I'm 2 years and 11 months sober. Another thing people don't mention when you're drinking is the horrible feeling of life passing you by, days spent in bed when everyone else is out running, skiing, sailing, cycling, hiking etc etc. I can confirm that your life slows down again when you stop and you're more present day to day
There’s an urgency for an addict to stop drinking, but there’s also an urgency to stop wasting your time and potential being hungover every weekend. Countless bright, sunny Saturdays and Sundays spent hurting on the couch. So much precious time wasted. So many ass crack Monday mornings just waiting for the day to be over. Those days add up and you don’t get them back.
@@TheJarlath9same here. I was a weekend warrior. It’s been 1.5 months for me and I’ve lost 10lbs. From 184lbs to 174lbs. It’s crazy how fast it falls off. I also make sure I get 10k steps a day. Quitting has also just made me not as hungry. I don’t crave junk the way I used to either. So many benefits to be had in quitting.
Battled with the booze 44 years now. Sober times and drunken times. I like me sober. My relationship with alcohol has stopped me achieving all through my life. At 60 years of age this year l have a new opportunity!! Day 1 for me again but here goes.
I found alcohol increased anxiety, depression, negativitly.. I haven't had a drink in 17 years.. Life is better without alcohol for me,, I lost my brother to alcoholism 7 years ago at 47yrs young.. I really don't know if there's much GOOD to be got from alcohol.. I can do anything now in my life the ONE thing I can't do is pick up alcohol.. My sober life has been my best life..
Thanks for telling me that now I know why I need to quit. Your right I don’t think negative thoughts when I don’t drink I’m not anxious when I don’t drink
Getting rid of alcohol has been the best thing I have ever done. It's great to see and hear so many people talking about the benefits of removing this substance completely from their lives... If people can try this out for a small period of time, a month or two even, and experience the benefits for themselves, it can act as a catalyst for further thought, even if the person starts drinking again - they'll remember their own experience from that time when they didn't drink and have a real life personal comparison....this is priceless. Nice talk guys!
Hey Kevin! You Sir have helped so many others to quit alcohol as well. Glad to see you "Lurking" on other channels and keeping your knowledge expanding through other sobriety chats/podcasts. Thank you for what you do as well. ONwards and UPwards!
Same for me, was living a "healthy" life, but deep down knew that the drinking was the one thing holding me back from ultimate health. 2 years in and I would never go back. Good luck to anyone else looking to quit - it's great on the other side!
I just did 90 days away from alcohol and didn't miss it. I came back this week because it was "expected" and I ended up drinking a few days this week because I didn't feel right and thought it would help. After one week back on booze its perfectly clear I'm happier without it.
I did the same , stopped for 9 weeks. Thought it would be a good idea to go back to drinking but life was much harder and far worse. Realised how amazing life is without this crap
Same here.... A cold beer on my birthday turned into 4-5 cans on an empty stomach and a heady buzz. This lead to me get into a long conversation with someone spilling out minute details about my life and my intentions that were better left unsaid. I also nearly posted a three-and-a-half minutes monologue to my photography channel that I'm building, which could have jeopardised my following. I'm looking back at the video it's actually pretty good I could probably post it. But I'm just mindful of this sudden rash behaviour
I’ve had to stop drinking because of medication I’ve recently been put on. Haven’t had a drink in 28 days. Down 10 pounds. Sleep like a rock. I’m finally a morning person. Eating right and nailing daily exercise. This time off has forced me to take stock of the last 20 years of my life and I’m stunned at how frightening my drinking has truly been. I’ll be on this medication for 6 months. I can’t say for sure if I’ll never drink again. But I can say that I haven’t felt this good in years.
I’m 8 days in and I cannot believe how good I feel already. Yesterday I went to the beach early, got home and then worked on my house from midday until 10pm and was full of energy. I am truly amazed at how much drinking daily so negatively impacted my energy levels.
Hope you’re still at it. I’m 10 days in myself. I’ve had a few strong cravings when 5:00 PM rolls around, but I’ve been sitting down and meditating for 10 minutes when that happens, and afterwards, the cravings are gone and I can remind myself why I’m doing this. I’m hoping after a month or two the cravings will start to subside somewhat. Keep at it!!
That's about how long it took me to notice the UNREAL amount of energy I have now. 2 weeks in I have the energy of a 12 year old at 38, I didn't even realize it was taking so much from me.
It was his book (The 28 day challenge) that started me on this journey of sobriety. It’s been over 14 months since I’ve had a drop of alcohol and life has never been better….thank you.
Went 6/7 week alcohol free, felt great, met friends for a night out and took the easy way out and just drank alcohol. This chat has me more determined than ever to go alcohol free long term and hopefully forever.
Hey, hope you are still going strong. Always remember, all it takes to go back to drinking is one sip of alcohol. Not because of you being an alcoholic, but just by the nature of how alcohol works- you want more and more and more etc.
We have to loose friends or change our friends for a while if we've truly CHOSEN to stop. It's part of recovery. Next time before you go and you've made your mind up no alcohol,wrote down a plan B. ie, I'm on meds, I'm driving, I'm having to leave early or just leave early x It's so hard when we wish to quit but all our friends drink. Ive had to look at being more with myself and engaging in outdoor sobriety groups, watching you tube vids. SMART RECOVERY
Talk to your friends about the decision of quitting alcohol. If they are really your friends, you'll remain so. If their suposedly friendship rely on only drinking booze, make new friends.
I’ve been trying to quit drinking for several yrs. I have recently learned processes that has helped me cut back over 80% of my drinking. My problem is my evening and social habits. My next phase plan, for cutting it out completely, is to listen to talks like this to keep my “why” up front in my mind! Thank you for all your contributions!!
Allan Carrs: Easy Way for Women to Quit Drinking. Brilliant. TED talks exist mentioning it, Rohan’s female comedian guests have mentioned it as thee thing that made them quit “effortlessly”.
Consider changing your friends, your social activities, your environment and maybe even your job if it makes you drink in the evening to relax … This is key to quitting drinking alcohol . 🙏🏾☀️
I was diagnosed with borderline Type II diabetes in February 2019. It was a wake up call - I lost 4 stone; gave up food with processed sugar; went teetotal; and started to exercise a lot. The interventions were successful, and by May 2019 my blood sugar was normal. I initially gave up drink just as a way of hitting my calorie targets, but I found I like it so stuck with it. I also work in the City of London, so there was a lot of social pressure at work.
I sit here watching this at 2am in the morning currently relapsing after 699 days sober, I’ve suffered with alcoholism for twenty years now (I’m 38) although I totally get AA principles and wholly believe it’s given me a programme for living I hadn’t previously had, it’s anxiety that has once again led me to buy a bottle of vodka, how the hell do I learn to overcome anxiety, the panic, the fear of impending doom. For 698 days that was possible, however in this past week my anxiety has kept me off work and overwhelmed me. I went to an AA meeting tonight and felt amazing afterwards, I went to my girlfriends and we were having a lovely evening, then all of a sudden I felt dizzy, I panicked, it got worse and within Half an hour I’d left her home and gone straight to buy vodka, I quit, enough was enough I wanted instant relief, i know the consequences and that still didn’t stop me. I’m scared and frightened, I’ve had just about all I can take of living in fear with only a few weeks reprieve at a time. Please though if your reading this and struggling with alcoholism, get yourself to an AA meeting and be open, honest and willing, it really can change your life, unfortunately I’ve not been dealing with the anxiety issue that’s been holding me back all this time. Good luck to everyone on their journeys, just for today xx
I totally understand you! How amazing you made it sober for so long! I’ve had anxiety and panic attacks since my teen years and I’m 40 now. Alcohol was the thing that I have been clinging to for all of these years...I drink at home, almost daily, “just a few to relax”. I want to be able to feel okay without it. I pray God is with us both on this journey. Thank you for sharing
Maybe you should try medication for your anxiety bc even though I’m struggling with the decision of whether I quit for all I know alcohol is the worse legal drug there’s out here; it can really take you to dark places
In the early part of the 'cast, you described the 'everyday', normal, daily drinker and I had that moment of recognition ... the "That's me!" realisation. That insidious escalation of a glass of wine, to two, to three ... all to relax after the working day. But then it becomes a habit. Not necessarily an addiction but absolutely something that you do every day because that's what you do! Time to change that habit ... ... ...
