I am a former paramedic. It is hard for me to watch videos like this as I know, and I have seen, the consequences of alcohol addiction. I have been drinking for a number of years and have deluded myself into thinking it was 'social' drinking. Now I frequently suffer with abdo pain on a regular basis and I know, instinctively, it is my liver. I usually avoid videos like this because I know what the the root problem is. I have known and witnessed many people die from this and some were my former colleagues. Thank you for addressing this openly. It's a tough watch but I know, deep down, I have to address this. Alcoholics hide their bottles because of their shame.
@@Wandering_Chemist Yip, it probably is. The damage is already done. I've seen it in real life. That's why I'm a life long T totaller, 52 and never drank. Saw too much and the consequences growing up.
@@Wandering_Chemist livers are ninjas, they can heal themselves super fast but it needs to be given a rest to do this - some people say a few days a week but I stopped because I knew that I was get some news that was going to be terminal - how do explain it to your family that you've done life altering damge to yourself, that hit me pretty hard so I stopped.
I haven’t touched alcohol for about 7 years. The hardest thing is being away on night stops and the crew questioning me as to why I’m not drinking. I have seen a few colleagues destroy their flying careers due to drinking.
Breaking habits is a b**ch. 2,5 years sober here and counting. Several times (5+ I can remember) I dreamt that I had a beer and I felt awful in the dream because I had ruined my streak. Felt great to wake up to realize it was only a bad dream and I am still sober. Just keep at it!
I did that with smoking, was a heavy smoker and had the chance to give up so took it. After 2 ops one day after the other my ciggy tasted and smelt like burning cardboard so chanced it. Had a really vivid dream one night that I had a ciggy while at the bar, woke up to find it was just that, a dream. As for the booze, let my hair down twice a year and then maybe the odd day in between, Remembrance Sunday and New Years eve.
Just one simple message. I'm proud of you Tim. I lost my mum to vodka in 2017, she gave up 9 months before she died after being told she had 6 months to live. They were the most amazing 9 months of my life because I got to know my mum
An ex work colleague of mine has just died at the age of 59, he had a drink problem for many years and it finally got him. You have done well to give it up, please don’t go back, the world needs people like you and I wish my departed friend had had the strength.
3 years now, can't imagine going back to it. Wasn't a big drinker in later years but gave it a good nudge when I was younger. Just feel good all the time. I made myself choose coffee or alcohol. Coffee won. I watch my airline pilot colleagues going "shall we have another?" when the clock has already ticked over. Not worth ruining your career over a pint.
I started drinking at the age of 17 (upper 6th form) and continued until I was 25 (1995). I didn't have a problem stopping and essentially quit until the end of 2019 when my PhD was going down the drain and I left - so I felt I needed something to take the edge off (and drugs has never been my thing) so I started drinking again. Here we are, at the end of 2023 and I'm still at it. This year, I found myself drinking wine, beer, spirits almost every day. That said, I did stop for a month in January (nothing to do with New Year's resolutions) and then a few months ago, I started getting serious cramp in both feet, then in my right calf and one evening, I woke up as though a hot knife entered my right toe. I took over the counter medicine and it didn't help. The pain was excruciating. I haven't had my blood test yet but both the GP and foot clinic said it sounds like gout - which is, in part, caused by - yep. Alcohol. So, besides screwing up your liver. It can also have numerous other complications. Plus, I used to get up at 6am feeling fresh and now I get out of bed at 9am to 12pm (I have my own company so I work all hours of the day, including weekends). I decided, a few weeks ago that enough is enough so instead of waiting for 1st January. I'm quitting now. It just isn't worth it.
@@FastJetPerformance Thanks so much, Tim. I find it quite easy to give up. I just need a real reason to quit for good. Waiting to hear on a positive response to a contract - and I'm one of the 3.8 million abandoned by Sunak during the furlough scheme and I'm still trying to recover lost contracts due to covid/lock down (only to have the Tories increase corporation tax from 19 to 25%). So, it's been a real struggle. However, I'm positive something will happen soon and not only will I continue flying lessons, I'll definitely sign up to FJP/Shadow Lands flight school because what you teach is awesome!
Flew for years booze everywhere you looked, I totally relate to this, only recently stopped drinking in the week and only the odd glass at the weekend, difficult but can be done the environment I was in was toxic and however much as I miss flying it I think I will live a heck of of lot longer.
The clarity of your message is perfect. I am working right now with a tequila and coke at my desk, it is Sunday at 11pm though, but I have found myself having a drink every day before bed to help me sleep because I keep waking up worrying about my business and wake up early in the mornings feeling anxious. During the day I'm fine, it's just at nights and first thing.
I said to you on Twitter Tim that when my younger sister passed away aged 36 I was off sick at the time and was using it as an opportunity to stop. I did start drinking again but going to commit to stopping on Jan 1st. I did stop for 3 months back in 2021 so I know I can do it !
I was a heavy drinker, in my mind, drinking 4 cans a day of Fosters and ending up on 8 a day. Then I got Covid in 2020 and was so ill for 3 weeks. Obviously no drinking. That got the addiction out of my system and for the next 3 weeks I felt amazing. I wasn't going to bed at 8pm from being tired after getting pissed. I got home at 5pm so I litterally had 3 hours of feeling good then going to bed. Being sober I'd be up until 11pm having fun, watching movies, gaming, reading. I felt freedom. THEN I thought I could have the occasional beer and had a can a night. That was fine for a week. Then I had 2 cans a night and so it went on. I'm back on 8 cans a night. Thank you for your video. I know being off alcohol felt amazing. I'm going to knock it on the head again for 2024. You inspired me to do it again and keep to ot. Save money and lose this beer belly. Thank you again, all the best for 2024.
Stirling, brave words as always Tim. After working in two career landscapes with huge drinking culture, F1 and RAF, I concur with all you say. Well done.
Tim Davies, absolute legend, straight forward logical guy, not afraid of the mob, i have so much respect for his RAF career and what he is doing now. I'd like to think I am similar, British (but living in the usa), pilot (a320 captain) but unable to speak out on things as i am in the rat race, sad really. The irony of this video is i'd love to have a beer with him.
