Back with an update! We’ve officially crossed the 1k day mark. If you’re reading this, don’t forget to SMASH that like button! Giving up alcohol was one of the best decisions I ever made, but it didn’t come without some unexpected consequences. In this video, I’m walking you through the good, the bad, and the ugly of being sober for over a thousand days. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect if you decide to give it a shot too! Answer these 11 questions to change your life now: www.clarkkegley.com/free-questions (free for yt subs)
Thank you so much Clark for spreading the word about alcohol & for inspiring people to quit. I hope the entire world quits! Then Earth would have a true awakening. No one is "woke" if they're drinking alcohol.
🙏🏼🤟🏼💓 Keep on rockin! I want to give you a big hug & pat on the back for your sobriety! 🏆🥇🌟 I haven't had a drop since 2019 & I have never felt better! I feel like a veil was removed from my eyes. I have a clear view now! 🕵🏼♀️🧿
I resonated with this video so much. I have been preaching for a while not to everyone around me that getting sober is the best decision I have ever made. Every reason and how well you explained it in this video, so well spoken and I wish I could force people to by themselves watch this at least once. Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone on this journey of complete sobriety
987 days here, and at 42 my life has been transformed. Best shape of my life, clear head. Tons of new interests and hobbies. Flying airplanes again, riding motorcycles. Marriage could not be salvaged, but I am the best father to my little girl that I could have imagined becoming.. Growing professionally. I do not recognize the man I was four years ago. Still having trouble forgiving myself for some of my mistakes, which I initially attributed to alcohol. Now with a clear head I am able to reflect back on past lives and see where alcohol was a symptom of something deeper. With time we heal. To anybody else on this journey, stick with it, folks. It will transform your lives.
I'm also 42 and this poison has been desrtroying my life since i was 15. Always in trouble with everything and everyone , it' sjust a matter of a first sip to go insane and then blackout! Hangovers were using to last the entire week!I hope last week was my last time, no more bottled or canned demons in my life!
@Mrbeest_1st brother, find your why and it will stick. I made a terrible decision and hurt somebody dear to me, and everything imploded.. I still kept going for a good 8 months afterwards. One evening, I was nursing a gnarly hangover when my daughter climbed on my swollen booze gut and just looked at me. And she had these big, sad eyes. She was 19 months old. And I looked at her and basically just died inside a little, because I was such a piss poor excuse for a father. I made a promise to her right there that I would put that poison down once and for all. That was January 30th, 2022. And it's wild, because I knew I had a problem for a while now, but was in total denial. Multiple failed attempts at moderating.. When that little baby girl looked at me, that was all it took.. she was my why. Find your why, brother
What's done is done. You live and you learn. Forgive your elf and keep pushing to become EVEN more unrecognizable. If you have come this far in 987 days imagine where you can be in 987 more. Good luck.
Hoping it’s your second week, I myself couldn’t go cold turkey but I have cut back drastically on drinking and sit back and drink 1-2 seltzers after a long day at work. I know it’s not a solution. But it’s a start. God Bless
16 days today. It's been a real struggle, the cravings are still there and the mind hasn't figured it out yet but I can't go back so I keep going. Love hearing other people's stories they really help so thanks for sharing
If you don't mind me making a recommendation, what worked so well for me was listening to the audiobook This Naked Mind. 7 hours long but it claims to basically reprogram your brain when it comes to alcohol and it worked so well for me!! If you love hearing people's stories, this may be a great thing to listen to for you, as it is the authors story plus sooo much more. Congratulations on 16 days, and all my best wishes for your journey.
Hopefully you are still on the path 🙏🏽 I was the “middle lane” drinker and now at day 110 and I’ll tell you… hang tight and after week 3-5 you won’t have the cravings as bad as
Three years now. My interest in drinking alcohol ist completely gone. What helped me to overcome the cravings was using some activities as a replacement. Going for a walk, a workout, a turn with the bicycle or motorbike, chit chat with someone. And I quit caffeine too, because it inhibits natural relaxation. And I kept reminding myself of the reason why I quit: I no longer treat my body like a trash can.
I quit alcohol in April 2021. Never been back to the drink. I don't miss it at all. I don't crave the feeling of it either. Alcohol is a fake experience with connecting to others honestly. My body has shifted into a vibration I never knew was possible. My exercise results are better now in my 50's than in my drinking 30's. My emotional and mental clarity is off the charts, too, by now. HIGHLY recommend to quit a habit that will slowly erode you away. The choices you make are way more responsible, too. To alter your state of being with something like alcohol is actually a subtle way of self bullying 💛🌟💫
5 years sober here - life begins after you stop drinking alcohol - reminder Alcohol has zero medical benefits and is a direct cause of at least 7 types of cancer
Here are the top 7 1. Mouth and Throat Cancer: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the tissues in the mouth and throat, increasing the risk of cancer. 2.Esophageal Cancer: Alcohol, especially when combined with smoking, is a significant risk factor for esophageal cancer. 3.Liver Cancer: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, including cirrhosis, which can increase the risk of liver cancer. 4.Colon and Rectal Cancer: While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. 5.Breast Cancer: Even moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in women. 6.Pancreatic Cancer: Some studies suggest that heavy alcohol use may contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer. 7.Larynx Cancer: The voice box, or larynx, is another area that can be damaged by excessive alcohol consumption, increasing the risk of cancer.
That’s one way I always thought it as well” zero health benefits to consume”,,, only negative side effects,,, For that little bit of buzz you get ,,In the end (when it wears off),There’s a huge list of things that cause us trouble it’s just not worth it.😊
25 years old, just got over 3 months sober, I decided to stop because I hated hangovers and I also realized that almost all bad choices I’ve made in my 20s so far involved excessive drinking. I didn’t drink super frequently (1-2 times per week) but when I did I would drink quite a bit. I’ve noticed that I am so much more clear headed, and my weekends start at 7 am opposed to 1pm. Thank you to everyone for sharing your stories in these comments you guys are some warriors! Keep it up!!!
Sean - good for you! I'm going to give you a little "old man advice" (I'm 59) that you can take or leave...but I hope you take it. Do a quick estimation of what the amount of money you were previously spending each month on alcohol...and include the bar food, etc you bought for yourself (and drinks/food for a girlfriend or dates, etc). You will likely be surprised at the amount of money that directly related to alcohol (I sure was...it was around $300/month). Whatever your amount is...whether its $40 or $400...start putting that amount into savings or a 401k or IRA each month. You are used to not living on that money anyway...and starting this at your age and doing JUST THAT would guarantee you a millionaire retirement. I shit you not 👍 Cheers to your journey 😬
@ I agree! I’m now a bit over 5 months sober and your investment advice is spot on! I have been actively investing for a year and a half or so now and have found that I have more money to invest these days! Great advice thanks for reaching out!!
Shortly after I turned 40, I made the conscious decision to focus on detoxification and the first thing I let go was alcohol. I have been free from alcohol for 5.5 years (over 2,000 days). It was one of the BEST decisions I have ever made for myself. Sober and free is how I choose to BE ❤
same here. id been a social drinker. i dont demonize alcohol. i just stopped drinking because my friends went away. i drank a lot and im a woman. its in my genes being my father's side were alcoholics. i started drinking in my early 20s. its been 6years now and when i try to drink hard liquor, i dont get drunk. theres no fun. i no longer remember the experience of being drunk
@Chebab-Chebab Great job! One day or minute at a time! Get's easier as you go. I found that controlling my environment: people, places and things I allow around me is a big deal in staying away from temptations. Always go to Mark Twain's saying: It is easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of it.
Congratulations Clark!❤ Today I have 601 days, after 50 years of drinking & drugging! Today I'm blessed!🙏 Today, I share my blessings with anyone & everyone that wants to start their own journey in recovery! 💪😎👉1❤
I stopped about seven years ago. All the good things happened, but the social part was and continues to be challenging. a.) frequently drinkers don't like to hang out with people not drinking, and b.) it becomes difficult for me to hang after everyone is on their third round - the conversation suffers. Overall it's been a vastly net-positive path. Highlighting that not drinking is a possibility, an alternative, is a terrific service. Thank you for the video Clark.
Conversation was always bad, you were just too drunk to notice. Recommend finding new friends who also don't drink, or convincing current friends to stop.
3 weeks sober. I decided I didn't want to die early. I wasn't sleeping well, waking up to sweats and pounding heart. I knew I had to change and luckily so far I'm done with it. I have a much better attitude, energy, sleep. Just decide it's time, don't make excuses.
it's a carb craving that got twisted if you make sure to consume about 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep, you can crush the cravings. If I am wrong, you're not in danger consuming 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep
Wow this guy nails it. This was the best info/guidance I think I’ve ever heard regarding sobriety. A lot of strong points especially in his opening and closing segments.
