me, I started drinking as a form of self medication and it worked really well in college, I'd pre-game before major tests because I also studied drunk. During a lunch break for an 8 hour test, I walked back to my dorm to take shots to keep my buzz going and I passed that test. I made the dean's list that year. I used alcohol and had very few consequences beyond the loss of a few good relationships and the health decline and getting into a marriage that didn't work out because they were so encouraging of my drinking (I had to quit while they berated me for not drinking the 24 pack they put in the fridge and didn't have room for). It wasn't until I joined a weight loss challenge and wanted to get healthier overall to play with my kid without being winded that I realized how much alcohol was effecting my health and quitting was a contributing factor in my divorce and my own self awareness journey. I did go back to social drinking, but as long as I can stick to the rules of only drinking socially and not to excess I'm happy here; I hate the idea of being a tea-totaler and couldn't have quit with complete abstinence as the goal. I'm still a drinker, I'm just not drinking now, I likely won't be drinking tomorrow or the next or the the next and that's okay, I don't need it to get work done or get over social anxiety.
Quit drinking in December, I’d previously had issues with substance addiction. I was similar to you, the one who couldn’t stop. Always took it too far, I’ve been feeling great since stopping. One of many reasons I feel truly lucky to live in Wales, the beautiful walks, they’ve been my saviour.
We all drank too much from lockdown. I’m a big binge drinker at home and I enjoyed the escapism it gave me. It was catching up with me in work though, and the fact I worked from home ( luckily ) it got worse. I couldn’t concentrate or track conversations that I felt went on for too long. My short term memory is shot to pieces. I told myself I wi t drink at home in 2022 and I haven’t since December 28th. I’m hitting the gym hard and feel amazing. I have so much more energy now it’s unreal. I hope you can keep off it 👍🏻
Wow, some postings like are so relevant. My life story, still learning about root causes of why we do what we do. Battling with adhd, masking, self-medication
Nicely done Stuart, well done for kicking the habit, for sharing so openly and for reinventing your channel. I like the intro too, and I recognise that editing style. Lots of my videos are full of the same kind of cuts. Must be an ADHD thing. My mind freezes mid-sentence sometimes! 😅
Dude, glad you are back and glad you're honest. ADHD really makes addiction a standard mode of living if you don't have something better to do. We have to challenge ourselves, create an identity that is different from being a lonely, bored, lost addict. We have to need that purpose and that habit that makes us a personality. I've the problem that they made almost impossible my sport discipline, which is Thai boxing. And they closed fitness gyms. So I bought weights and started to do exercises that can be done at home even without much space. It's different but better than drinking and being bored and tired and destroyed. And you can do that stuff while listening to Liu Cixin's audiobooks or watching MMA fights.
Thanks for being you..Feeling the same about my addiction "Over harming myself".. Follow your Vision beautiful soul authentic self is the best way to flow.... 🙏
On holiday I relapsed yesterday and drank two bottles of red wine. Once I start I cant stop. I am an addiction. I am back on the wagon. But I do agree I live alone and its not healthy. We need to connect and be needed. I am trying to find a way forward in this way. Great video
Thankyou for sharing this. It's refreshing to see someone sharing the truth about driving under the influence. It's something that I have done far more times than i'd like to admit. 9 days sober now.
I have adhd and autism self medicated for years but had two years where i’ve reduced heavily. Three drinks in the last two years. I want to continue to keep alcohol to a minimum. Life is heaps better without it!
I striggle with addiction to videogames, you may not believe videogames can become and addiction, but i cannot stop playing league of legends, it feels so hard to quit.
You quit on New Year’s Eve, a typical drinking day and I stopped on 4/20 last year, a more or less substance using holiday here. I’m 33 and the way you said you are done is exactly how I feel. ❤ I did not know how much untreated adhd played a part in why I started, wouldnt stop, would stop and start, etc. even the self awareness now has helped me. Honestly even though some people CAN drink really no one should, it’s just poisons. I did find in 12 step programming that I was so unable to do the steps and read the book perhaps because of adhd, but might try again someday now that I know why it felt so difficult.
Thank you for making this video 🙌🏻 What I find to be one of the biggest problems with addiction is how many forms of addiction that society deems totally acceptable, and that we can develop those addictions over time with no repercussions or feedback on them until they’ve laid the foundation for much larger addictions to occur. Alcohol is a drug and it’s almost encouraged to be incorporated into our daily lives. Caffeine and coffee are drugs that over half the planet has a brain-related addiction to (just try going a day or two without coffee and see how you feel). Body image, unhealthy ‘health’ routines and diets, FOOD. We need to change the discussion on addiction and start identifying and supporting early addictions so that they don’t compound and lead to the only type of addiction that society recognizes, which are those that are imminently destructive to our health and well-being. Thank you again for making this video and being open and honest with the world, you’ve truly inspired a lot of people and I hope that has helped fill you with a sense of purpose and brings peace to your life!!
First of all,, congratulations on your two weeks sober. Keep up the good work,, one day at a time.. you are such a blessing to so many people,, you have no idea how we hang on to all your words of wisdom and self reflection,, and so many people identify with what you are saying.. It is all so profound and needed in todays society..Thank you is not a big enough word. Love and Light to you for your continued walk into happiness and self love.
Caring for a plant has helped me practice self-discipline. I too have similar struggles. there’s a lovely aspect of exchange in caring for a plant that depends on you in order to survive.
I can relate to everything you said. Your ADD mirrors mine pretty much exactly. Even the way I drink. There's soo much I'm realizing about it all from watching your channel.
This is a good one to make for ADHD, its amazing how many people who have this disorder are also addicts and i think this is actually part of the conidition. Its because we seek that dopamine that we are lacking and many other reasons, including the ones you have mentioned. I am a similar age to you and have a problem with alchohol and other substances, i think we can perform a lot better without using , i have been motivated and stopped quite a few times, but never lasted long, the hardest thing is sticking at it. Thanks for making these videos again man , i have followed you from the begining, keep motivating people ;)
Thank you for this. I wanna listen to this every day for the next while until it sticks that I’m in the same situation right now and need to set up more routine and treat myself with respect.
I love your videos and I've been following you for...a long time. Maybe you're like me...I long for human connection and purpose and socializing but it's so hard for me to be around them. .My adhd causes me to feel over stimulated, feel anxious to be bad at talking. I am supremely lonely as well. If we keep telling ourselves that We are incapable of having relationships (thus being lonely and lacking purpose) we we self actualize and never find it. I'm proud of you to be brave and share your struggle even if it brings shame or fear of judgment. Please keep up the good work and keep.posting your wisdom journey! I'm watching and learning from you and your presence in my reality is meaningful
Couldn’t relate more, day 2 for me today. Managed 84 days last year and thought I could moderate well it’s been 5 months of trying to quit again, haven’t managed more than a week!! Yesterday I had had enough and poured an entire bottle of wine down the sink! Hoping this time it sticks!! Loving your content 😍😍
For me alcohol is dopamine. Even before I drink. So I'm not running away from any past issues as much as running from life saving change. Change I desperately need. Thanx. I needed to watch this video again.
