I'm retired outta local 751 ___ I like to make stuff outta junk iron like you__ I been beat up with hard lessons in regards to alcohol, etc. Excellent video. God Bless you my brother ironworker. Sincerely, Scott Ballin J.I.W. (retired.) Local 751
@@AndyHeckFilmsHe seems to be doing well, and your patience and love have been very helpful. Plus he applied rule 1 to newfound sobriety: SERVICE TO OTHERS. Keep on junkin' Dad. YOu've got a lotta folks watching yer back.
I drank for 19 yrs and missed out on my 3 little boys growing up.I just turned 12 yrs sober in March but once in a while I cry for missing out in my little boys lifes.Being sober is the best feeling ever!One day at a time and at the end it will be worth it.God helped me too with my recovery. 😊
Love the story. My dad was a commercial airline pilot who lost his dream job due to alcoholism. After he lost his job, he went into treatment and stayed sober for the next 31 years until he passed away in 2017. I think about him every day.
5 years ago I couldn't see my 2 oldest kids I was unemployable I was hopeless I was broke. Today I am 4 years sober, have primary custody of those kids, and am a necessary evil at my job and the unemployable days are way behind me. Bills are paid, there are days where I have peace. Proud of all of what God has done for me and given me in life but quitting drinking is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. To anyone out there struggling it is possible. Even on my worst days now I tell myself I blessed I am to be irritated these days and not HOPELESS
15 days sober, two young boys at home giving me the drive to be a better dad. Great story. My dad chose whisky over a relationship with me, not something I want to pass onto my kids.
As someone who has been sober for 10 years now, trust me it gets easier, and is so damn worth it. My inspiration was my kids, coz I didn't want my daughters 1st memories to be of a drunk father. Hang in there buddy 🙏
It’s this story and these comments that help me get closer to finding my own solution because I am still on the road to making the decision to kick the booze. I have a young boy that is my world and my life. I know to be a good father into the future I need to leave the beer and whisky behind, but it’s just so easy to get another bottle on the way home. Ask me to pick up bread on the way home and that feels like a right ballache. Whisky, never a problem. Which is exactly the problem. Thanks for putting down your success stories and positive comments. I will never know your faces or your names but sometimes these contributions are more important in the dark days than approaching the monster that is finding accountability amongst your close friends and family. I wish you all continued success in staying close to the ones you love and away from the bottle.
I got a copy of my Father's toxicology report 2 day's ago, under the cause of death in bold letters are the words, " Ethanol use disorder ". My dad was 60-years-old when he passed away, October 30th 2023. Alcohol took my grandfather at the same age, and now I have no more men to confide in, or to seek advice from in my family. Alcohol stole my father from me. I beg anyone reading this, especially the father's, to please get help if you are struggling with alcohol. Your kids need you in their life no matter what age they are. I am 42, and I cried 3 days ago, because I needed some advice from my dad, and he is the only person I would talk to about the particular problem I was having. Andy, thank you for sharing your father's story with us, it brought both joy, and pain to me.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. I wish your Dad was still here to give you advice,so hard and no matter how old you get you wish you had your parents. You advice to other father's to think about getting help and stop drinking is admirable. I wish you all the best
I’m 43 and in the exact same situation as you, I wish more people would get help for this nasty disease. I’m sorry for what you go through mentally man, I know the battle of losing all male family members to alcohol, and the horrible “what if” thoughts that go through my head daily. Be strong brother
God bless you ♥️🙏♥️ I pray 2 of my friends would stop drinking. One female & one male. They both don’t want to quit, they only want to cut down but I believe cutting down won’t work for them. They just don’t want to stop. It’s so sad, one of my friends (female) has liver damage and gum disease from her drinking, she still refuses to stop. So sad to watch them destroy themselves
@@suzanne7277hey I didn't see this reply till now , I just passed 17 months . I had to make the decition to do whatever it was gonna take to get here and stay here . Unfortunately that's every other addict also, they have to decide .
I don't have to burden myself with staying sober for the rest of my life. I only have to stay sober this minute, this hour, only for today. You see, for me, tomorrow never comes..
I know this story all too well. Started drinking in my teens, now in my mid 50's and drinking is still a daily thing. So many lost job opportunities, a DUI, dozens of great girls lost to beer being more important. Like this guy so many young men think after work is time to drink beer but before they know it they are in their 40's and 50's if lucky enough to still be alive and dealing with their daily drinking problem.
Time is our most valuable possession, and when drinking I disregarded it. Drinking was a full time occupation! David Cassidy said just before he died, “So much wasted time.”! Sobriety makes my life a great adventure! Happy to be alive & sober!
I’ve got 14 years solid sobriety. Hearing his tale of drinking 6 beers during an hour drive home is exactly where I was in 1999. Had a cushy corporate job, drank all the way home and no one knew my secret. Managed to avoid getting caught, somehow. Demons still creep into my mind trying to trick me that I could have just one. Never relapsed thanks to healthy dose of fear of what would happen, after just one drink. It’s never just one. This story helped my soul! Love to your dad.
@@fml5910 look at how much you drink in a day and start drinking less each week. Get it down to a couple beers a day, until you can stop all the way. That is what i did, you have to really want to quit. carnivore diet will help, because you break that carb addiction also. good luck
@@fml5910 Enjoying your good health and long life far outweighs the lure of ethanol spirits. Jesus Saves and will save you too! Godspeed, mf'er....you're free!
Im 61 and in one month I will be sober 3 years. Thank you God 🙏!. I lived in and out of behavioral units for years, lost everything, locked up... everything. Im so grateful to have survived.
As a member of a family who has addiction and alcoholism in our genes, I thank you for sharing this story. You are an amazing artist!! You have a wonderful eye and such a creative mind!! Keep exercising your mind and your art!! You are an incredible person!
The foundation for sobriety is not about "strength", rather "Surrender". It is only through surrender that we acquire the "willingness" to change. ✌️♥️ Mark 5/8/1994
@@Mark-pp7jy I agree but I needed strength to get through some of those long anxious night's and I also had to surrender and tell myself this is when you stop.
Forgive yourself. God never judged you. God knows why we hurt and what we are running from. You are dearly and deeply loved. We love you in my home too. Proud of you. Shine bright you crazy diamond. ❤
When a humble addict like this guy says that, he's not blaming anything other than his own choices. He's 100% aware of how depressing it is that it was his own decision the whole time.
Alcohol is a terrible thing, my best friend died at 57 in 2020. He just couldn't stop, I talked to him about it many times, finally I just had to distance myself from him. He was a talented guitar player but ended up lost / sold every thing moving in with his mother. Also my ex brother inlaw is a bad alcoholic so was his dad. I despise any kind of Alcohol it is the devil's drink, kills steals and destroys life. So happy this man was able to put it down. He showed alot of strength to recognize his problem and do something about it. Wish my buddy could have done the same.
I’m 52, I’ve got 3 grown sons and a 9 year old daughter. I’ve been sober for 16 years now. I could try and explain my drinking and it would never make any sense. Proud of your dad, I hope he continues to stay sober ….. one day at a time.
Thank you to Mike and family for this raw and honest drinking and junking documentary. It is so very difficult to quit and after look around at the years of neglect. You are doing it and I have so much respect for you.
12:13 made me just want to reach through the screen and hug this guy. It’s so hard to feel hope when everything feels so hopeless. A lotus only grows in mud, something so stunning comes from something so messy. Thank you.
Good job Mike. You remind me of my younger brother who was also a beer drinker for many years when he wasn't at work. But he didn't make the choice to get help and died almost 4 years ago at the age of 59. I know he had things that bothered him and that was part of why he drank. His mind started to go, and his body started shutting down but, in the end, it was his choice. He left behind two sisters, a daughter, several grandchildren and his common law wife of many years. I'm glad you made it and I know your sons are proud. And I love your yard art.