I can't remember the writer, the book, or even the exact quote, but I once read "After a short walk around my town, I suddenly realised The West is pretty much a culture designed to manufacture, distribute, and consume alcohol". I put alcohol up there with uncontrolled mass immigration and feminism as things that have damaged The West. Great stuff Tim. One thing, when you say "Do it together" and "there's a powerful community giving up", that's pretty much AA. I love NA, (Skag is my thing) I don't like all of it, but the community is great.
8 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes it doesn’t matter. What you have today is always worth listening to Another quality inspirational video mate from one pilot to another…
Just glad I've left those terrible, terrible post-alcohol depressed states behind. It's surprising how many people fail to make the connection between drinking and feeling low the day or days after.
I stopped drinking alcohol about 15 years ago. Never a heavy drinker but unlike you Tim, I found it increasingly difficult to metabolise. As time goes on, you might find that the 'triggering' diminishes as your mind and body ditch the embedded habit of alcohol. I have no desire to drink again. I much prefer a mug of strong tea. Another practice that's helped me more generally sort my life out for the better - mindfulness meditation. That loosens the grip of any craving or anguish. I appreciate your straightforward delivery on these videos Tim. You are willing to smash reality right into our faces. Sometimes we all need that. Success to you on your journey.
Just over four years ago I had a big change in my life and not for the better. And for those 4 years I have been drinking more than any other time in my life which is not doing me any good. So I am going to do a dry January with the long term plan to give up drinking. Thanks for the video it has helped motivate me to I not the only one.
You’re spot-on Tim. I stopped at 40, I’m now 56. Same as you describe, my wife and I just drank at home. It was just a habit. I work on the railway and we have random D&A screening, so I felt it was perhaps just a matter of time. Also the Mach Loop won’t come to me, so now I can get up at daft o’clock and head up the hills ! Happy Christmas Tim, stick with it and keep the vids coming. All the best. 👍👍
@@FastJetPerformance I’ve not been recently but apparently the Typhoons are back and the Marham F35s. Either way the Valley girls/boys rarely let us down. 👍
I like your "recognise an issue and sort it" attitude. Without meaning to sound smug, I'm really glad that I never started drinking. I never liked the stuff and wasn't about to let peer pressure have me "get used to the taste". I've got plenty of things I could give-up though.
Hi Tim, I don't drink any more, not because I "took a pledge",I just couldn't be bothered any more,my wife has only seen me drunk once in all the years we've been together, and she told me it was never to happen again, life doesn't suddenly become all honey and pie, but not waking up feeling like shit is a brilliant reason for stopping,I recently had my first solo flight in a gyrocopter,(age 61!),and I couldn't see myself being able to do that if I was still drinking,(apart from anything else,I couldn't afford both),but anyway,sorry for filling up your comments section,take care,all thr best from Scotland ,Stephen.
hey mate, just come across you, thank you for being authentic, being a paraglider pilot, a lot relates to what you say, you make a difference, please keep doing what you are doing, x
Inspirational video. I look back on my life and have behaved very stupidly through getting pissed. Whiskey was my downfall, now at 70 the occasional beer suffices and no more thundering headaches in the morning.
Went to college at age 19. Within the first month,was introduced to a college 'buddy' drink night,at the end of which I was the worse for wear,but managed to stagger the 2 miles back to college accommodation. There,myself and all those other guys in a similar state,were plied with black coffee. Very bad news!-I had wanted to just collapse on my bed,where I would have been fine,but the coffee made me puke something dreadful,after which I felt awful,before finally slumping on the bed and falling into a deep sleep. I learnt a valuable lesson that night-I still drink alcohol,but in complete moderation,and have NEVER again been in the condition that I was that night at college. Without sounding moralistic,I don't see the point of spending good money to just pee it down a drain,nor to be in a state where I cannot fully control myself,and despite what others might say,I don't find I have to be slewed out of my mind to enjoy myself! Oh,and at 75,I'm still enjoying life to the full and will continue to do so without needing silly quantities of alcohol to achieve it!
Hi Tim, I’m a self employed chap and find drinking in the evenings just takes the edge of constant busy days…On occasions I can just have a night off and square myself away with an early night and wake up the next day refreshed and a clear head however the next night I’m back on the merry go round. I am aware that I do need to address my situation and focus instead of just crashing from one day to the next 7 days a week.
Well said. Couldn't agree more. Stopping drinking is the best thing I did. I definitely sleep better, wake up better and feel better during the day. The most important thing, I feel I'm a better father and husband, something that makes me regret drinking earlier. I really don't care whether anyone else drinks, I've already had my fair share. I just know I'm better for not now.
I had this same thing with cannabis before I joined the RAF Regiment. I quit the weed but drank still for a while heavily to replace it which grew in quantity in the Regt. Now I only drink a couple at the weekend. However I haven't dreamed properly since I used cannabis, even though I've stopped.
Watched the whole thing, Tim. Love your raw honesty and your no BS attitude,and your "fuck it here's a video" production style. Really refreshing and helpful. Keep them coming man.
We do a thing called (Dry July) down under in Australia each year. I agree about more dreams after you stop drinking and also having to reply to every dam thing that you don't agree with online.
Great as always Tim! I gave up for 7 months when Covid first started. I didn't know what Covid was no one did but I gave up and felt so much better more in control of my life. But I started again. I exercise fairly regularly but drinking is a bastard for ruining fitness, so I'll probably give up again at some point. I'm not sure what point I'm making but I'm making it anyway. Appreciate your honesty.