New year new you! And mee too.. no more weed.. new house and house mates and my first job in 4 years! Im back in contact with my family. Life is better now!
Hope you’re doing ok? I’m in a very similar situation right now. Only recently diagnosed at the age of 42 with ADHD and likely ASD too. The diagnosis is bittersweet as suddenly all the difficulties I’ve had since childhood make sense. I’ve got an appointment at the end of the month to hopefully start medication. I hope it will give me the push to begin sorting out the absolute mess I’ve made of my life as it spiralled out of control over the past few years. Off topic but judging from your accent and the scenery, I used to live in your neck of the woods (unless I’ve completely miss judged). Lived in Swansea but worked in Newport for 4 years. Now live back in the North West. Your videos are really helpful - thank you for your honesty and for taking the time to make them.
So much truth in this video! Thank you for your openness and honesty. I'm in the US and I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I wish it wasn't so hard to find like-minded people in real life.
Hey bro just wanted to thank you so much for your content. I'm in my 40's and just been diagnosed with inattentive ADHD, can not believe it Ive had such a shutter Island moment over the last couple of weeks I'm an international Dj s I can really relate to all the addiction content and I'm seeking out CBT counselling to help with my patterns of behaviour, any way just wanted to thank you so much mate you have really helped me start to change my life. I've seen a video where you are talking about losing ideas and passion about content I was thinking about maybe you should do a regular video replying to comments that you get on the channel. thats maybe something you've done before
Thank you! Just quit my weed and alcohol abuse. Been sober for 1 month now and actually always knew on some level that I might have ADD or ADHD but seeing things more clear I'm a 100% sure I have it. The signs are pretty damn clear. I've been isolating myself for almost a year just smoking weed. And now that I'm trying to live a "normal" civilized life I'm starting to socialize more and noticing all the ADD/ADHD traits. I'm 34 and this is the first time in my life I've genuinely admitted this to myself to be true and it kind of chocked me, even though I've on a certain level always had a hunch. I'm glad I realized it and finally being honest about it but there is a sense of sadness and pain that comes with this realization. Today was actually the day I admittes this fact and that's how I found your channel. Thanks for being so honest and doing this. I will binge your content and learn more. I've been watching 3 videos so far and I already feel motivated and inspired to practice a new life with ADD/ADHD. Would you or anyone in the comment section suggest that I get his checked out to make sure and potentially get diagnosed?
Same here brother. I made the same decision as I could see that at any moment my life could have deteriorated quickly. 3 months sober now, best thing I've done and crucial for a brain which cannot hold onto dopamine.
Also thank you for the adhd infos, I havent been able to get assessment yet because pandemic related delays, but nearing 40 on this end and so many symptoms and struggles present. I have generalized anxiety and dysthymia, been officially diagnosed since my 20s, and forms of ptsd I'm still tryin to figure out with my docs. I'm also constantly sick. Watching your videos is incredibly validating. Wishing you a strong and healthy 2022!
I think we as ADHD people tend to have poor self esteem issues due to feeling different and the rejection we get from society, but it's always able to be conquered. But yeah it's almost like we are prone to stimulation because we just try to mask the pain we feel from being different and need it to feel normal.
My friend told me a good saying "Drinking starts and ends with pain". That's helped me a lot. I think to be fair it should be "problem drinking" only. Some people can enjoy it and not drink to excess. I'm pretty much sober these days and much better off for it
I can relate to 100% of this, mate. It might sound really corny, but I read a book called "the easy way to stop drinking" , and I have focussed on fitness and mindfulness, and I have not had a drink in 7 months. I was basically the same as you. Good on you mate. Thanks for this.
This video is so eye opening thank you for sharing! I'm with you brother I'm currently one month sober, after having a relapse last year when I was in a relationship. My ex was diagnosed with ADHD at 28 years old, he struggles with a pornography addiction he's had since he was 12. That addiction really jacked me up it caused me to relapse in drinking. I had to ask myself one day why am I okay with drinking again, when my ex wasn't ready to confront his addiction. I can't do the work for people we have to be ready. I do wish him the best
oh my god, your first few lines - I was a high functioning alcohol on and off, but for the majority of my life, that was my issue also! I didn't care for alcohol in the slightest but when I did drink, I slipped into the binging thing... mostly to relax and enjoy the friends I was around, which is truly sad as they're all solid people, kind and caring - I don't think they realised the extent to which I struggled with social situations. I drank to relax, get past the anxiety and I did start to enjoy myself always... but then I just wouldn't stop! funnily enough, alcohol aside, I've had access to several substances in my life but it's some uncanny ability I have, for someone who surely would fit the bill for substance abuse, I never... cared for any of it? unsure whether to be proud or not, as I don't think it'd an active effort. I just seem to be able to use a drug for what I needed, and not give it a second thought after that. even when I began to rely on caffeine pills (I think I had started to ease up resisting the ADHD referral when I say down and thought how caffeine affected me, has always affected me), I used caffeine pills like I do elvanse now. the former were just the "best" alternative I had pre diagnosis, but they both did the same. ...obv one is wildly more helpful than the other but I digress lmao edit: I had to add... damn, dude. I didn't expect this to hit so hard. you're really inspiring but down to earth. I like people like you. you have compassionate but you're to the point and factual as well. to the subscribe button!
Preach Brother! I can totally relate to the inability to moderate substances. It is an escape! A means to kind of fast forward through the boring parts of life. Had to quit drinking. Been dry for three years now. I've only recently begun to research ADHD and I seem to have seven out of the nine symptoms of inattentive ADHD. I'm 48 yo. HUGE Aha moment for me. Thanks to you friend.
Just came across this channel and think this is the best one out there! I struggle to relate to the experiences of ADHD vloggers but this one just hits the nail every time. Thank you. I felt so alone today, and this helped me. Ready to help myself again.