Thank you for your comment and I appreciate you sharing your experience. I am sorry for my loss. My dad isn't the best with technology but i will make sure he sees your comment.
True. Most substance abuse is also the symptom of early childhood trauma. That shit gets in ones very neural pathways and is often the true cause of many personality disorders. People get angry when this is suggested. They want it simple. They want someone to pay. I'm not suggesting anyone not be held accountable for their actions. It's just that we will never be able to treat anyone unless we are honest about what has really gone wrong. From the same family, or primary caregiver, one can become a mild mannered alcoholic while another just become an obnoxious antisocial horror devoid of all compassion. It spans generations unrecognised and unhindered. It's complex. Like life. @@xmmx9909
This is the definition of how to make a short film/documentary or conduct an interview. We get so lost in the story you are actually there with this man. So many film projects these days are about the film maker (ego) making a film. Well done Andy! And thank your dad for me. I’m going to play this for my class tomorrow at the homeless shelter I work for. So much hope here for all of us alcoholics!
Thank you! Please lmk how it goes! Please email me if possible on my website. I appreciate your feedback on my style, it took a lot to get this story where I wanted.
I really enjoyed the film Andy, I am 30 years old & currently 1 year sober. I lost almost everything and everyone I loved a year ago and God has done so much good for me in just 1 year sober, I’m a 5th generation alcoholic ready to brake the cycle and never let ,my kids grow up around it, thank you for your film and Thank Jesus for your father’s sobriety
Exactly! That exact thing is what inspired me to start filming this in the first place. I'm happy the story turned into more but we need to help people more instead of just punishing them.
My daughter and I just lost my ex to liver, heart and kidney failure on April 26th 2024 because of his alcoholism. He died on his 50th birthday. He had a massive heart attack on April 22nd 2024 while in hospital. He was without oxygen for 10 minutes. Was placed on life support. He Had a CT scan on the 23rd and there was no brain activity. He was brain dead. I’m so happy to read of all the comments of people having a second chance of life. To people that are thinking about stopping, please get the right tools and do it. The heartbreak of the family you leave behind is unbearable. It’s like watching someone committing suicide very slowly. It’s very heart wrenching to watch. Please get help.
So very sorry for this loss you’ve had, and are continuing to have. I hope you avail yourself of all available sources of recovery and support, because that legacy that is the alcoholic family perpetuates itself.
I got clean and off the streets in 94 after I got out of jail I went to work rehabilitation and here's the best thing I ever found since Shepherd's Chapel on YT explains the whole Bible God bless
My uncle fought in the Vietnam War. He came home as an alcoholic. Years later, he passed away just out of the hospital in a care center of stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancer. I saw him the day before. It was heartbreaking to see him that way. He was a wonderful man.
Michael, as my councilor told me during my working at sobriety, "Find something you are as passionate about, as you were the wine bottle!" And by God, I'd always loved many forms of making art, and that's just what I did. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen over night. But I still think of the advice she gave me and it's still working for me 30 years later! I'm giving you a big hug, and keep moving foreword and surround yourself with other folks that really support AND inspire you. YOU CAN DO THIS!
My father died at 51 with a heart condition caused by his decades of heavy drinking. He worked hard every day of his life but seemingly could not stop drinking. It completely destroyed any relationship we ever had. I've been t total my whole life.
This is a poignant story. I’m 3.5 yrs sober, I drank beer to ease the depression and quit drinking at 40 years old. My son would want me to be here today. Respect to Andy and Mike for sharing 💪🏽❤️🩹
Ironically I don’t think people even realize that alcohol is a depressant…you drink to feel better for a short time but you actually feel much worse over time 😯
My dad worked everyday and drank every night. Not a bad guy. Just an alcoholic. Im almost 50 now. Last few yrs im starting to follow in his footsteps. My kids are now grown. Im afraid of what i might become. This was an eye opener. Thanks for sharing.
My dad was an alcoholic. He never held a steady job, never owned a home, didn't have a driver's license for most of my childhood, so we always had to bum a ride to school functions, grocery store, etc. Growing up, I lived in fear that my friends would find out about my home situation and how poor we really were, although I kept it concealed pretty well by not having friends over or talking about my home life much. My mother worked very hard to keep the rent paid and put food on the table. She was a saint and I don't know how she did it all those years. My dad died in 1990 and although I didn't hate the man, I never really felt a sense of loss or missed him very much. I'm 68 now and still think about those days from time to time. I sure hate what he did to our family and sympathize with anyone in a similar situation.
Your home life was like ours. Sad. I feel sorry for you, your siblings and your mom. My life as a mom was the same. Carried my head high as I tried my best. I just hope my daughters aren't mad at me thinking I could have changed or fixed their dad. Only he could have done that.
I have always said to my siblings, "I loved my father but really hated the alcoholic." My mother did the same as yours. I was giving mom paper route money in 5th grade so we could keep the electricity on. Sad Days...
@@lindamiller5026 Trust me, your daughters don't blame you. Even at a young age, I understood our family situation and knew my mother was doing her best.
I can relate to how you feel. My 'dad' never wanted to be around me and my brother. Then one day he just left us altogether and never bothered to check in, visit or show any interest. Now that we are both adults, he's severy alcoholic, lives off disability checks and stays out in the morning, waits for the grocery store to open so he can get stocked on booze. Now, He whines to our grandmother how his kids don't wanna see him. I WONDER WHY.
Thank you for sharing! As a young man still in college, I really appreciate you being vulnerable and sharing your story to help others like me look out for the dangers that alcohol brings.
What a beautiful man. How can I be of the maximum use to others? By not drinking. Thank you for sharing your Experience, Strength, and Hope. Blessings! Sober going on 8 years! My dad didn't survive the addiction to alcohol. I miss him and I forgave him many years ago, he was a man with a disease called alcoholism. I to have that disease. Fortunately I found the tools to get and stay well.
*_I've got 29 years clean and sober with NO relapses. Oddly enough, it was the birth of my son that made me rethink my life and sober up._* I wanted him to have a dad that was a dad and I ended up living every minute of my sons childhood. I'm glad every day I wake up clean feeling and fresh. The memories of my alcoholism are still there and they are tough to think about because I was in a really bad place. My son turned out great. He's clean, never did drugs or anything. He has a full time job. I'm very proud of him. 1 out of 32 alcoholics will sober up and stay sober for the rest of their lives. The rest will never beat it. My grandfather on my dads side was an alcoholic. He died at 57 of sorosis of the liver. I hope you make it sir. You can do it IF you want to. Life is too short to waste on being drunk. Be strong my friend. 👆👍💪💯
I'm very happy for you; having said that it is a disease just like cancer; some people have early stage prostate cancer or breast cancer, but some people don't. I'm not making any excuses for people but please know that it's a disease.
@@glennleslie6127 Its NOT a disease. Thats a slap in the face to people who really do have a disease and died of cancer, like everyone in my whole family. I can't believe you just said that. Every addict makes a choice just like they choose to stop. Id like to see a terminally ill cancer patient just choose to not be terminally ill anymore. So tired of people like you.
@@opieshomeshop Cancer is mostly a result of the American diet...you know...consumption of something that is bad for you - in most cases. The terminally ill person may have had that choice to eat right and instead loaded up on sugars breads veggie oils and all the other cancer (disease) causing 'foods'. Just like ethanol....alcohol.
Addicts are taught that it's a disease. People much smarter than you or I decided it is actually a disease. It's hard for me to grasp that concept, and I kind of don't.