1003 days for me, also totally weird that this popped up in my youtube feed. Congrats on the 1k! Being alcohol free has completely and totally changed my life for the better. To anyone still struggling, I want you to know there is hope. If I can do it, you can too.
This video and the comments are making me more determined than ever before to be free of alcohol, i start drinking in the evening (wine) helps me to sleep, i wake at 4am feeling ghastly, fed up of being a 'slave' to it...well done to everyone for your bravery ❤
I have your drinking pattern. I recently put on a Dexcom G7 glucose monitor to check out different foods and how it affects my blood sugar and sleep. I found out just with two glasses of wine, I had small, but too much glucose spikes throughout the night. I tried it again during the week without drinking and had the best sleep ever with zero alcohol. Think I am going to limit myself to two drinks Friday night two drinks Saturday night for now and work my way to having a glass or two on very special occasions. I found that my desire to have the wine goes from about 4 PM until 9 PM at bedtime. I started eating my dinner earlier then occupying my “drinking time“ by going to the gym and just walking on the treadmill. Best of luck.
Stopping a lot of my bad habits such as alcohol, fizzing drinks, sweets, weed, cigarettes, and fast food has given me such freedom and allowed me to achieve unimaginable success and I'm so grateful that I took the steps to stop. Stay Uncommon!
Thanks Clark! Love this: authentic delivery, great content, and this resonates with me... I'm only 9 days into my own freedom from alcohol journey. My reasons for ditching alcohol weren't due to any "rock bottom", more of a health/wellbeing decision, recognising all that I gain from being free from drinking poison... I'm feeling better than I can remember: sleeping better, more mentally alert/active (had terrible brain fog while drinking), and even feeling my relationships with others are far better, like I'm actually giving people more eye contact, presence... It's nice to know my mind and body are now able to heal after, some less than ideal treatment over the last several years. And I love your advice around accepting discomfort. This absolutely nails for me why I continued to drink, despite there being no net benefit: a very low tolerance to work stress, triggered at about 6.00pm when I justified the "need" to drink to "unwind". (There's nothing relaxing about the horrors of the next morning, as we all know!) We live in a society where quick fixes are all the go, but realising alcohol fixes absolutely nothing, is empowering. Thanks again! Fantastic advice - and all really positively delivered. :)
Keep going !! I'm Day 10 today. Simply got fed-up with the BS associated with using booze as a coping mechanism ! Oh boy, sleeping like a babe & my appetite is thru the roof.. *I'm tall/skinny.. refuelling w healthy food instead of poisoning my lil system.🤢 Feel so amazing I plan on staying off for a year. Even then, why return to it?🙏
So glad I came across this! You're story, prior to you quitting, is my story to a tee. This is incredibly reassuring and motivating! I'm only a couple of weeks into this sober journey but I will play this video any time I feel I'm losing my resolve. Thank you for the gift!
In Aug 2019, I quit for 26 months, I decided I was done the experiment because I was going on vacation to Hawaii. Since then I've been in control of my drinking up until the last couple months where I've noticed it start creeping back up again. This video has definitely reminded me of how good I felt sober. Going to start a new challenge today! Thanks Clark😊
Hey guys. 25 years old, I lost my dad due to him drinking himself to death, I have always struggled with alcohol and giving it up, appreciate the sober community. im 7 days lol
Hey Charlie, sorry about your dad. I lost my mum and step-dad to drinking a few years ago. Congrats on 7 days! I'm on 9 days, so right there in the same zone! I'm 46, and I've known I've had a drinking problem (binge drinking/unsafe levels) for probably ten years or more... Honestly, I wish I'd known all I know now about how harmful alcohol is. Had I known, I wouldn't have continued to entertain the idea of "moderation" or "just drinking socially"... it's all just a fallacy, and like Clark mentioned in his video, I just kept watching my drinking increase as time wore on. And, because it messes with mental health over time, I found my goals slipping away, feeling impossible, out of reach... Since stopping drinking, I've been feeling great, much happier, and my goals are back in reach. So my realisation over time is that the best time to quit for good is right now. Keep going! Don't let your brain try to tell you that you've done well and "deserve" a drink, or let yourself romanticise that drink over Christmas or holidays... You're always better off without booze to drag you down. We can always think of our parents - it's a painful but useful reminder - and know that alcohol is not our friend. Wishing you all the best. :)
@ really appreciate this response, my friend. People like yourself and myself that pull other people up to become better versions of themselves. God bless you brother
Same here man, my dad drank himself to death at only 45 years old. You would think that I would learn from this and stay away from alcohol but no… I became an alcoholic as well and I’m finally trying to quit drinking for good. I’m in day 6.
Great work! Keep going!! Perhaps consider reading the book: Dopamine nation, this can help with understanding and awareness of the nature of addiction. Also, consider upping the physical fitness aspect ie the gym....natural dopamine boosting activities. Im 12 years sober, you are not alone.
@Primordial_one fantastic! Before you know it, you'll have years under your belt. Being able to say "I don't drink" or "I don't smoke" comes naturally and when I say it out loud. I know it's true and that it always will be. Keep it up, and if you need any additional support I highly recommend listening to Andrew Huberman's podcast about what alcohol does to your body and a you tuber named Sober Leon, he uses his first principal approach which allows you to see alcohol for what it truly is and the social influence and how to deal with people that try to pull you back in. I actually still hang out with all of my friends that drink, but everyone knows that this is a permanent choice for me and no one ever even tries to sway me. I do shots of pickle juice whenever they want to include me in a "cheers". These are friendships that I've had for over 30 years so I wasn't willing to part ways, nor were any of my friends, I appreciate their respect, I wish everybody had this type of support, I am grateful as I know this is rare.
That’s awesome! Same here, since August 5 so a little over 2 months. I get grossed out thinking about drinking. My body is definitely rejecting the idea of drinking again.
I pulled 1,080 days without alcohol. It was one of the best things in my life. I definitely felt myself mature and grow in ways that never would have happened if I had continued.
Sober for five years here! I stopped at first for about two months and thought it didn't make a big difference. Then I had two glasses of wine at a wedding. The next day I really felt that it does in fact impact me, my head feeling mushy, lack of focus. And I decided I would never go back to this. Congrats on your success!
What he's saying here are things that I've experienced also after being sober. I continue to discover new benefits that are unique to my own life. I read once that the rate of emotional growth slows or sometimes stops completely once a person begins a substance abuse. It only regains its original momentum after the abuse is halted. I think I'm realizing more and more how true that is.
it's a carb craving that got twisted if you make sure to consume about 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep, you can crush the cravings. If I am wrong, you're not in danger consuming 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep
I quit December 3rd 2022 so I’m at day 746 as of time of writing. I quit because I decided to take my health more seriously. I’m getting older, I’m 45, and I’ve always been a cardio and gym kinda guy but it always felt like starting over at the gym after a night of drinking. But now it doesn’t feel that way. I too also noticed the sleep quality goes thru the roof which is a huge motivator for me to stay sober. I notice the mental clarity too and I read a lot now, at least one book a month sometimes more. I get a lot more done but do get bored quite a bit but always find something to do. I definitely have more drive to accomplish things that’s for sure. Sober life is good, hoping I reversed some damage to liver after 30 years of drinking. Didn’t have any actual diagnosed liver problem or anything just assuming all the years of drinking may have takin a toll. But I read our livers are very resilient and will repair itself so hopefully that’s the case. I’ve been taking a lot of liver supplements too like milk thistle. Anyway thanks for the video I’m catching up to ya, trying to get to 1000 days too.
I'm 21 days sober and in the past wen I "stopped" drinking, I never really understood why ppl count the days but I think I kinda understand now. I just want to be ok and it's a day by day process. I really enjoy being sober and also the 16 pound weight lose in just 3 weeks. I know I must have a focus...a purpose...a goal or I'll fall back on stupid useless drinking. I now have signed up to the gym and up at 3:30am to get ready and at the gym by 5am. I feel busy for me is key.. purpose driven.
Hey Clark, I just want thank you! - you were kind of mentor for me for the past 8 years - most of the 130+ self development audiobooks I listened were your recommendations. No alcohol challenge was also your inspiration -I am on 55 day now and it is exacly what you were saying in your video podcast. Thanks again and best of luck!
Well done on 1000 days!! 2 years in here, 40yrs old, and wish I’d done it sooner as it’s literally life changing!! You’re so right, you’ve got to do it when the time works for you so it sticks 🙌
I think I'm 8 years now. Never really kept track but it was the best thing I have done for myself and my family. Mental clarity is probably this biggest thing I've noticed and is so great to experience.