Hey man, I think your channel was calling out to me since I first figured out I might have ADD 6 months ago, and in 10 minutes I'll take my diagnosis with my psychiatrist and we'll see where it goes from there, but I am exactly like you even down to how you speak and think. Inattentive to the soul, but due to my parents never caring about mental health beyond what depression does (my dad and I both suffer chronic depression) they refused to look further into who I was so it was up to me to figure it out. I was an alcoholic for 5 years on and off and have even been homeless at age 19. When I finally moved out I suffered what you just did these past months and nearly ended it all until the love of my life found me and she's kept me with a drive and purpose I doubted I could ever do alone. I pray that you find that stride again brother, whether it be through AA or even through a friendship or partner who pushes you to the flow you knew you were capable of (so you never get bored of life again). I have watched a handful of your videos and respect your commitment to educating the younger generation of ADHD/ADD and I hope you never lose spark with that. If you ever wanna chat I'd be down, I feel like we could have some pretty interesting discussions.
@@ADHDMastery unfortunately it was inconclusive because of my history with mental health and alcohol/marijuana use.. but my family doctor can still prescribe stimulants to me, it's just not a smoking gun because of their track record (which is complete bullshit)
I hope you’re still doing well with your recovery! I also have ADHD and also had issues with alcohol. Alcoholism runs in my family as well. I grew up with an alcoholic mother. So I could see what was happening when I started developing what I considered to be a problem. But I wasn’t ready to quit yet. There was about a year where I knew my drinking was problematic but I didn’t say anything to anyone, not even my husband. Because I didn’t want to be held accountable. But then I remember one day just thinking “I’m too young for this... I know where this is going. I can’t do this to my kids... I need to just stop completely.” And I did. It will be 8 years next month 😊 I have never regretted it. There have been times when I’ve missed it.... sobriety is more of a roller coaster than a downhill trip in my opinion. You just have to know that the trying times WILL pass. Good luck!!
Had the same problem man, would make a fool of myself on nights out and treat people terribly. Once I started to drink I could not stop, every time I drank this voice in my head said drink til you drop to the floor. I was taking pills weekly and smoking bud too. Anything to escape how being sober felt. Have now been sober since June 10 2019, taking only my ADHD treatment. Have replaced nights out with running, beach swims, triathlons. World record for sobriety is 24 hours. Just gotta do it one day at a time. You're an inspiration Stuey. Good on you for sharing. Appreciate your content.
On a side note I have found peace in music making. I spend evens playing guitar, drums and piano. I also have my evenings of massive youtube/online chess/Video games binges. The addictions move, just gotta find ones that do the least damage! Anyone else love that moment after work of chucking on TV while scrolling reddit and youtube.....ahhhh absolute bliss
You, and the channel "how to adhd" have helped enlighten me tremendously about these experiences I've had that I faulted myself for for the majority of my life. You're a strong man, but believe me when I say over exerting yourself in terms of discipline and and motivation is a slow decline into madness and all because of a dopamine deficiency. Ofcourse you are a very intelligent man, but when it comes to ADHD or any illness for that matter i think it's better to treat the condition directly instead of exhausting all of your energy to function as a normal human being, that being said (not telling you what to do) I think it's worth looking into formal medication again and whether that is going back down the pharmaceutical route, implementing natural substances that increase dopamine like caffeine it's important we treat ourselves accordingly in spite of our personal preference. Thank you
the problem with medications is that they eventually stop working, so you have to amp up the dose, until they stop working again and so on, until you max out the dose.
@@voldefox oh trust me I know hence why I myself have elected to stop as well But there are strong alternatives that may even work better than pharmaceuticals
Brave video! Been through cycles of not drinkin alcohol at all for months, and then drinkin progtessively more, and then have to reastart again, pretty much my whole life. So in the end i just had to face it that i won’t find a balance in this, so i had to make the choice to quit completely and for good. Best of luck man! You’ll make it, and it will be worth it!
I'm praying for you mate. I've been helped immensely by your videos. I have ADHD thank you for helping me understand things about myself. I am a recovering alcoholic myself. I still attend meetings regularly. I just got my 1 year chip and beg God for another sober day. God bless ❤️🙏
although this is two years old during the pandemic at resonates with me. Everything you said is what I I’ve been thinking on and off for years. I am day 10 of sobriety. I haven’t seen any magic quite yet, but I know I need to keep at the course
I haven’t drank in 13 years! I always struggled with stopping. I still miss the buzz if I think about it but I have discovered that nature and things I love can give me that same buzz. Without the embarrassment the next day! So happy for you and am looking forward to more videos!
We all struggle, some of us more than others 🙋♀️ 3 steps forward, 2 steps back, still made progress 💪 Keep going 🙏 I find that journaling helps me. When I when I write down honestly: the good days and how I feel, and then the bad days and how I feel... I can look back and read and remember exactly how I felt during each of those times. And when I get off track, it helps me to find my way back to where I know I need to be even if I don't feel like it in that moment.
ADHD mastery. Amazing story! I am a doctor with ADHD and I understand entirely where you are coming from. I would be grateful if I could share your video with my patients who are struggling. Your insight and inspiration would be wonderful for them to see!
Your videos changed and saved my life. I'm not diagnosed, but I completely relate to your story. All your life hacks keep working. Watch my food, sleep, understand my moods.... My life had turned around. I'm 45 though and just about I've on my own for the first time. I did do the stage of getting drunk every night and quit about a year or so ago. Both me and a former drinking buddy were amazed with how good we felt without alcohol. Thanks for everything and what you keep doing. Enjoy being alcohol free. It's pretty amazing. Weed is a little tougher to give up, so I'm watching out for that. Do you have any information or studies on how cannabis affects ADHD or how it affects any neruodivergent?
Everything you're saying it's just so very real and it really is close to home don't try to sugarcoat it like other channels and because of that I feel like I'm more of a connection with you like we're in this together thank you for what you done you've made an impact on people
Congrats on those 2 weeks MAN! while i haven't struggled with substance abuse outright, I know the rabbit hole you can fall down looking for that buzz. So keep it up and remember how you pulled yourself out the next time you find yourself falling again
Smoking like a chimney here. Trying to stop 1000 times but I need the dopamine and stimulation it gives me. I really want to quit because it's killing me. My ADHD really isn't helping me at this one and I'm not able to replace it with something else. This is really ruining my life.
Glad you are speaking from that! I have unmedicated ADD, and i can not get medication because of my past substance use disorder. Constantly feel understimulated, and tired most of the time. Being sober for a year now has really helped with my ADD though. Routines are so important! Mine are hitting the gym hard and running. They also lower my anxiety and give me that little dopamine hit. Of course not the same level than substances but in my experience substances are not a long time solution even when i thought they were.
Are you me ? AuDHDer here, sober 5 months and I struggle with much of the same. I focused my energy on looking for adventures, hiking and road trips mostly. If you’re ever in Scotland and want to go for a hike let me know 😊
![If You Fail, Always Keep Going! [ADHD]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1fptyJ7HVI8/mqdefault.jpg)
It seems common that people with ADHD end up with addiction to drugs or alcohol and it doesn't surprise me really. I think it's great you are speaking out about this.
