The truth about SOBER life in New York City. Why I stopped drinking.
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2024
- Let's be real... I do miss boozy brunch. I also miss late nights out with friends. I miss relaxing my brain with a glass of red before bed. Is sobriety even worth it if you live in New York City? What else is there to do around here besides drinking? That's not a rhetorical question... I still haven't figured it out yet 😅 This video is documenting the beginning part of this journey and I'm sure there will be more updates to come on this topic.
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I’m on day 53 of sobriety in New York City. I’m 24 and have been drinking for the past 10 years. My physical cravings are very strong at times and other times I free better than I have in a long time. It is daunting going out to meet friends late nights at bars and my social life has taken a hit as well. Saying no has been easier as well since my my anxiety has subsided so much but I do spend a lot more time alone at my apartment. Keep it up! It’s great to know there are others going sober this holiday season!
Oh hell yeah day 53!! That’s awesome. You keep it up as well! 🏆
Best wishes to you Tommy Davis.
I love watching chelsea's videos. She gives off such good vibes so its easy to root for her.
🥹💖
I found that in my 30’s the hangovers became almost unbearable. In my 20’s I’d be ok by lunchtime the day after but then it was one day, two days and finally three days before I felt normal again. It’s been a few years since I stopped drinking and I honestly don’t miss it anymore. I walk my dog, read, listen to podcasts and watch UA-cam and Netflix and my life has never been better. I definitely do not miss hangovers!
myexact life except i started to feel like this at 25. almost 2 years sober now ! love it too
Ooh, good luck with your sobriety! I'm not a huge drinker myself. The extra time from not recovering from hangovers and not spending the night drunk = higher productivity. Kinda boring BUT feels worth it for me. I never have to worry about drinks holding me back from my workouts or not being able to tackle a book/class/etc. that I'm working on.
Edit: Also, saved money!
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Love it!! And the extra money sure doesn’t hurt :)
I’ve never drank. This is a really fascinating video for me. Whenever I’m in NYC, I always hear people talk about how expensive drinking is, and I’m like “I cannot relate to this”. Good luck with your sobriety!
Please don’t lose your authenticity when you become famous! Love the videos!
P.S. no having ads in your vids made it so much fun to watch
so glad you like them!! Thanks for watching!
Famous last words: “Mom was right”! Doing a little binge as I just discovered your videos. Yes, you have your own special YT vibe … don’t change!
Drinking is something I've always felt like I could enjoy it a little bit too much. It's so easy spending every night with a bottle of wine and a warm buzz. So I try to stay consciouss about that. But I really like your 'experiment' being abstinent for a while to re-adjust the chemistry in your brain. I wanna try that with listening non-stop to music or podcasts. I shouldn't be feeling anxious just because I'm sitting there with my own thoughts in silence. So I might do my own "exposure therapy" by putting my headphones away in a drawer and getting used to the sounds of actual life again.
Ooooh i love that idea!!
Quit half a year ago and never felt better. Started with 3 months quitting and then decided to just keep going. Life in general is better w/o alcohol and it affects many more parts of my life then I initially thought, the craving for unhealthy foods, motivation to do daily tasks, there's less anxiety...It's just crazy how much of modern life revolves around alcohol!
I just started my sobriety journey a couple of weeks ago and have been struggling with myself now avoiding situations due to being surrounded by alcohol. Thank you for posting this, it’s reassuring ❤
That’s amazing keep going!!! You got this
I love how you put it, "Sober Curious" I've done this for 60 days, it's not easy, especially with balancing a social life. The last time I tried it, I would drink water out of wine glasses and there's this amazing thing called Ribena, Myers of Keswick sells it and you dilute it with water, it's basically grape juice, but I would put it in a wine glass and pretend I was drinking a Pinot Noir, lol. Let us know how that group goes.
That’s such a good idea!!! haha thanks
Hahaha Ribena is English kids drink, would have carton of Ribena in school packed lunch… I think it’s taste better than Pinot noir 👌🏻❤️😂
@@eloiseh Yes! Definitely better tasting than a Pinot 😅
Very relatable video. I don’t live in nyc (Iowa), but I could argue that it’s even harder to be sober here considering there can be little to do sometimes. I haven’t removed alcohol from my life 100% but cut back dramatically. It’s crazy when you start to feel better and your perspective on things changes. Friday nights are more relaxing and Saturday mornings are more productive and it feels good.