Well done Tim ! Your words are wise, 10 mins or more , I don’t care, I’ll still watch. Boredom forced me down a slippery slope in the last year - beer to wine to spirits to keep getting the hit . I’ve recognised the direction I was travelling and put the brakes on. Having given up smoking and sugar in the last few years I’m not certain if I could jack booze in entirely but maybe…
As a former flyer myself, I know all too well the drinking culture that surrounds aviation. I was drinking up to fifty pints most weekends for about twelve years, but justified it to myself and others as “social drinking”. Giving up wasn’t easy, but what worked for me was going for an early morning run three or four times a week. Eleven months on and I wouldn’t sacrifice that morning post-run rush for anything - certainly not a six-pack of poison the night before. I guess the trick is to find a safe substitute that works for you.😊
Thanks, Tim! @FastJetPerformance Been following you for years after finding you through Chris Dangerfield. 🙂 Was out there pounding the pavments at 3:30am this morning. Bit extreme, but it's a great way to increase serotonin and dopamine with none of the unpleasant and damaging side effects. I faltered a couple of times earlier in the year, but now there's no going back. 🙂 @@FastJetPerformance
Awesome vid, thanks for the inspiration. Btw, I'm the guy who will happily watch a 30 min vid on a subject that interests me. life is MUCH better without booze, and we become MUCH smarter wen we're not constantly killing brain cells and destroying neural pathways. Love it Tim, pls keep making the encouragement vids, it's all part of life. Ps congrats on passing the year mark! 🙏💪
I recall your first video that you made about alcohol, etc and you thought it wouldn't be useful. It was. Kept it in the back of my mind for the entire year and more so once my liver enzymes starting going up...and myopathy hit me hard during these past 2.5 months. I rewatched that video, amongst others, and I realized I was running down sh-t avenue. I needed to quit to GAIN my health and life back. This video was timely and I appreciate it immensely. I quit at the beginning of December and its been a challenge given the holiday season. Parties, get togethers with buddies. "Nope, don't drink anymore." Its a great feeling to GAIN something. To everybody else - think about your health. Think about your relationships and think about your futures. QUIT the booze to GAIN it all back. Have a wonderful New Years Tim and crew!
Tim I've had many bosses in my 25 years in the RAF had been partial to the odd blow out and honestly i don't know if they still partake. But I have happy memories of that time. I have NEVER smoked yet I was done from birth by a gene passed down by my father bless him and I had a stroke at age 54 7 yrs ago, so there you go you never know what is going to come along, obviously I no longer drink but i love the way you come across you remind me of some o the best bosses I had the pleasure to serve. You had me in fits with the comments you made about harrier pilots......right from his words! (he was a Jag pilot).
I’m 3 months into no drinking. Hadn’t planned to stop just decided it might be good for me. Do miss the feeling I get when I’ve had a few but don’t miss the morning after feeling. Like you I’ve been a drinker all my life and loved it. The aches and pains I used to get in my joints have virtually gone away. Not sure if I will have a beer over Xmas. Working Xmas day anyway. Even if I do I’ll stop again on the 1st Jan. Well done for the 11 months. Thanks
Thanks Tim. I have drunk heavy since 16. I then gave up for 5years ish in my 30’s then got shafted with a semi complicated marriage breakup and a few other bits. That was my excuse to have a summer beer again about 7 years ago and it’s got progressively worse since that one beer…. I hate drinking, always did, but I still do it every night as it lowers the noise. We are ‘clever’ drinkers with that gene, we work out how many units we can have to safely drive the next morning, then when we get a day off we do more. I’ve done 13 units every night for the last 7 years and more when I’m not driving the next morning. I’m going to have a ‘good’ Christmas and give up on Jan. Keep these videos coming Tim especially in Jan they will help people more than you will ever know.
Enjoyed drink for 43 years. Did dry January for the first time four years ago. After that I just thought, I’ve had enough…I’m done. Had no alcohol since. Had lots of little improvements to health and life. Straight away I slept loads better. Concentration and memory are better. Also, life is easier and simpler all round. Saving a load of money as well. Still go on piss ups occasionally and no one cares that I’m not drinking alcohol. All I would say is do it for yourself, don’t go on about it and be all moralistic, really, no one cares.
I am serving, went to the Med Centre for help and they broken me. I really wish I had not gone. I am doing dry Jan. iI really wish we had met when you were in. You really could help me get through my next and hopefully last part of my career. 14 months to my 22 and I hope it hurries up
It's true your life doesn't suddenly become wonderful when you stop drinking. It's a case of context, and over time you see and appreciate the benefits and how you got there. When you decide to quit, its the equivalent of being on the start line for a marathon, you would not be their if it were not for all the training, i.e. your experience in life that leads you to stopping. The point is you have already done the work to hit the major milestone by deciding to stop. I put this off for 30 years and I'm now 50 and stopped 3 years ago. For some this is easy and boozing is left in the early 20's, for others it can take almost a life time. As disappointed as I am with myself for taking so long, you need to let go and move on. It's almost mourning your old life and rituals, especially at this time of year. I can say unequivocally, that my life and those around me are far better off with me not drinking. Yes it's clichéd, I'm a better Father, Husband, Brother, Friend and Son. I've not wasted any more money and hours of my life to alcohol.
*Everything in moderation & a bit of self discipline is my advice, after leaving the mob i became a licencee, i soon developed a guilt complex feeding my customers with alcohol every day, liking them yet knowing they're wrecking their health, tough call but i had to remain unbiased as they freely consumed it & i had to support myself & family*
"Give me back the life I never had!" Hard fact that Tim but so true, great vid as always but don't say 8 mins long people won't watch, your content is great and draws you in maybe you should be thinking of writing a book? I'd buy it! Xmas is a rubbish time for me for various reasons and I will have a drink but not ever intoxicated ie never been drunk since my decision in 2003. Stick with it Tim all the best!
Top video Tim. Currently serving, every year I say no more to the beer calls. Come mid January I am always back in the mess bar. More determined to get it across the line this year.
With the world falling apart it is hard to stop but its worth it. Getting up Sunday morning not hungover and going to church is one of the best benefits to me.
Good to address your issues. I feel quite lucky that even as an ex military man of 25 years I can take it or leave it. I can go weeks without a drink but then meet old mates and get smashed. Probably healthier to stop full stop but I enjoy a drink every now and then.
I quit drinking 15 years ago because I felt that alcohol was making me behave like an arsehole. Now I realise it wasn't and it's just the fact that I'm an arsehole . . . but at least I'm a healthier arsehole now.
That's interesting and I've heard that before - I might do a video on it because my tolerance with some people is really just not there and I don't even pretend to care - there are reasons for this but it isn't fair to them and I need to work on this too.