@@perjacobsen8445 yeah, its actually equal to winning a million dollars considering a million dollars would be lost considering the amount of productive time lost, the money wasted on alcohol itself, the number of jobs lost , the number of friends lost, the broken relationships, the money spent on various diseases caused by alcohol ranging from hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver transplantation, treatment of various cancers. So, yes, if you sum it up, alcohol costs you more than a million dollars, in other words quitting alcohol is more than winning just a lottery. I think you were just kidding; still 🙂
As a fellow coach, i love this video. Not only for the content, but also the way you edit everything. Its long with 16 min, but does not feel like it. Well done!
6 months without drinking now. Great benefits, but can relate to some of the difficulties. The pain is raw; the edges are there. My friends are really supportive, but there's still a little sense of loneliness from not being involved in the drinking with everyone. I have to leave early, etc. I'm known as the "girl who doesn't drink now" lol. But one benefit is that I've definitely improved my charisma when I'm not drinking... It's more of a practice and "muscle" to build, but now I'm getting better at social skills without the drinking aid. So... Kinda a super power!
Exactly! I don't drink and the social aspect takes work but the reward when you find you can handle the social without drinking when everyone is drinking is amazing.
I gave up smoking marijuana 1st august. Seeing this video has inspired me to now give up alcohol on the 1st November. Looking forward to the results 💯💯
Congrats on 1000 days man! Ive been a musician my entire life, my drinking evolved into drug use, and then became my normal.....it was not normal. I got sober in 2020, and have not looked back. It's taken meetings, help, a program, and a deep dive into myself that includes a much more spiritual existence. When I looked back at my life, I realized how much addiction had shaped my life and my choices. "Choices" I say, but it was making my decisions for me. Sobriety has enabled me to tackle issues in therapy that have changed my life. I quit bands and divorced the music scene for two years, and have come back to it with a new love devoid of all of the validation BS, and performance anxiety that I had before. To be honest, it's not just being sober, it's actively recovering from addiction. For me, its like fitness...I have to absolutely be active in my recovery to keep my sobriety. Which sounds possibly arduous, but honestly it's not. The friends I have, the relationships I have, and the life (far from perfect) Im living is far superior. One day at a time, I will never go back.
Curious, why quit bands? Why not keep the sobriety while pursuing the music? Or did you feel you’d lose people who you assumed were close to you? I’m currently in a band and they’re far from always sober, but I have to be, at least now anyways. For whatever reason.
@@GabrielXDrums I just had to walk away for awhile man. Im currently playing in two bands, and Im the only sober one. I just had to establish some things in my sobriety before I could dive back in.
Great video! I quit 10 months ago, for health reasons. I'm about to turn 60 and I just figured it was time to cut way back. My goal at the beginning was to just stop drinking during the week, but I found I didn't miss it much, and found it easy to not drink on the weekends, either. And you're right about the time coming back into my life...I found myself with a lot of extra time and an increase in my energy...so I started taking care of a lot of chores around the house I had been putting off because I was either preparing for a weekend of partying or too tired/unmotivated to do it. Over the last several months I have cleaned, sanded, and stained my decks and gotten the house itself prepped for a new coat of paint (which I will do myself as soon as spring temp arrive). Saving a ton of money I used to spend on booze and bar food...and increasing the value of my property at the same time. Win/win ... and BONUS, I am working myself into much better shape in the process. Not going back to the old ways 👍
A nifty tip for new sober curious people: instead of pouring out my last bottle of vodka and tequila, I made cleaning products with them. Add florals and essential oils to the bottle, even fruit peels and add it to soapy water to clean your whole house! It’s a literal and figurative way to clean up your life!
Thanks Clark, this really hit home for me! I went 8 years sober in my 30s and now I'm 61 and drinking 4+ days a week. I don't recover like when I was younger, so considering going sober again for good. I have been using it as a reward for busy, hectic days. I really relate to the escaping and losing the next day part. Thanks again!
I needed to hear this today. I’ve been coping with what started as a stressful situation, which has now kind of resolved itself, but I’m still drinking every night. I started physically feeling “off”. Not sleeping that great, gaining weight, stomach acting weird, etc. I woke up in the middle of the night recently to a headache and dehydrated. I told myself, “You know this can’t be good for your brain”. I have a friend from church with dementia and it’s getting really bad. I don’t know what part alcohol may play in this but I’m not willing to chance it. Today I can’t say I’ll never drink again but I can say I’m backing way off. I’d like to add that I think this was the best video I’ve heard on this subject and I really appreciate your honesty and willingness to share it.
1000+ days here. From booze to positive boost in my life. There will be highs and lows but that’s just the way life is, isn’t it? Enjoy the new journey !
This was the most relatable alcohol-free story I’ve seen. To know that you still miss the two drink feeling is strangely comforting. I’m 11 days in to my journey and the social effects are a huge factor for my drinking. So I needed this. Thanks.
Wow. I'm on day 5 sober, contemplating doing it forever. I never drank as much as you mentioned, but I definitely looked for excuses to drink multiple times per week. "If you didn't have a rock bottom moment, it means you got lucky" hit me SO HARD. Damn.
You are amazing!! the first few days are the hardest but it is so worth it and I know you can do it!! I am rooting for you!! I have went sober for 3 months in the past and I am struggling again but I am hoping to get sober once more
5 days is tremendous. 5 days of poison not sitting in your heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, brain, blood, etc. Plus you're feeling better about yourself, finding peace in your heart, and im sure other around you are returning the same positive energy. ❤️❤️. Keep going..soon it won't even be a thought anymore
Do it. Go for forever! You're gifting your life with health, energy, vitality and an ability to ride through life's little bumps without feeling you need to anaesthetise yourself, or feel you need to drink to have fun. (If alcohol had the power to create "fun", alcoholics drinking alone would be the happiest people on earth! (I read that somewhere - it stuck with me.) I'm 9 days sober, and feeling so much better. I'm never going back to that life! And if I lose a few boozy friends, and it was only alcohol that connected us, I"m probably better off without them. Good luck! :)
Currently 244 days sober!! Best decision I've ever made. Feel like I wasted most of my 30s ( well , I KNOW I wasted most of my 30s ) to alcohol and drugs! Started working on myself , in the best shape of my life , making good money , I should have done it ten years ago!!
Wow, you hit on all the main important points. Liked/subbed. The concept of oscillation & tolerance as well as all the other stuff was really impactful. I could listen to this several times.
Congrats on 1000 days!!! I share a similar experience, only for about 120 days. One thing, though, man, you've left outside your story. You are still counting the days.
Ive always been a causual drinker but felt like i needed it to have fun when getting together with friends. But it actually made me feel anxious and was harmful! After seeing a mamaswole youtuber video 2 years ago, i was inspired to quit! It will be 2 years at dec 30th and has been the best change ive ever made! You dont need to hit rock bottom to make a change!!
being sober, straight edge, completely drug free is actually so insanely beneficial to almost every aspect of life. you take so much drugs to silence your thoughts but actually not taking any type of drug for a prolongued amount of time makes your thoughts go silent, it is some weird magic. I mean it's a spectrum, you don't have to always aim for the extremes, but if you don't need to drink or avoid drinking alcohol or consuming any drug for 6 out of 7 days a week, that is what I would recommend as the default action for anyone trying to get a grip on their consumption. decrease frequency, decrease volume, then eventually you can just completely jump off and after 3 or 6 weeks you will eventually feel amazing, Clark is not lying here!
I think that last part is super important. You have to remember that you are not "losing" something when you give up your addiction, whatever it may be.. You have to view it as leaving the thing behind that's causing you to miss out on so many aspects of your life. There is so much to gain!
Good points bro. I'm at 1 year from booze and also moved past weed and ciggies in that year. Cant say life's all rainbows but I know that my brain will need time to heal and as i make better choices it will have that chance.
Saw the Obituary hat and inmediately subbed. 4 days from 1 year off the sauce. Fellow musician as well, a lot of drinking in my 20s when we were playing shows regularly.
30 years old. Quit just over 5 years ago on 11/18/19. Right before Covid. Thank you for the video, love what you said about alcohol allowing tolerance. Held me back all my 20’s❤️
I didn’t have a rock bottom either. Just the realization of where I was headed. I can relate to everything you said. I’m 74 days sober and feeling so good. I see myself at your 1,000 days.😁
I've never heard it described so perfectly. You absolutely nailed it. I was sober for about 2 months until my GF was forced to move away. It broke me and I fell down the rabbit hole again but the day after thanksgiving I put it down and its going to stay down
A lot of the benefits you mention aren’t necessarily always accurate for alcoholics and people who have drank many many years. Often times your sleep gets worse after you quit. Eventually it will get better but many people actually report insomnia when quitting. Also the mental clarity part. A lot of people will actually experience more mental fog for months after quitting while their body is trying to heal. Most people who drink a lot actually feel like crap for a long time after getting sober but it does get better with time. I just wanted to share this for anyone feeling discouraged that they didn’t feel great right after getting sober. Hang in there!