Hi hope your YT is going well
You've got that backwards. It isn't that people with ADD/ADHD "end up with" addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is that they already carried all the traits of an addict, while also being ADD/ADHD. Then their eventual exposure or opportunity, for lack of a better word, reveals their underlying addict nature.
Said another wa: They aren't an addict because they do drugs. They do drugs because they are an addict.
And the alcohol[ic] version: They aren't an alcoholic because they drink alcohol. They drink alcohol because they are an alcoholic.
@@Trephiningthat was really dumb not gonna lie made 0 sense… stop over thinking it.. you turn into an alcholic because you drink because you are depressed and to avoid your problems… most of aren’t just alcholics when I was younger I could have a few beers and not need to get drunk it’s when I started drinking cause I was depressed where the issues rose…
“Purpose, Connection and Meaning” you’ve just nailed it. I feel you. I feel that not being able to moderate. No matter what it is. More drink, more drugs, more sex, more money, more clothes, more, more, more. More anything but being left with that emptiness and pain of being me.
You’re a good guy. Thank you for sharing.
I find it easier to not drink 100 percent of the time than to drink now and then.
This 👌
Im currently 13 days sober, 2nd time quitting drinking after being two years sober, the battle is a day - but the war goes on. Thank you for opening up about this man, it's good to be reminded we're not alone in this.
It’s so crazy cause you think you made it buh adhd just drags you back down
2 years later, hope you are staying strong brother
I've been in the mindset of "this isn't good for me." I see how much days worth of negativity can come from one night of drinking. I'm set to live in my car, with my husky, to enjoy life's greatest gift. Nature. I truly believe nature is therapy. 10 years of drinking. I'm finally done with it. I kept hearing in my head "This is the last one." Yet I couldn't because I wasn't happy about the way I was living. It's like digging your grave, at the same time taking breaks to take a drink. Ive always wanted to travel. I think that's what kept me in the addiction. I wasn't where I wanted to be. I wasn't happy. Alcohol masked it for so long. I am ready for the journey ahead. PLUR. Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.
Gratz and keep it up and agreed! :) I just wish my mom and bro had no excuses for how good alc is for them since 15 years D: And if I ever say smth about it, they get aggressive etc. so :(
glad I've managed to somehow avoid and steer myself away from physically intoxicating addictions, I've somehow tried no matter what but to always keep my focus on the good habits and always have a chronological system and always be organised 🤔
I know this is an old video, but I am dealing with grappling with this exact thing right now. Both the ADHD and the alcoholism. It feels unbeatable right now, but finding this video makes me feel less lonely. I feel extremely alone and embarrassed. It's like I'm on an island with no raft to get back to safety, and I'm too ashamed to try to send up a smoke signal or anything to try to get help. It's not as though this video will solve this for me, but at least I feel like I'm not the only one who fell into this horrible, horrible pit.
Your definitely not alone I'm going threw the exact same thing
@@tangelarolle8918
I hope things have lifted for you since you wrote this. Earth lives can be so bloody tough. Best wishes.
A strange coincidence you posted this today, I drank last night breaking my two months sober streak. During the early pandemic I developed a drinking problem and what got me to stop was looking at my suit of armour I built for myself and saying, "I haven't worn that in over a year, I should try it on again". And Ofcourse after 7 months of drinking it doesn't fit, so I quit cold turkey and lost 20 pounds to fit back in my armour. Last night was definitely a mistake to drink, I didn't do anything regretful, but nothing was gained like you've said. Definitely need to stop drinking to make life fun.
Get back on the horse, one slip up doesn't have to mean going back permanently 😊
The fact that you decided to open up about you addition is encouraging. I know exactly what it is like. It's been two years since the last drank, a little before the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I used to mix alcohol with substances, and I kinda had to get used to sobriety. Greetings from Brazil
Olá Michel!
@@williamsilva5701 olá William. Bom ver um brasileiro por aqui. ✌️🏻
First off, I want to seriously thank you for deciding to make videos, again. I actually brought your channel up to my therapist today and told her how nice it is to know there is someone who really understands what I go through on a daily basis. Everything from easily falling into addictions to struggling with relationships...I've been there and, well, I guess I'm still there. One of the things that I started doing again was training for a marathon, which seems to help in multiple ways; it gives me the time to process my thoughts (alone), it keeps me in good shape and when I finish, I feel as if I have accomplished something. All those things combined, to me, are what makes running/working out addicting. (Which in moderation, is a good addiction to have.) I'm also very lucky to have a supportive husband who doesn't try and change me, but he does keep me in check when I start to fall into negative patterns, which honestly, is almost inevitable. Anyway...I can't thank you enough. Please know that by you being so open, you are making others feel a lot less alone in this world. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
That's awesome, thank you!
I can relate, I have tried lot of stuff but alcohol (vodka) has always been very tough habit to break. You search for some kind of connection and meaning in the bottle and it always leaves you empty in the end. It takes so much life energy out you
I love vodka. I drink most nights. I don't know how to stop.
But I don't get blind drunk or hungover or drink drive so my mind says it's OK.
The hardest part: lacking connection in a personal level and not knowing or being able to do it!!!! It hurts like hell!!!
Thank you for sharing. This applies to all kinds of addictions. No matter the frequency Or the thing... You're doing so well by being As consistent as you've been. I only pray Stop shutting myself down And be this consistent...like you.❤
9 mths sober, I NEVER thought I would get this far because I had so many binge relapses, however on the last relapse I was willing to throw in the towel and give up completely, however I tapped into my higher power that night, I swear the next week the cravings almost magically went away. Life is better, much better, during Christmas I was able to enjoy baking, made a British fruitcake for the first time, I was able really enjoy being with my family. It's not 100% perfectly better, I am cleaning up some major debt I accumulated on my credit card from buying stuff that I thought would make me happy (drunk buying). But I know I never, ever want to go back to binging on alcohol, disappointing my daughter, letting the hobbies go, hobbies that made me who I was. The first weeks it is rough, but when you get to the other side I swear it will be worth it.
I'm a few days away from reaching a year sober. I had already not been drinking very often before I made the decision to go sober, but it's the longest period of sobriety I've had in the past 10 years. It took me turning 30 to realize that the 10 years I'd spent drinking and partying, I thought I could drink my depression away. Sobriety has made me realize that I needed to face my traumas head on and work through it instead of running away. It hasn't been easy, but the clarity of mind and the long term mental stability it brings is priceless. I heard a saying that really helped me remain sober was "drinking alcohol is like taking a loan out on tomorrow's happiness."