Retired ironworker here, Many guys I have worked with were regular drinkers just like Mike, Years ago drinking on the job was not a big deal and many guys had only beer in their lunch boxes. I wish him the best in retirement
I hear ya! Lots of drinking on the jobsites back in the early 80s when I started.A couple of my workmates would hit the bars near the jobs every noontime.Every day.
@@freelonmorris3659Yup, Noontime was sandwich time at the pubs, Many times the guys would never go back. Many guys still doing it but ya gotta be a little more sneaky
Im 3rd generation union ironworker, local #79 Norfolk VA,,, I was raised with the old school ,, "work hard , play hard",,, BIG CONNECTOR,,, BIG IRON ,,, SHUT THE BAR DOWN EVERY NIGHT WITH THE RAISING GANG!!!,, crane operator would take the cap off a 5th of Canadian mist at lunch ,, and toss the top out the window at lunch !!!.. crazy times !!!
This film is very inspiring for me. I'm on my sober journey 1yr 4moths now. Still trying not to beat myself up for all of the missed opportunities I might have had, if not for my alcoholism. God Bless.
Marty, if I may" have you stopped acting/living the way you did 1 yr 4 months ago? Are you better than you were 1 yr 4 months ago? If the answer is yes then I will respectfully tell you to stop identifying yourself with who you once were. You have received a wonderful gift from the Almighty! You are no longer that person. Move that muscle, change that thought. You'll find that in no time you'll be sharing on the wonderful thoughts and actions of today! Be well my friend.
I'm 40yrs old and have struggled with alcoholism since the age of 14. I'm currently 3 months sober but i think about drinking every day. It's like feeling desperately thirsty all the time. It's so difficult.
I tell you this truly. It gets easier as you go. I to started drinking at 14 and I am now 53. I will be sober in June 2024, for 2 years. I remember the 3 month mark. Right at about the 5th month, I knew I was gonna beat it for good. You get this light at the end of the tunnel. Those cravings go away. Hang in there. My life is so much better now.
The longer you go the less the cravings come around. Been 7 years for me. Now I can be around people who are drinking, and it doesn't bother me. I save $3000.00 a year not drinking .
Mike reminds me of my dad. Unfortunately my dad never had his moment where he realized he needed to make a change until it was too late. He died of cirrhosis of the liver at 47. I’ll be 45 in a couple months and I’m thankful I never got into alcohol. Mikes story made me happy to see he got out in time to experience some positivity in his life.
this is beautiful, glad i stumbled upon it. i celebrated 3 years clean and sober, one day at a time, on May 14th of this year. i was a good dad until addiction took over. i'm grateful i was able to get the help i needed relatively quickly. the gratitude i have for being able to be consistently in my children's lives today is immense. my mind still goes to very dark places, and the depression lingers over me often. i know i have to deal with the root causes of those feelings, and altho i have begun, it's a long and difficult journey. but i know it is all worthwhile, especially when i'm with my kids. sending love to all of you 🙏
I was at the brink of destroying my life due to alcohol, severe delirium tremens = hallucinations, music playing in my brain etc. I see a light ahead, and quitting alcohol was a game changer.Thank you for the inspiration.
Lots and lots and lots of praying while drinking a half gallon of vodka and a 30 pack of beer every 48 hours.....God took it off me, and I haven't looked back in 4 years now! Glad you are better too!
@user-ps3um2ld1s Yeah, it was. It was rough on my life. I don't think I'd be here now if I didn't stop - I'm also grateful that I never hurt anyone. Such a waste of life during that time.
I have had a problem with drinking all my life. I believe it is chronic depression, and alcohol only makes it worse. This is an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing this.
I don't know. I've pushed everyone away from me and I've become a mean person. I'm ashamed to ask for forgiveness or help. I have one friend and none of my family speaks to me. Trying to recover seems useless. Anyway, Thanks again Andy..@@AndyHeckFilms
Mike, keep fighting and pushing forward to maintain your sobriety. I got sober 4 years ago at 42 and it's been the best decision I've ever made.. God bless you from south of Moline Illinois..
I respect this man’s level of honesty, thanks for sharing your story. I see a lot of myself in what you said and also see a lot of my friends and family members too. It is stories like this that help me continue on my path of recovery.
Way to go Mike. Im sober now going on 6 yrs this May. All praise to the lord god jesus christ, for getting me sober. So happy to hear you are now sober too. God works in such crazy ways. God bless you Mike. 1Peter 5:7-8 Cast all of your cares upon God, for God cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, be like a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour. Amen. Stay strong Mike in your sobrity one foot in front of the other. No looking back. God bless you. Thank you fir sharing your story.
This hits me right in the feelers, not as an alcoholic, but as a father and as a son of an alcoholic. Love the hell out of my ole man, but this is almost identical to my childhood. Great piece.
God bless you brother. We're all in this thing together. Please don't ever feel alone again. We all gotta be there for each other. Your art is beautiful.
Very best wishes with your recovery !! I've never drank (62 yrs old) because i came from families on both sides that are known alcoholics for at least "200 yrs" that our families know of ! Alcohol destroys lives (especially the innocent children's lives) and for thousands of yrs !! I'm absolutely convinced from the testimonies of many, that 95% of alcoholics WERE sexually abused as little children.........I DESPISE alcohol and am very proud to have broken that cycle in my immediate family. Very best wishes.
A True artist who discovered his gift amidst his trials and tribulations. He is admired and loved by all who have heard him speak of his misfortune dealing with this truly degenaritve substance... Alcohol
Honestly, didn't know what to expect when I clicked on this. Coincidentally wrenching on the '67 El Camino I share with my brother helps me in my recovery from alcohol. "Junk" all you want my guy 🤝.
I started drinking alcohol since my teenage, spent my whole life fighting alcohol addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Alcohol addiction actually destroyed my life. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.
Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Germany. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them
YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
Yes he's Dr.alishrooms.Shrooms to me is a natrual healer. I know a guy who has used mushrooms in the same way and they have really helped him. mah dudes have safe trips all.
wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He is 59 & has so many mental health issues plus probable CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD know if it is common for an obsession with violence.
I am so glad I watched this video. I’m a fellow Wisconsinite, and I have 11 years. It is obvious that your dad is a pure soul who just needed help. We men really struggle to ask for help. Please tell your father that he inspires others, and that he is a good person. Our past is just that, the past.
Thanks for sharing this. I'm from Wisconsin as well, grew up with my father drinking heavy. He took his own life after getting picked up for OWI in 2018. I drank for 25 years myself and got sober 10 months ago, don't want my son to have the same experience I did. Videos are my art and fill my void, a person needs purpose and that's mine.
Really beautiful story! Family members of mine have struggled with alcoholism and I think this both gives me hope and also shows how alcoholism can easily develop. Great job!
This one hit hard for me, my dad was an alcoholic but sadly never made it out of it, he passed at 65 (19 years ago). Even through all of that it still taught me valuable lessons about being a better father myself and not letting addiction rule my life! It's sad that my children never got to meet their grandfather but they know the story and know why he isn't here so hopefully his lessons will teach them also. Congratulations on your father's sobriety, he seems like a wonderful man.
My father was also an alcoholic. He taught me to not smoke, stay away from alcohol, and love those around me. All Accidentally. The best thing I ever did was to go to a children of alcoholics meeting. A real eye opener. Good luck with your journey in life.
My Dad is a retired, hardworking tradesman and a lifelong alcoholic. He is pretty great. My ex husband never misses a day of work and is deeply alcoholic, also a good guy. My sweet daughter struggles trying to break free from alcohol. She is quite responsible otherwise. I live far away from all of them and love them from afar. They hurt. I hope them only the best but they are pain. The loneliness is dreadful. No one knows that I drowned a long time ago. I don’t even drink. This man’s recovery is refreshing. He is very thoughtful about it. I appreciate that.