Lived in a pub from age 4 until I was 17 and joined the RAF as an Armourer for 26 years, so around the drink culture for a long time. My first marriage was from excessive drinking in RAF Germany, so bad so that I didn’t realise what I had done until I was standing on the steps of the registry office. That caused a rift with my family that has continued. Separated from my second wife at age 46 and got back in to serious real ale drinking and finishing every evening off with a quarter bottle of whiskey. Took a chance of a job in 2010 working in the Middle East where alcohol was banned, tough few months to start but it was a big help in getting my S H one T in a sock. Finished overseas in 2022 and average 4 drinks a month I’d say, or on the more frequent raising of a glass to a recently departed mate. Admire you for stopping completely though
Can associate with everything you said! I too drank only in the house to excess and thought Im not doing any harm to anyone except myself of course. And as you say things do improve very quickly after quitting. As soon as I told my family about my quitting they assumed there was something wrong with me. I explained that was not the case apart from the usual stomach pains,and they suggested I drink in moderation and as you know this does not work, because one drink leads to two then ten etc and the whole cycle begins again! Appreciate your wise words 👍👌
I've never been a professional pilot (military or otherwise) but I am a former PPL Pilot and up until my Dad died in 2013, I didnt have any real problem with drink until he passed away. I have a good job in an industry that I've been in a long time and my coworkers look to me for advice and support, I'm also a carer for my mum who has mobility and mental issues. I also have no family members (my Mum is the last one standing on her side and the members of my Dads side may as well be characters in Shameless), and because I'm a carer I find it hard to go out and make friends. This time of year fucking sucks, it seems like when your nearing 40, the only place to meet someone is the pub, dating a coworker which is a is a strict no go (been there, bought the T shirt) and online dating sucks but not in the nice way. Drinking isnt so much as something that I enjoy, it just gets me through it, I'd love a non alcoholic option. I'm stressed all the time and just out of ideas, I really really miss flying and I have no family or friends (coworkers aren't freinds, I learned that the hard way) so finding talking to someone isn't a realistic option. Any advice would be welcome.
I'm not just saying this to take your money but people use my school in a very social way - if you fly DCS and want to build it into a hobby, the school will definitely keep you busy and helped me a great deal when I stopped drinking a year ago. Alternatively, hitting the gym or a new sport, archery etc, can often lead to better social groups?
Would love to hear more about your journey Tim.! Definitely try make more videos on this topic if you can! I’ve watched loads of videos about this and none have resonated more than this . I agree with everything you said on this topic . I stopped on dec 1st . Thank you for the video Tim.
I’m going to give it a go as I can’t do the depressed feelings after a few beers. It’s tricky because a lot of my social connections meet in the pub and it will be difficult to mix with them if you’re not ‘joining in’. I’ve been a paramedic for 33 years and like a previous comment have seen the results of alcoholism. I’m going to use non alcoholic drinks as a way of easing out of it. ? Thanks Tim- I really enjoy your posts and your honesty. It’s your ‘ alcohol free flight’ school!🤗💪🏻👍
I didn't go for non-alcoholic beers myself, they work for some but just made me want 10 of them!¬ I found sparkling water REALLY helped a lot - you can only drink so much of it after all.
Hey tim hope all is well this has planted a seed not much of a drinker these days but when I do there’s no stop button if that makes sense.. nothing ever comes good from alcohol just regret anxiety then for the next week am just not the same on a massive guilt trip even if I haven’t done anything wrong. So the last time I drank was the weekend gone when a colleague started to confront me I walked away he followed he then continued to grab and pull so then the ex rockape in me showed it’s face of course under the guidance of card alpha I gave him 3 vocal warnings which failed so he received a single strike to the throat I walk away back to the venue continued on with the night. This week I am now under investigation in work over this. top table have said we’ll done for keeping your calm etc don’t worry we have seen the CCTV you done nothing wrong. However the side effects of drink won’t allow me to not worry .. worrying anxiety through the Roof all the usual stuff but amplified by this event. I say to myself well am to blame I know how alcohol makes me feel so why put myself in that environment and then Part of me thinks if stop drinking am taking away the ability to socialise but at the same time am not socialising when I drink am escaping. So maybe it is time to make a decisive move an just remove alcohol from my life completely. Thanks for your content Tim your doing a good thing
Tim, who told you no-one watches things longer than 10mins? Maybe the younglings that can't sit still longer than a kangaroo after drinking a gallon of coffee... I guess I'm like Mrs Davies... I enjoy a drink, whenever I want. I've never had the urge to get drunk (though I have been completely and utterly wasted at times), I drink because I enjoy it. Last year, my Mrs turned around to me with a "I'll stop smoking if you stop drinking" - OK, done. She lasted about a week, I didn't drink a drop for 2 months just to prove a point. At one point in the two months she even commented that I had bottles (plural) of whisky gathering dust. "Yeah, just don't fancy any right now," was the reply. I thank my highschool biology teacher for the psychology - her take was "everything, in sufficient quantity, is a poison, and if you burn as many calories as you eat, you won't gain weight. Everything in moderation, including moderation itself." She was a big lady, so while she didn't practice what she preached, she certainly put me on the right path. January for me, is "One Punch Man" month - 100 sit-ups, 100 push ups, 100 squats AND a 10k run - every day, for the month. Gotta burn off that Christmas pud! 11mins 51... and I watched every second.
@@FastJetPerformance ease into it if you're going to try it Tim. I do a 10k run and a 10k swim (in the sea when possible) once a week, and ramp up for Jan. Even then, I won't lie, the middle of Jan is hell. But for me, that's the point of it, proving to myself that I can still do the things my body doesn't want to do. Neither of us are spring chickens mate (I'm 9 years behind you), seriously, ease into it. Would be fun to see a TH-cam Short from you every day though (but I understand that editing is a pain and the routine already adds a couple of hours/day to the schedule)
Tim if you struggle with drink, then stopping is the right thing to do, and all of us need to help people who need to stop. but it's wrong to tell everyone to stop, because it's a social lubricant and it make us calmer and nicer. We all know someone who died because they drank too much it's a shitty situation, but we also know people who go to the pub and have 2 or 3 pints and a good craic and leave having a better and nicer day. Booze isnt a bad thing.
It is hard but look at Christmas as just a couple of days - next year is the plan you want to hit and have a really productive year, try and not let Christmas get to you, go to bed early if you really feel the pull - clean your teeth and lie down for an hour - that will help a great deal.