Exactly
A new hobby is a good way to pass the time that used to be spent drinking.
I’m really glad you’re back, and I’ve been there. I drank heavily for years, often alone or under the guise of coping with whatever that day was, aka “today was so awful I need to blow off some steam!” OR the inverse “today was amazing let’s celebrate!” When in reality both were me not knowing what to do with myself outside of my job. I quit drinking May 31st of 2016 and it’s been hard not to relapse during the pandemic. I turned to food instead, and undid a ton of work I put into my body and fitness. I was down about 90lbs from my heaviest (when I got sober I was severely overweight from all the drinking) when the pandemic hit. I’ve put 45lbs back on and this video made me snap out of it today, like I can’t keep escaping in food like I used to with alcohol, or cigarettes… tldr-thank you so much for posting this video. It’s helping some of us come back to ourselves and one day at a time is the only thing that ever kept me sober. It really works if you do it every day, and only worry about today.
This is a great video! Nailed a lot of things, very relatable. Shocked this has only 8.7k views
Ikr?
THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this! Wishing you continued success!
Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. This is how i felt before I started taking care of my mental health and before getting my ADHD diagnosis. My life is constantly getting so much better now that my
I saved this video because I need to hear this over and over and over again.
Stuart-I commend you for your courage in posting this. You were completely vulnerable with us and I have total respect for that. I wish nothing but the very best for you. I’m so happy you have this channel that is a blessing for you, and a blessing for your subscribers. Well done, I enjoy your videos.
I didn't see the title before watching so I was blown away by the raw admission and direct, powerful message. Well done!!
I have a family member that is an alcoholic and I think they have undiagnosed ADHD. I watched a video they posted on Facebook where alcoholism is like an allergy. The speaker in the video described "normal" people drink, relax, get sleepy, their speech gets slurred, etc. He described his experience as the drinking picked him up, gave him energy, sped up his speech instead of slowing it down, and it elevated his perception of himself. I don't know why, but I was surprised to learn that people could have such a strong reaction like that to alcohol. It definitely made me more sympathetic to the struggle of alcoholism.
I greatly appreciate this video!! Thank! You!
Its really healing to hear Im not the only one. I was diagnosed with adhd a year ago, ok so now i know why i struggle so much. Trying meds. A rollercoaster and still is. I was planning to buy a bottle of rum this weekend, and yeah... maybe not. My mother died from cancer and alcoholism so..anyway thank you so much for sharing, Im kinda having a rough time, I woke up this morning thinking its no use what I do anyway, this is like a peptalk, thanks keep it up, you ´re helping more than you know. Thanks
Hey Stuart. I've watched many of your videos but this seemed to resonate with me most. The outdoorsy vibe is working! How has your drinking been since you made this video? I relate to a lot of the things you describe but rather than going tee total... it is possible to learn to moderate your drinking. That is a habit or a routine in itself. Live like the French. Enjoy the positive benefits of alcohol. Drink it with meals and drink water at the same time. A lot of the problems you are describing whilst certainly made worse by ADHD are also down to being human and the culture of drinking we have in the UK and other parts of Europe. You have the power to change that if you want. I have developed a more positive relationship with alcohol which for the most part works. I have too much to lose if I don't. If I abstain completely then the risk of relapse is too strong. Going cold turkey and surrounding yourself with these serious goals is only setting yourself up for failure as you won't get any happiness from it really. You will still feel empty. Cook a meal for someone and enjoy a glass or two and call it a night. Go for a beer or two and call it a night. Have a whiskey or two whilst watching a series and call it a night. You get the picture. Loneliness makes this very hard I accept but there is someone out there for you who will help you make sense of your life and give you meaning. I'm still working on all this of course and I do drink more than I should really but my drinking isn't at the point where it is out of control. I would be happy to talk about this more... take care. Matt x
I've experienced everything in this video. I also did a Pros & Cons list and couldn't find any Pros. But it can be bloody tough. Thank you for your honesty. 💪
Always coming back to this video. It's taken the words out of my mouth. All facts, mirror of what I'm going thru. thank you for expressing the cons that drinking brings, that ultimately it's running away and self abuse. ugh. sneaky little devil indeed.
I'm rubbish at keeping moderation in so many things. But stopping drinking was so worth it. So many bad memories of making a complete fool of myself and waste of money and for what? Feeling horrible the next day and a temporary nice taste.
A lot of this might have been straight out of my head. There is alcoholism in my family, and I had a heavy dependence on booze all through my 20s for avoiding any and all of my problems. I can't have just one drink, ever. But I stopped drinking a few months ago because I hated the amount of money I was pouring down my throat every week and just feeling like crap all the time. It's a hard cycle to pull yourself out of, but glad to see you're doing it. You're not alone.
Yeah it's like you're paying to be slowly killed..
@@ADHDMastery pretty shit deal when you think about it
For me, I started drinking as a form of self medication and it worked really well in college, I'd pre-game before major tests because I also studied drunk. During a lunch break for an 8 hour test, I walked back to my dorm to take shots to keep my buzz going and I passed that test. I made the dean's list that year. I used alcohol and had very few consequences beyond the loss of a few good relationships and the health decline and getting into a marriage that didn't work out because they were so encouraging of my drinking (I had to quit while they berated me for not drinking the 24 pack they put in the fridge and didn't have room for). It wasn't until I joined a weight loss challenge and wanted to get healthier overall to play with my kid without being winded that I realized how much alcohol was effecting my health and quitting was a contributing factor in my divorce and my own self awareness journey. I did go back to social drinking, but as long as I can stick to the rules of only drinking socially and not to excess I'm happy here; I hate the idea of being a tea-totaler and couldn't have quit with complete abstinence as the goal. I'm still a drinker, I'm just not drinking now, I likely won't be drinking tomorrow or the next or the the next and that's okay, I don't need it to get work done or get over social anxiety.
Thank you for being authentic, bro!
Quit drinking in December, I’d previously had issues with substance addiction. I was similar to you, the one who couldn’t stop. Always took it too far, I’ve been feeling great since stopping. One of many reasons I feel truly lucky to live in Wales, the beautiful walks, they’ve been my saviour.
We've got a beautiful and underrated country!
We all drank too much from lockdown. I’m a big binge drinker at home and I enjoyed the escapism it gave me. It was catching up with me in work though, and the fact I worked from home ( luckily ) it got worse. I couldn’t concentrate or track conversations that I felt went on for too long. My short term memory is shot to pieces. I told myself I wi t drink at home in 2022 and I haven’t since December 28th. I’m hitting the gym hard and feel amazing. I have so much more energy now it’s unreal. I hope you can keep off it 👍🏻
Well said this is me totally with thd black outs and binges...Apart from the nightly drinking..