Hello again, I am now 7months totally sober and now 30 pounds lighter. For the past 7 months I have been meditating, eating healthy and exercise not only for my body but my spirit!!! Life is great sober!!!!
I have been gradually letting go of alcohol for a few years now and most people have said I hardly drink at all these past 2-3 years. Yet, I have just gone 3 months without it completely. It has been the most productive and satisfying 3 months I can remember in terms of meeting goals and keeping to healthy structured routines.
4 Days of not drinking. I started eating vegetables, fruits again. I started excercing 2 days ago, already feel like a newborn person. It's crazy. 💯💯 Don't wanna let alcohol steal my life again.
Day 69 of sobriety for me,I can relate to everything you say on here .as it stands today I never want to drink again, that might change and I hope I can beat the urge to drink because my life is a million times better without alcohol in my life. My marriage is stronger, my relationship with my baby daughter is now I realise the greatest gift I’ve ever been given, way too many positives when I don’t drink and zero negatives. I intend to keep it that way👍
All the best Russ. Your profile picture says all that needs to be said. Beautiful picturr. Your have a beautiful purpose in this life. And YOU, your wife and child have created it. Family. Many lost ppl do not have this. I can not have children. I live alone. I date, and I leave people because I have a family mentality, while they are perpetually immature single 40 yr old boys. Appreciate your daughter.
I stopped drinking a week ago the day after my son turned 15. I also stopped smoking on the same day. I drank most evenings 1-3 glasses of wine per night, add 5-10 cigarettes to that list. I did not drink due to social pressures or to make my life more fun. I think many of us don’t fall into that category, which may be worse. I drink to relieve stress, to unwind and to relax. But now after 7 days I have realized that alcohol was enabling smoking, was enabling excuses, was enabling my escaping from my surroundings. After 3 days of zero alcohol my skin looked better, I started sleeping through the night, I began to wake up feeling rested, my stomach was less bloated etc. I stopped drinking and smoking to test myself and my dependence on substances, to prove to myself that I am the one in control, to be a better mom and a better me.
My mental health hasn’t been the best since after a break up that has had me longing. After a few months of heavy drinking and a lot of apologetic texts next day, I have decided to indefinitely quit drinking. I’m almost a month in and it’s true what people say about a mix of clarity, confusing thoughts, fear, anger, but also a feeling of hope and rejuvenation. I’ve been able to spend my time off from work by exercising, cleaning house and making meals. I have been able to cope with my break up through tears and honesty rather than ignorance and bliss. I can work 55 hours a week at work and make phenomenal money without feeling tired. Many of us spent most of our lives away from addictions like tobacco, alcohol and other conventional drugs. And we were happy.
This has definitely resonated with me in a big way that other videos have failed to do. I think a big part of that has to do with the rigidity of the labels we put on "I don't drink and never will again." I think the weight of that label can be overbearing on oneself as if the label and rigidity of that statement can make someone feel defined by alcohol and whether or not you decide to drink. I think what's really important is not letting that label decide what kind of person you are, like for example "your not a drinker" so you are "mundane and boring." That's kind of a classic label. I stopped drinking for a year, and started again, and stopped again. Over the course of that first year was very difficult because I was a drinker since I was 14 years old up until I was 24. When I stopped for a year because I had sever anxiety and depression, I felt very isolated and out of place from society. I didn't know where I fit anymore and I didn't know how to navigate being sober. I realized that I had to relearn how to navigate the social landscape and how to have fun. I didn't know who I was, because when I drank I was a different person, and I didn't know how to have enjoyable experiences without it. Only until recently after having given it up again, have I realized what things bring me enjoyment and how to enjoy life without having a drink. To just be with myself and enjoy my experiences without any alterations on my mind and body. Now I enjoy life and being with myself to enough to where alcohol makes me feel as though I'm escaping my feelings, which I no longer deem necessary to enjoy my life. So the answer is simple these days, I don't feel like drinking so I don't. It took me years to understand how to live my life like that, but my life ultimately is more meaningful and healthy because of it. Call it what you will.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to anything. I used to periodically "quit" alcohol for several weeks or a month but I always ended up drinking again. My motive in quitting those times was only to prove to myself that I still had some control, rather than to give it up for good. Because I left it open-ended I would always fall back into rationalising returning to drinking - 'now I will do it in moderation'. Moderation didn't last for long either. And it doesn't work for the vast majority of people who struggle to keep their drinking under control (reading the statistics on that was for me very sobering, quite literally!) I've only been successful since accepting that I simply cannot drink responsibly and that there was no alternative other than permanently quitting. Or, to be more precise: I cannot bet my life and well-being on my being a statistical anomoly, in the vain hope that the my next attempt at moderation might defy all past experience and suddenly succeed. For me "non-drinker" is a useful label. I am scared that if I relax that self-identification then the slow creep of insidious rationalisation will tempt me back. I think I understand what you mean, though. Now that I have adjusted to sobriety the idea of drinking, on the whole, simply doesn't appeal to me. Perhaps it is still early days for me. I have heard enough horror stories of people relapsing into old habits to remain fearful about the fragility of sobriety. I still have fleeting moments at intensely stressful moments where the old coping mechanism of retreat into the oblivion of alcohol tempts me. I have built up healthier coping mechanisms as a replacement, but I am wary of complacency.
Perfect timing… thank you! My husband just built his dream garage with ultra private bar… I’ve witnessed a slow downward spiral. I choose No alcohol Lent- and now found this🙏💕👏
I just looked when this video was posted and I was binging drinking quite a bit at that time. Christmas 2019 was heavy for me. I actually did Dry January in 2020 and decided to continue as I was seeing benefits. When Covid hit that was extra motivation to carry on as I didn't want to get wasted at home, not being able to leave! Fast-forward to now and I feel less anxious/depressed, more focused and productive than I've ever felt. I'm just doing better at life. Hangovers were terrible for me; lasting about 3 days. I was also getting into bad situations and damaged many relationships because of alcohol. Such a relief not to have to deal with that anymore. It's so true that it is very conditioned into our way of socialising and mindset. If I'd seen this video when it was posted, I would have probably ignored it.
I never realized I had a problem,, I had many rules,, I thought I had control,, until I realized it was effecting my Sleep, my Relationships, my Budget, And was Subtlety causing me Stress, Anxiety, a feeling being Unmotivated,, I'm 4 days into an alcohol free journey
I am in the States and feel for you all in the UK trying to be sober. It is so ingrained in your culture but SO worth it to go against the grain if you want to quit. Stay strong and others may follow your example!!
Wow, the part of the interview where the doctor mentions him not fully engaging with his young child because he had a few beers the night before is powerful. Just love how honest Andy is telling his story. Thank you. PS. Those reading who still drink will be hard pressed to find someone that says they quit drinking and are worse off.
Watched this podcast multiple times Very powerful. A Year and a half sober now. Best Descision of my life. Great talk and everything is so true. It just takes a different mindset.Thank you God Bless 🙏
I have stumbled in a year back and forth with alcohol and i am so gratefull for it, because ive been off alcohol in 3 months, 2 months, 1,5 month, 1 month, 2 months again, etc.. so i have felt the changes so many times, so i have now sort of built this proof for myself to look back on that shows me really how good it is to be sober, and how really just not worth it is to drink. I have now given up on alcohol for good, and i dont even miss it one bit. I have suffered from it so much that i have created a sort of disgust for the drug. I would never ever go close to alcohol again.