Thank you for making this video. I wish my father would say these things. He was never there for us, but he went to work and he thought that’s all he needed to do. Both of my parents drank. So many bad things happened to me because my parents didn’t function like parents. One time no one picked me up from school after theater, and I ended up spending the night in the green room of the high school, where I was raped. My parents still don’t know. I’m 65 now, my mother died two years ago, and my father is 87. For Father’s Day last year, he actually told me that if he didn’t have kids, he would’ve been able to golf more. I just smiled and walked away, knowing that it wasn’t the kids that got in his way, it was the Jim Beam. I am pretending that you are my father, and that you were saying these things to me. I need to hear these things so badly. You’re very brave. Thank you.
I'm sorry for your experience. That really sucks. I'm glad to hear this film has helped you, though. My father had hopes that it would help others and that is the reason he agreed to share his story. Thank you for watching.
I enjoyed watching this short video. Good for you turning your life around when you did. I lost my twin sister age 60 ten years ago because of alcoholism. Great watch.
56 years old. Went to rehab last year. Sober for almost 5 months. Now I'm drinking like I never stopped. I'm going to lose everything if I don't stop. May need rehab again. I don't know.
Kudos to this man, his son and the court system of Wisconsin! Everyone deserves a chance to realize and fix their problem. This is a very inspiring story that I’m very grateful that you shared. I love your art too!
A perfect example of how the cliche of "art saves lives" is true. Basic understanding of artistic principles is valuable. Also, skills like welding and metalwork. I hope these things don't continue to be pushed out of education systems.
I'm not sure how I found this video, but I'm glad I did. Redemption stories are the very best stories. I've been sober for just over 10 1/2 years myself.
Saw this heartwarming documentary at a film festival at UWEC a while ago and i still think about it every once in a while. Its a great story and a beutiful film. I'm sure you have a great filmmaking future ahead of you.
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm retired outta local 751 ___ I like to make stuff outta junk iron like you__ I been beat up with hard lessons in regards to alcohol, etc. Excellent video. God Bless you my brother ironworker.
Sincerely, Scott Ballin
J.I.W. (retired.) Local 751
Thank you for the kind words. I shared your comment with my father and it is much appreciated!
Great Talent & Congratulations on being sober 🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻
@@lindaallebach4285 Who said he was sober?
@@AndyHeckFilmsHe seems to be doing well, and your patience and love have been very helpful. Plus he applied rule 1 to newfound sobriety: SERVICE TO OTHERS. Keep on junkin' Dad. YOu've got a lotta folks watching yer back.
@@silasmarner7586 huh? Did you watch the video?
I drank for 19 yrs and missed out on my 3 little boys growing up.I just turned 12 yrs sober in March but once in a while I cry for missing out in my little boys lifes.Being sober is the best feeling ever!One day at a time and at the end it will be worth it.God helped me too with my recovery. 😊
Godspeed on your journey through sober life!
proud of you for changing your life
I’m just here to remind you you are a failure of a father and your children hate you and there’s nothing you can do to get that time back
Instead of crying for time missed, smile cause u gave them an amazing gift by quitting.
Me too man, 10 years sober but lost in life
Local 1 IW here to support you. 10 days sober and working on day 11 one day at a time.
Keep it up! I know my father will tell you it's well worth it!
Love the story. My dad was a commercial airline pilot who lost his dream job due to alcoholism. After he lost his job, he went into treatment and stayed sober for the next 31 years until he passed away in 2017. I think about him every day.
I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for watching and sharing your story.
Just have a drink
@@vinny2555332fu loser
@@vinny2555332was that supposed to be funny?
Sorry for your loss.
5 years ago I couldn't see my 2 oldest kids I was unemployable I was hopeless I was broke. Today I am 4 years sober, have primary custody of those kids, and am a necessary evil at my job and the unemployable days are way behind me. Bills are paid, there are days where I have peace. Proud of all of what God has done for me and given me in life but quitting drinking is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. To anyone out there struggling it is possible. Even on my worst days now I tell myself I blessed I am to be irritated these days and not HOPELESS
Great work making it happen! Thanks for watching!
Amen dude. I hope you share your story constantly with us other addicts/alcoholics that are still struggling. You have a very inspirational story.
I just accomplished all of this! I love you
❤❤
Amen I'm on day five
15 days sober, two young boys at home giving me the drive to be a better dad. Great story. My dad chose whisky over a relationship with me, not something I want to pass onto my kids.
As someone who has been sober for 10 years now, trust me it gets easier, and is so damn worth it. My inspiration was my kids, coz I didn't want my daughters 1st memories to be of a drunk father. Hang in there buddy 🙏
It’s this story and these comments that help me get closer to finding my own solution because I am still on the road to making the decision to kick the booze. I have a young boy that is my world and my life. I know to be a good father into the future I need to leave the beer and whisky behind, but it’s just so easy to get another bottle on the way home. Ask me to pick up bread on the way home and that feels like a right ballache. Whisky, never a problem. Which is exactly the problem. Thanks for putting down your success stories and positive comments. I will never know your faces or your names but sometimes these contributions are more important in the dark days than approaching the monster that is finding accountability amongst your close friends and family. I wish you all continued success in staying close to the ones you love and away from the bottle.
@KidMLV Love and prayers from Australia, Mate.🙏🇦🇺🇺🇲
God bless you and your family, Mate.🙏👍
Tell yourself that every waking hour-Time moves at the speed of life.
13 years free from Alcoholism 🙏
Great work!
@@AndyHeckFilms thank you,God bless 🙏
I’m on month 4 ! Miss my beer
@@bluesdirt6555 I bet you didn't miss the horrors my friend, see the beer for what it is, poison to us.God bless 🙏
2 months for me
I got a copy of my Father's toxicology report 2 day's ago, under the cause of death in bold letters are the words, " Ethanol use disorder ". My dad was 60-years-old when he passed away, October 30th 2023. Alcohol took my grandfather at the same age, and now I have no more men to confide in, or to seek advice from in my family. Alcohol stole my father from me. I beg anyone reading this, especially the father's, to please get help if you are struggling with alcohol. Your kids need you in their life no matter what age they are. I am 42, and I cried 3 days ago, because I needed some advice from my dad, and he is the only person I would talk to about the particular problem I was having. Andy, thank you for sharing your father's story with us, it brought both joy, and pain to me.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. I wish your Dad was still here to give you advice,so hard and no matter how old you get you wish you had your parents. You advice to other father's to think about getting help and stop drinking is admirable. I wish you all the best
have that conversation with dad, you know what he would say to you. take his advice, love yourself, make him proud.
@@truthonly7699😢
@@Melissa-kl9li Thank you 😢
I’m 43 and in the exact same situation as you, I wish more people would get help for this nasty disease. I’m sorry for what you go through mentally man, I know the battle of losing all male family members to alcohol, and the horrible “what if” thoughts that go through my head daily. Be strong brother
I applaud you Andy for not giving up on your dad. You must be an awesome son.
Thank you!
Or daughter, you don't know
@@vinny2555332 here comes the alphabet mafia 😂
@@vinny2555332you ain’t wanted here BOY
37 days and going strong!!!
Keep up the good works. You're worth it
Should be close to 70 now, right?
Keep going! Every day healthy is worth it
Keep going brotha it only gets better
Good stuff bro!! I’m 42days myself, feeling like a whole new man these days
The irony of alcoholism is the need for something that makes you feel so bad. Bad physically, spirtitually, bad everything. It’s a beast.
