How My Life Changed in a Year Without Alcohol
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- Watch my first video here: • I've been Sober for 10...
Whether you're considering quitting drinking, just getting started, or a seasoned veteran, I wish you the best!
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#sobriety #sober #alcoholfree
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Been over 6 months for me bro! Decided it wasn't benefitting my life in any way, shape, or form. Onward and forward!
Good for you!!! I have 13 years from drugs and alcohol. Every person’s struggle is their own but we are all in it together. Peace to you Brother. I support you.
I loved the whole “nerding out” snobbery that comes with coffee. I moved into coffee and tea snobbery myself to break free from booze. Your videos have been really helpful, so thanks very much!
98 days sober for me. Working on personal growth. Feeling strong. Keeping the weight off. Very few cravings. Wish me luck in the long term, and I'll do the same for you!
great job!
60 days for me keep it up my guy!
Great stuff man. I remember watching your first vid at 100 days and, well I quit in July of last year. It was rough but totally, totally worth it. I am pretty much constantly working on or listening to music now and just generally having fun.
Have a good one!
congrats! more time to shred!
Congrats to you too!
Congratulations man, keep it up.
Great vid, thanks for sharing! 17 days alcohol free, and I agree with everything. I found myself asking alcohol a line from a Bjork song: "where's the love you promised me, where is it?". I realized i need to love myself, and for me that means alcohol doesn't have a place in my life.
Hey Nick! Congratulations to you! It's been 2.5 years for me.
I sarted drinking to supress feelings, and it quickly went downhill. Finding myself drunk at the baptism of my son is something I'll never forgive myself for.
Some days are easier than others. Keep your head up!
Congrats to you too, I'm glad you were able to turn it around!
Congratulations, you seem alot more humble & nice in this video than in the 100 days sober one. You just seem more friendly and stress free. Congratulations you did it! A lot of people can't.
Thanks!
I think he was humble & kind in the first video. That’s part of what brought me back. So encouraging ❤
Actually, everyone can quit, you have to have a plan,a desire to quit and a support system🙂
What I like about this and your first video is that you are not making them as part of your ‘brand’. You seem very sincere about sharing your story and helping others.. Thank you 🙏
Was thinking the same..
Im 8 days clean no alcohol i feel amazing I think i got this now been struggling for 30yrs my mind is too clear now to mess it up 💪👍🏿
For me it has been since 1996. My playing has gone from passable to I would never feel out of place on any stage with anyone. I gave up endless guilt and was given 4 hours a day for practice and theory pretty much every day ...simply by being the 'gift' of time.
Time is the most valuable thing, and more time for guitar is the best use of it! 💪
Congrats to you!
Great video Nick. I've realized that it's crept up on me over the last 2 years as well. I haven't decided to abstain completely, but I've certainly decided to cut in my intake way down. Thanks for the courage to speak publicly about something that many feel is taboo.
That's good! I'd recommend trying a dry month when you feel up to it ;)
I don’t remember who said this about alcohol, but alcohol is insidious how it kind of creeps up on you and before you know it you’re drinking more than you were the year before😢 it doesn’t seem seem to get less as you get older. Most people I know are drinking more than they did 20 years ago.
First time viewer, well done on your progress ,and i enjoyed your honesty and compassion !! I'm over 3 yrs a/f and quit smoking too..alcohol isnt even a thought anymore .. the smoking was plain unhealthy, annoying and expensive and and as it is my 2nd time i know the relief of becoming a non-smoker.. pure bliss! My mind is in a much calmer place.
Thanks I'm 54 15 days not drinking I'm struggling today . I'm the only one that's gonna know . I have alot of regrets. I'm gonna stay true to me . Thanks
@@blakenelson4045 hang in there, you're so much closer to being free if you stick it out
Well done my friend 🤘
I COMMENTED ON YOUR LAST VIDEO! I made 10 years of no alcohol back in October. When I quit drinking I began to realize that I had a whole host of issues and addictions that I wasn't even aware of. It's been a lot of hard work but sifting through and working on these issues have drastically improved my life. Not drinking can be a hard life, regularly drinking alcohol is an even harder life. Thank you for putting this out there as I know it's not easy owning things about yourself that aren't awesome.
Great message in this video. Im just over a month in of being alcohol free.
Awesome, keep it up!
Keep it up, bro! It gets easier and better every week, every month. 8 months in for me. Only regret is I wish I did it sooner!
Day 1, wish me luck and send good vibes. This is the final day 1 for me.