He makes a great point. By starting with taking a break will show you how much it affects your life and health. I took a month break and was shocked on how it affected me. Started drinking again for a few months. Now I'm completely done with alcohol. It's been a fee days but I won't drink again. It's horrible.
This is a brilliant podcast, I love the way you guys approach alcohol, not in any way preaching but just giving your experiences , I've struggled with alcohol abuse for years but I respect you guys so much , great job ❤️
Amazing podcast guys!!! This Doctor is a genius how he connects all the body parts together when he treats patients and how he is on the look out for the source of the disease instead of treating symptoms. Alcohol can produce very serious diseases, and because it is not considered a drug but part of a social convention, nobody wants to talk about the source of ones alcohol intake.... why do we have that gin tonic or that glass of wine. The answer is deep inside us. I love my gin tonics and my wine but I have heard these 2 super smart and brave guys loud and clear and I will try to practice and bring everybody that I can into the fold..... maybe I will not get it right at first but I am going to keep going! Doctor keep it up with your podcasts, we are listening!
I quit November 26th. I read quitting the easy way, which is on point with alot of what you two are discussing. Thank you for doing an episode about quitting drinking! Great information guys.
I’m currently a alcoholic and love this video I will try my best to do 30 days starting tomorrow after my last drink but millions have said that and failed
What I'm thinking is every day you didn't drink (even if you 'fail' occasionally) is a success. Because you would have drank that day and didn't and you have that example on your head, i wanted to drink that day and didn't and i was able to do that.
2nd week of it after my second slip up and try. Making the mistake and doing it again taught me alot. Stay clean is easy now. Night and day what is better for me. I'm better in every way.
Excellent show. I'm an old woman now, never had a drinking problem, drank beer four or five days a week - never more than one a night - these past few years. I stopped two weeks ago and the change is already amazing. I sleep better, I have energy that lasts all day, and more clarity of thought. Cannot believe we're not taught the truth about alcohol's effects even with such light usage.
This helped me a lot thanks you guys ✊🏼 needed this today, I think I'm really done with booze.. I barely drink anymore, when I do I regret it, feel like shit for days now, can't do it anymore
3 weeks sober and hopefully more, and already seeing results by being around family more and getting things accomplished with my rental properties. I don't need alcohol in my life. It's really a poison
I will say this though, Chatterjee talks so much because he is genuinely thrilled about all the realizations he has had throughout the interview. You can tell he really appreciates Andy and the work. For that, I say awesome! Good on you!
I gave up drinking after hitting my best mate at a work party, going on 4 months now... Watching these two has really reinforce why I'm not drinking...thank you guys great information
This is amazing. I am so glad I've finally watched this. You are brilliant and I am a huge fan. Keep going because people is listening. I've been working as a Functional Medicine Practitioner for quite some time now and it is amazing how long it took for me to realise alcohol was not among the things I considered detrimental to my OWN health. Of course I would suggest my patients to reduce their alcohol intake when I suspected it to be a problem for them, but the fact that it apparently wasn't a problem for ME would make me totally oblivious to the fact it STILL had a huuuuge impact on my wellbeing, especially on my energy levels and mood. Being away from alcohol these last few months transformed completely my life. I am happier, more energetic, kinder and my relationship with my family improved so much! There is simply no way back. It is not that I don't drink because I can't, I don't drink because I don't have to. I would love to see other sober enthusiasts on your show like Ruby Warrington (Sober Curious), Annie Grace (This Naked Mind) and Catherine Gray (The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober).
Excellent talk. I enjoyed every minute of it. I watched it in the hope of passing it on to my 20 year old son as he's been middle road drinking for a few years and recognizes that he wants to cut back a bit. I just hope he gives it some consideration. The talk was fantastically motivating.
I think the key is, like Dr. Rangan said, just give it a go and see how you feel. This is a very simple message that anyone can try without putting too much pressure and weight on themselves.
I started on a weight loss drug, and didn’t expect nor want to stop drinking and now I have not had a drink since last week, 6 days so far, for the first time in 10 years. I feel great, happy and like I want to hug everyone. I also feel some withdrawal I suspect. But all in all I’m going to see how long I can go without drinking. It’s no longer on my mind. So unexpected!
Well? Hows it going? Ive found that while being real with yourself is good, if you kick the thought "lets see how long i can go" and replace it with "i dont drink or im not a person that drinks" it has worked out better for me, personally. I dont ever ponder whether i will drink again. I know i wont because i dont drink.
I go out all night friday, sleep all day saturday, wake up and do it again saturday. I really enjoy it but it's kryptonite for my habits, sleeping and mission. I've been building so many good habits this year, and it's really brought into focus the tension between succeeding in my goals and getting drunk with my friends. I had no reason to consider stopping drinking before - it's fun and meaningful to me - but now I have goals and a mission that are arguably more important, it just seems like the natural next step.
An update on this. I quit drinking and all nighters. If I drink now it's max one or two drinks, but the rest all non-alcoholic. I don't mess up my sleep on the weekend. Giving up getting drunk wasn't hard but making myself go home requires more discipline.
Thank you both so much! It's amazing to hear all of the positive improvements you've both experienced from being alcohol free. Very inspiring, keep up the great work!
I have that very idea of being alcohol free all of December and January so I can enjoy every night and day throughout festivities. I’m doing Annie Graces 30 day experiment again for the fourth time in four years, all where I have stayed alcohol free between 3-9 months at a time. I know I want to be alcohol free as I love my life but find I just drink when socialising with certain people automatically. I’m going to take the advice of having a plan of what I’m going to drink instead of automatically ordering beer. Thank you for this podcast and giving me more inspiration to succeed.
I'd been stuggling with the social aspect of not drinking and how to go about not caving under the pressure of others to drink. Thank you so much for this podcast! It was the last bit of encouragement and understanding I needed to make that final move towards a sober life. 🙏🏾
Paula, start just with one day, get the support of your family, friends if you can. The things every person talks about, exercise (whatever gentle it is and however short or long it is) helps, and plan your day ahead.
Just the mere mention of anything that then gets met with sarcasm, repent and an eventual truth of the sarcasm. Problems all around. Bravo to taking the steps needed and encouraging the change. Everyone doesn't want to hear the potential truth. But when you find the truth on your own you will hear it. And never forget it.
I gave up in 2016, my plan was never to give up permanently but to see how I would cope without drinking on occasions when it is expected for example Christmas, birthday, holidays and she so on.
I have not drunk for a year and a half now. I went on a food plan that did not include it. Lost 90 pounds but still miss beer. I suffered from even my one bottle of beer a night, bad sleep, headaches, dehydration, and exhaustion the entire next day. I feel so much better and that is why I still don’t drink
5 days and counting , just making a lot of bad decisions when I drink alcohol and need a day to recover .. hope I can stay sober for 30 , then 60, 90 steps
Wow..what a great podcast. I can relate to missing connection. After my awakening around 3 years ago, I have been drinking nearly every weekend, until I decided to go to mediation classes and met similar minded people. Been sober for 2 months, on 3rd month I slipped but going back to sobriety stronger and wiser keeping in mind that connections matter. Much gratitude for your podcast, life changing ❤🙏🙏🙏
Last alcohol I drank was 7.5 years ago. Previous 30 years was an average of a bottle of wine a day. Without alcohol is much better than with it. Just do it for a bit and see what happens.
Slipping since 2 months for 10+ times but not ready to give up and still wanting to get back from the loop hole. 11 years of social conditioning+addiction and expecting it to end within a few days, that's not gonna work so its my 10th slip 4 days ago and still I feel that being sober is the best thing for me.
thought this conversation would be too long and maybe negative... it has been a real pleasure listening to this and totally relatable for anyone who may have been regularly drinking. Really love this!