That's such a good point. Saturday mornings after a Friday night in is the best!!!!! Thanks for watching. All the best
I'm sober, have always been. There is no deep reason for it - I have simply never been interested in alcohol. But I still go to many social events where alcohol is involved! I go out with friends etc, but order non-alcoholic drinks. From my point of view, one does not have to exclude the other (sobriety/going out)
Hi, I somehow ran into your channel this afternoon. I've been watching for a couple of hours and you are a delight. I just subscribed. I live elsewhere but have always loved visiting NYC. You have answered so many of the questions I've had all these years about the "inner workings" of the city. You have the best sense of humor and I admire you for the brave woman that you are.
Thanks Lina ❤️
Chelsea keep up the good work ! You can do it ! I love NYC ! I have been sober for almost 3 years now.
I feel this! I live in NYC and don't drink just bc it makes me feel anxious (and barely do anything else-I'll have a nibble of an edible like once a year but nothing else). I've been living here for ~6 years now, haven't had a drink the whole time, and I find it pretty easy to not drink here comparatively just because so much else is going on in the city, and none of my friends mind (or even place that much emphasis on drinking.) It made me feel awkward at first when we all turned 21 bc drinking was slightly more regular w/my friends but I feel good (not hungover) always and I am saving so much money!! Also if people judge you then they're probably not nice ppl anyway imo ! I'll go to bars w my friends and get seltzer and it's always fine tbh and mostly free :)
Wise words!! Thanks for sharing your story!
It is hard to do when you live in such a huge social city! I live a pretty active life and I do enjoy my different beers, but every now and then, I do like to take the sober world. There are a bunch of companies out there that are now doing non-alcoholic drinks. I enjoy HOP WTR. It is a spanking hop water that is brewed like a beer but it has not alcohol and is gluten free, they have different flavors. I enjoy the mango one. You got this and it’s one day at a time! Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the rec!! And for watching!
As a young adult , I noticed on TV that there was alot of drinking on tv shows ,i.e. sitcoms , drama shows etc . Growing up , in my family , drinking (parents and family) was only on holidays or birthdays , not a everyday thing. I too have a an intolerant stomach about alcohol so I don't drink often and limit it to one glass . It's not a big deal for me anyhow.
While I must confess I am not in NYC I totally feel you with what you've said about cities that have events and alcohol being very present in practically all of them. Congratulations on deciding to go the non alcohol journey.
I had my struggles too but I have been without alcohol since 2014. Keep up the good work. 🥳
I rarely drink and have lots of sober friends in NYC. Many bars serve delicious mocktails and there are several bars that don't serve any alcohol.
Hi , If you can please provide a list for when I go to NYC. I would appreciate. Thanks
i've been sober for more than a year and a half and let me tell you it was the best deicision i've ever taken for myself. my bank account and mind are finally breathing again :)
Very happy for you. And good luck on your journey of discovering new ways to make life more fulfilling! Thanks for the video, loved it!
Thank you!!!!
I adore your videos and your whole personality! ❤️ I also live in NYC (pretty darn close to ya I’m fairly certain) and have been largely free of alcohol for quite a while. Mostly because just one cocktail will give me a significant hangover now. 😅 But I can totally relate and just wanted to send all the good vibes!
I love this and totally understand the one cocktail hangover 🙃 Thanks for watching and for the good vibes 💗
Aww I love this energy for you! So excited to catch your next video. and FYI the parade is SUPER overhyped in person, especially if you are only 5'2 like me 😂the family and I went in 2011 or 2012 and immediately regretted it lol it is so much better to watch from the comfort of bed :)
Hahahaha thanks for the tip!! I never even thought about height being a factor but you’re so right 😂
Its not so hard once you get used to it. Ive been sober for 23 or so years and it just becomes a part of what your reality is. I had to quit because it was having a major negative affect on my life, and oh yeah taking a bunch of drugs too. 😂 Anyway, just let it be a non-issue and you’ll do great!