I am at 931 days and this video was great at realizing things that I forget about now. such a good feeling to be sober. thanks for sharing your story !
My drinking effect my progress in the gym day 175 and noticed last 1-2 months my performance in the gym has changed and better then ever. I’m progressing faster and better.
24 years sober so far! Haven't had alcohol once in my life and I don't think that I ever will. It just seems to have a lot of downsides, and quitting is a lot harder than never starting
I recently went keto-carnivore due to autoimmune issues, and subsequently was forced to reevaluate my daily drinking habit. I realized I'd rather feel great without alcohol than like crap and use it to mask my pain. Thank you for sharing these motivational insights!
Man, you are just crushing it with your video ! I decicded to quit all type of drugs for more than two years now, and have watched plenty of video about the topic, but i can tell your video is best i have ever whatched about quiting alcool :) I realy identified myself to all of your iceberg levels ! Hehe Thank you
5 years, 13 days. I agreed with every part of the iceberg, so to those drinkers who are sober curious, this video is spot on. Especially the last bit about what you stand to gain by going sober as opposed to what you are giving up. Well done!
Another awesome video Clark 👏 I stopped drinking almost 2 years ago and to be honest I was only going to do it for 30 days but I just kept going with it and I genuinely feel now like there's a part of myself that got to finally grow up and it would never have been possible if I kept drinking....and I had no idea 💡 lol
Outstanding piece. All rings true after 60+ years of ups and downs. I won't list them all, but I've found many other things get better as well once you take the jump. Doesn't happen overnight but hang in there.
drink every Friday, Saturday and Sunday just pounding them down. Did that for about eight years go to work and feel like crap Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday all day Friday I was anticipating like you said the drink and was happy about it until I started noticing the side effects over the last three months of borderline psychosis trying to creep in I said that’s enough that was a month ago. I’m never going back after a week and a half my brain fog went away. Body started feeling a lot better started to lose a weight started exercising taking better care of myself
A lot of people are stopping because the price of alcohol has gone up recently to where it is not worth it for many people. This video has a lot of gems in it. "Two pint buzz" - understood. Good one!
That two pint buzz is usually where I go "Hey! I'm having a good time! Lets have a third!" Then we're off to the races and the finish line is around seven pints. Personally, I find it far easier to just not start than to try and moderate. It's like popping open a bag of potato chips to have just one. Good luck with that!😂
@@colinrussell2017 Exactly the same here Colin. If you have ever been a binge drinker, moderation is very hard to sustain. For those who have always been light drinkers, it's doable.
Spot on, every level! ❤ Okay, this time around I'm only on day 64, but I'm a repeater anyway, so I know it's true! I started a personal vlog, very much like why you said you're doing this clip, YOUR experience, and I'm the same, I'm doing it just as a reminder for ME to look back on. Your bit on respect is deeper for me, I realise drink leaves people without any respect, both towards others and themselves.... I haven't exactly experienced others respecting me more without drink, but at least I've my self respect back! ❤ And the boredom, or realizing how much time you do have! Boredom very quickly turns into inspiration, motivation, or as you said, drive to just do something, even cleaning! ❤ No, spot on, this clip, thank you ❤
Your story almost identical to mine the timeline, the progression, the impact. I never had that traumatic event but it was taking over my life. 3 years later I'm so happy
I've spent my life avoiding alcohol. I find it interesting how people initially love it, then get older and celebrate leaving it behind forever I'd like to discuss coming out of our shell and connecting with people without the use of alcohol. It always seemed like a crutch from the outside looking in
it's a carb craving that got twisted if you make sure to consume about 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep, you can crush the cravings. If I am wrong, you're not in danger consuming 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep
Thank you so much for this video. I am sober over a year now, after having a serious drinking problem. I just turned 30. I'd had many attempts to quit drinking and finally I managed to. For most of the time i didn't think I had a problem, "this is normal, I'm in my twenties, It's normal to drink a lot, how such a young person can have a problem" I had a good paying job, but I started to slip and drink more and more. My therapist described it as a high functioning alcoholism. I think there may be a lot HFA out there living in denial. many young people. If I discovered this video earlier maybe it would be easier for me. I think it's important to spread this information that it is OK not to drink, to refuse alcohol at a party etc. I think the hardest part was admitting to myself that I had a problem, then it was "just" a case of solving that problem, but as I mentioned it took me around a year of trying. It turned out I was(still am) suffering from long episodes of depression and anxiety (psychiatrist and antidepressants helped), that was my trigger, a deeper reason to escape to alcohol, which, in the long run, made it much worse. Now, staying sober, I am able to do my hobbies, and things I could only dream about while drinking. Anyway, stay strong, one way or another it is possible to quit.
717 days here. Love the fact that you didn't have to find a bottom to make the decision to change your life. Seriously, that's something to be proud of. Quite an accomplishment. I didn't get sober until the DUI's started piling up. In Louisiana a 4th offense comes with a 10 year prison sentence. After my 3rd charge I became convinced that I was out of control and finally got sober. Life is now exponentially better in every way.
Back with an update! We’ve officially crossed the 1k day mark. If you’re reading this, don’t forget to SMASH that like button! Giving up alcohol was one of the best decisions I ever made, but it didn’t come without some unexpected consequences. In this video, I’m walking you through the good, the bad, and the ugly of being sober for over a thousand days. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect if you decide to give it a shot too! Answer these 11 questions to change your life now: www.clarkkegley.com/free-questions (free for yt subs)
Thank you so much Clark for spreading the word about alcohol & for inspiring people to quit. I hope the entire world quits! Then Earth would have a true awakening. No one is "woke" if they're drinking alcohol.
🙏🏼🤟🏼💓 Keep on rockin! I want to give you a big hug & pat on the back for your sobriety! 🏆🥇🌟
I haven't had a drop since 2019 & I have never felt better! I feel like a veil was removed from my eyes. I have a clear view now! 🕵🏼♀️🧿
From the perspective of an entrepreneur and the part about escaping really hit home with me. And so much more great info as always with your videos!
I think your video will change my life :) thanks man
I resonated with this video so much. I have been preaching for a while not to everyone around me that getting sober is the best decision I have ever made. Every reason and how well you explained it in this video, so well spoken and I wish I could force people to by themselves watch this at least once. Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone on this journey of complete sobriety
987 days here, and at 42 my life has been transformed. Best shape of my life, clear head. Tons of new interests and hobbies. Flying airplanes again, riding motorcycles. Marriage could not be salvaged, but I am the best father to my little girl that I could have imagined becoming.. Growing professionally. I do not recognize the man I was four years ago. Still having trouble forgiving myself for some of my mistakes, which I initially attributed to alcohol. Now with a clear head I am able to reflect back on past lives and see where alcohol was a symptom of something deeper.
With time we heal. To anybody else on this journey, stick with it, folks. It will transform your lives.
Congratulations 🎉
I'm also 42 and this poison has been desrtroying my life since i was 15. Always in trouble with everything and everyone , it' sjust a matter of a first sip to go insane and then blackout! Hangovers were using to last the entire week!I hope last week was my last time, no more bottled or canned demons in my life!
@Mrbeest_1st brother, find your why and it will stick. I made a terrible decision and hurt somebody dear to me, and everything imploded.. I still kept going for a good 8 months afterwards. One evening, I was nursing a gnarly hangover when my daughter climbed on my swollen booze gut and just looked at me. And she had these big, sad eyes. She was 19 months old. And I looked at her and basically just died inside a little, because I was such a piss poor excuse for a father. I made a promise to her right there that I would put that poison down once and for all. That was January 30th, 2022. And it's wild, because I knew I had a problem for a while now, but was in total denial. Multiple failed attempts at moderating.. When that little baby girl looked at me, that was all it took.. she was my why. Find your why, brother
What's done is done. You live and you learn. Forgive your elf and keep pushing to become EVEN more unrecognizable. If you have come this far in 987 days imagine where you can be in 987 more. Good luck.
90 days in. I’m hoping the next 90 gets better.
"Drinking didn't make me more social it prevented me from creating a social life with people I loved." Wow, great point
this would not work in austria. everyone drinks here
过出让着啦？
Wife and I approaching 13 years without a drop. Best decision we ever made.
读IE让我桑Vodkai热闹？
Today will be my first day of attempting to quit. I got this!
Hoping it’s your second week, I myself couldn’t go cold turkey but I have cut back drastically on drinking and sit back and drink 1-2 seltzers after a long day at work. I know it’s not a solution. But it’s a start. God Bless
I recommend reading or listening to Allen Carr’s “Easy Way to Control Alcohol”. It will change your life.
Hell yes brother.
You got this !!!