Wow, some postings like are so relevant. My life story, still learning about root causes of why we do what we do. Battling with adhd, masking, self-medication
I hope you are still enjoying a sober life. Thanks for sharing
On day 4 and I’m looking forward to the future. “Purpose, connection, meaning” absolutely brother, absolutely 🙏🏾
Nicely done Stuart, well done for kicking the habit, for sharing so openly and for reinventing your channel. I like the intro too, and I recognise that editing style. Lots of my videos are full of the same kind of cuts. Must be an ADHD thing. My mind freezes mid-sentence sometimes! 😅
Dude, glad you are back and glad you're honest.
ADHD really makes addiction a standard mode of living if you don't have something better to do. We have to challenge ourselves, create an identity that is different from being a lonely, bored, lost addict. We have to need that purpose and that habit that makes us a personality.
I've the problem that they made almost impossible my sport discipline, which is Thai boxing. And they closed fitness gyms. So I bought weights and started to do exercises that can be done at home even without much space. It's different but better than drinking and being bored and tired and destroyed. And you can do that stuff while listening to Liu Cixin's audiobooks or watching MMA fights.
Thanks for being you..Feeling the same about my addiction "Over harming myself".. Follow your Vision beautiful soul authentic self is the best way to flow.... 🙏
On holiday I relapsed yesterday and drank two bottles of red wine. Once I start I cant stop. I am an addiction. I am back on the wagon. But I do agree I live alone and its not healthy. We need to connect and be needed. I am trying to find a way forward in this way. Great video
Thankyou for sharing this. It's refreshing to see someone sharing the truth about driving under the influence. It's something that I have done far more times than i'd like to admit. 9 days sober now.
I have adhd and autism self medicated for years but had two years where i’ve reduced heavily. Three drinks in the last two years. I want to continue to keep alcohol to a minimum. Life is heaps better without it!
I striggle with addiction to videogames, you may not believe videogames can become and addiction, but i cannot stop playing league of legends, it feels so hard to quit.
You quit on New Year’s Eve, a typical drinking day and I stopped on 4/20 last year, a more or less substance using holiday here. I’m 33 and the way you said you are done is exactly how I feel. ❤ I did not know how much untreated adhd played a part in why I started, wouldnt stop, would stop and start, etc. even the self awareness now has helped me. Honestly even though some people CAN drink really no one should, it’s just poisons. I did find in 12 step programming that I was so unable to do the steps and read the book perhaps because of adhd, but might try again someday now that I know why it felt so difficult.
Thank you for making this video 🙌🏻 What I find to be one of the biggest problems with addiction is how many forms of addiction that society deems totally acceptable, and that we can develop those addictions over time with no repercussions or feedback on them until they’ve laid the foundation for much larger addictions to occur. Alcohol is a drug and it’s almost encouraged to be incorporated into our daily lives. Caffeine and coffee are drugs that over half the planet has a brain-related addiction to (just try going a day or two without coffee and see how you feel). Body image, unhealthy ‘health’ routines and diets, FOOD. We need to change the discussion on addiction and start identifying and supporting early addictions so that they don’t compound and lead to the only type of addiction that society recognizes, which are those that are imminently destructive to our health and well-being.
Thank you again for making this video and being open and honest with the world, you’ve truly inspired a lot of people and I hope that has helped fill you with a sense of purpose and brings peace to your life!!
Thank you for your video! Keep on keeping on! I’m so proud of you. 🎉
First of all,, congratulations on your two weeks sober. Keep up the good work,, one day at a time.. you are such a blessing to so many people,, you have no idea how we hang on to all your words of wisdom and self reflection,, and so many people identify with what you are saying.. It is all so profound and needed in todays society..Thank you is not a big enough word. Love and Light to you for your continued walk into happiness and self love.
Caring for a plant has helped me practice self-discipline. I too have similar struggles.
there’s a lovely aspect of exchange in caring for a plant that depends on you in order to survive.
I can relate to everything you said. Your ADD mirrors mine pretty much exactly. Even the way I drink.
There's soo much I'm realizing about it all from watching your channel.
This is a good one to make for ADHD, its amazing how many people who have this disorder are also addicts and i think this is actually part of the conidition. Its because we seek that dopamine that we are lacking and many other reasons, including the ones you have mentioned. I am a similar age to you and have a problem with alchohol and other substances,
i think we can perform a lot better without using , i have been motivated and stopped quite a few times, but never lasted long, the hardest thing is sticking at it. Thanks for making these videos again man , i have followed you from the begining, keep motivating people ;)
Thank you for this. I wanna listen to this every day for the next while until it sticks that I’m in the same situation right now and need to set up more routine and treat myself with respect.
I love your videos and I've been following you for...a long time. Maybe you're like me...I long for human connection and purpose and socializing but it's so hard for me to be around them. .My adhd causes me to feel over stimulated, feel anxious to be bad at talking. I am supremely lonely as well. If we keep telling ourselves that We are incapable of having relationships (thus being lonely and lacking purpose) we we self actualize and never find it. I'm proud of you to be brave and share your struggle even if it brings shame or fear of judgment. Please keep up the good work and keep.posting your wisdom journey! I'm watching and learning from you and your presence in my reality is meaningful
I agree that idle hands are the Devil's workshop.
Couldn’t relate more, day 2 for me today. Managed 84 days last year and thought I could moderate well it’s been 5 months of trying to quit again, haven’t managed more than a week!! Yesterday I had had enough and poured an entire bottle of wine down the sink! Hoping this time it sticks!! Loving your content 😍😍
For me alcohol is dopamine. Even before I drink. So I'm not running away from any past issues as much as running from life saving change. Change I desperately need. Thanx. I needed to watch this video again.
Thank you for this video… very interesting 👍
New year new you!
And mee too.. no more weed.. new house and house mates and my first job in 4 years! Im back in contact with my family. Life is better now!
Hope you’re doing ok?
I’m in a very similar situation right now. Only recently diagnosed at the age of 42 with ADHD and likely ASD too. The diagnosis is bittersweet as suddenly all the difficulties I’ve had since childhood make sense. I’ve got an appointment at the end of the month to hopefully start medication. I hope it will give me the push to begin sorting out the absolute mess I’ve made of my life as it spiralled out of control over the past few years.
Off topic but judging from your accent and the scenery, I used to live in your neck of the woods (unless I’ve completely miss judged). Lived in Swansea but worked in Newport for 4 years. Now live back in the North West.
Your videos are really helpful - thank you for your honesty and for taking the time to make them.
So much truth in this video! Thank you for your openness and honesty. I'm in the US and I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I wish it wasn't so hard to find like-minded people in real life.