Thank you for this. If you don't drink you really feel like you're not part of the club. It's challenging. I used to drink very often. Never felt any dependency but did it for socializing and loved it. At some point my tolerance plummeted and even 1 drink would destroy the next day physically emotionally....the older I get the less I'm willing to casually throw away days of my life to self imposed sickness. I still get fomo and it can suck. Alcohol is baked into the cake of adult life. It's everywhere and it feels like you must participate in this ritual if you want a life too. But I've found the longer I go without it the more I realize that this was just marketing. I don't NEED it to have fun have dinner talk to people or do anything. And I don't have to ritualistically make myself sick
Best video I've seen in a long time! Love the message and approach. The way you discussed people using alcohol to feel less anxious but how that's more temporary symptom suppression rather than dealing with the problem. I completely agree. I have bipolar disorder and I have had anxiety most of my life. When I drink too much not only do I get a hangover I also get what I call an 'emotional hangover' meaning that drinking more regularly means I have depression more often. I also notice that when I have trouble with sleep my anxiety is far worse.
I am 3 months sober went through some health issues. Results amazing lost 25 pounds. Clear headed, look & feel better. Exercise & eat better I take care of myself now! Alcohol ruined me don't miss it one bit. I quit for myself!! I love myself now.
Thanks Doc, alcohol has become a bad daily habit for me and I want to change it, your video has given me motivation to do it, god bless you Sir blessings from Liverpool
Something I like to say when out socially and someone questions why I am not having a drink: “just having a break” (keeps it simple! The break may be forever, but I just like to get the subject over quickly in social situations… I mean, I just want to move on and have fun!)
1.5 years sober, I have no friends, the drug addicts and alcoholics I am stuck living with constantly gaslight me for my sobriety. I'm always depressed. No motivation. Every person interested in being friends with me are alcoholics or drug addicts. I been an addict for so long, that I feel so lost being sober.
I've been around many people who have been told by their Dr. they were going to die if they don't stop now... they are not happy, they're lonely and miserable too... this is called being a A DRY DRUNK, still the drinker who can't drink or sober and stuck on the same cycles of behaviour and attitude that made them drink.. What makes you happy? Find out.. you have to do this for yourself, your not getting out alive so get away from that group, they're dying..get out there..be yourself.. open up
I've never really had any results taking a break from alcohol, other than being bored and snacking more and gaining a bit of weight as a result. So it's hard to be motivated to keep going. I have never found having a glass or two here and there is so debilitating either. Hearing everyone else have such life changing results from not drinking while I have no results is a bit unmotivating...
34:43 oh my gosh completely agree. It's wild! Doing a behaviour that you dont like much anymore or that isn't serving you to make someone else happy. As an introvert one of the reasons I drink is to be more social but then I have done so many regrettable things socially after drinking too much! Last night was like this. I hate the feeling of shame waking up after a heavy night of drinking!
Damn, this has been the most compelling argument I've ever heard to quit drinking. I went to AA a couple of times, didn't really agree with them, but they're definitely good people. Two high achieving scholars who were moderate drinkers talking about what a big difference it made for them, and not heavy drinkers really speaks volumes. As opposed to hearing people talk about being raped, savage abuse, and thinking of suicide, these guys are like "eh, after a while I figured I just didn't really like it, lol, what's the point?"
Been hiding my excessive daily drinking from my folks for the past 3 years. Now I’m suffering from muscle spasms and some numbness in my extremities, could be something else but I finally gave up the alcohol.
Try B12 I had numbness in my right leg. My lab work showed low B12. I had been drinking daily for a couple years because of a terrible commonlaw relationship. Hope this helps
995th day sober here. Best decision I have ever made in my 37 years on this planet
I love alcohol so much loll. Idk how I’m going to stop forever.
Not that long for me but very happy to be sober.
Well done. Great achievement. 💪
Kudos. Is it necessary to count the days??
@@thecastle09 I gave it up. I just know I feel great.
I'm 2 years and 11 months sober. Another thing people don't mention when you're drinking is the horrible feeling of life passing you by, days spent in bed when everyone else is out running, skiing, sailing, cycling, hiking etc etc. I can confirm that your life slows down again when you stop and you're more present day to day
Nice...
Definitely
Congratulations!
It has gone the opposite for me! Life is passing by quicker than ever, as I'm alot busier and having more consistent fun.
Only took me 41 years to figure it out, yeah mornings are so much better & sleep is getting much better!
There’s an urgency for an addict to stop drinking, but there’s also an urgency to stop wasting your time and potential being hungover every weekend. Countless bright, sunny Saturdays and Sundays spent hurting on the couch. So much precious time wasted. So many ass crack Monday mornings just waiting for the day to be over. Those days add up and you don’t get them back.
@Jeanette89 That's my problem, bro. I'm Irish. There's no such thing as "a beer."
So true, thos are my weekends, no more though..
@Read A book huh? Please elaborate.
@Read A book I imagine so, although I’m from New Jersey, not Ireland… my ancestors were from Ireland
@Read A book maybe you broadcast too strong of a gay vibe
Haven’t had a drink in 40 days. Losing 12lbs and the mental clarity are the best parts so far.
Way to Go! I'm encouraged!
@@joanelderweller1 good luck in your journey.
And no hangovers...... Their miserable!
*Update- 87 days with no alcohol and down 21lbs.
How did you cope with / what did you do in the 1st and 2nd week?
After watching this I’ve decided to go alcohol free. 40 days have passed and I feel happier than ever!
i stopped too and started losing weight like went from 95kg to 88 in 2 months
@@TheJarlath9 Any change to diet or just ditching the booze? Were you drinking much before?
@@TheJarlath9same here. I was a weekend warrior. It’s been 1.5 months for me and I’ve lost 10lbs. From 184lbs to 174lbs. It’s crazy how fast it falls off. I also make sure I get 10k steps a day. Quitting has also just made me not as hungry. I don’t crave junk the way I used to either. So many benefits to be had in quitting.
16 months update. Still sober and enjoying the best shape and mood of my life.
@@mafrendi9118 Wow! That's amazing to read, great job! How big of a drinker were you before quitting?
I am 7 weeks sober. Drinking alcohol is like stealing tomorrow’s happiness
I’m stealing your comment because it’s true and so powerful
That’s a fact
It don’t make Sense
CRUISIN' OVER BOOSIN' JOIN THE MOVEMENT!
Such a great line and so true!
Amazing quote 🙏🏻
Battled with the booze 44 years now. Sober times and drunken times. I like me sober. My relationship with alcohol has stopped me achieving all through my life. At 60 years of age this year l have a new opportunity!! Day 1 for me again but here goes.
How are you doing now Lilly?
Keep trying. You got this ! Alcohol was destroying my self respect I find these UA-cam videos on sobriety very helpful. Take care
Best of luck!
"I like me sober". Hang on tight to that thought. Make it your number one guiding idea.
I found alcohol increased anxiety, depression, negativitly.. I haven't had a drink in 17 years.. Life is better without alcohol for me,, I lost my brother to alcoholism 7 years ago at 47yrs young.. I really don't know if there's much GOOD to be got from alcohol.. I can do anything now in my life the ONE thing I can't do is pick up alcohol.. My sober life has been my best life..
I just blew 90 days of no alcohol
@Mauricio Eliseo you’re right, no one cares.
Good for you👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️! God bless
🙏🏾
Thanks for telling me that now I know why I need to quit. Your right I don’t think negative thoughts when I don’t drink I’m not anxious when I don’t drink
Getting rid of alcohol has been the best thing I have ever done. It's great to see and hear so many people talking about the benefits of removing this substance completely from their lives... If people can try this out for a small period of time, a month or two even, and experience the benefits for themselves, it can act as a catalyst for further thought, even if the person starts drinking again - they'll remember their own experience from that time when they didn't drink and have a real life personal comparison....this is priceless. Nice talk guys!