Damn 23 years is fantastic props to you!
Ugh yes! I’ve been sober 90 days and still don’t know what to do with myself 😫 I’m still finding it hard to have a nightlife w/o booze, so I just stay home everyyyy w/e 🙃
90 days is amazing!! I only made it 100 days, and totally relate to what you’re saying. Hang in there you’re doing great!
It’s so hard! Especially when it feels like the only places to make friends in NYC are the bars and clubs
YES 100%
N-U-T-E-L-L-A "Peanut Butter"!! 🤣🤣
Nice video. 2.5 years sober. I recommend giving Ghia a try.
I think what happens is that people think that if you do drink you have to go crazy. I go out I drink a drink two max. That's it. I still enjoy it, no hangovers and I am in full control. It doesn't have to be all or none. Stop once starting to feel tipsy. It will feel nice and no bad hangovers 😊
love that for ya!! i know it's tough for some (including me) to only have one a couple drinks and stop, maybe one day that will change :)
I totally agree!!!!!! I am old now, but she has my life that I wanted when I was young!!!!
always great to see you making progress. I don't imagine you're looking for an NA beer but I have a friend who lives in Vancouver WA and he swears the Deschutes Brewery Black Butte NA is the best. maybe something to keep an eye out for if you're still sober curious when you're back home for Christmas. great video as always! late congrats on qualifying for the marathon I'm jealous.
Thanks for the rec!! and for the support :)
Love your videos. I relate so much even though I live in London
Living in London sounds amazing 😍 thanks for watching!
Just found your videos tonight. I went to NYC for a week last year and it blew my mind. Been thinking about moving there ever since. Your content is great 👍
awesome video Chelsea! i’ve had some minor health problems back in Dec 2019 and decided to stop drinking alcohol. in late summer of ‘22 i had some cider than a cocktail later in fall. i realized i don’t need it!
personally i loge kombucha! i prefer the synergy brand (ginger flavor); it relaxes me and also gives me a kick of energy, but i stay away from it after 9pm as it can keep me awake
i am a graphic designer & illustrator so i want to calm my mind and be inspired, while also having extra time in the weekends for creative work, friends or exploring the city
i discovered new bars in the city with a friend recently and i ask then to make me a mocktail! but some bars started to have those on the menu!
THE GREAT THING is that i get home early-ish, before 12, and i can still run the next day, do errands and not feel like shit lol!
i still wanna drink every now and then, but i really don’t think i need it! Good luck!
I love this your vlog are real & down to earth keep it up
💘 thanks for watching Amanda!
It is true, that if you give up alcohol for a long time you may find friendships change and new ones you make are very different people. I guess it’s what’s best for you and you’re well-being in the long run
Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider and grape cider. It is delicious and it’s in a alcohol bottle.
I quit drinking entirely for 6 years. Saved about 15 grand. That's right... 15 thousand dollars! Started drinking beer again about a year ago. Just 12 cans on the weekends. If you can control it, it's a nice break from sobriety. Incidentally, I've lived on the UWS for 22 years. Love it.
I always wondered what the saddest looking store in all of NYC might be - thanks for showing us! 😂
No, but seriously: good luck on your sobriety! I say, ironically, as I sip on a whiskey neat…
Love your video, I had ever drunk a lot of wine in parties 10 years ago. And my intestines often quite hurt, and I don't get any traffic accidents that time. Maybe I was luckily. However, I determined to kick this habit and it's great until now 😊
I've haven't had anything to drink in about six years...still sucks but it was a choice that could not be ignored any longer
Wow six years! That’s a huge accomplishment, good for you!
What you miss is getting high with other people because it makes you feel safe.Try to admit that to yourself. You don't know what to do with yourself without drinking but everyone feels that way in the beginning. You'll adjust. At this point your self talk is very positive, POV is very important. Remember there is nothing negative about quitting drinking. There is absolutely no downside. You mentioned candy and loss of energy. The Alcohol you're quitting is loaded with sugar so you're detoxing from sugar as well as ETOH. Your body is craving the sugar it's also addicted to. You'll have to balance this withdrawal as well and eventually try to wean yourself off sugar in your diet. There is a part of you that is speaking honestly to another part of you. It's worried .It's telling you to stop drinking before
you ruin your own life or someone else's life.