Hey, keep it up! Even if you havent managed completely yet. Keep trying.
Every drink is borrowed happiness from tomorrow! We drink to escape reality but then reality comes back 4 times harder the next day!
True!
Love this❤
That, plus you feel the damage that was done to all the cells in your body (hangover) and can take days to get back to homeostasis. Not worth it.
But like a house sometimes you need a mortgage in life.
Very, very true
16 days today. It's been a real struggle, the cravings are still there and the mind hasn't figured it out yet but I can't go back so I keep going. Love hearing other people's stories they really help so thanks for sharing
If you don't mind me making a recommendation, what worked so well for me was listening to the audiobook This Naked Mind. 7 hours long but it claims to basically reprogram your brain when it comes to alcohol and it worked so well for me!! If you love hearing people's stories, this may be a great thing to listen to for you, as it is the authors story plus sooo much more. Congratulations on 16 days, and all my best wishes for your journey.
@samanthamitchell4115 thank you I will give it a try.
Hopefully you are still on the path 🙏🏽 I was the “middle lane” drinker and now at day 110 and I’ll tell you… hang tight and after week 3-5 you won’t have the cravings as bad as
Stay strong, I believe in you
Three years now. My interest in drinking alcohol ist completely gone. What helped me to overcome the cravings was using some activities as a replacement. Going for a walk, a workout, a turn with the bicycle or motorbike, chit chat with someone. And I quit caffeine too, because it inhibits natural relaxation. And I kept reminding myself of the reason why I quit: I no longer treat my body like a trash can.
I quit alcohol in April 2021. Never been back to the drink. I don't miss it at all. I don't crave the feeling of it either. Alcohol is a fake experience with connecting to others honestly. My body has shifted into a vibration I never knew was possible. My exercise results are better now in my 50's than in my drinking 30's. My emotional and mental clarity is off the charts, too, by now. HIGHLY recommend to quit a habit that will slowly erode you away. The choices you make are way more responsible, too.
To alter your state of being with something like alcohol is actually a subtle way of self bullying 💛🌟💫
5 years sober here - life begins after you stop drinking alcohol - reminder Alcohol has zero medical benefits and is a direct cause of at least 7 types of cancer
Sheesh! What are the 7?
Here are the top 7
1. Mouth and Throat Cancer: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the tissues in the mouth and throat, increasing the risk of cancer.
2.Esophageal Cancer: Alcohol, especially when combined with smoking, is a significant risk factor for esophageal cancer.
3.Liver Cancer: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, including cirrhosis, which can increase the risk of liver cancer.
4.Colon and Rectal Cancer: While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
5.Breast Cancer: Even moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in women.
6.Pancreatic Cancer: Some studies suggest that heavy alcohol use may contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer.
7.Larynx Cancer: The voice box, or larynx, is another area that can be damaged by excessive alcohol consumption, increasing the risk of cancer.
@@StayLA Whewww!!!
Props to you man. Fighting the craves and wanting that head change is what's challenging to me. Barely 6 days sober lol.
That’s one way I always thought it as well” zero health benefits to consume”,,, only negative side effects,,, For that little bit of buzz you get ,,In the end (when it wears off),There’s a huge list of things that cause us trouble it’s just not worth it.😊
25 years old, just got over 3 months sober, I decided to stop because I hated hangovers and I also realized that almost all bad choices I’ve made in my 20s so far involved excessive drinking. I didn’t drink super frequently (1-2 times per week) but when I did I would drink quite a bit. I’ve noticed that I am so much more clear headed, and my weekends start at 7 am opposed to 1pm. Thank you to everyone for sharing your stories in these comments you guys are some warriors! Keep it up!!!
Sean - good for you! I'm going to give you a little "old man advice" (I'm 59) that you can take or leave...but I hope you take it. Do a quick estimation of what the amount of money you were previously spending each month on alcohol...and include the bar food, etc you bought for yourself (and drinks/food for a girlfriend or dates, etc). You will likely be surprised at the amount of money that directly related to alcohol (I sure was...it was around $300/month). Whatever your amount is...whether its $40 or $400...start putting that amount into savings or a 401k or IRA each month. You are used to not living on that money anyway...and starting this at your age and doing JUST THAT would guarantee you a millionaire retirement. I shit you not 👍 Cheers to your journey 😬
@ I agree! I’m now a bit over 5 months sober and your investment advice is spot on! I have been actively investing for a year and a half or so now and have found that I have more money to invest these days! Great advice thanks for reaching out!!
Keep going. It’s worth it. Try fasting too
Shortly after I turned 40, I made the conscious decision to focus on detoxification and the first thing I let go was alcohol. I have been free from alcohol for 5.5 years (over 2,000 days). It was one of the BEST decisions I have ever made for myself. Sober and free is how I choose to BE ❤
Amazing job ❤
same here. id been a social drinker. i dont demonize alcohol. i just stopped drinking because my friends went away. i drank a lot and im a woman. its in my genes being my father's side were alcoholics. i started drinking in my early 20s.
its been 6years now and when i try to drink hard liquor, i dont get drunk. theres no fun. i no longer remember the experience of being drunk
Congratulations! 720 days sober here. Very stoked to be sober!
I'm on day 4.
@Chebab-Chebab Great job! One day or minute at a time! Get's easier as you go.
I found that controlling my environment: people, places and things I allow around me is a big deal in staying away from temptations.
Always go to Mark Twain's saying: It is easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of it.
@@derekhath380 Sunday, 29th December was my last beer. First alcohol free NYE in decades. Lost 2.5kg since then.
"Discomfort is where all your lessons are" another banger
Congratulations Clark!❤
Today I have 601 days, after 50 years of drinking & drugging!
Today I'm blessed!🙏
Today, I share my blessings with anyone & everyone that wants to start their own journey in recovery!
💪😎👉1❤
I stopped about seven years ago. All the good things happened, but the social part was and continues to be challenging. a.) frequently drinkers don't like to hang out with people not drinking, and b.) it becomes difficult for me to hang after everyone is on their third round - the conversation suffers. Overall it's been a vastly net-positive path. Highlighting that not drinking is a possibility, an alternative, is a terrific service. Thank you for the video Clark.
My close friends stayed around, however, I stopped wanting to be around them.
@@nktaylo1 understandable
Who wants to hang out with drunks any way? Drunks are only good company to other drunks
Conversation was always bad, you were just too drunk to notice.
Recommend finding new friends who also don't drink, or convincing current friends to stop.
I don't get as many calls from my drinking buddies but I'm gaining my family back & that's what really matters.
There are a couple of things I'm truly proud of in life. Giving up alcohol 6 years ago is one of them.
Hi sexy xx I luv u for ever and dvd and e ed and suck on your. Hand❤xx when are you back from your fishing trip I can't wait to tickle you ❤
3 weeks sober. I decided I didn't want to die early. I wasn't sleeping well, waking up to sweats and pounding heart. I knew I had to change and luckily so far I'm done with it. I have a much better attitude, energy, sleep. Just decide it's time, don't make excuses.
Wanting to live is a pretty damn good reason. Keep at it. You got this!
it's a carb craving that got twisted
if you make sure to consume about 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep, you can crush the cravings.
If I am wrong, you're not in danger consuming 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep
Wow this guy nails it. This was the best info/guidance I think I’ve ever heard regarding sobriety. A lot of strong points especially in his opening and closing segments.
Sobriety is gaining something rather than losing was an excellent closer! I'm actually surprised I've never heard someone say it like that.
1003 days for me, also totally weird that this popped up in my youtube feed. Congrats on the 1k! Being alcohol free has completely and totally changed my life for the better. To anyone still struggling, I want you to know there is hope. If I can do it, you can too.
This video and the comments are making me more determined than ever before to be free of alcohol, i start drinking in the evening (wine) helps me to sleep, i wake at 4am feeling ghastly, fed up of being a 'slave' to it...well done to everyone for your bravery ❤
I have your drinking pattern. I recently put on a Dexcom G7 glucose monitor to check out different foods and how it affects my blood sugar and sleep. I found out just with two glasses of wine, I had small, but too much glucose spikes throughout the night. I tried it again during the week without drinking and had the best sleep ever with zero alcohol. Think I am going to limit myself to two drinks Friday night two drinks Saturday night for now and work my way to having a glass or two on very special occasions. I found that my desire to have the wine goes from about 4 PM until 9 PM at bedtime. I started eating my dinner earlier then occupying my “drinking time“ by going to the gym and just walking on the treadmill. Best of luck.
5 days away from being 4 months sober and I can honestly say life is better and I don't have any urge to want to start drinking again.
I just hit 3 years ... I concur with everything that Clark said! Put down the drink and get your life back!