Only if you over do it
Alcoholism is over-doing it
Comming up 13 months clean and sober, thank you Lord!!! Amen!!
God bless you ♥️🙏♥️ I pray 2 of my friends would stop drinking. One female & one male. They both don’t want to quit, they only want to cut down but I believe cutting down won’t work for them. They just don’t want to stop. It’s so sad, one of my friends (female) has liver damage and gum disease from her drinking, she still refuses to stop. So sad to watch them destroy themselves
@@suzanne7277hey I didn't see this reply till now , I just passed 17 months . I had to make the decition to do whatever it was gonna take to get here and stay here . Unfortunately that's every other addict also, they have to decide .
I don't have to burden myself with staying sober for the rest of my life. I only have to stay sober this minute, this hour, only for today. You see, for me, tomorrow never comes..
You're exactly right. It's the only thing that's worked for me, and it's been working one day at a time for 15 years. Here's to today and to you.
I love what you said. Tomorrow never comes and I felt that!!
Amen brother , i also am a friend of bill w and dr Bob ... That rewiring of my mind brought me to a 24 hour freedom, I'm so grateful man.
I’m not going to drink today but maybe tomorrow ..
I know this story all too well. Started drinking in my teens, now in my mid 50's and drinking is still a daily thing. So many lost job opportunities, a DUI, dozens of great girls lost to beer being more important. Like this guy so many young men think after work is time to drink beer but before they know it they are in their 40's and 50's if lucky enough to still be alive and dealing with their daily drinking problem.
Time is our most valuable possession, and when drinking I disregarded it. Drinking was a full time occupation! David Cassidy said just before he died, “So much wasted time.”! Sobriety makes my life a great adventure! Happy to be alive & sober!
It’s not the same but I feel that was about my cigarettes. I’ve allowed them to steal so much time with my boys.
I’ve got 14 years solid sobriety. Hearing his tale of drinking 6 beers during an hour drive home is exactly where I was in 1999. Had a cushy corporate job, drank all the way home and no one knew my secret. Managed to avoid getting caught, somehow. Demons still creep into my mind trying to trick me that I could have just one. Never relapsed thanks to healthy dose of fear of what would happen, after just one drink. It’s never just one. This story helped my soul! Love to your dad.
Thank you very much for watching and sharing your story. I know it can be hard but keep it up!
Yes, fear can be useful in this case because it all too possible
I just made 14yrs. too. Congratulations 🎉
@@fml5910 look at how much you drink in a day and start drinking less each week. Get it down to a couple beers a day, until you can stop all the way. That is what i did, you have to really want to quit. carnivore diet will help, because you break that carb addiction also. good luck
@@fml5910 Enjoying your good health and long life far outweighs the lure of ethanol spirits. Jesus Saves and will save you too! Godspeed, mf'er....you're free!
Im 61 and in one month I will be sober 3 years. Thank you God 🙏!. I lived in and out of behavioral units for years, lost everything, locked up... everything. Im so grateful to have survived.
Fuck all to do with god. Its all you. And only you. You, you did it.
I too
As a member of a family who has addiction and alcoholism in our genes, I thank you for sharing this story. You are an amazing artist!! You have a wonderful eye and such a creative mind!! Keep exercising your mind and your art!! You are an incredible person!
This is breaking my heart , lord grant people struggling with drugs and alcohol peace and strength to carry on and to stop.
The foundation for sobriety is not about "strength", rather "Surrender". It is only through surrender that we acquire the "willingness" to change. ✌️♥️ Mark 5/8/1994
@@Mark-pp7jy I agree but I needed strength to get through some of those long anxious night's and I also had to surrender and tell myself this is when you stop.
I saw myself in a lot of things he said and did. I’m sober now but am still haunted by the poor decisions I’ve made. Thank you for this, well done.
I appreciate you watching the film. We've all made poor decisions but it's never too late to change!
Keep moving forward
TRUTH! @@AndyHeckFilms
Forgive yourself. God never judged you. God knows why we hurt and what we are running from. You are dearly and deeply loved. We love you in my home too. Proud of you. Shine bright you crazy diamond. ❤
Wonder if he realises he made good from bad and IS a success? It a lifetime job, but he did it!
“I had the potential to do way better than I did …..but the drinking took that away from me…”
Still in denial a to his culpability. Typical drunk.
My thoughts, too.
When a humble addict like this guy says that, he's not blaming anything other than his own choices. He's 100% aware of how depressing it is that it was his own decision the whole time.
@@JWoodcock I agree. harsh and cynical remarks that show no understanding of where this man's coming from.
Great video , thanks to all who took the time , effort and courage to put this out . If there’s one quote to remember for me it’s the one I posted .
This guy seems like a great dude. And he’s a winner to get through that.
Thank you for watching and commenting. My father will appreciate it!
Alcohol is a terrible thing, my best friend died at 57 in 2020. He just couldn't stop, I talked to him about it many times, finally I just had to distance myself from him. He was a talented guitar player but ended up lost / sold every thing moving in with his mother. Also my ex brother inlaw is a bad alcoholic so was his dad. I despise any kind of Alcohol it is the devil's drink, kills steals and destroys life. So happy this man was able to put it down. He showed alot of strength to recognize his problem and do something about it. Wish my buddy could have done the same.
As my grandmother use to tell me...."One day at a time. Make today complete, then tomorrow will follow."
I’m 52, I’ve got 3 grown sons and a 9 year old daughter. I’ve been sober for 16 years now. I could try and explain my drinking and it would never make any sense.
Proud of your dad, I hope he continues to stay sober ….. one day at a time.
Thank you. He is still doing great and has a lot more friends. And he's completing the projects he started long ago.
crasy ...your such a mess
One day at a time 😊London calling
Thank you to Mike and family for this raw and honest drinking and junking documentary. It is so very difficult to quit and after look around at the years of neglect. You are doing it and I have so much respect for you.
One day at a time is how I’ve made some 07/03/1989. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
12:13 made me just want to reach through the screen and hug this guy. It’s so hard to feel hope when everything feels so hopeless. A lotus only grows in mud, something so stunning comes from something so messy. Thank you.
I appreciate your comment and I've shared with my father! Thank you for watching.
No mud no lotus ,
Thich Nhat Hanh.
me too
🎉❤
Good job Mike. You remind me of my younger brother who was also a beer drinker for many years when he wasn't at work. But he didn't make the choice to get help and died almost 4 years ago at the age of 59. I know he had things that bothered him and that was part of why he drank. His mind started to go, and his body started shutting down but, in the end, it was his choice. He left behind two sisters, a daughter, several grandchildren and his common law wife of many years. I'm glad you made it and I know your sons are proud. And I love your yard art.
Thank you for your comment and I appreciate you sharing your experience. I am sorry for my loss. My dad isn't the best with technology but i will make sure he sees your comment.
Alcoholism is a disease not a choice.
@@xmmx9909 It is also a choice. Just like Mike did.
True. Most substance abuse is also the symptom of early childhood trauma. That shit gets in ones very neural pathways and is often the true cause of many personality disorders. People get angry when this is suggested. They want it simple. They want someone to pay. I'm not suggesting anyone not be held accountable for their actions. It's just that we will never be able to treat anyone unless we are honest about what has really gone wrong. From the same family, or primary caregiver, one can become a mild mannered alcoholic while another just become an obnoxious antisocial horror devoid of all compassion. It spans generations unrecognised and unhindered. It's complex. Like life. @@xmmx9909
59 is old
Everyone older from 45 is OLD!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the definition of how to make a short film/documentary or conduct an interview. We get so lost in the story you are actually there with this man. So many film projects these days are about the film maker (ego) making a film. Well done Andy! And thank your dad for me. I’m going to play this for my class tomorrow at the homeless shelter I work for. So much hope here for all of us alcoholics!