I'm very late to this video, but I no longer drink and my favourite champagne/prosecco alternative is sparkling tea. There's a brand called Copenhagen which is delicious! Also non-alcoholic mulled wine is so good
I do wish you tons of success with this endeavor. I found this video very interesting and loved hearing you break everything down. I think it would be so beneficial to others to see this, hope you get a lot of views.
Thank you for watching and for the good wishes!
The Upper West Side is definitely where I would live if I ever moved to NYC. I love Zabars and so many places
I stopped drinking in Oct last year only had a drink at Xmas and new year. Good luck hun. Fan from the UK
A lot of people don't realize just how tasty the actual alcohol is. Low alchol beer is often yuck with lots of added sugar, yet a strong Belgium beer or TIPA tastes amazing lol. Best of luck Chelsea, well done.
Such a good point tho. All the n/a drinks I’ve found so far have been loaded with sugar 😂
NYC is a very hard place to be a nondrinker. Most people, most of the time, hangout together in situations where alcohol is the focus (eating out, bars etc) and this is even harder if you're single and trying to date.
I hear you it gets better hang in there ❤
My niece lived in NYC for 12 years.
She was married, but got divorced, lived in a loft in Tribeca, had to leave in a rushed, found a small place in the West Village. Her rent was almost 3,000 per month. It was an experience living there, but spent so much money on rent. She moved back to home state, then was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 52.
Not sure if you are still NA curious but I’ve been off and on the train for awhile due to allergies.
Add a bit of vinegar to the wine - quality kind not the cheap stuff. There are really good NA liquor options too!
I’ve always wanted to go to the macys day parade in person too. I love watching it on tv but I hate how long it takes to finish and so many commercials
My family (hubby and I) don’t really celebrate thanksgiving anymore because colonizing… anyway, came to say that some GT’s kombucha in a nice glass at the end of the day is amazing (instead of wine)!
thanks for the rec! I’ll definitely try it
i came back to NYC in august im going on 2+ years no drinking. I honestly i hate it now, its like the veil was lifted.
If you liek beer, try non-alco beer. Those are usually better than the on-alco wines and booze. At least here where I live (the Czech republic). I cut out all the time drinking about 3 years ago and was without it for almost a year, and at the start, it was so hard but non-alco beer saved me! Looked like beer and no one would pester me trying to get me to drink. I started drinking after about 1 year, and honestly, by the end of this year, I was back to drinking multiple times a week and felt sluggish and demotivated. Since January I have not cut it out entirely but heavily cut it and it does make me feel so much better, less tired, less sluggish, less demotivated. How is it going for you?
I'm a full-ass grown adult and I've never been "under the influence". I'm not sure why or how I managed to dodge this ubiquitous cultural phenomenon, but, it's interesting being on the outside looking in and wondering about it all. I also have zero social life, so? Hmm, connection much?? Lol. Gosh I could write an essay about this now that I think about it...
"What in the white woman" lol, I had the same thought 😂
Best non alcoholic beer:
Miłosław Bezalkoholowe IPA
Not sure if available in NYC.
I dont drink from ny celebration. I just dont want to, dont feel that i need that anymore. Feeling so much better sober ✌🏽🥳
Might be late to the recommendation party, but I tried a few N/A wines during my first pregnancy and Surely is my favorite brand. Again, costs more than what I would spend on a regular bottle of wine but I needed something to get me through the holidays 😅
i'm no longer sober but will DEFINITELY be trying out your recommendation!! thank you!
I'm 100% sober if i lived in NY it would stay that way I live in California its bad out here drugs too, I'm Sure there's lots of sober things to do in NYC
I'm drinking 🍸 vodka and crystal light as I watch this. And I know that I need to try what you are doing. Just for the sake of my liver
Good luck with your sobriety you won't look back x
Thank you Jan!