No alcohol for 2 months, am so happy. I realize I was losing my life and my self
It's called our recovery banks. ❤️
Hey Kevin! You Sir have helped so many others to quit alcohol as well. Glad to see you "Lurking" on other channels and keeping your knowledge expanding through other sobriety chats/podcasts. Thank you for what you do as well. ONwards and UPwards!
Sobriety has given me everything alcohol promised
So well said 🥹❤️🙏🏽💪🏽
love this ❤
The Bible talks about that beautifully.
Take a shot bro, stop being a puss, vodka is pure
I see this quoted on every quitting- alcohol post. Every one.
I did 75 days for hard 75 but now I realize not drinking at all is more fun than drinking! Alcohol is just gross poison.
Definitely!!!
Dam I need your strength I want to be able to say I did 75 days of no alcohol 🍷 congratulations
I read Allen Carr’s Easyway to Control Alcohol and I’m on day 101 and feeling great! The book was a game changer for me. Whatever it takes!
👏👏
What's "hard 75"?
Same for me, was living a "healthy" life, but deep down knew that the drinking was the one thing holding me back from ultimate health. 2 years in and I would never go back. Good luck to anyone else looking to quit - it's great on the other side!
Happy for you!
Completely agree👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️
So much better sober!!
I just did 90 days away from alcohol and didn't miss it. I came back this week because it was "expected" and I ended up drinking a few days this week because I didn't feel right and thought it would help.
After one week back on booze its perfectly clear I'm happier without it.
Agreed 👍🏻
I did the same , stopped for 9 weeks. Thought it would be a good idea to go back to drinking but life was much harder and far worse. Realised how amazing life is without this crap
Same here.... A cold beer on my birthday turned into 4-5 cans on an empty stomach and a heady buzz. This lead to me get into a long conversation with someone spilling out minute details about my life and my intentions that were better left unsaid. I also nearly posted a three-and-a-half minutes monologue to my photography channel that I'm building, which could have jeopardised my following. I'm looking back at the video it's actually pretty good I could probably post it. But I'm just mindful of this sudden rash behaviour
I’ve had to stop drinking because of medication I’ve recently been put on. Haven’t had a drink in 28 days. Down 10 pounds. Sleep like a rock. I’m finally a morning person. Eating right and nailing daily exercise. This time off has forced me to take stock of the last 20 years of my life and I’m stunned at how frightening my drinking has truly been. I’ll be on this medication for 6 months. I can’t say for sure if I’ll never drink again. But I can say that I haven’t felt this good in years.
What medication?
Please don't start.
Not worth it to go back, if you're even somewhat sensible
I wonder how your relationship with alcohol is these days?
Alcohol is poison for our bodies. Life is too short to waste even a second.
105 days with no alcohol. Even had a holiday surrounded by it and didn’t touch a drop. ❤
Respect my brederin my brother my cousin
Holy shit, I'm at 105 days too!
What benefits are you seeing?
I’m 8 days in and I cannot believe how good I feel already. Yesterday I went to the beach early, got home and then worked on my house from midday until 10pm and was full of energy. I am truly amazed at how much drinking daily so negatively impacted my energy levels.
Hope you’re still at it. I’m 10 days in myself. I’ve had a few strong cravings when 5:00 PM rolls around, but I’ve been sitting down and meditating for 10 minutes when that happens, and afterwards, the cravings are gone and I can remind myself why I’m doing this. I’m hoping after a month or two the cravings will start to subside somewhat. Keep at it!!
Good Stuff !!!
I hope you still sober..
😅
That's about how long it took me to notice the UNREAL amount of energy I have now. 2 weeks in I have the energy of a 12 year old at 38, I didn't even realize it was taking so much from me.
It was his book (The 28 day challenge) that started me on this journey of sobriety. It’s been over 14 months since I’ve had a drop of alcohol and life has never been better….thank you.
Hows it going man?
Went 6/7 week alcohol free, felt great, met friends for a night out and took the easy way out and just drank alcohol. This chat has me more determined than ever to go alcohol free long term and hopefully forever.
Hey, hope you are still going strong. Always remember, all it takes to go back to drinking is one sip of alcohol. Not because of you being an alcoholic, but just by the nature of how alcohol works- you want more and more and more etc.
We have to loose friends or change our friends for a while if we've truly CHOSEN to stop. It's part of recovery. Next time before you go and you've made your mind up no alcohol,wrote down a plan B. ie, I'm on meds, I'm driving, I'm having to leave early or just leave early x It's so hard when we wish to quit but all our friends drink. Ive had to look at being more with myself and engaging in outdoor sobriety groups, watching you tube vids. SMART RECOVERY
Talk to your friends about the decision of quitting alcohol. If they are really your friends, you'll remain so. If their suposedly friendship rely on only drinking booze, make new friends.
I’ve been trying to quit drinking for several yrs. I have recently learned processes that has helped me cut back over 80% of my drinking. My problem is my evening and social habits. My next phase plan, for cutting it out completely, is to listen to talks like this to keep my “why” up front in my mind! Thank you for all your contributions!!
Allan Carrs: Easy Way for Women to Quit Drinking. Brilliant. TED talks exist mentioning it, Rohan’s female comedian guests have mentioned it as thee thing that made them quit “effortlessly”.
Check out the alcohol experiment it works the Naked Mind is the wrbsit6
misha stay strong everytime you think of a drink ask yourself is a drink worth giving in?
Consider changing your friends, your social activities, your environment and maybe even your job if it makes you drink in the evening to relax … This is key to quitting drinking alcohol . 🙏🏾☀️
What did you do to cut back on that 80%?
I’m 2-months in because of this video! Thanks!
I'm now nearly 3 years sober and don't even think or have an urge to drink..love everyday now ..keep going everyone ..its so worth it
Man it really did a number on us didn't it. So glad I'm free too.
I was diagnosed with borderline Type II diabetes in February 2019. It was a wake up call - I lost 4 stone; gave up food with processed sugar; went teetotal; and started to exercise a lot. The interventions were successful, and by May 2019 my blood sugar was normal. I initially gave up drink just as a way of hitting my calorie targets, but I found I like it so stuck with it. I also work in the City of London, so there was a lot of social pressure at work.
I sit here watching this at 2am in the morning currently relapsing after 699 days sober, I’ve suffered with alcoholism for twenty years now (I’m 38) although I totally get AA principles and wholly believe it’s given me a programme for living I hadn’t previously had, it’s anxiety that has once again led me to buy a bottle of vodka, how the hell do I learn to overcome anxiety, the panic, the fear of impending doom. For 698 days that was possible, however in this past week my anxiety has kept me off work and overwhelmed me. I went to an AA meeting tonight and felt amazing afterwards, I went to my girlfriends and we were having a lovely evening, then all of a sudden I felt dizzy, I panicked, it got worse and within Half an hour I’d left her home and gone straight to buy vodka, I quit, enough was enough I wanted instant relief, i know the consequences and that still didn’t stop me. I’m scared and frightened, I’ve had just about all I can take of living in fear with only a few weeks reprieve at a time. Please though if your reading this and struggling with alcoholism, get yourself to an AA meeting and be open, honest and willing, it really can change your life, unfortunately I’ve not been dealing with the anxiety issue that’s been holding me back all this time. Good luck to everyone on their journeys, just for today xx
I totally understand you! How amazing you made it sober for so long! I’ve had anxiety and panic attacks since my teen years and I’m 40 now. Alcohol was the thing that I have been clinging to for all of these years...I drink at home, almost daily, “just a few to relax”. I want to be able to feel okay without it. I pray God is with us both on this journey. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for sharing. I really can relate
I’ve heard a good quality CBD oil is good for anxiety.