I just finished watching your 100 days. I'm 60 days today. Been drinking since I was 15. I'm 42 now. Everything in your experience with drinking and quitting drinking was 1000% identical to mine. It was quite amazing to listen to you. It was like listening to myself tell my experiences. So cool I'm not alone at all with this. Thank you man. These videos keep me going.
Awesome, you can do it!
SIGNS!! I was considering heading to the pub for a few drinks after work today but decided to head home and watch some TH-cam instead and this video popped up on my feed. Subbed and look forward to watching more of your videos!
I'm at 1 year 3 months and 11 days. It's been really difficult, but the positive aspects are impossible to ignore. I just wish the progress were faster. The cravings, especially around the holidays, are awful. I just have to keep telling myself that I can't go back to the bad habits that were ruining my life. It's hard man.
@@bigwomp932 I've thankfully had few cravings, but I know I'm lucky for that! For me, I was very final with it after a month or two and said I'm just never going back no matter what, so it's never been something I ever debated.
Events and holidays can be tough, but I also find myself enjoying them a lot more, where as before they were often an excuse to get drunk and then the next day sucked. Now I actually want to connect with people and have fun doing real stuff and not just a drug.
Keep it up, you're doing great. It's not just a physical battle, but a mental one, don't forget that!
Congratulations man, I'm 11 months 22 days since I've stopped. I've also done it like you, without joining a support group or something. Before then I had been drinking steadily for 25 years, and then just decided I was done. So I think I'm lucky I could just stop like that. For me, I was a daily drinker, you know sit with a glass or two after work, so the difficulty was missing that routine of having a drink as I sit down to chill and watch or listening to something, so I do coffee some days, but can a go days without coffee.
You can replace a routine, but over time I find myself just picking up new routines once I put another down
Well done!!!
Thank you for your video. The 1st night is the hardest for me. Getting back on track.
1 year today for me and im happy with myself, likewise power to you brother . ODAAT. Greetings from Scotland
Thanks, man
For me is just a week after 20 years of hard drinking. I wish someone had talked about these sooner but never it's too late. Wish me the power to say no to cravings as everyone around me is a drinker but will do my best.
God bless you
Came for the sobriety talk, subscribed for the metal 🤘
Love your video. 160 days without alcohol for me. Will never go back to the poison.
Any secret to sticking with it? I get 20 to 40 days in and I feel extremely good and then something hits me and I just drink I need to get past that point.
@@user-ih1bl4dv3c Think about how good you feel after 20 to 40 days without drinking, how strong you were to go 3 to 6 weeks. Don't give in, stick to it. Think of all the bad things alcohol does to you physically and mentally. You'll soon realise that you don't need to drink alcohol.
6 years sober in 2 days. I am still recovering, but the cravings have gone. I never have to experience withdrawals again if I continue to choose not to drink and that alone is worth it. If you are struggling get to a meeting, it will help you save your life.
Bravo! Congrats. Keep it up, it's definitely worth it. I also quit and I regret that I didn't do it sooner. I'm doubly proud of myself because my husband (and frankly EVERYONE around me) still drinks quite a lot on a daily basis, but I have NOT let him influence me. 'Til your next video. . . .
Been struggling with the long term quit. Probly like you having one or two 'pops' most days for quite awhile and after not for some time wondering what's the problem with that and ending up back there. Searching for the wisdom it takes to stay sober as I start this venture again.
Thanks Nick. Peace.✌️
Power to you, man!
This is a great video with a great positive message! Thank you!
Thanks! Glad you liked it
Congrats! Loved these two videos!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I too did quite a bit of reflection on why I did the things I did. You are an amazing example 😀
Thank you!
Yeet yeet bro! Congrats!!!
Really enjoyed this. 👍
This is a great follow up video on your personal journey!
Great stuff - Thank you
I drank half a bottle of wine and a glass of whiskey daily. Out of habit. It made me passive in the evening and I was always tired. Stopping with alcohol wasn't very difficult for me. Quitting smoking was much harder.
Now I'm more productive, sleep better, can drive my car whenver I want, save a lot of money, lost 8 kilogram of weight and bad company.
I really appreciate videos like this. Thank you for sharing your views. I’ve also reached a year sober and was able to turn my life around and now have a career in the medical field. I’m thankful to be alive every single day. God is great my friend.
Congrats, that's great!
very inspiring! thank you! love your chanell. peace from Oslo!
HELLL YEAH BROTHER!!!!!!!! LOVE THIS FOR YOU.
Excellent! 🙏 10 months for me now. I am happy and can't wait to get to one year. I am never going back to that habit. The clarity and happiness you get from not destroying yourself outweights the short high you get from drinking alcohol.
congrats, great work!