Thank you! Please lmk how it goes! Please email me if possible on my website. I appreciate your feedback on my style, it took a lot to get this story where I wanted.
@@AndyHeckFilms our residents loved your film and it’s sparked some amazing conversation about hope and compassion. Thank you Andy!
@@danny-li6io I appreciate the follow-up! This is exactly what we had hoped for the film. Really happy to hear it helped!
I really enjoyed the film Andy, I am 30 years old & currently 1 year sober. I lost almost everything and everyone I loved a year ago and God has done so much good for me in just 1 year sober, I’m a 5th generation alcoholic ready to brake the cycle and never let ,my kids grow up around it, thank you for your film and Thank Jesus for your father’s sobriety
What a brilliant program to help people deal with their addiction rather than discarding them into the penal system.
Exactly! That exact thing is what inspired me to start filming this in the first place. I'm happy the story turned into more but we need to help people more instead of just punishing them.
Addicts are some of the most hurt people out there...and all we do is hurt them more lmao. It's really sick, but so accepted.
Look up soft white underbelly
My daughter and I just lost my ex to liver, heart and kidney failure on April 26th 2024 because of his alcoholism. He died on his 50th birthday.
He had a massive heart attack on April 22nd 2024 while in hospital. He was without oxygen for 10 minutes. Was placed on life support. He Had a CT scan on the 23rd and there was no brain activity. He was brain dead.
I’m so happy to read of all the comments of people having a second chance of life.
To people that are thinking about stopping, please get the right tools and do it.
The heartbreak of the family you leave behind is unbearable.
It’s like watching someone committing suicide very slowly. It’s very heart wrenching to watch. Please get help.
I feel Sorry for your loss.😢 Please accept my condolences.
So very sorry for this loss you’ve had, and are continuing to have. I hope you avail yourself of all available sources of recovery and support, because that legacy that is the alcoholic family perpetuates itself.
I got clean and off the streets in 94 after I got out of jail I went to work rehabilitation and here's the best thing I ever found since Shepherd's Chapel on YT explains the whole Bible God bless
Addiction doesn't just take everything from us it takes from the people around us too.
My uncle fought in the Vietnam War. He came home as an alcoholic. Years later, he passed away just out of the hospital in a care center of stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancer. I saw him the day before. It was heartbreaking to see him that way. He was a wonderful man.
A real sense of decency about this guy . I guess the message here is to keep living and quit dying .
Thank you for watching!
I'm a year sober and have experienced the void. This story of directing yourself towards creativity makes me hopeful.
Thank you
Keep it up! Thank you for the comment, I've shared with my father.
Michael, as my councilor told me during my working at sobriety, "Find something you are as passionate about, as you were the wine bottle!" And by God, I'd always loved many forms of making art, and that's just what I did. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen over night. But I still think of the advice she gave me and it's still working for me 30 years later! I'm giving you a big hug, and keep moving foreword and surround yourself with other folks that really support AND inspire you. YOU CAN DO THIS!
Hang in there, and protect your sobriety.
Find meaning. Listen to your inner voice. Release all shame and condemnation. You are beautiful and deserve the best.
Congrats on 1 year! Life is good without alcohol.
My father died at 51 with a heart condition caused by his decades of heavy drinking. He worked hard every day of his life but seemingly could not stop drinking. It completely destroyed any relationship we ever had. I've been t total my whole life.
I don't normally watch stories like this, but I'm glad I did. This was excellent.
I appreciate you taking time to watch and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
This is a poignant story. I’m 3.5 yrs sober, I drank beer to ease the depression and quit drinking at 40 years old. My son would want me to be here today. Respect to Andy and Mike for sharing 💪🏽❤️🩹
Thank you! Great work on your sobriety!
Ironically I don’t think people even realize that alcohol is a depressant…you drink to feel better for a short time but you actually feel much worse over time 😯
Nothing better than Sons and Dads being Proud of Each Other. Great Work! Congrats to you All!
Thank you!
What a beautiful tribute from a proud son!!! Kudos to both of you.
My dad worked everyday and drank every night.
Not a bad guy. Just an alcoholic. Im almost 50 now. Last few yrs im starting to follow in his footsteps. My kids are now grown. Im afraid of what i might become. This was an eye opener. Thanks for sharing.
I hope you can get things figured out for your children. Thank you for watching.
Me too
Been sober now 17 years . This man is telling my story
My dad was an alcoholic. He never held a steady job, never owned a home, didn't have a driver's license for most of my childhood, so we always had to bum a ride to school functions, grocery store, etc. Growing up, I lived in fear that my friends would find out about my home situation and how poor we really were, although I kept it concealed pretty well by not having friends over or talking about my home life much. My mother worked very hard to keep the rent paid and put food on the table. She was a saint and I don't know how she did it all those years. My dad died in 1990 and although I didn't hate the man, I never really felt a sense of loss or missed him very much. I'm 68 now and still think about those days from time to time. I sure hate what he did to our family and sympathize with anyone in a similar situation.
Your home life was like ours. Sad. I feel sorry for you, your siblings and your mom. My life as a mom was the same. Carried my head high as I tried my best. I just hope my daughters aren't mad at me thinking I could have changed or fixed their dad. Only he could have done that.
I have always said to my siblings, "I loved my father but really hated the alcoholic." My mother did the same as yours. I was giving mom paper route money in 5th grade so we could keep the electricity on. Sad Days...
@@lindamiller5026 Trust me, your daughters don't blame you. Even at a young age, I understood our family situation and knew my mother was doing her best.
I can relate to how you feel. My 'dad' never wanted to be around me and my brother. Then one day he just left us altogether and never bothered to check in, visit or show any interest. Now that we are both adults, he's severy alcoholic, lives off disability checks and stays out in the morning, waits for the grocery store to open so he can get stocked on booze. Now, He whines to our grandmother how his kids don't wanna see him. I WONDER WHY.
this man turned his whole life around. .im so glad he is making every day count his designs are amazing too..
Thank you so much!
Thank You Mike and Andy. I've been there and back. 22 years sober after 3 Rehabs. I always need a good reminder of my past to keep it green.
Great work getting out of it! Thank you for watching!
Thank you for sharing! As a young man still in college, I really appreciate you being vulnerable and sharing your story to help others like me look out for the dangers that alcohol brings.
Thank you! I'm happy to hear my father's story can help in this way.
I absolutely love his honesty! He is so open and upfront and forthcoming with the truth
Thank you!
True artists sharing their story. Thank you for putting this into the world.
Thank you, we appreciate you watching the film!
Congratulations on getting sober and pulling your family back together! Beautiful to watch! 🙏
Thank you! I've shared your comment with my father.
What a beautiful man. How can I be of the maximum use to others? By not drinking. Thank you for sharing your Experience, Strength, and Hope. Blessings! Sober going on 8 years! My dad didn't survive the addiction to alcohol. I miss him and I forgave him many years ago, he was a man with a disease called alcoholism. I to have that disease. Fortunately I found the tools to get and stay well.
Thank you! I'm sorry for your loss. Good for you for doing what is right for you.
AA saved my life, continues to, so long as I take action and expand my spiritual life. So glad I came across this! Hope is always there…
Glad to hear it! Thank you for watching!
My dads an alcoholic, abusive. Clicked bc it’s nice to see father son connecting
If you haven't done anything for you, please do. Al-Anon.