Sounds like you get anxiety attacks or maybe panic attacks. I can relate. I take Effexor xr ( antidepressant ) and they stopped
Maybe you should try medication for your anxiety bc even though I’m struggling with the decision of whether I quit for all I know alcohol is the worse legal drug there’s out here; it can really take you to dark places
So correct. It’s a vicious cycle of being hungover , tired and then needing a drink once again to get over it
In the early part of the 'cast, you described the 'everyday', normal, daily drinker and I had that moment of recognition ... the "That's me!" realisation. That insidious escalation of a glass of wine, to two, to three ... all to relax after the working day. But then it becomes a habit. Not necessarily an addiction but absolutely something that you do every day because that's what you do! Time to change that habit ... ... ...
Hello again, I am now 7months totally sober and now 30 pounds lighter. For the past 7 months I have been meditating, eating healthy and exercise not only for my body but my spirit!!! Life is great sober!!!!
I have been gradually letting go of alcohol for a few years now and most people have said I hardly drink at all these past 2-3 years. Yet, I have just gone 3 months without it completely. It has been the most productive and satisfying 3 months I can remember in terms of meeting goals and keeping to healthy structured routines.
4 Days of not drinking. I started eating vegetables, fruits again. I started excercing 2 days ago, already feel like a newborn person. It's crazy. 💯💯 Don't wanna let alcohol steal my life again.
Hey dude how are you doing 5 months later?
Ten months?
Probably in the pub LOL
@@murdock6450defo in the pub
Day 69 of sobriety for me,I can relate to everything you say on here .as it stands today I never want to drink again, that might change and I hope I can beat the urge to drink because my life is a million times better without alcohol in my life. My marriage is stronger, my relationship with my baby daughter is now I realise the greatest gift I’ve ever been given, way too many positives when I don’t drink and zero negatives. I intend to keep it that way👍
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻! God bless
All the best Russ. Your profile picture says all that needs to be said. Beautiful picturr. Your have a beautiful purpose in this life. And YOU, your wife and child have created it. Family. Many lost ppl do not have this. I can not have children. I live alone. I date, and I leave people because I have a family mentality, while they are perpetually immature single 40 yr old boys. Appreciate your daughter.
Never get cocky...alcohol relapse can happen after even years of abstinence...but your on the right track....
you still sober ?
I stopped drinking a week ago the day after my son turned 15. I also stopped smoking on the same day. I drank most evenings 1-3 glasses of wine per night, add 5-10 cigarettes to that list. I did not drink due to social pressures or to make my life more fun. I think many of us don’t fall into that category, which may be worse. I drink to relieve stress, to unwind and to relax. But now after 7 days I have realized that alcohol was enabling smoking, was enabling excuses, was enabling my escaping from my surroundings. After 3 days of zero alcohol my skin looked better, I started sleeping through the night, I began to wake up feeling rested, my stomach was less bloated etc. I stopped drinking and smoking to test myself and my dependence on substances, to prove to myself that I am the one in control, to be a better mom and a better me.
Impressive. Hope you stay the route. My son will be 15 this year and it is embarrassing to show him this habit. Ten days sober now.
My mental health hasn’t been the best since after a break up that has had me longing. After a few months of heavy drinking and a lot of apologetic texts next day, I have decided to indefinitely quit drinking. I’m almost a month in and it’s true what people say about a mix of clarity, confusing thoughts, fear, anger, but also a feeling of hope and rejuvenation. I’ve been able to spend my time off from work by exercising, cleaning house and making meals. I have been able to cope with my break up through tears and honesty rather than ignorance and bliss. I can work 55 hours a week at work and make phenomenal money without feeling tired.
Many of us spent most of our lives away from addictions like tobacco, alcohol and other conventional drugs. And we were happy.
How are you getting on now? Do you have any tips ? I’m sick of the hangovers.
This has definitely resonated with me in a big way that other videos have failed to do. I think a big part of that has to do with the rigidity of the labels we put on "I don't drink and never will again." I think the weight of that label can be overbearing on oneself as if the label and rigidity of that statement can make someone feel defined by alcohol and whether or not you decide to drink. I think what's really important is not letting that label decide what kind of person you are, like for example "your not a drinker" so you are "mundane and boring." That's kind of a classic label.
I stopped drinking for a year, and started again, and stopped again. Over the course of that first year was very difficult because I was a drinker since I was 14 years old up until I was 24. When I stopped for a year because I had sever anxiety and depression, I felt very isolated and out of place from society. I didn't know where I fit anymore and I didn't know how to navigate being sober. I realized that I had to relearn how to navigate the social landscape and how to have fun. I didn't know who I was, because when I drank I was a different person, and I didn't know how to have enjoyable experiences without it.
Only until recently after having given it up again, have I realized what things bring me enjoyment and how to enjoy life without having a drink. To just be with myself and enjoy my experiences without any alterations on my mind and body. Now I enjoy life and being with myself to enough to where alcohol makes me feel as though I'm escaping my feelings, which I no longer deem necessary to enjoy my life. So the answer is simple these days, I don't feel like drinking so I don't. It took me years to understand how to live my life like that, but my life ultimately is more meaningful and healthy because of it. Call it what you will.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to anything. I used to periodically "quit" alcohol for several weeks or a month but I always ended up drinking again. My motive in quitting those times was only to prove to myself that I still had some control, rather than to give it up for good. Because I left it open-ended I would always fall back into rationalising returning to drinking - 'now I will do it in moderation'. Moderation didn't last for long either. And it doesn't work for the vast majority of people who struggle to keep their drinking under control (reading the statistics on that was for me very sobering, quite literally!) I've only been successful since accepting that I simply cannot drink responsibly and that there was no alternative other than permanently quitting. Or, to be more precise: I cannot bet my life and well-being on my being a statistical anomoly, in the vain hope that the my next attempt at moderation might defy all past experience and suddenly succeed. For me "non-drinker" is a useful label. I am scared that if I relax that self-identification then the slow creep of insidious rationalisation will tempt me back.
I think I understand what you mean, though. Now that I have adjusted to sobriety the idea of drinking, on the whole, simply doesn't appeal to me. Perhaps it is still early days for me. I have heard enough horror stories of people relapsing into old habits to remain fearful about the fragility of sobriety. I still have fleeting moments at intensely stressful moments where the old coping mechanism of retreat into the oblivion of alcohol tempts me. I have built up healthier coping mechanisms as a replacement, but I am wary of complacency.
Thank you for your thoughts, they produced a perspective shift that I really do appreciate!
This hits heavy, i started at 14 and now 24, i moved in with a family member as a form of rehab. Taking it one day at a time. I hope i can navigate
On March 31, I will be 5 years alcohol free. This is an absolute miracle. It is not easy, but it is more worth it than I could have ever imagined.
You inspired me even more , 28 days in today and I want to say what you just said 5 years from now. Sincerely thanks.
Perfect timing… thank you! My husband just built his dream garage with ultra private bar… I’ve witnessed a slow downward spiral. I choose No alcohol Lent- and now found this🙏💕👏
I just looked when this video was posted and I was binging drinking quite a bit at that time. Christmas 2019 was heavy for me. I actually did Dry January in 2020 and decided to continue as I was seeing benefits. When Covid hit that was extra motivation to carry on as I didn't want to get wasted at home, not being able to leave! Fast-forward to now and I feel less anxious/depressed, more focused and productive than I've ever felt. I'm just doing better at life. Hangovers were terrible for me; lasting about 3 days. I was also getting into bad situations and damaged many relationships because of alcohol. Such a relief not to have to deal with that anymore.
It's so true that it is very conditioned into our way of socialising and mindset. If I'd seen this video when it was posted, I would have probably ignored it.