Lots of wisdom. Thank you
Congrats buddy, happy for you.
I feel very lucky to be able to have extreme self control that I have simply denied throughout my life. I stopped drinking every day, and waking up hungover everyday. I was 100% sober for 6 months or so. But now I don’t deny myself a beer or two every once in a while. The difference now is I don’t drink to get drunk.
Good on you. For me, the benefits of sobriety far outweigh any pleasure of occasional drinking, but to each their own!
@@NickLeonard love that for you brother! Congrats on your successes 🫶🏻
Beautiful video… thank you! I’m a month and a half alcohol free and have incorporated a healthy plant-free diet. I’m 65 years old and I am so amazed at how great I feel and how much energy I have. I shared your video with my brother who is also seeking inspiration! So glad to run onto your videos!
@@leeprimeau7912 I've been carnivore for a few months now too, and feel great! Keep it up!
34yrs, 11mths, 22days - congrats and wait until you hit 5 & 10yrs, you won't miss it compared to years of improved health and life quality. Addiction is hell but we can live beyond it with self-discipline, mindfulness among many many other practices. And one-size doesn't fit all, if anyone has a setback - keep trying. Love your channel Nick!
Amazing, that's an accomplishment! 💪
Congrats bro
That's awesome. I'm looking forward to the day it gets easier. 6 days in, it's been a struggle for sure. I quit for 6 months and started back. This time, the withdrawals are horrible.
Great video, thank you I needed this
8 months for me, best decision ever. It was Very difficult at first, especially sleeping, but now I get the best sleep of my life!
Congrats!
@@NickLeonard same to you on 1 year!
I first came to this video for the relatable topic of not drinking. Then I noticed the cool setup behind you of music gear! I’m also a home studio musician and looking forward to the production to come from not being hung over 😅
@@riffsfromtheabyss666 cheers! I'm also into black metal, I'll be checking your channel as well 🤘
@@NickLeonard cool man, thanks 🤘
Congrats, you seem a nice person, and I like your videos very much! 👏💪
I’m a fellow piano technician and it’s a great trade. There is such a great depth of knowledge in piano technology and can replace all the dopamine rushes.
First piano tech to comment, it's a rare trade!
It's a very different kind of fun (and madness) but it is rewarding
I went to our favorite watering hole/restaurant about 4 times in the first couple weeks of not drinking and I thought I’d be so triggered and, surprisingly, it has been easy to order Diet Coke or club soda with lime. It might actually stick this time. So happy it’s been easy. But, the vape has been a serious monkey on my back. So true that it’s harder. Can’t wait till that is gone from my life. It’s harder because my husband has no intention of quitting (either substance) so there are always vape pods in the house. No problem with the beer in the house but, the vape struggle is real!!
Looking healthy!
Congrats bro!
Congratulations! Many of my friends here in Poland died because of alcohol, in every age, from 20 to 50, 60... (women go firsts to grave) many friends talk "I want to drink myself to death" (typical scenario: no work or work as a slave, no money, no food, no perspecitive... drinking), i know many who drink beer, vodka everyday, that's sad. Don't drink pal. DON'T DRINK!
That's very sad, I'm sure as bad as the situation may be, having a whole generation of young people give up can't make the country any better! We have the same problem in a lot of rural America, drugs, alcohol, poverty, and desperation.
😍 I'm only on day 21, and yours is one of the more encouraging videos I've seen
Thanks, you can do it!
Awesome accomplishment brother, and im glad its been such a positive journey. Recovering a bit this saturday morning so this resonates! 🤘
Thanks! I sure don't miss the hangovers!
thank you again!
As a musician myself I greatly appreciate both of your videos on sobriety. And I also come from the same craft beer nerding out about tastes and flavors camp. Only three and something months sober now, stopped drinking because of falling ill with cold or flu, somehow liked the feeling of not having a couple of cans every night, decided to maintain it with the mantra "I want to play and look better as I did in my early twenties when binge drinking had never been a thing". The only six packs I buy these days are those cans of San Pellegrino, they are gorgeous! I'm the only sober person on the rehearsals now which is kinda insane, I mean, why drinking along with doing what you absolutely love? But I was like that for a while myself during the last year with the new band in the new place (and in another country). Looking forward to reach one year, it might be hard on some occasions, and especially during summer when it's really tempting to have a refreshing drink… but let's see.
Oh, and same thing with the diet. Gotta quit sugary stuff too, it has always been my vice, a lot more than alcohol.
Keep it up! It did feel a little funny at first having band practice sober, and even more so playing shows, but now it's hard to imagine doing it all drunk!