Stopping a lot of my bad habits such as alcohol, fizzing drinks, sweets, weed, cigarettes, and fast food has given me such freedom and allowed me to achieve unimaginable success and I'm so grateful that I took the steps to stop. Stay Uncommon!
Three years sober! Helps with anxiety and depression
Mix in some workouts and you're really in business.
Almost 6 years for me in March....
Peace of mind is the most beautiful blessing 😌
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Clark! Love this: authentic delivery, great content, and this resonates with me... I'm only 9 days into my own freedom from alcohol journey. My reasons for ditching alcohol weren't due to any "rock bottom", more of a health/wellbeing decision, recognising all that I gain from being free from drinking poison... I'm feeling better than I can remember: sleeping better, more mentally alert/active (had terrible brain fog while drinking), and even feeling my relationships with others are far better, like I'm actually giving people more eye contact, presence... It's nice to know my mind and body are now able to heal after, some less than ideal treatment over the last several years. And I love your advice around accepting discomfort. This absolutely nails for me why I continued to drink, despite there being no net benefit: a very low tolerance to work stress, triggered at about 6.00pm when I justified the "need" to drink to "unwind". (There's nothing relaxing about the horrors of the next morning, as we all know!) We live in a society where quick fixes are all the go, but realising alcohol fixes absolutely nothing, is empowering. Thanks again! Fantastic advice - and all really positively delivered. :)
Keep going !! I'm Day 10 today.
Simply got fed-up with the BS associated with using booze as a coping mechanism !
Oh boy, sleeping like a babe & my appetite is thru the roof..
*I'm tall/skinny.. refuelling w healthy food instead of poisoning my lil system.🤢
Feel so amazing I plan on staying off for a year.
Even then, why return to it?🙏
So glad I came across this! You're story, prior to you quitting, is my story to a tee. This is incredibly reassuring and motivating! I'm only a couple of weeks into this sober journey but I will play this video any time I feel I'm losing my resolve. Thank you for the gift!
In Aug 2019, I quit for 26 months, I decided I was done the experiment because I was going on vacation to Hawaii. Since then I've been in control of my drinking up until the last couple months where I've noticed it start creeping back up again. This video has definitely reminded me of how good I felt sober. Going to start a new challenge today! Thanks Clark😊
Hey guys. 25 years old, I lost my dad due to him drinking himself to death, I have always struggled with alcohol and giving it up, appreciate the sober community. im 7 days lol
Hey Charlie, sorry about your dad. I lost my mum and step-dad to drinking a few years ago. Congrats on 7 days! I'm on 9 days, so right there in the same zone! I'm 46, and I've known I've had a drinking problem (binge drinking/unsafe levels) for probably ten years or more... Honestly, I wish I'd known all I know now about how harmful alcohol is. Had I known, I wouldn't have continued to entertain the idea of "moderation" or "just drinking socially"... it's all just a fallacy, and like Clark mentioned in his video, I just kept watching my drinking increase as time wore on. And, because it messes with mental health over time, I found my goals slipping away, feeling impossible, out of reach... Since stopping drinking, I've been feeling great, much happier, and my goals are back in reach. So my realisation over time is that the best time to quit for good is right now. Keep going! Don't let your brain try to tell you that you've done well and "deserve" a drink, or let yourself romanticise that drink over Christmas or holidays... You're always better off without booze to drag you down. We can always think of our parents - it's a painful but useful reminder - and know that alcohol is not our friend. Wishing you all the best. :)
@ really appreciate this response, my friend. People like yourself and myself that pull other people up to become better versions of themselves. God bless you brother
@@charlieteirney4252 My pleasure, brother! Wishing all the very best. Life is so much better when we’re living free. :)
Same here man, my dad drank himself to death at only 45 years old. You would think that I would learn from this and stay away from alcohol but no… I became an alcoholic as well and I’m finally trying to quit drinking for good. I’m in day 6.
Great work! Keep going!! Perhaps consider reading the book: Dopamine nation, this can help with understanding and awareness of the nature of addiction. Also, consider upping the physical fitness aspect ie the gym....natural dopamine boosting activities. Im 12 years sober, you are not alone.
I quit October 1st last year, my life has improved in every area. I quit cigarettes 9 months ago, identity shifting is amazing. I'll never go back...
Yes! Congrats! Oct.1st this year for me
@Primordial_one fantastic! Before you know it, you'll have years under your belt. Being able to say "I don't drink" or "I don't smoke" comes naturally and when I say it out loud. I know it's true and that it always will be. Keep it up, and if you need any additional support I highly recommend listening to Andrew Huberman's podcast about what alcohol does to your body and a you tuber named Sober Leon, he uses his first principal approach which allows you to see alcohol for what it truly is and the social influence and how to deal with people that try to pull you back in. I actually still hang out with all of my friends that drink, but everyone knows that this is a permanent choice for me and no one ever even tries to sway me. I do shots of pickle juice whenever they want to include me in a "cheers". These are friendships that I've had for over 30 years so I wasn't willing to part ways, nor were any of my friends, I appreciate their respect, I wish everybody had this type of support, I am grateful as I know this is rare.
Identity shifting.. I like that… that’s a very cool outlook/reality shift. Unlocking potential
Im at 61 days! and hopefully for the rest of my life. You are my inspiration!
Have you listened to Andrew Hubermans podcast on alcohol? Highly recommend.
❤😊
601 Days, you can do it!
I believe in YOU!
Many Blessings 1❤🙏
Muslim person: I never drank alcohol at any point in my life, God is my inspiration.
That’s awesome! Same here, since August 5 so a little over 2 months. I get grossed out thinking about drinking. My body is definitely rejecting the idea of drinking again.
I pulled 1,080 days without alcohol. It was one of the best things in my life. I definitely felt myself mature and grow in ways that never would have happened if I had continued.
Next Feb I'm 23 years in. I love being sober!
Three years sober in February next year. Best decision I’ve ever made. Just wish I’d done it sooner.
Don't confuse yourself with regret. You were not really ready then for you to actually do the quit. 😊
Me too! Feb 8
That’s beautiful I truly hope I can put the cup or bottle down myself , thank you for sharing 🙏
@ maybe you should ask for help? AA? It’s not easy to do and sometimes it’s nice to have some support. Good luck to you 🙏🏼
A late start is better than no start, Blessings and congratulations 🎊
So true in that you have to think of quitting alcohol as gaining and not losing. Thanks for the great video Clark!
Sober for five years here! I stopped at first for about two months and thought it didn't make a big difference. Then I had two glasses of wine at a wedding. The next day I really felt that it does in fact impact me, my head feeling mushy, lack of focus. And I decided I would never go back to this. Congrats on your success!
Thanks! Totally needed this!
Watching this hangover af !! I have to do this man . I have to put my life together .
What he's saying here are things that I've experienced also after being sober. I continue to discover new benefits that are unique to my own life.
I read once that the rate of emotional growth slows or sometimes stops completely once a person begins a substance abuse. It only regains its original momentum after the abuse is halted. I think I'm realizing more and more how true that is.
Hangovers are the worst. Used to be 3 hrs of discomfort. Now it's paralyzing for 3 days.
it's a carb craving that got twisted
if you make sure to consume about 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep, you can crush the cravings.
If I am wrong, you're not in danger consuming 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep
I quit December 3rd 2022 so I’m at day 746 as of time of writing. I quit because I decided to take my health more seriously. I’m getting older, I’m 45, and I’ve always been a cardio and gym kinda guy but it always felt like starting over at the gym after a night of drinking. But now it doesn’t feel that way.
I too also noticed the sleep quality goes thru the roof which is a huge motivator for me to stay sober. I notice the mental clarity too and I read a lot now, at least one book a month sometimes more.
I get a lot more done but do get bored quite a bit but always find something to do. I definitely have more drive to accomplish things that’s for sure.
Sober life is good, hoping I reversed some damage to liver after 30 years of drinking. Didn’t have any actual diagnosed liver problem or anything just assuming all the years of drinking may have takin a toll. But I read our livers are very resilient and will repair itself so hopefully that’s the case. I’ve been taking a lot of liver supplements too like milk thistle. Anyway thanks for the video I’m catching up to ya, trying to get to 1000 days too.
I'm 21 days sober and in the past wen I "stopped" drinking, I never really understood why ppl count the days but I think I kinda understand now. I just want to be ok and it's a day by day process. I really enjoy being sober and also the 16 pound weight lose in just 3 weeks. I know I must have a focus...a purpose...a goal or I'll fall back on stupid useless drinking. I now have signed up to the gym and up at 3:30am to get ready and at the gym by 5am. I feel busy for me is key.. purpose driven.
five years sober our mind calms down and we can be freeee best place to be ever❤
Hey Clark, I just want thank you! - you were kind of mentor for me for the past 8 years - most of the 130+ self development audiobooks I listened were your recommendations. No alcohol challenge was also your inspiration -I am on 55 day now and it is exacly what you were saying in your video podcast. Thanks again and best of luck!