Not drinking , best decision I ever made . I just don’t take that first drink !
Thanks for all your advise on quitting, it's been six months and feeling i finally have my life back
I never realized I had a problem,, I had many rules,, I thought I had control,, until I realized it was effecting my Sleep, my Relationships, my Budget, And was Subtlety causing me Stress, Anxiety, a feeling being Unmotivated,, I'm 4 days into an alcohol free journey
On UA-cam How To Stop Drinking Alcohol Full 8 Hours Audio Book
This helped me enormously....
Just started to sober. please pray for me. alcoholic since thirty years !
I am in the States and feel for you all in the UK trying to be sober. It is so ingrained in your culture but SO worth it to go against the grain if you want to quit. Stay strong and others may follow your example!!
I like your family name. Rakoczy
Drinking culture is just as strong here in the states.....
Wow, the part of the interview where the doctor mentions him not fully engaging with his young child because he had a few beers the night before is powerful. Just love how honest Andy is telling his story. Thank you. PS. Those reading who still drink will be hard pressed to find someone that says they quit drinking and are worse off.
So much more to take from this conversation than the alcohol content alone. Really interesting and highly recommended.
Watched this podcast multiple times Very powerful. A Year and a half sober now. Best Descision of my life. Great talk and everything is so true. It just takes a different mindset.Thank you God Bless 🙏
Been binge drinking for over 20 years. Wanted to stop for years. Now something has changed in my mind. Im never going backwards again.
I have stumbled in a year back and forth with alcohol and i am so gratefull for it, because ive been off alcohol in 3 months, 2 months, 1,5 month, 1 month, 2 months again, etc.. so i have felt the changes so many times, so i have now sort of built this proof for myself to look back on that shows me really how good it is to be sober, and how really just not worth it is to drink. I have now given up on alcohol for good, and i dont even miss it one bit. I have suffered from it so much that i have created a sort of disgust for the drug. I would never ever go close to alcohol again.
He makes a great point. By starting with taking a break will show you how much it affects your life and health. I took a month break and was shocked on how it affected me. Started drinking again for a few months. Now I'm completely done with alcohol. It's been a fee days but I won't drink again. It's horrible.
This is a brilliant podcast, I love the way you guys approach alcohol, not in any way preaching but just giving your experiences , I've struggled with alcohol abuse for years but I respect you guys so much , great job ❤️
Thanks for the no adverts, makes sticking to the end a lot easier
Lol no adverts? How about his book?
Amazing podcast guys!!! This Doctor is a genius how he connects all the body parts together when he treats patients and how he is on the look out for the source of the disease instead of treating symptoms. Alcohol can produce very serious diseases, and because it is not considered a drug but part of a social convention, nobody wants to talk about the source of ones alcohol intake.... why do we have that gin tonic or that glass of wine. The answer is deep inside us. I love my gin tonics and my wine but I have heard these 2 super smart and brave guys loud and clear and I will try to practice and bring everybody that I can into the fold..... maybe I will not get it right at first but I am going to keep going! Doctor keep it up with your podcasts, we are listening!
870 days sober here and this all resonates with me
I quit November 26th. I read quitting the easy way, which is on point with alot of what you two are discussing. Thank you for doing an episode about quitting drinking! Great information guys.
I’m currently a alcoholic and love this video I will try my best to do 30 days starting tomorrow after my last drink but millions have said that and failed
Annie Grace and praying helped me. Just unlearn the lies and it will be much easier than will power.
What I'm thinking is every day you didn't drink (even if you 'fail' occasionally) is a success. Because you would have drank that day and didn't and you have that example on your head, i wanted to drink that day and didn't and i was able to do that.
First year is the hardest. There's all the anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas et al. Once they're out of the way everyone knows what to expect.
Today is my first day of not drinking! I'm going for it sober day at a time!
Are you still sober till date?
How are you ?
2nd week of it after my second slip up and try. Making the mistake and doing it again taught me alot. Stay clean is easy now. Night and day what is better for me. I'm better in every way.
Don't sleep well most nights, and can smell alcohol on my breath. It's time for a change. Thanks for the uplift all you ex drinkers out there.
Excellent show. I'm an old woman now, never had a drinking problem, drank beer four or five days a week - never more than one a night - these past few years. I stopped two weeks ago and the change is already amazing. I sleep better, I have energy that lasts all day, and more clarity of thought. Cannot believe we're not taught the truth about alcohol's effects even with such light usage.
This helped me a lot thanks you guys ✊🏼 needed this today, I think I'm really done with booze.. I barely drink anymore, when I do I regret it, feel like shit for days now, can't do it anymore
Well done Emo, keep going. I’m a social drinker I’ve now decided not to drink at all. I don’t need it, and my health will thank me for it.
Same here. I'm tired of feeling tired
3 weeks sober and hopefully more, and already seeing results by being around family more and getting things accomplished with my rental properties. I don't need alcohol in my life. It's really a poison
I stumbled across this and listened to the entire thing. I'm grateful for the information I received.
I will say this though, Chatterjee talks so much because he is genuinely thrilled about all the realizations he has had throughout the interview. You can tell he really appreciates Andy and the work. For that, I say awesome! Good on you!
I gave up drinking after hitting my best mate at a work party, going on 4 months now...
Watching these two has really reinforce why I'm not drinking...thank you guys great information
Alcohol the worst drug on the planet! I haven’t had a drink since dec 4 1994 , I still crave alcohol , the worst addiction !
Well done Bevan, keep going 😉
This is amazing. I am so glad I've finally watched this. You are brilliant and I am a huge fan. Keep going because people is listening. I've been working as a Functional Medicine Practitioner for quite some time now and it is amazing how long it took for me to realise alcohol was not among the things I considered detrimental to my OWN health. Of course I would suggest my patients to reduce their alcohol intake when I suspected it to be a problem for them, but the fact that it apparently wasn't a problem for ME would make me totally oblivious to the fact it STILL had a huuuuge impact on my wellbeing, especially on my energy levels and mood. Being away from alcohol these last few months transformed completely my life. I am happier, more energetic, kinder and my relationship with my family improved so much! There is simply no way back. It is not that I don't drink because I can't, I don't drink because I don't have to. I would love to see other sober enthusiasts on your show like Ruby Warrington (Sober Curious), Annie Grace (This Naked Mind) and Catherine Gray (The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober).
Excellent talk. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I watched it in the hope of passing it on to my 20 year old son as he's been middle road drinking for a few years and recognizes that he wants to cut back a bit.
I just hope he gives it some consideration.
The talk was fantastically motivating.
I think the key is, like Dr. Rangan said, just give it a go and see how you feel. This is a very simple message that anyone can try without putting too much pressure and weight on themselves.
I started on a weight loss drug, and didn’t expect nor want to stop drinking and now I have not had a drink since last week, 6 days so far, for the first time in 10 years. I feel great, happy and like I want to hug everyone. I also feel some withdrawal I suspect. But all in all I’m going to see how long I can go without drinking. It’s no longer on my mind. So unexpected!
Well? Hows it going? Ive found that while being real with yourself is good, if you kick the thought "lets see how long i can go" and replace it with "i dont drink or im not a person that drinks" it has worked out better for me, personally. I dont ever ponder whether i will drink again. I know i wont because i dont drink.
I go out all night friday, sleep all day saturday, wake up and do it again saturday. I really enjoy it but it's kryptonite for my habits, sleeping and mission. I've been building so many good habits this year, and it's really brought into focus the tension between succeeding in my goals and getting drunk with my friends.
I had no reason to consider stopping drinking before - it's fun and meaningful to me - but now I have goals and a mission that are arguably more important, it just seems like the natural next step.