*_I've got 29 years clean and sober with NO relapses. Oddly enough, it was the birth of my son that made me rethink my life and sober up._* I wanted him to have a dad that was a dad and I ended up living every minute of my sons childhood. I'm glad every day I wake up clean feeling and fresh. The memories of my alcoholism are still there and they are tough to think about because I was in a really bad place. My son turned out great. He's clean, never did drugs or anything. He has a full time job. I'm very proud of him.
1 out of 32 alcoholics will sober up and stay sober for the rest of their lives. The rest will never beat it. My grandfather on my dads side was an alcoholic. He died at 57 of sorosis of the liver.
I hope you make it sir. You can do it IF you want to. Life is too short to waste on being drunk. Be strong my friend. 👆👍💪💯
Thank you! My father is doing well and happier by the day.
I'm very happy for you; having said that it is a disease just like cancer; some people have early stage prostate cancer or breast cancer, but some people don't. I'm not making any excuses for people but please know that it's a disease.
@@glennleslie6127 Its NOT a disease. Thats a slap in the face to people who really do have a disease and died of cancer, like everyone in my whole family. I can't believe you just said that. Every addict makes a choice just like they choose to stop. Id like to see a terminally ill cancer patient just choose to not be terminally ill anymore. So tired of people like you.
@@opieshomeshop Cancer is mostly a result of the American diet...you know...consumption of something that is bad for you - in most cases. The terminally ill person may have had that choice to eat right and instead loaded up on sugars breads veggie oils and all the other cancer (disease) causing 'foods'. Just like ethanol....alcohol.
Addicts are taught that it's a disease. People much smarter than you or I decided it is actually a disease. It's hard for me to grasp that concept, and I kind of don't.
Retired ironworker here, Many guys I have worked with were regular drinkers just like Mike, Years ago drinking on the job was not a big deal and many guys had only beer in their lunch boxes. I wish him the best in retirement
I've heard some crazy stories about all that. Thank you for watching!
I hear ya! Lots of drinking on the jobsites back in the early 80s when I started.A couple of my workmates would hit the bars near the jobs every noontime.Every day.
@@freelonmorris3659Yup, Noontime was sandwich time at the pubs, Many times the guys would never go back. Many guys still doing it but ya gotta be a little more sneaky
Im 3rd generation union ironworker, local #79 Norfolk VA,,, I was raised with the old school ,, "work hard , play hard",,, BIG CONNECTOR,,, BIG IRON ,,, SHUT THE BAR DOWN EVERY NIGHT WITH THE RAISING GANG!!!,, crane operator would take the cap off a 5th of Canadian mist at lunch ,, and toss the top out the window at lunch !!!.. crazy times !!!
This film is very inspiring for me. I'm on my sober journey 1yr 4moths now. Still trying not to beat myself up for all of the missed opportunities I might have had, if not for my alcoholism. God Bless.
Thank you and I'm happy this film could help. That's why my father and I started making it in the first place. Keep it up!
Marty, if I may" have you stopped acting/living the way you did 1 yr 4 months ago? Are you better than you were 1 yr 4 months ago? If the answer is yes then I will respectfully tell you to stop identifying yourself with who you once were. You have received a wonderful gift from the Almighty! You are no longer that person. Move that muscle, change that thought. You'll find that in no time you'll be sharing on the wonderful thoughts and actions of today! Be well my friend.
1 year and 4 months! Good work! It gets easier as time goes on.Life without alcohol is good!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have surrounded myself with others in recovery. Each day that I do not drink is a blessing. Marty
@@L46C3
wasnt expecting this to be so good. well done mate. and well done Mike for turning it around
Thank you!
What a story. I hope Mike stays sober and passes along how he did it to others that are suffering.
Thank you! Everything is going well and I see him do better and help others every day.
@@AndyHeckFilms he seems like a good man.
Ive been a recovering alcoholic and drug addict for over 24 years. Thank you for sharing your story. Very inspiring and I am very proud of you.
I'm 40yrs old and have struggled with alcoholism since the age of 14. I'm currently 3 months sober but i think about drinking every day. It's like feeling desperately thirsty all the time. It's so difficult.
I get what you're saying. But if drinking has been a problem, I'm certain sobriety is worth it. My dad will absolutely tell you that.
I tell you this truly. It gets easier as you go. I to started drinking at 14 and I am now 53. I will be sober in June 2024, for 2 years.
I remember the 3 month mark. Right at about the 5th month, I knew I was gonna beat it for good. You get this light at the end of the tunnel. Those cravings go away. Hang in there. My life is so much better now.
Great job,keep it up. You can do it,your future you will thank you. ❤
The longer you go the less the cravings come around. Been 7 years for me. Now I can be around people who are drinking, and it doesn't bother me. I save $3000.00 a year not drinking .
@@skytrip5273 Not counting all the money spent on drinking related.
Mike reminds me of my dad. Unfortunately my dad never had his moment where he realized he needed to make a change until it was too late. He died of cirrhosis of the liver at 47. I’ll be 45 in a couple months and I’m thankful I never got into alcohol. Mikes story made me happy to see he got out in time to experience some positivity in his life.
Thank you! I'm fortunate he has become sober and is healthy.
this is beautiful, glad i stumbled upon it. i celebrated 3 years clean and sober, one day at a time, on May 14th of this year. i was a good dad until addiction took over. i'm grateful i was able to get the help i needed relatively quickly. the gratitude i have for being able to be consistently in my children's lives today is immense. my mind still goes to very dark places, and the depression lingers over me often. i know i have to deal with the root causes of those feelings, and altho i have begun, it's a long and difficult journey. but i know it is all worthwhile, especially when i'm with my kids. sending love to all of you 🙏
Happy to hear you're doing well! Thank you for watching.
reminds me of my dad. the kindest man ever. rip dad
I’m so glad he’s there for his sons now. A reminder that it’s never too late to get sober boys!
Thank you!
I was at the brink of destroying my life due to alcohol, severe delirium tremens = hallucinations, music playing in my brain etc. I see a light ahead, and quitting alcohol was a game changer.Thank you for the inspiration.
Lots and lots and lots of praying while drinking a half gallon of vodka and a 30 pack of beer every 48 hours.....God took it off me, and I haven't looked back in 4 years now! Glad you are better too!
@user-ps3um2ld1s Yeah, it was. It was rough on my life. I don't think I'd be here now if I didn't stop - I'm also grateful that I never hurt anyone. Such a waste of life during that time.
I have had a problem with drinking all my life. I believe it is chronic depression, and alcohol only makes it worse. This is an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing this.
The 2 things seem to go together... Thank you for watching and I hope it can help.
I don't know. I've pushed everyone away from me and I've become a mean person. I'm ashamed to ask for forgiveness or help. I have one friend and none of my family speaks to me. Trying to recover seems useless. Anyway, Thanks again Andy..@@AndyHeckFilms
Indeed. I am part of that unfortunate club as well. A cruel trick of nature and/or the Universe.
Mike, keep fighting and pushing forward to maintain your sobriety. I got sober 4 years ago at 42 and it's been the best decision I've ever made.. God bless you from south of Moline Illinois..
Thank you! Great work on your sobriety!
He seems like a really nice guy. Glad he's better than he used to be.
He always has been. But now we get the full version of him! Thank you!
Been a union ironworker for 6 years many of us including myself have gone down this path , fight this demon a lot
I respect this man’s level of honesty, thanks for sharing your story. I see a lot of myself in what you said and also see a lot of my friends and family members too. It is stories like this that help me continue on my path of recovery.
Thank you! I'm sure my father will be happy to hear his story has helped you.
6 years sober. You can never get the time back but its never too late to understand the joy of living.
Way to go Mike. Im sober now going on 6 yrs this May. All praise to the lord god jesus christ, for getting me sober. So happy to hear you are now sober too. God works in such crazy ways. God bless you Mike.