Well done on 1000 days!!
2 years in here, 40yrs old, and wish I’d done it sooner as it’s literally life changing!!
You’re so right, you’ve got to do it when the time works for you so it sticks 🙌
I think I'm 8 years now. Never really kept track but it was the best thing I have done for myself and my family. Mental clarity is probably this biggest thing I've noticed and is so great to experience.
Quitting alcohol feels like winning the lottery. Prove me wrong.
You got a million dollars because of it?
I so agree, but it took actually quitting 5 months ago to understand what you said.
@@perjacobsen8445 metaphorically speaking.....
Shut up pussyboy
@@perjacobsen8445 yeah, its actually equal to winning a million dollars considering a million dollars would be lost considering the amount of productive time lost, the money wasted on alcohol itself, the number of jobs lost , the number of friends lost, the broken relationships, the money spent on various diseases caused by alcohol ranging from hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver transplantation, treatment of various cancers. So, yes, if you sum it up, alcohol costs you more than a million dollars, in other words quitting alcohol is more than winning just a lottery. I think you were just kidding; still 🙂
As a fellow coach, i love this video. Not only for the content, but also the way you edit everything. Its long with 16 min, but does not feel like it. Well done!
6 months without drinking now. Great benefits, but can relate to some of the difficulties. The pain is raw; the edges are there. My friends are really supportive, but there's still a little sense of loneliness from not being involved in the drinking with everyone. I have to leave early, etc. I'm known as the "girl who doesn't drink now" lol. But one benefit is that I've definitely improved my charisma when I'm not drinking... It's more of a practice and "muscle" to build, but now I'm getting better at social skills without the drinking aid. So... Kinda a super power!
Exactly! I don't drink and the social aspect takes work but the reward when you find you can handle the social without drinking when everyone is drinking is amazing.
I'm a little longer than you sober and very similar tthings going on
@@benjo3459 Glad I'm not the only one!
I gave up smoking marijuana 1st august. Seeing this video has inspired me to now give up alcohol on the 1st November. Looking forward to the results 💯💯
Wishing you luck! I quit alcohol & weed will be next✌️🤙
Don't do it. If God intended you not to smoke he would not have put that beast of a plant on this earth! Amen!
@@HuseyinAtaiEsengolamen brother
@@HuseyinAtaiEsengolagree
Congrats on 1000 days man! Ive been a musician my entire life, my drinking evolved into drug use, and then became my normal.....it was not normal. I got sober in 2020, and have not looked back. It's taken meetings, help, a program, and a deep dive into myself that includes a much more spiritual existence. When I looked back at my life, I realized how much addiction had shaped my life and my choices. "Choices" I say, but it was making my decisions for me. Sobriety has enabled me to tackle issues in therapy that have changed my life. I quit bands and divorced the music scene for two years, and have come back to it with a new love devoid of all of the validation BS, and performance anxiety that I had before. To be honest, it's not just being sober, it's actively recovering from addiction. For me, its like fitness...I have to absolutely be active in my recovery to keep my sobriety. Which sounds possibly arduous, but honestly it's not. The friends I have, the relationships I have, and the life (far from perfect) Im living is far superior. One day at a time, I will never go back.
Great story! Well done, man!
SAME! Amazing🎉 i feel you . I have to stay on top of my sobriety too. But it's worth it. I tell myself : no sobriety = no life
Curious, why quit bands? Why not keep the sobriety while pursuing the music? Or did you feel you’d lose people who you assumed were close to you?
I’m currently in a band and they’re far from always sober, but I have to be, at least now anyways. For whatever reason.
@@GabrielXDrums I just had to walk away for awhile man. Im currently playing in two bands, and Im the only sober one. I just had to establish some things in my sobriety before I could dive back in.
Great video! I quit 10 months ago, for health reasons. I'm about to turn 60 and I just figured it was time to cut way back. My goal at the beginning was to just stop drinking during the week, but I found I didn't miss it much, and found it easy to not drink on the weekends, either. And you're right about the time coming back into my life...I found myself with a lot of extra time and an increase in my energy...so I started taking care of a lot of chores around the house I had been putting off because I was either preparing for a weekend of partying or too tired/unmotivated to do it. Over the last several months I have cleaned, sanded, and stained my decks and gotten the house itself prepped for a new coat of paint (which I will do myself as soon as spring temp arrive). Saving a ton of money I used to spend on booze and bar food...and increasing the value of my property at the same time. Win/win ... and BONUS, I am working myself into much better shape in the process. Not going back to the old ways 👍
A nifty tip for new sober curious people: instead of pouring out my last bottle of vodka and tequila, I made cleaning products with them. Add florals and essential oils to the bottle, even fruit peels and add it to soapy water to clean your whole house! It’s a literal and figurative way to clean up your life!
Thank you,for the awesome tip. 💫🤗
Thanks Clark, this really hit home for me! I went 8 years sober in my 30s and now I'm 61 and drinking 4+ days a week. I don't recover like when I was younger, so considering going sober again for good. I have been using it as a reward for busy, hectic days. I really relate to the escaping and losing the next day part. Thanks again!
Great video, I've been in recovery since 2010 life is so much better sober. Show up for your own life, and the people in it. 😊
I needed to hear this today. I’ve been coping with what started as a stressful situation, which has now kind of resolved itself, but I’m still drinking every night. I started physically feeling “off”. Not sleeping that great, gaining weight, stomach acting weird, etc. I woke up in the middle of the night recently to a headache and dehydrated. I told myself, “You know this can’t be good for your brain”. I have a friend from church with dementia and it’s getting really bad. I don’t know what part alcohol may play in this but I’m not willing to chance it. Today I can’t say I’ll never drink again but I can say I’m backing way off. I’d like to add that I think this was the best video I’ve heard on this subject and I really appreciate your honesty and willingness to share it.
1000+ days here. From booze to positive boost in my life. There will be highs and lows but that’s just the way life is, isn’t it? Enjoy the new journey !
This was the most relatable alcohol-free story I’ve seen. To know that you still miss the two drink feeling is strangely comforting. I’m 11 days in to my journey and the social effects are a huge factor for my drinking. So I needed this. Thanks.
Wow. I'm on day 5 sober, contemplating doing it forever. I never drank as much as you mentioned, but I definitely looked for excuses to drink multiple times per week. "If you didn't have a rock bottom moment, it means you got lucky" hit me SO HARD. Damn.
You are amazing!! the first few days are the hardest but it is so worth it and I know you can do it!! I am rooting for you!! I have went sober for 3 months in the past and I am struggling again but I am hoping to get sober once more
5 days is tremendous. 5 days of poison not sitting in your heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, brain, blood, etc. Plus you're feeling better about yourself, finding peace in your heart, and im sure other around you are returning the same positive energy. ❤️❤️. Keep going..soon it won't even be a thought anymore
Do it. Go for forever! You're gifting your life with health, energy, vitality and an ability to ride through life's little bumps without feeling you need to anaesthetise yourself, or feel you need to drink to have fun. (If alcohol had the power to create "fun", alcoholics drinking alone would be the happiest people on earth! (I read that somewhere - it stuck with me.) I'm 9 days sober, and feeling so much better. I'm never going back to that life! And if I lose a few boozy friends, and it was only alcohol that connected us, I"m probably better off without them. Good luck! :)
Same for me today! How’s it going for you?
Just work on not drinking today. Don’t worry about tomorrow, today. Your life will get better.
Currently 244 days sober!! Best decision I've ever made. Feel like I wasted most of my 30s ( well , I KNOW I wasted most of my 30s ) to alcohol and drugs! Started working on myself , in the best shape of my life , making good money , I should have done it ten years ago!!
Wow, you hit on all the main important points. Liked/subbed. The concept of oscillation & tolerance as well as all the other stuff was really impactful. I could listen to this several times.
"How do you build a life you love, and now one you need to escape from" That is a powerful statement that really resonated.
I quit last March after watching one of your videos. Thanks, Clark!!
Congrats on 1000 days!!! I share a similar experience, only for about 120 days. One thing, though, man, you've left outside your story. You are still counting the days.
Ive always been a causual drinker but felt like i needed it to have fun when getting together with friends. But it actually made me feel anxious and was harmful! After seeing a mamaswole youtuber video 2 years ago, i was inspired to quit! It will be 2 years at dec 30th and has been the best change ive ever made! You dont need to hit rock bottom to make a change!!
being sober, straight edge, completely drug free is actually so insanely beneficial to almost every aspect of life. you take so much drugs to silence your thoughts but actually not taking any type of drug for a prolongued amount of time makes your thoughts go silent, it is some weird magic. I mean it's a spectrum, you don't have to always aim for the extremes, but if you don't need to drink or avoid drinking alcohol or consuming any drug for 6 out of 7 days a week, that is what I would recommend as the default action for anyone trying to get a grip on their consumption. decrease frequency, decrease volume, then eventually you can just completely jump off and after 3 or 6 weeks you will eventually feel amazing, Clark is not lying here!