The other thing they tell you is that you can't 'just stop' drinking. But if you don't you keep drinking. My nephew was one of 2 people I know who got told that, the other was my ex g/f, we split up because of (largely) her drinking plus a few other things, mostly also her narcissism.
Yes, you can just stop drinking but I expect somebody into the heavy spirits might want to see a doctor, I'm not sure. I just stopped and yes, it wasn't pleasant, but I didn't die and if I'd stayed drinking I would have. I think we need to be careful about these things we here about drinking, I always thought that I'd rather just stop and die from sudden stopping that continue what I was doing but that's me.
Well done. A bit older than you and from a forces (RAF and Army) family I experienced excessive consumption of often duty free cigarettes and booze from an early age. I quit cigarettes quite early on but found alcohol much more tempting. After occasional campaigns to have a break I too decided to abstain completely this year and must admit it hasn’t been as hard as I expected it to be. I enjoyed booze particularly red wine (lager was too gassy). I am tempted to have a drink over Christmas but don’t want to break my record. Yes, it is amazing how vivid and frequent one’s dreams are now. All the best. And I enjoy your Twitter feed.
I am a former paramedic. It is hard for me to watch videos like this as I know, and I have seen, the consequences of alcohol addiction. I have been drinking for a number of years and have deluded myself into thinking it was 'social' drinking. Now I frequently suffer with abdo pain on a regular basis and I know, instinctively, it is my liver. I usually avoid videos like this because I know what the the root problem is. I have known and witnessed many people die from this and some were my former colleagues. Thank you for addressing this openly. It's a tough watch but I know, deep down, I have to address this. Alcoholics hide their bottles because of their shame.
Wait…so my abdominal pains aren’t just an upset stomach! Oh no no no I HAVE to stop.
@@Wandering_Chemist Yip, it probably is. The damage is already done. I've seen it in real life. That's why I'm a life long T totaller, 52 and never drank. Saw too much and the consequences growing up.
@@Wandering_Chemist livers are ninjas, they can heal themselves super fast but it needs to be given a rest to do this - some people say a few days a week but I stopped because I knew that I was get some news that was going to be terminal - how do explain it to your family that you've done life altering damge to yourself, that hit me pretty hard so I stopped.
Dude, I'm a still serving para. I feel you. I've seen so many punters with alcohol dependency problems
I'm heading that way
I haven’t touched alcohol for about 7 years. The hardest thing is being away on night stops and the crew questioning me as to why I’m not drinking. I have seen a few colleagues destroy their flying careers due to drinking.
Love your honesty Tim. And not glamourising the fact that you are 11 months sober. 👍👍
Breaking habits is a b**ch. 2,5 years sober here and counting. Several times (5+ I can remember) I dreamt that I had a beer and I felt awful in the dream because I had ruined my streak. Felt great to wake up to realize it was only a bad dream and I am still sober. Just keep at it!
I did that with smoking, was a heavy smoker and had the chance to give up so took it. After 2 ops one day after the other my ciggy tasted and smelt like burning cardboard so chanced it. Had a really vivid dream one night that I had a ciggy while at the bar, woke up to find it was just that, a dream. As for the booze, let my hair down twice a year and then maybe the odd day in between, Remembrance Sunday and New Years eve.
Just one simple message. I'm proud of you Tim.
I lost my mum to vodka in 2017, she gave up 9 months before she died after being told she had 6 months to live. They were the most amazing 9 months of my life because I got to know my mum
Sorry to hear that Mark and I appreciate the comment, it will help a lot of people.
@FastJetPerformance if it helps one person extend those a months for the rest of their live at least my mums legacy lives on
Vodka is a killer. Don't ask me how I know. Please.
An ex work colleague of mine has just died at the age of 59, he had a drink problem for many years and it finally got him. You have done well to give it up, please don’t go back, the world needs people like you and I wish my departed friend had had the strength.
3 years now, can't imagine going back to it. Wasn't a big drinker in later years but gave it a good nudge when I was younger. Just feel good all the time. I made myself choose coffee or alcohol. Coffee won. I watch my airline pilot colleagues going "shall we have another?" when the clock has already ticked over. Not worth ruining your career over a pint.
I started drinking at the age of 17 (upper 6th form) and continued until I was 25 (1995). I didn't have a problem stopping and essentially quit until the end of 2019 when my PhD was going down the drain and I left - so I felt I needed something to take the edge off (and drugs has never been my thing) so I started drinking again. Here we are, at the end of 2023 and I'm still at it. This year, I found myself drinking wine, beer, spirits almost every day.
That said, I did stop for a month in January (nothing to do with New Year's resolutions) and then a few months ago, I started getting serious cramp in both feet, then in my right calf and one evening, I woke up as though a hot knife entered my right toe. I took over the counter medicine and it didn't help. The pain was excruciating. I haven't had my blood test yet but both the GP and foot clinic said it sounds like gout - which is, in part, caused by - yep. Alcohol.
So, besides screwing up your liver. It can also have numerous other complications. Plus, I used to get up at 6am feeling fresh and now I get out of bed at 9am to 12pm (I have my own company so I work all hours of the day, including weekends).
I decided, a few weeks ago that enough is enough so instead of waiting for 1st January. I'm quitting now. It just isn't worth it.
Best of luck to you, Abdul - you are a good man and if I can offer you any help then just ask.
@@FastJetPerformance Thanks so much, Tim. I find it quite easy to give up. I just need a real reason to quit for good. Waiting to hear on a positive response to a contract - and I'm one of the 3.8 million abandoned by Sunak during the furlough scheme and I'm still trying to recover lost contracts due to covid/lock down (only to have the Tories increase corporation tax from 19 to 25%). So, it's been a real struggle. However, I'm positive something will happen soon and not only will I continue flying lessons, I'll definitely sign up to FJP/Shadow Lands flight school because what you teach is awesome!
Flew for years booze everywhere you looked, I totally relate to this, only recently stopped drinking in the week and only the odd glass at the weekend, difficult but can be done the environment I was in was toxic and however much as I miss flying it I think I will live a heck of of lot longer.