1Peter 5:7-8
Cast all of your cares upon God, for God cares for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, be like a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour. Amen.
Stay strong Mike in your sobrity one foot in front of the other. No looking back. God bless you. Thank you fir sharing your story.
This hits me right in the feelers, not as an alcoholic, but as a father and as a son of an alcoholic. Love the hell out of my ole man, but this is almost identical to my childhood. Great piece.
Thank you very much for watching!
Such a great story! It's never too late to make a difference and there's real joy in doing the right thing for yourself and others!
Very true! Happy to have the true version of my father today, regardless of the timing.
Look at his hands. Hard work. Im in wisconsin and i dont see many guys with this much physical and mental strength lol.
What a goog MAN❤❤❤
Thank you! It has impressed me as of late, too!
Im a journeyman wireman ibew local 855,
Glad to see you got everything under control. Proud of you buddy
Thank you, I'm sure my father will appreciate your comment!
God bless you brother. We're all in this thing together. Please don't ever feel alone again. We all gotta be there for each other. Your art is beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your story. As a recovering person I know it’s hard to reconcile the past but I wish you peace and contentment. Great film!
Thank you very much! I've shared your comment with my father.
Very best wishes with your recovery !! I've never drank (62 yrs old) because i came from families on both sides that are known alcoholics for at least "200 yrs" that our families know of ! Alcohol destroys lives (especially the innocent children's lives) and for thousands of yrs !! I'm absolutely convinced from the testimonies of many, that 95% of alcoholics WERE sexually abused as little children.........I DESPISE alcohol and am very proud to have broken that cycle in my immediate family. Very best wishes.
A True artist who discovered his gift amidst his trials and tribulations. He is admired and loved by all who have heard him speak of his misfortune dealing with this truly degenaritve substance... Alcohol
Thank you for watching!
Honestly, didn't know what to expect when I clicked on this. Coincidentally wrenching on the '67 El Camino I share with my brother helps me in my recovery from alcohol. "Junk" all you want my guy 🤝.
Very interesting coincidence! Thank you!
I started drinking alcohol since my teenage, spent my whole life fighting alcohol addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Alcohol addiction actually destroyed my life. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.
Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Germany. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them
YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta
Yes he's Dr.alishrooms.Shrooms to me is a natrual healer. I know a guy who has used mushrooms in the same way and they have really helped him. mah dudes have safe trips all.
wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He is 59 & has so many mental health issues plus probable CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD know if it is common for an obsession with violence.
I am so glad I watched this video. I’m a fellow Wisconsinite, and I have 11 years. It is obvious that your dad is a pure soul who just needed help. We men really struggle to ask for help. Please tell your father that he inspires others, and that he is a good person. Our past is just that, the past.
Thank you very much! I really appreciate your comment and I know he has been reading them every morning.
Well done to this man
Well done 👏
Gives me some hope i can fix myself. Thank you.
Thank you! You definitely can!
Sure ya can! You’re looking for progress not perfection.
@@tundrawomansays694 Thank you. I suppose we're all just a work in progress.
@susiew2521 we are cheering for you
@@ChrisLoganToronto Thank you x
Thanks for sharing this. I'm from Wisconsin as well, grew up with my father drinking heavy. He took his own life after getting picked up for OWI in 2018. I drank for 25 years myself and got sober 10 months ago, don't want my son to have the same experience I did. Videos are my art and fill my void, a person needs purpose and that's mine.
Thank you for watching! And great work finding your passion!
Thank you for sharing this. I can only imagine how much your work means to your dad. I hope millions and millions see this awesome story. 🤙🏽
Thank you!
Really beautiful story! Family members of mine have struggled with alcoholism and I think this both gives me hope and also shows how alcoholism can easily develop. Great job!
Thank you very much! I will share your comment with my father.
This one hit hard for me, my dad was an alcoholic but sadly never made it out of it, he passed at 65 (19 years ago).
Even through all of that it still taught me valuable lessons about being a better father myself and not letting addiction rule my life!
It's sad that my children never got to meet their grandfather but they know the story and know why he isn't here so hopefully his lessons will teach them also.
Congratulations on your father's sobriety, he seems like a wonderful man.
Thank you very much! He is a good man and I'm happy to finally see his full self.
I lost my dad to Alcohol. I’ll never get over it. The silver lining is that he taught me a few lessons. Accidentally.
My father was also an alcoholic. He taught me to not smoke, stay away from alcohol, and love those around me. All Accidentally. The best thing I ever did was to go to a children of alcoholics meeting. A real eye opener. Good luck with your journey in life.
It is nice to have Judges in our society that want to help instead of intimidating
Was my initial inspiration to start making this film. Thank you for watching!
My Dad is a retired, hardworking tradesman and a lifelong alcoholic. He is pretty great. My ex husband never misses a day of work and is deeply alcoholic, also a good guy. My sweet daughter struggles trying to break free from alcohol. She is quite responsible otherwise. I live far away from all of them and love them from afar. They hurt. I hope them only the best but they are pain. The loneliness is dreadful. No one knows that I drowned a long time ago. I don’t even drink.
This man’s recovery is refreshing. He is very thoughtful about it. I appreciate that.
Thank you for watching and I hope for the best for your family!
Thank you for making this video. I wish my father would say these things. He was never there for us, but he went to work and he thought that’s all he needed to do. Both of my parents drank. So many bad things happened to me because my parents didn’t function like parents. One time no one picked me up from school after theater, and I ended up spending the night in the green room of the high school, where I was raped. My parents still don’t know. I’m 65 now, my mother died two years ago, and my father is 87. For Father’s Day last year, he actually told me that if he didn’t have kids, he would’ve been able to golf more. I just smiled and walked away, knowing that it wasn’t the kids that got in his way, it was the Jim Beam.
I am pretending that you are my father, and that you were saying these things to me. I need to hear these things so badly. You’re very brave. Thank you.
I'm sorry for your experience. That really sucks. I'm glad to hear this film has helped you, though. My father had hopes that it would help others and that is the reason he agreed to share his story. Thank you for watching.
I enjoyed watching this short video. Good for you turning your life around when you did. I lost my twin sister age 60 ten years ago because of alcoholism. Great watch.
Sorry for your loss. I know my father will appreciate your comment and thank you for watching.
Been sober since '17 after starting in high school in '82. Thank you for sharing your family story.
Thank you for watching!
56 years old. Went to rehab last year. Sober for almost 5 months. Now I'm drinking like I never stopped. I'm going to lose everything if I don't stop. May need rehab again. I don't know.
Relapses are part of withdrawal. Don't let this discourage you and try to enjoy your sober life.
You do know. Please get the help you need. You're worth it.🙏
Kudos to this man, his son and the court system of Wisconsin! Everyone deserves a chance to realize and fix their problem. This is a very inspiring story that I’m very grateful that you shared. I love your art too!
Thank you very much for watching! I'm sure my dad will appreciate your comment
A perfect example of how the cliche of "art saves lives" is true. Basic understanding of artistic principles is valuable. Also, skills like welding and metalwork. I hope these things don't continue to be pushed out of education systems.
I'm not sure how I found this video, but I'm glad I did. Redemption stories are the very best stories. I've been sober for just over 10 1/2 years myself.
Great work! Thank you for watching!
Well done Mister , what a lovely nature this gentleman has.
Thank you and I definitely agree!
Saw this heartwarming documentary at a film festival at UWEC a while ago and i still think about it every once in a while. Its a great story and a beutiful film. I'm sure you have a great filmmaking future ahead of you.
Thank you! It was our first festival and we were happy to be a part of it.
The old breathalyser to start the car trick, we’ve all been there boss.