Hey bro just wanted to thank you so much for your content. I'm in my 40's and just been diagnosed with inattentive ADHD, can not believe it Ive had such a shutter Island moment over the last couple of weeks
I'm an international Dj s I can really relate to all the addiction content and I'm seeking out CBT counselling to help with my patterns of behaviour, any way just wanted to thank you so much mate you have really helped me start to change my life. I've seen a video where you are talking about losing ideas and passion about content I was thinking about maybe you should do a regular video replying to comments that you get on the channel. thats maybe something you've done before
Thank you man… I needed this
Thank you! Just quit my weed and alcohol abuse. Been sober for 1 month now and actually always knew on some level that I might have ADD or ADHD but seeing things more clear I'm a 100% sure I have it. The signs are pretty damn clear. I've been isolating myself for almost a year just smoking weed. And now that I'm trying to live a "normal" civilized life I'm starting to socialize more and noticing all the ADD/ADHD traits. I'm 34 and this is the first time in my life I've genuinely admitted this to myself to be true and it kind of chocked me, even though I've on a certain level always had a hunch.
I'm glad I realized it and finally being honest about it but there is a sense of sadness and pain that comes with this realization. Today was actually the day I admittes this fact and that's how I found your channel. Thanks for being so honest and doing this. I will binge your content and learn more. I've been watching 3 videos so far and I already feel motivated and inspired to practice a new life with ADD/ADHD.
Would you or anyone in the comment section suggest that I get his checked out to make sure and potentially get diagnosed?
Wow Stuart .. so Incredibly insightful.. thank you so much for posting this and being so vulnerable .. I learned so much .
Thank you, I needed this video.
Embrace the discomfort!!
Same here brother. I made the same decision as I could see that at any moment my life could have deteriorated quickly.
3 months sober now, best thing I've done and crucial for a brain which cannot hold onto dopamine.
Hey thank you so much for opening up and talking so forward about this. GG on the 2 weeks so far! 😎👍
Also thank you for the adhd infos, I havent been able to get assessment yet because pandemic related delays, but nearing 40 on this end and so many symptoms and struggles present. I have generalized anxiety and dysthymia, been officially diagnosed since my 20s, and forms of ptsd I'm still tryin to figure out with my docs. I'm also constantly sick. Watching your videos is incredibly validating. Wishing you a strong and healthy 2022!
I think we as ADHD people tend to have poor self esteem issues due to feeling different and the rejection we get from society, but it's always able to be conquered. But yeah it's almost like we are prone to stimulation because we just try to mask the pain we feel from being different and need it to feel normal.
mine was tied to my anxiety. Once i got onto some anxiety meds i quickly overcame the drinking everyday to get ruined type of mentality
My friend told me a good saying "Drinking starts and ends with pain". That's helped me a lot. I think to be fair it should be "problem drinking" only. Some people can enjoy it and not drink to excess. I'm pretty much sober these days and much better off for it
I can relate to 100% of this, mate. It might sound really corny, but I read a book called "the easy way to stop drinking" , and I have focussed on fitness and mindfulness, and I have not had a drink in 7 months. I was basically the same as you.
Good on you mate. Thanks for this.
This video is so eye opening thank you for sharing! I'm with you brother I'm currently one month sober, after having a relapse last year when I was in a relationship. My ex was diagnosed with ADHD at 28 years old, he struggles with a pornography addiction he's had since he was 12. That addiction really jacked me up it caused me to relapse in drinking.
I had to ask myself one day why am I okay with drinking again, when my ex wasn't ready to confront his addiction. I can't do the work for people we have to be ready. I do wish him the best
Thank you so much for making these videos. Everything you say, rings true for me. I start my ADHD assessment next week.
oh my god, your first few lines - I was a high functioning alcohol on and off, but for the majority of my life, that was my issue also! I didn't care for alcohol in the slightest but when I did drink, I slipped into the binging thing... mostly to relax and enjoy the friends I was around, which is truly sad as they're all solid people, kind and caring - I don't think they realised the extent to which I struggled with social situations. I drank to relax, get past the anxiety and I did start to enjoy myself always... but then I just wouldn't stop!
funnily enough, alcohol aside, I've had access to several substances in my life but it's some uncanny ability I have, for someone who surely would fit the bill for substance abuse, I never... cared for any of it? unsure whether to be proud or not, as I don't think it'd an active effort. I just seem to be able to use a drug for what I needed, and not give it a second thought after that.
even when I began to rely on caffeine pills (I think I had started to ease up resisting the ADHD referral when I say down and thought how caffeine affected me, has always affected me), I used caffeine pills like I do elvanse now. the former were just the "best" alternative I had pre diagnosis, but they both did the same. ...obv one is wildly more helpful than the other but I digress lmao
edit: I had to add... damn, dude. I didn't expect this to hit so hard. you're really inspiring but down to earth. I like people like you. you have compassionate but you're to the point and factual as well. to the subscribe button!
Preach Brother! I can totally relate to the inability to moderate substances. It is an escape! A means to kind of fast forward through the boring parts of life. Had to quit drinking. Been dry for three years now. I've only recently begun to research ADHD and I seem to have seven out of the nine symptoms of inattentive ADHD. I'm 48 yo. HUGE Aha moment for me. Thanks to you friend.
Just came across this channel and think this is the best one out there! I struggle to relate to the experiences of ADHD vloggers but this one just hits the nail every time. Thank you. I felt so alone today, and this helped me. Ready to help myself again.
I have the exact same problems. Alcohol really destroys everything.
Hey man, I think your channel was calling out to me since I first figured out I might have ADD 6 months ago, and in 10 minutes I'll take my diagnosis with my psychiatrist and we'll see where it goes from there, but I am exactly like you even down to how you speak and think. Inattentive to the soul, but due to my parents never caring about mental health beyond what depression does (my dad and I both suffer chronic depression) they refused to look further into who I was so it was up to me to figure it out. I was an alcoholic for 5 years on and off and have even been homeless at age 19. When I finally moved out I suffered what you just did these past months and nearly ended it all until the love of my life found me and she's kept me with a drive and purpose I doubted I could ever do alone. I pray that you find that stride again brother, whether it be through AA or even through a friendship or partner who pushes you to the flow you knew you were capable of (so you never get bored of life again). I have watched a handful of your videos and respect your commitment to educating the younger generation of ADHD/ADD and I hope you never lose spark with that. If you ever wanna chat I'd be down, I feel like we could have some pretty interesting discussions.
That's great and Thankyou!