The clarity of your message is perfect. I am working right now with a tequila and coke at my desk, it is Sunday at 11pm though, but I have found myself having a drink every day before bed to help me sleep because I keep waking up worrying about my business and wake up early in the mornings feeling anxious. During the day I'm fine, it's just at nights and first thing.
You’re using alcohol to self medicate. Your describing symptoms of anxiety, non addictive anti-anxiety medication is available from your GP.
@@Eyespy743 All normalised now. I can't use GP prescribed meds as i have to retain and be certified for a Class1 Pilot med certificate.
The picture on the front ,a beer and so on .brilliant!
Oh so accurate.
I said to you on Twitter Tim that when my younger sister passed away aged 36 I was off sick at the time and was using it as an opportunity to stop. I did start drinking again but going to commit to stopping on Jan 1st. I did stop for 3 months back in 2021 so I know I can do it !
I was a heavy drinker, in my mind, drinking 4 cans a day of Fosters and ending up on 8 a day. Then I got Covid in 2020 and was so ill for 3 weeks. Obviously no drinking. That got the addiction out of my system and for the next 3 weeks I felt amazing. I wasn't going to bed at 8pm from being tired after getting pissed. I got home at 5pm so I litterally had 3 hours of feeling good then going to bed. Being sober I'd be up until 11pm having fun, watching movies, gaming, reading. I felt freedom. THEN I thought I could have the occasional beer and had a can a night. That was fine for a week. Then I had 2 cans a night and so it went on. I'm back on 8 cans a night. Thank you for your video. I know being off alcohol felt amazing. I'm going to knock it on the head again for 2024. You inspired me to do it again and keep to ot. Save money and lose this beer belly. Thank you again, all the best for 2024.
Thank you, Oliver.
Stirling, brave words as always Tim.
After working in two career landscapes with huge drinking culture, F1 and RAF, I concur with all you say.
Well done.
Tim Davies, absolute legend, straight forward logical guy, not afraid of the mob, i have so much respect for his RAF career and what he is doing now. I'd like to think I am similar, British (but living in the usa), pilot (a320 captain) but unable to speak out on things as i am in the rat race, sad really. The irony of this video is i'd love to have a beer with him.
I can't remember the writer, the book, or even the exact quote, but I once read "After a short walk around my town, I suddenly realised The West is pretty much a culture designed to manufacture, distribute, and consume alcohol". I put alcohol up there with uncontrolled mass immigration and feminism as things that have damaged The West. Great stuff Tim. One thing, when you say "Do it together" and "there's a powerful community giving up", that's pretty much AA. I love NA, (Skag is my thing) I don't like all of it, but the community is great.
Very good point, Chris - true words spoken!
I gave up in march this year, I drank very much like you and as a ex RAF armourer drinking was a culture. Good times thanks Tim
Gave it up twenty years ago I'm now seventy five, i loved a pint its all in the mind you have to grow up sometime time don't leave it to late.
8 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes it doesn’t matter. What you have today is always worth listening to
Another quality inspirational video mate from one pilot to another…
Thanks Jono.
Just glad I've left those terrible, terrible post-alcohol depressed states behind. It's surprising how many people fail to make the connection between drinking and feeling low the day or days after.
I stopped drinking alcohol about 15 years ago. Never a heavy drinker but unlike you Tim, I found it increasingly difficult to metabolise. As time goes on, you might find that the 'triggering' diminishes as your mind and body ditch the embedded habit of alcohol. I have no desire to drink again. I much prefer a mug of strong tea. Another practice that's helped me more generally sort my life out for the better - mindfulness meditation. That loosens the grip of any craving or anguish. I appreciate your straightforward delivery on these videos Tim. You are willing to smash reality right into our faces. Sometimes we all need that. Success to you on your journey.
Gave up beer and wine (all alcohol)almost ten years ago, second best thing I ever did! Second only to quitting cigarets many many years ago!
Just over four years ago I had a big change in my life and not for the better. And for those 4 years I have been drinking more than any other time in my life which is not doing me any good. So I am going to do a dry January with the long term plan to give up drinking. Thanks for the video it has helped motivate me to I not the only one.
You’re spot-on Tim. I stopped at 40, I’m now 56. Same as you describe, my wife and I just drank at home. It was just a habit. I work on the railway and we have random D&A screening, so I felt it was perhaps just a matter of time. Also the Mach Loop won’t come to me, so now I can get up at daft o’clock and head up the hills ! Happy Christmas Tim, stick with it and keep the vids coming. All the best. 👍👍
Thanks Barry, hope there are still some things flying through the loop these days!
@@FastJetPerformance I’ve not been recently but apparently the Typhoons are back and the Marham F35s. Either way the Valley girls/boys rarely let us down. 👍
Tim I almost didn't watch this video 'cause it was over 10 minutes. Kidding, love the brutal tell it like it is! Keep it up.
I like your "recognise an issue and sort it" attitude.
Without meaning to sound smug, I'm really glad that I never started drinking. I never liked the stuff and wasn't about to let peer pressure have me "get used to the taste". I've got plenty of things I could give-up though.
Hi Tim, I don't drink any more, not because I "took a pledge",I just couldn't be bothered any more,my wife has only seen me drunk once in all the years we've been together, and she told me it was never to happen again, life doesn't suddenly become all honey and pie, but not waking up feeling like shit is a brilliant reason for stopping,I recently had my first solo flight in a gyrocopter,(age 61!),and I couldn't see myself being able to do that if I was still drinking,(apart from anything else,I couldn't afford both),but anyway,sorry for filling up your comments section,take care,all thr best from Scotland ,Stephen.
Thank you,. Stephen - have a lovely Christmas.
hey mate, just come across you, thank you for being authentic, being a paraglider pilot, a lot relates to what you say, you make a difference, please keep doing what you are doing, x
Inspirational video. I look back on my life and have behaved very stupidly through getting pissed. Whiskey was my downfall, now at 70 the occasional beer suffices and no more thundering headaches in the morning.
Thanks, Tim. Appreciate the no bullshsit approach on this mate. Keep it going, making me realise and move out the shit I'm in.
Really, thanks.
Went to college at age 19. Within the first month,was introduced to a college 'buddy' drink night,at the end of which I was the worse for wear,but managed to stagger the 2 miles back to college accommodation. There,myself and all those other guys in a similar state,were plied with black coffee. Very bad news!-I had wanted to just collapse on my bed,where I would have been fine,but the coffee made me puke something dreadful,after which I felt awful,before finally slumping on the bed and falling into a deep sleep.