I think that last part is super important. You have to remember that you are not "losing" something when you give up your addiction, whatever it may be.. You have to view it as leaving the thing behind that's causing you to miss out on so many aspects of your life. There is so much to gain!
Good points bro. I'm at 1 year from booze and also moved past weed and ciggies in that year. Cant say life's all rainbows but I know that my brain will need time to heal and as i make better choices it will have that chance.
I absolutely love the duct tape over the check engine light analogy.
Thank you. This was brilliant... just what I needed right now. ❤
Saw the Obituary hat and inmediately subbed. 4 days from 1 year off the sauce. Fellow musician as well, a lot of drinking in my 20s when we were playing shows regularly.
30 years old. Quit just over 5 years ago on 11/18/19. Right before Covid. Thank you for the video, love what you said about alcohol allowing tolerance. Held me back all my 20’s❤️
Thanks for the video brotha im about 19 months sober today and really needed to hear this!
321 days! I’ve watched your videos and I can relate so much! Thank you!! My life has gotten SO MUCH BETTER!! thank you for not drinking with me today!
I didn’t have a rock bottom either. Just the realization of where I was headed. I can relate to everything you said. I’m 74 days sober and feeling so good. I see myself at your 1,000 days.😁
I've never heard it described so perfectly. You absolutely nailed it. I was sober for about 2 months until my GF was forced to move away. It broke me and I fell down the rabbit hole again but the day after thanksgiving I put it down and its going to stay down
A lot of the benefits you mention aren’t necessarily always accurate for alcoholics and people who have drank many many years. Often times your sleep gets worse after you quit. Eventually it will get better but many people actually report insomnia when quitting. Also the mental clarity part. A lot of people will actually experience more mental fog for months after quitting while their body is trying to heal. Most people who drink a lot actually feel like crap for a long time after getting sober but it does get better with time. I just wanted to share this for anyone feeling discouraged that they didn’t feel great right after getting sober. Hang in there!
I am at 931 days and this video was great at realizing things that I forget about now. such a good feeling to be sober. thanks for sharing your story !
I have my own addictions. They are a challenge to beat. So, good job on staying sober for so long.
My drinking effect my progress in the gym day 175 and noticed last 1-2 months my performance in the gym has changed and better then ever. I’m progressing faster and better.
24 years sober so far! Haven't had alcohol once in my life and I don't think that I ever will. It just seems to have a lot of downsides, and quitting is a lot harder than never starting
Never start please...
@B.F.01 The system must proceed with its plans to keep enslaving so-called "society," which resembles nothing more than blind cattle!
I recently went keto-carnivore due to autoimmune issues, and subsequently was forced to reevaluate my daily drinking habit. I realized I'd rather feel great without alcohol than like crap and use it to mask my pain.
Thank you for sharing these motivational insights!
This is very thoughtful and thought provoking. Thank you!
Man, you are just crushing it with your video ! I decicded to quit all type of drugs for more than two years now, and have watched plenty of video about the topic, but i can tell your video is best i have ever whatched about quiting alcool :)
I realy identified myself to all of your iceberg levels ! Hehe
Thank you
Same here ! I quit drinking long time ago I really don’t keep track of it but it has been months! I feel so good and proud of myself
When I quit that’s how I’m going to do it. Not keep track of it.
Thanks!
Such an important point about booze making you tolerate bullshit! Thank you for this video.
5 years, 13 days. I agreed with every part of the iceberg, so to those drinkers who are sober curious, this video is spot on. Especially the last bit about what you stand to gain by going sober as opposed to what you are giving up. Well done!
Another awesome video Clark 👏 I stopped drinking almost 2 years ago and to be honest I was only going to do it for 30 days but I just kept going with it and I genuinely feel now like there's a part of myself that got to finally grow up and it would never have been possible if I kept drinking....and I had no idea 💡 lol
Outstanding piece. All rings true after 60+ years of ups and downs. I won't list them all, but I've found many other things get better as well once you take the jump. Doesn't happen overnight but hang in there.
drink every Friday, Saturday and Sunday just pounding them down. Did that for about eight years go to work and feel like crap Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday all day Friday I was anticipating like you said the drink and was happy about it until I started noticing the side effects over the last three months of borderline psychosis trying to creep in I said that’s enough that was a month ago. I’m never going back after a week and a half my brain fog went away. Body started feeling a lot better started to lose a weight started exercising taking better care of myself
Failed quitting for decades until AA. Truly worked for me, especially if you really want to stop drinking. 2 years later - zero regrets.
A lot of people are stopping because the price of alcohol has gone up recently to where it is not worth it for many people. This video has a lot of gems in it. "Two pint buzz" - understood. Good one!
That two pint buzz is usually where I go "Hey! I'm having a good time! Lets have a third!"
Then we're off to the races and the finish line is around seven pints.
Personally, I find it far easier to just not start than to try and moderate.
It's like popping open a bag of potato chips to have just one.
Good luck with that!😂
@@colinrussell2017 Exactly the same here Colin. If you have ever been a binge drinker, moderation is very hard to sustain. For those who have always been light drinkers, it's doable.
Getting into a flow state, even when doing mundane tasks, rather than just getting through or simply tolerating stuff - that sounds cool.
Spot on, every level! ❤ Okay, this time around I'm only on day 64, but I'm a repeater anyway, so I know it's true! I started a personal vlog, very much like why you said you're doing this clip, YOUR experience, and I'm the same, I'm doing it just as a reminder for ME to look back on.
Your bit on respect is deeper for me, I realise drink leaves people without any respect, both towards others and themselves.... I haven't exactly experienced others respecting me more without drink, but at least I've my self respect back! ❤
And the boredom, or realizing how much time you do have! Boredom very quickly turns into inspiration, motivation, or as you said, drive to just do something, even cleaning!
❤ No, spot on, this clip, thank you ❤
Your story almost identical to mine the timeline, the progression, the impact. I never had that traumatic event but it was taking over my life.
3 years later I'm so happy
I've spent my life avoiding alcohol. I find it interesting how people initially love it, then get older and celebrate leaving it behind forever
I'd like to discuss coming out of our shell and connecting with people without the use of alcohol. It always seemed like a crutch from the outside looking in
Thank you for these analogies. Helping. 10 days sober.
it's a carb craving that got twisted
if you make sure to consume about 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep, you can crush the cravings.
If I am wrong, you're not in danger consuming 25 grams of protein every four hours outside of sleep
Right behind you, haven't had a drop in 7 days. Might have one glass of red with the Friday steak tomorrow tho 😂.
I have been blessed with $85,000 every 12 weeks!! I can now buy anything and also support my family and work for more. God bless Sophie Rogerz.
If I may ask, how do you manage to earn so much? What are your strategies?
Dive into the digital market is indeed advisable, but it requires expert guidance, and with Mrs. Sophie Rogerz, you can't go wrong
How? I would appreciate if you could show me her information.
I was introduced to her by a friend. My husband and I earned from her months ago and was able to build our own house.
Sophie Rogerz must be a very good person, given her background in the church.
Thank you so much for this video. I am sober over a year now, after having a serious drinking problem. I just turned 30. I'd had many attempts to quit drinking and finally I managed to. For most of the time i didn't think I had a problem, "this is normal, I'm in my twenties, It's normal to drink a lot, how such a young person can have a problem" I had a good paying job, but I started to slip and drink more and more. My therapist described it as a high functioning alcoholism. I think there may be a lot HFA out there living in denial. many young people. If I discovered this video earlier maybe it would be easier for me. I think it's important to spread this information that it is OK not to drink, to refuse alcohol at a party etc. I think the hardest part was admitting to myself that I had a problem, then it was "just" a case of solving that problem, but as I mentioned it took me around a year of trying. It turned out I was(still am) suffering from long episodes of depression and anxiety (psychiatrist and antidepressants helped), that was my trigger, a deeper reason to escape to alcohol, which, in the long run, made it much worse. Now, staying sober, I am able to do my hobbies, and things I could only dream about while drinking. Anyway, stay strong, one way or another it is possible to quit.
Five months sober and I can relate a lot to this video. Thank you for sharing
717 days here. Love the fact that you didn't have to find a bottom to make the decision to change your life. Seriously, that's something to be proud of. Quite an accomplishment. I didn't get sober until the DUI's started piling up. In Louisiana a 4th offense comes with a 10 year prison sentence. After my 3rd charge I became convinced that I was out of control and finally got sober. Life is now exponentially better in every way.