@@ADHDMastery unfortunately it was inconclusive because of my history with mental health and alcohol/marijuana use.. but my family doctor can still prescribe stimulants to me, it's just not a smoking gun because of their track record (which is complete bullshit)
I hope you’re still doing well with your recovery! I also have ADHD and also had issues with alcohol. Alcoholism runs in my family as well. I grew up with an alcoholic mother. So I could see what was happening when I started developing what I considered to be a problem. But I wasn’t ready to quit yet. There was about a year where I knew my drinking was problematic but I didn’t say anything to anyone, not even my husband. Because I didn’t want to be held accountable. But then I remember one day just thinking “I’m too young for this... I know where this is going. I can’t do this to my kids... I need to just stop completely.” And I did. It will be 8 years next month 😊 I have never regretted it. There have been times when I’ve missed it.... sobriety is more of a roller coaster than a downhill trip in my opinion. You just have to know that the trying times WILL pass. Good luck!!
Had the same problem man, would make a fool of myself on nights out and treat people terribly. Once I started to drink I could not stop, every time I drank this voice in my head said drink til you drop to the floor. I was taking pills weekly and smoking bud too. Anything to escape how being sober felt.
Have now been sober since June 10 2019, taking only my ADHD treatment. Have replaced nights out with running, beach swims, triathlons.
World record for sobriety is 24 hours. Just gotta do it one day at a time.
You're an inspiration Stuey. Good on you for sharing. Appreciate your content.
On a side note I have found peace in music making. I spend evens playing guitar, drums and piano. I also have my evenings of massive youtube/online chess/Video games binges. The addictions move, just gotta find ones that do the least damage! Anyone else love that moment after work of chucking on TV while scrolling reddit and youtube.....ahhhh absolute bliss
Good on you and thanks!
You, and the channel "how to adhd" have helped enlighten me tremendously about these experiences I've had that I faulted myself for for the majority of my life. You're a strong man, but believe me when I say over exerting yourself in terms of discipline and and motivation is a slow decline into madness and all because of a dopamine deficiency. Ofcourse you are a very intelligent man, but when it comes to ADHD or any illness for that matter i think it's better to treat the condition directly instead of exhausting all of your energy to function as a normal human being, that being said (not telling you what to do) I think it's worth looking into formal medication again and whether that is going back down the pharmaceutical route, implementing natural substances that increase dopamine like caffeine it's important we treat ourselves accordingly in spite of our personal preference. Thank you
the problem with medications is that they eventually stop working, so you have to amp up the dose, until they stop working again and so on, until you max out the dose.
@@voldefox oh trust me I know hence why I myself have elected to stop as well
But there are strong alternatives that may even work better than pharmaceuticals
Brave video! Been through cycles of not drinkin alcohol at all for months, and then drinkin progtessively more, and then have to reastart again, pretty much my whole life. So in the end i just had to face it that i won’t find a balance in this, so i had to make the choice to quit completely and for good.
Best of luck man! You’ll make it, and it will be worth it!
I'm praying for you mate. I've been helped immensely by your videos. I have ADHD thank you for helping me understand things about myself. I am a recovering alcoholic myself. I still attend meetings regularly. I just got my 1 year chip and beg God for another sober day. God bless ❤️🙏
Diolch! 🏴
We’re very similar, everything you’ve said is true mate
You’re really helping me understand myself!
I can totally relate. You are definitely on the right path. Everything you said sounded exactly like my story. Life is better without it. Keep going.
Im 51 now , enough us enough 2 days sober, 2 AA meetings doing 90 meetings in 90 days..Im not gonna stop ! Gonna get an ADHD duagnoses too .
Thank you for sharing this very important information that everyone can use.
Thank you so much this is so useful and it makes me feel less alone sending you a big 🤗 hug
although this is two years old during the pandemic at resonates with me. Everything you said is what I I’ve been thinking on and off for years. I am day 10 of sobriety. I haven’t seen any magic quite yet, but I know I need to keep at the course
I haven’t drank in 13 years! I always struggled with stopping. I still miss the buzz if I think about it but I have discovered that nature and things I love can give me that same buzz. Without the embarrassment the next day! So happy for you and am looking forward to more videos!
We all struggle, some of us more than others 🙋♀️
3 steps forward, 2 steps back, still made progress 💪
Keep going 🙏
I find that journaling helps me. When I when I write down honestly: the good days and how I feel, and then the bad days and how I feel...
I can look back and read and remember exactly how I felt during each of those times. And when I get off track, it helps me to find my way back to where I know I need to be even if I don't feel like it in that moment.
ADHD mastery. Amazing story! I am a doctor with ADHD and I understand entirely where you are coming from.
I would be grateful if I could share your video with my patients who are struggling. Your insight and inspiration would be wonderful for them to see!
Your videos changed and saved my life. I'm not diagnosed, but I completely relate to your story. All your life hacks keep working. Watch my food, sleep, understand my moods.... My life had turned around. I'm 45 though and just about I've on my own for the first time. I did do the stage of getting drunk every night and quit about a year or so ago. Both me and a former drinking buddy were amazed with how good we felt without alcohol.
Thanks for everything and what you keep doing. Enjoy being alcohol free. It's pretty amazing.
Weed is a little tougher to give up, so I'm watching out for that.
Do you have any information or studies on how cannabis affects ADHD or how it affects any neruodivergent?
that looks like a nice place to be wherever that is. just being in a gigantic field with no trees and just fog.
Brecon Beacons 😊
Everything you're saying it's just so very real and it really is close to home don't try to sugarcoat it like other channels and because of that I feel like I'm more of a connection with you like we're in this together thank you for what you done you've made an impact on people
Thank you for this video I'm going through a similar situation as you at the moment keep up the positive mindset 👊👊👊
Congrats on those 2 weeks MAN! while i haven't struggled with substance abuse outright, I know the rabbit hole you can fall down looking for that buzz. So keep it up and remember how you pulled yourself out the next time you find yourself falling again
Smoking like a chimney here. Trying to stop 1000 times but I need the dopamine and stimulation it gives me. I really want to quit because it's killing me. My ADHD really isn't helping me at this one and I'm not able to replace it with something else. This is really ruining my life.
Glad you are speaking from that! I have unmedicated ADD, and i can not get medication because of my past substance use disorder. Constantly feel understimulated, and tired most of the time. Being sober for a year now has really helped with my ADD though. Routines are so important! Mine are hitting the gym hard and running. They also lower my anxiety and give me that little dopamine hit. Of course not the same level than substances but in my experience substances are not a long time solution even when i thought they were.
Are you me ? AuDHDer here, sober 5 months and I struggle with much of the same. I focused my energy on looking for adventures, hiking and road trips mostly. If you’re ever in Scotland and want to go for a hike let me know 😊