An update on this. I quit drinking and all nighters. If I drink now it's max one or two drinks, but the rest all non-alcoholic. I don't mess up my sleep on the weekend. Giving up getting drunk wasn't hard but making myself go home requires more discipline.
Thank you both so much! It's amazing to hear all of the positive improvements you've both experienced from being alcohol free. Very inspiring, keep up the great work!
I have that very idea of being alcohol free all of December and January so I can enjoy every night and day throughout festivities. I’m doing Annie Graces 30 day experiment again for the fourth time in four years, all where I have stayed alcohol free between 3-9 months at a time. I know I want to be alcohol free as I love my life but find I just drink when socialising with certain people automatically. I’m going to take the advice of having a plan of what I’m going to drink instead of automatically ordering beer. Thank you for this podcast and giving me more inspiration to succeed.
This was probably the BEST video I have ever watched. So inspirational.
Isn’t it just ? Very inspiring I wish more people would watch this.
It's my day 2, no smoking no alcohol. I am optimistic.
Update: It's day 19th of no drinking and no smoking.
hey there, how is it going?
Day 1 … I am excited to get healthy again. My poor body is suffering from what I put her thru with too much wine.
Are you still sober? How did it go?
I'd been stuggling with the social aspect of not drinking and how to go about not caving under the pressure of others to drink. Thank you so much for this podcast! It was the last bit of encouragement and understanding I needed to make that final move towards a sober life. 🙏🏾
I am an alcoholic and I’m so done with it.
You are not an alcoholic, you are a person.
Paula, start just with one day, get the support of your family, friends if you can. The things every person talks about, exercise (whatever gentle it is and however short or long it is) helps, and plan your day ahead.
Your not alone.
Prayers for you Paula! You are worth so much as a human and prayers for you to be sober for good
How are you getting on? Let me know if you want some motivation!
Just the mere mention of anything that then gets met with sarcasm, repent and an eventual truth of the sarcasm. Problems all around.
Bravo to taking the steps needed and encouraging the change.
Everyone doesn't want to hear the potential truth. But when you find the truth on your own you will hear it. And never forget it.
Thank you so much for this gem! One week sober and I can already see the enormous change in my day to day life! Thank you for the encouragement. 😉
Me too. One week today and I'm quite happy and hopeful.
I gave up in 2016, my plan was never to give up permanently but to see how I would cope without drinking on occasions when it is expected for example Christmas, birthday, holidays and she so on.
I have not drunk for a year and a half now. I went on a food plan that did not include it. Lost 90 pounds but still miss beer. I suffered from even my one bottle of beer a night, bad sleep, headaches, dehydration, and exhaustion the entire next day. I feel so much better and that is why I still don’t drink
5 days and counting , just making a lot of bad decisions when I drink alcohol and need a day to recover .. hope I can stay sober for 30 , then 60, 90 steps
This is actually awesome conversation! Drinking beer while listening - gotta be honest.. but this will change soon!
Wow..what a great podcast. I can relate to missing connection. After my awakening around 3 years ago, I have been drinking nearly every weekend, until I decided to go to mediation classes and met similar minded people. Been sober for 2 months, on 3rd month I slipped but going back to sobriety stronger and wiser keeping in mind that connections matter. Much gratitude for your podcast, life changing ❤🙏🙏🙏
Last alcohol I drank was 7.5 years ago. Previous 30 years was an average of a bottle of wine a day. Without alcohol is much better than with it. Just do it for a bit and see what happens.
Slipping since 2 months for 10+ times but not ready to give up and still wanting to get back from the loop hole.
11 years of social conditioning+addiction and expecting it to end within a few days, that's not gonna work so its my 10th slip 4 days ago and still I feel that being sober is the best thing for me.
Being mindful is enough. Slip and get back on track again.
@@backflipnuslip thanks bro ✨
Drinking is a threat to my goals and dreams. Wow! That’s big.
thought this conversation would be too long and maybe negative... it has been a real pleasure listening to this and totally relatable for anyone who may have been regularly drinking. Really love this!
Thank you. Each day I try my best.
Thank you for this. If you don't drink you really feel like you're not part of the club. It's challenging. I used to drink very often. Never felt any dependency but did it for socializing and loved it. At some point my tolerance plummeted and even 1 drink would destroy the next day physically emotionally....the older I get the less I'm willing to casually throw away days of my life to self imposed sickness. I still get fomo and it can suck. Alcohol is baked into the cake of adult life. It's everywhere and it feels like you must participate in this ritual if you want a life too. But I've found the longer I go without it the more I realize that this was just marketing. I don't NEED it to have fun have dinner talk to people or do anything. And I don't have to ritualistically make myself sick
This podcast changed my life !
Best video I've seen in a long time! Love the message and approach.
The way you discussed people using alcohol to feel less anxious but how that's more temporary symptom suppression rather than dealing with the problem. I completely agree.
I have bipolar disorder and I have had anxiety most of my life. When I drink too much not only do I get a hangover I also get what I call an 'emotional hangover' meaning that drinking more regularly means I have depression more often.
I also notice that when I have trouble with sleep my anxiety is far worse.
I am 3 months sober went through some health issues. Results amazing lost 25 pounds. Clear headed, look & feel better. Exercise & eat better I take care of myself now! Alcohol ruined me don't miss it one bit. I quit for myself!! I love myself now.
Thanks Doc, alcohol has become a bad daily habit for me and I want to change it, your video has given me motivation to do it, god bless you Sir blessings from Liverpool
I have been drinking most days for 3 years. It's hard to stop.
Something I like to say when out socially and someone questions why I am not having a drink: “just having a break” (keeps it simple! The break may be forever, but I just like to get the subject over quickly in social situations… I mean, I just want to move on and have fun!)
1.5 years sober, I have no friends, the drug addicts and alcoholics I am stuck living with constantly gaslight me for my sobriety. I'm always depressed. No motivation. Every person interested in being friends with me are alcoholics or drug addicts.
I been an addict for so long, that I feel so lost being sober.
I've been around many people who have been told by their Dr. they were going to die if they don't stop now...
they are not happy, they're lonely and miserable too... this is called being a
A DRY DRUNK, still the drinker who can't drink or sober and stuck on the same cycles of behaviour and attitude that made them drink..
What makes you happy? Find out.. you have to do this for yourself,
your not getting out alive so get away from that group, they're dying..get out there..be yourself.. open up
I've never really had any results taking a break from alcohol, other than being bored and snacking more and gaining a bit of weight as a result. So it's hard to be motivated to keep going. I have never found having a glass or two here and there is so debilitating either. Hearing everyone else have such life changing results from not drinking while I have no results is a bit unmotivating...
Quit Alcohol, Caffeine, Pornography and Social Media and watch your life change!
34:43 oh my gosh completely agree. It's wild! Doing a behaviour that you dont like much anymore or that isn't serving you to make someone else happy.
As an introvert one of the reasons I drink is to be more social but then I have done so many regrettable things socially after drinking too much!
Last night was like this. I hate the feeling of shame waking up after a heavy night of drinking!
I’m glad I found this
Damn, this has been the most compelling argument I've ever heard to quit drinking. I went to AA a couple of times, didn't really agree with them, but they're definitely good people. Two high achieving scholars who were moderate drinkers talking about what a big difference it made for them, and not heavy drinkers really speaks volumes. As opposed to hearing people talk about being raped, savage abuse, and thinking of suicide, these guys are like "eh, after a while I figured I just didn't really like it, lol, what's the point?"
Been hiding my excessive daily drinking from my folks for the past 3 years. Now I’m suffering from muscle spasms and some numbness in my extremities, could be something else but I finally gave up the alcohol.
Try B12 I had numbness in my right leg. My lab work showed low B12. I had been drinking daily for a couple years because of a terrible commonlaw relationship. Hope this helps
I was full blown, but it developed over time. Almost 11 years sober now. Rooms helped me and still do.