I stopped drinking a year ago because it would make me feel like crap, and can’t tell you how different I feel. Also, now I realize the people I don’t like but didn’t mind when I was drinking, and how stupid some people are
every weekend I get together with friends to sit and drink, good alcohol is expensive, and can’t even find good beer at a regular price, everything is going to the fact that I will soon stop drinking completely.😎👍
It feels like it’s only socially accepted because EVERYONE does it. Not because it’s good for you. 👍🏾
100%
Try Ghia mocktail drink. I've find it's really lovely, good flavor.
Thank you!!!! Will definitely try
Great job! Well, now, I almost don't drink at all, I was drinking much more 10 years ago than now ... lol ... Greetings to NYC from the EU!
That’s awesome!!
@@ChelseaCallahan Have a wonderful day!
I love your videos ! hi from Ukraine with love 🤍
hi!!! sending you love 💓
I lost several family members and friends due to alcohol consumption.
Will stick to smoothies and fruit shakes :)
Did you end up re introducing alcohol? I quit 5 years ago and it’s been life changing. I find lots of fun sober people and don’t care if others drink.
I did! But not to the degree I used to consume alcohol. It was life changing for sure! That’s awesome it’s been 5 years for you!
Jingle bells! LMAO XD
If you stop boozing for 90 days...it´s gonna be eternal and you will be way happier..
I went 100 days!! life improved for sure
did you live in Seattle and work in Pike Place??? Cuz currently doing that exact thing and aspiring to move to nyc haha
Yes! I worked at shy giant frozen yogurt haha
@@ChelseaCallahan omg that place is so cute!! I’m at the OG Starbucks currently. Smol world 🙇🏻♂️
@@ryanmaneo no waaaaay! It was way back in 2015 though :) I had a friend who used to work at your shop! Keep fighting the good fight with all the tourists haha. Small world for sure!!
What app did you use to track your sober journey ??
I tried finding a good non-alcoholic wine when I was pregnant. I'm not sure it exists 😆
Honestly!! Haha
Sorry for commenting on all of your videos, but I just found you… but you used to live here in Seattle?!
Hiii! Yes, for 6 years! is that where you are from?
@@ChelseaCallahan awesome! We live in Everett currently… have lived in Redmond, Bothell, and Lake Stevens 😊
Sober curious.
oh man i do recommend going to the parade at least once.no need to stay for the whole thing.
Sobriety is overrated.
Don't get if you're alcohol free why would you go to a liquor store that is masquerading as a liquor store... same packing as.a liquor store absolutely crappie just drink non alcoholic drinks that you can buy in a supermarket 😮
"any non alcoholic brands that you like" girl literally every soda every drink that has no alcohol is a non alcoholic drink lol there's an infinite possibility of options
2 years sober easy cause hang overs stink lol
Have you tried THC or CBD?
both! it's not been for me, but maybe I need to find the right brand/strain
So much potential you have but you need be more responsive to viewers in all platforms to grow be flexible it will help grow these days people get 1000 subs in hrs
Hey! Thanks for the feedback, I think I’m pretty responsive. I don’t need to get 1000 subs in hours I just like making videos ✌🏻
@@ChelseaCallahan I don't know why u are so rude
If you take a hit of weed before you go to bed when you’re drunk you’ll never wake up hungover, I haven’t had a hangover in like a decade ha
I love this lol
Congrats on three weeks of your sobriety exploration! I like that you're never really one to quit something as a "punishment," but more through curiosity in how it shapes your life. I don't mind having a drink or two every once in a while, but I've never been super big in the drinking scene and my friends are about half and half on drinking heavily at parties, so there's never been any pressure to join in, which I'm glad for. My idea of winding down is usually a cup of tea, and I have my favorites that I look forward to making. 🫖🍵
I’m on my sober journey as well and I’m having trouble finding companionship without going back to old stomping grounds. It’s hard for me to converse with people while sober who are drinking because then I’m like what’s the point of me even being in that situation trying to be social when the clarity of communication isn’t the same. Playing my potential tape of judgement and stupidity avoids fomo and oh no so I don’t go, but still don’t know ❤