@@NickLeonardhi Nick! I know right, my bandmates weirded out with me first two months then got used to it. I'm having the best gigs of my music life since a long time ago investing more time into practice that sometimes gets really meticulous but it pays off later especially when adrenaline kicks in live. There's more to improve for sure, quitting drinking doesn't solve all the problem, I still have to take care of nutrition and sleep… the latter especially because, I think you can relate, sometimes you get too excited editing/mixing/doing whatever creative late at night.😂
@@Robostomp we used to drink pretty heavy at practices to our detriment, but now it's rare if at all, and I never forced it on them! Live is better too once you get used to being really present. Oddly, I feel more confident sober.
Sleep I still find can be hit or miss, but keeping a more regular schedule helps a lot. I also function way better on a keto diet, knowing the brain chemistry behind it explains why!
I really enjoyed this video. Thank you for having the courage to share something so personal. I've never had an issue with alcohol, but have definitely had similar experiences with pursuing fulfillment from the wrong places--mainly in romantic relationships with controlling people who didn't really care about me. I'm coming up on 3 years "sober" after quitting my ex!
@@elisesweigart5138 hey there! :)
Glad you liked it. Alcohol is it's own kind of controlling abuser. Many people let their lives be run by bad people or bad substances, and eventually enough is enough!
Thanks for the video ❤️ & congrats
Congratulations! It's great to see people I know IRL posting uplifting content like this. Around 2 months for me - AA is unfortunately almost completely dead in Fairfax so it's been mostly solo.
Keep it up brother 💪
It does get easier
Great to see your progression and reflections, we quit completely at about the same time👍
Congrats! It's definitely a life changer
Thank you.
Isle of Tenerife,
Spain,
Africa.
Two great videos on this, your hundred day one, and now this very positive update.
I'm now deciding to emulate your choice, starting today.
Hey, when will you come jam with us on the beach here?
Best wishes,
Patchy.
@@patchy642 sure looks beautiful there, maybe I'll make it out one day 😎
You can do it, stay strong!
Thanks to your first video on the topic I have managed to cut down a loooot!
That's great!
Great video ❤
I just started, last night was day 1. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Slept like crap, was used to be being knocked out from beer to sleep. Woke up like 5-6 times. But was my first day in over 7 years on not relying on beer to sleep. Day 2 tonight!
Keep it up!
Are you holding up?
Good luck
@@sendit3251 I have cut back and have gone days without for the first time in years but was unable to quit unfortunately. Not as easy as I thought it would be. Still determined though.
It's similar to my situation. I've never lost a job or seriously ruined anything in my life because of alcohol. I drink 1-2 times a week, 5-8 drinks, usually I don't even get too much drunk. But because of my metabolism type I can't really enjoy smaller amounts - it just doesn't feel good when you get sober soon after having a couple of drinks. If I drink today, I have to maintain a certain level of drunkenness throughout the whole evening. Clearly, next day I have no energy and feel very passive (sometimes also with headaches). If I only could just enjoy 1-2-3 drinks and stop without feeling it as a bummer (hope this expression makes sense in English) - I would be totally okay with that! But unfortunately, it looks not to be my case. So I am contemplating quitting totally - at least for 100 days, to see how it will feel.
As for you, congrats and thanks a lot for sharing your experience!
There's nothing to lose from trying, and I think you will feel much better! You may enjoy it at the time, but is it worth it to feel bad the next day? and who knows the long term health consequences you could be heading towards
@@NickLeonard you're 100% right! and oh my god, having hangover sucks so much 😄
Great job! I am almost to four weeks without alcohol, the plan is at least three months not sure I’ll go back. As you and many others have said no real benefit to alcohol
I think you'll find after a few months that life is much better without it, and you've already broken the habit by then
Wow amazing
Well done good video.
I've struggled the last 15 years with this disease
Thank you! I've decided to stop drinking.
Awesome, stay strong!
Be careful with the vaping. Knew someone who passed in his mid 40s from vaping too much.
Otherwise congrats on your sobriety and your inspirational story. I can def relate. Sober for 8 days right now.
I quit vaping, over 8 months now! I've only ever relapsed in dreams and wake up feeling guilty! It's a hell of a drug to quit though!