I learnt a valuable lesson that night-I still drink alcohol,but in complete moderation,and have NEVER again been in the condition that I was that night at college. Without sounding moralistic,I don't see the point of spending good money to just pee it down a drain,nor to be in a state where I cannot fully control myself,and despite what others might say,I don't find I have to be slewed out of my mind to enjoy myself!
Oh,and at 75,I'm still enjoying life to the full and will continue to do so without needing silly quantities of alcohol to achieve it!
Hi Tim, I’m a self employed chap and find drinking in the evenings just takes the edge of constant busy days…On occasions I can just have a night off and square myself away with an early night and wake up the next day refreshed and a clear head however the next night I’m back on the merry go round. I am aware that I do need to address my situation and focus instead of just crashing from one day to the next 7 days a week.
I relate to every word I wish more people would talk this way, tell it how it is. Great video 👍
Such a solid post, Im at the start of this process, this really helps
Thanks Tim , have a great Christmas
Tim, you’re a legend. I’d listen to you all day. Don’t sweat the timing of your vids.
Respect again Tim. Just love your no-nonsense talk, the kind that only comes from the mouths of British (ex)Servicemen.
Wise words..
Love your honesty Tim! You've helped me massively watching this channel. So thanks dude 🙌
Well said. Couldn't agree more.
Stopping drinking is the best thing I did. I definitely sleep better, wake up better and feel better during the day.
The most important thing, I feel I'm a better father and husband, something that makes me regret drinking earlier. I really don't care whether anyone else drinks, I've already had my fair share. I just know I'm better for not now.
I had this same thing with cannabis before I joined the RAF Regiment. I quit the weed but drank still for a while heavily to replace it which grew in quantity in the Regt. Now I only drink a couple at the weekend.
However I haven't dreamed properly since I used cannabis, even though I've stopped.
Tim, I’m not on the same journey as you but I applaud your achievements on your journey.👏
Of all the things you champion, this has to be the best.
Watched the whole thing, Tim. Love your raw honesty and your no BS attitude,and your "fuck it here's a video" production style. Really refreshing and helpful. Keep them coming man.
Thanks Tim, life does change as you get older. Some people just don't grow up until it is too late.
Good on you, friend. I am closing fast on the end of my 20th year sober and it was a life-changing decision, as you described. Hang in there.
Thank you.
We do a thing called (Dry July) down under in Australia each year. I agree about more dreams after you stop drinking and also having to reply to every dam thing that you don't agree with online.
Great as always Tim!
I gave up for 7 months when Covid first started. I didn't know what Covid was no one did but I gave up and felt so much better more in control of my life. But I started again. I exercise fairly regularly but drinking is a bastard for ruining fitness, so I'll probably give up again at some point. I'm not sure what point I'm making but I'm making it anyway.
Appreciate your honesty.
Sounded like you were reading my cv biography mate. Spot on .
Brilliant bloke very encouraging
Why are you literally describing my life right now! I think I will quit after the holidays. Thank you for this so much sir 🫡
Well done Tim ! Your words are wise, 10 mins or more , I don’t care, I’ll still watch. Boredom forced me down a slippery slope in the last year - beer to wine to spirits to keep getting the hit . I’ve recognised the direction I was travelling and put the brakes on. Having given up smoking and sugar in the last few years I’m not certain if I could jack booze in entirely but maybe…
As a former flyer myself, I know all too well the drinking culture that surrounds aviation. I was drinking up to fifty pints most weekends for about twelve years, but justified it to myself and others as “social drinking”. Giving up wasn’t easy, but what worked for me was going for an early morning run three or four times a week. Eleven months on and I wouldn’t sacrifice that morning post-run rush for anything - certainly not a six-pack of poison the night before.
I guess the trick is to find a safe substitute that works for you.😊
I'd always advise exercise Ben, pick your favourite, get into it and focus on the mornings.
Thanks, Tim! @FastJetPerformance Been following you for years after finding you through Chris Dangerfield. 🙂
Was out there pounding the pavments at 3:30am this morning. Bit extreme, but it's a great way to increase serotonin and dopamine with none of the unpleasant and damaging side effects. I faltered a couple of times earlier in the year, but now there's no going back. 🙂 @@FastJetPerformance
Raw and true 100% - thanks!
Good on you Tim. Liver disease is no joke. All the best to you and those quitting/quit.
Awesome vid, thanks for the inspiration. Btw, I'm the guy who will happily watch a 30 min vid on a subject that interests me. life is MUCH better without booze, and we become MUCH smarter wen we're not constantly killing brain cells and destroying neural pathways. Love it Tim, pls keep making the encouragement vids, it's all part of life. Ps congrats on passing the year mark! 🙏💪
Thanks, James.
Thank you.
Boom. Love it nice one Tim. 2 years up here, agree with all you said including the pain in the lower right side. Been there. Still alive.
Still alive indeed, good man.
great overview - I need to stop smoking really 😥
I recall your first video that you made about alcohol, etc and you thought it wouldn't be useful. It was. Kept it in the back of my mind for the entire year and more so once my liver enzymes starting going up...and myopathy hit me hard during these past 2.5 months. I rewatched that video, amongst others, and I realized I was running down sh-t avenue. I needed to quit to GAIN my health and life back. This video was timely and I appreciate it immensely. I quit at the beginning of December and its been a challenge given the holiday season. Parties, get togethers with buddies. "Nope, don't drink anymore." Its a great feeling to GAIN something.
To everybody else - think about your health. Think about your relationships and think about your futures. QUIT the booze to GAIN it all back. Have a wonderful New Years Tim and crew!
Tim I've had many bosses in my 25 years in the RAF had been partial to the odd blow out and honestly i don't know if they still partake. But I have happy memories of that time. I have NEVER smoked yet I was done from birth by a gene passed down by my father bless him and I had a stroke at age 54 7 yrs ago, so there you go you never know what is going to come along, obviously I
no longer drink but i love the way you come across you remind me of some o the best bosses I had the pleasure to serve. You had me in fits with the comments you made about harrier pilots......right from his words! (he was a Jag pilot).