57 days sober
I don't comment on a lot of videos, but felt compelled this time. Like you, I come from a heavy music background (death metal/metalcore drummer) and so in our music scene drinking was inextricably linked to playing/watching music. But over time, my bandmates and I would just get sloppier and sloppier. So i decided to quit while we practiced (nobody else though lol) After that band imploded due to alcohol, I still retained the habit. After I left that area of town, I thought because I wasn't around that scene and those individuals, I wouldn't drink as much. Wrong. Like a bad habit I had learned, it didn't want to leave me alone and I just accepted it as my 'destiny'. Well, after being sick and tired of being sick and tired, I decided to try a one-month 'experiment' of sobriety. At that point I re-discovered how enjoyable actual 'normality' was, and that a mentally and physically compromised daily life is just f*ckin garbage. Anyway, just wanted to say how relatable this video was for me.
Take care, my friend!
That's awesome, man, keep it up!
It can be difficult playing in metal bands and going to shows sober, but it's not so bad! My band hasn't been playing out as much, but last show I did sober was a blast anyway. It's almost surreal, since I would often try to get to the "sweet spot" before performing, where I was functioning, but not self-conscious. Oddly, I feel much more confident without alcohol, and even more so when you know you're more aware of everything than everyone around you is...
@@NickLeonard👍🎵🤘
@@NickLeonard Maybe there's a Ballmer Peak for playing :P
Two months no more poison not easy my daily schedule was determined by my drinking schedule hope I can make a year
*huggs* I am no big alcohol drinker, never was. Some beer from time to time but I had the experience once decades ago while beeing completly drunk and that day I never forget (and the aftermath) so yeh I avoid to much of it.
That's smart!
Peroni 0.0 and Heineken 0.0 are great. I don’t even want the ones with
You don’t have to join AA or even agree with their philosophy to stop drinking. Do it for you. Find high value friends that work to better themselves rather than get drunk.
giving it another try
Congrats of the Brasil!
Im going to start this week. Im tired of feeling like crap. Alcohol is 100% a poison i hate it.
I also play and write music, guitar, bass, keys, synth stuff, Ableton etc...........but since young, it's always been more fun, for feels, when drinking, I'm always scared that when I don't drink for awhile, the music and my hobbies will just sit.
I'm 48, Never drank nightly until covid, but last couple years drank nightly. I'm quitting for a bit right now, just scared my music will have no feel anymore. IDK, you felt fine though?
I feel a lot more creative and productive, and more efficient. I think the biggest thing that pushes me is having a youtube channel and doing demos, that is, having a clear purpose and deadline. What's important is the latter part, purpose and also some limitations and boundaries. It's so easy to get lost and not finish anything when there's endless possibilities. Give yourself a clear challenge, do the best you can, and know when to call a song finish and write the next one. Cheers!
Here in Europe, drinking alcohol is the most NORMAL and socially acceptable thing to do, i.e., once you're seated at a restaurant, they offer you "aperitif", then wine with dinner, then "digestif" after dinner, then desert wine. . . . People always ask me, why I DON'T drink. . . I guess for some people, it's almost inconceivable that you don't desire to drink alcohol.
THIS GUY IS LITERALLY ME!!!day 4 after relapsing after 6 months. Went to a redblacks football game with my buddie i havent seen in awhile. Started off great went out to lunch had a couple drinks. Decided it wss a good idea to sneak in a mickey. Watched the game drinking the mickey and the beers. Last memory was at a bar with my buddie(i blacked out) lost my phone fell on a escooter i rented and fractured my elbow(stress fracture) woke up next day at home (thank god) went to the mall to figure out my phone (while finishing what was left of the mickey) and got arrested for uttering threats at securities when i was drunk. I hate who i am when i drink. NEVER AGAIN
@@malachniman that's rough, man. Time to make a good decision, and stay the hell away from it!
@NickLeonard day 5 today! Excited to get back to the life I was building during those six months sober from alcohol. The court dates and my arm are an amazing reminder to stay away though can't lie 🙃
5 days..just starting at 54...not a daily or even weekly drinker but when I drank it was to get drunk. Had enough
3 months for me!
Demons are real and alcohol definitely opens the door to them.
Stopped after Thansgiving. I feel amazing, but the journey was not easy. I say this again and again, Alcohol is a Schedule1 substance. Period end of story. No amount of advertising can replace the perfume on a Pig.
good story, i tried space cake, didalcohol in a big way...now getting sober...for good=sves money i guess
90 days today
i just post a comment , but nobody seem to care...oh well and we stop drinking again...had quite a few relapses i guess
@@allardvanderstarre keep at it, it's not easy, but it's worth it
Guilt's pointless, just hop back on the sobriety wagon and it'll treat you good.
50 years without alcohol lol never liked it...
I hate the taste, lol I was lucky I guess
The tips of that beard still have some alcohol from your drinking days. You should shave your face clean and re grow a healthy looking beard.
Excellent video my friend! 😉👍🏻👍🏻