15 years no days off . Same as you (lagers) Stopped a month ago . Hasn't been too bad . I hear you mate and agree .
I’m 3 months into no drinking. Hadn’t planned to stop just decided it might be good for me. Do miss the feeling I get when I’ve had a few but don’t miss the morning after feeling. Like you I’ve been a drinker all my life and loved it. The aches and pains I used to get in my joints have virtually gone away. Not sure if I will have a beer over Xmas. Working Xmas day anyway. Even if I do I’ll stop again on the 1st Jan.
Well done for the 11 months. Thanks
Thanks Tim. I have drunk heavy since 16. I then gave up for 5years ish in my 30’s then got shafted with a semi complicated marriage breakup and a few other bits. That was my excuse to have a summer beer again about 7 years ago and it’s got progressively worse since that one beer….
I hate drinking, always did, but I still do it every night as it lowers the noise.
We are ‘clever’ drinkers with that gene, we work out how many units we can have to safely drive the next morning, then when we get a day off we do more. I’ve done 13 units every night for the last 7 years and more when I’m not driving the next morning. I’m going to have a ‘good’ Christmas and give up on Jan.
Keep these videos coming Tim especially in Jan they will help people more than you will ever know.
Lowering the noise, yes, I am very familiar with that indeed. I'll try and get a few more vids out over the New Year.
Enjoyed drink for 43 years. Did dry January for the first time four years ago. After that I just thought, I’ve had enough…I’m done. Had no alcohol since. Had lots of little improvements to health and life. Straight away I slept loads better. Concentration and memory are better. Also, life is easier and simpler all round. Saving a load of money as well. Still go on piss ups occasionally and no one cares that I’m not drinking alcohol. All I would say is do it for yourself, don’t go on about it and be all moralistic, really, no one cares.
Thank you.🙂
I am serving, went to the Med Centre for help and they broken me. I really wish I had not gone. I am doing dry Jan. iI really wish we had met when you were in. You really could help me get through my next and hopefully last part of my career. 14 months to my 22 and I hope it hurries up
Well done for changing course, it has its difficulties, especially when in the military.
It's true your life doesn't suddenly become wonderful when you stop drinking. It's a case of context, and over time you see and appreciate the benefits and how you got there. When you decide to quit, its the equivalent of being on the start line for a marathon, you would not be their if it were not for all the training, i.e. your experience in life that leads you to stopping.
The point is you have already done the work to hit the major milestone by deciding to stop. I put this off for 30 years and I'm now 50 and stopped 3 years ago. For some this is easy and boozing is left in the early 20's, for others it can take almost a life time. As disappointed as I am with myself for taking so long, you need to let go and move on. It's almost mourning your old life and rituals, especially at this time of year.
I can say unequivocally, that my life and those around me are far better off with me not drinking. Yes it's clichéd, I'm a better Father, Husband, Brother, Friend and Son. I've not wasted any more money and hours of my life to alcohol.
Strong video Tim! I watched it all!
Hats off for being so open, I’m sure this helps people.
Great to see you doing well! Merry Christmas
You too, Jambo!
Great video. Glad you are feeling so much better.
Great words of honest frank talk.Love these videos and respect for you clarity in these.
*Everything in moderation & a bit of self discipline is my advice, after leaving the mob i became a licencee, i soon developed a guilt complex feeding my customers with alcohol every day, liking them yet knowing they're wrecking their health, tough call but i had to remain unbiased as they freely consumed it & i had to support myself & family*
"Give me back the life I never had!" Hard fact that Tim but so true, great vid as always but don't say 8 mins long people won't watch, your content is great and draws you in maybe you should be thinking of writing a book? I'd buy it! Xmas is a rubbish time for me for various reasons and I will have a drink but not ever intoxicated ie never been drunk since my decision in 2003. Stick with it Tim all the best!
Congrats on making and keeping to that decision
Top video Tim.
Currently serving, every year I say no more to the beer calls. Come mid January I am always back in the mess bar.
More determined to get it across the line this year.
Not easy when you're in but not being around it or people at the bar helped me.
With the world falling apart it is hard to stop but its worth it. Getting up Sunday morning not hungover and going to church is one of the best benefits to me.
Substitute the evenings for the mornings - everything is better when the sun comes up.
Well done buddy...
Well done. A little sobriety is good for the soul.
Good to address your issues. I feel quite lucky that even as an ex military man of 25 years I can take it or leave it. I can go weeks without a drink but then meet old mates and get smashed. Probably healthier to stop full stop but I enjoy a drink every now and then.
Great video Tim Thank you.
Candid and honest.
Thanks mate.
I quit drinking 15 years ago because I felt that alcohol was making me behave like an arsehole. Now I realise it wasn't and it's just the fact that I'm an arsehole . . . but at least I'm a healthier arsehole now.
That's interesting and I've heard that before - I might do a video on it because my tolerance with some people is really just not there and I don't even pretend to care - there are reasons for this but it isn't fair to them and I need to work on this too.
Lived in a pub from age 4 until I was 17 and joined the RAF as an Armourer for 26 years, so around the drink culture for a long time. My first marriage was from excessive drinking in RAF Germany, so bad so that I didn’t realise what I had done until I was standing on the steps of the registry office. That caused a rift with my family that has continued. Separated from my second wife at age 46 and got back in to serious real ale drinking and finishing every evening off with a quarter bottle of whiskey. Took a chance of a job in 2010 working in the Middle East where alcohol was banned, tough few months to start but it was a big help in getting my S H one T in a sock. Finished overseas in 2022 and average 4 drinks a month I’d say, or on the more frequent raising of a glass to a recently departed mate. Admire you for stopping completely though
Well done Tim 👍
An outstanding video, Tim. Outstanding.
"a lot gets better quickly". Doesn't it just!
Can associate with everything you said! I too drank only in the house to excess and thought Im not doing any harm to anyone except myself of course. And as you say things do improve very quickly after quitting. As soon as I told my family about my quitting they assumed there was something wrong with me. I explained that was not the case apart from the usual stomach pains,and they suggested I drink in moderation and as you know this does not work, because one drink leads to two then ten etc and the whole cycle begins again! Appreciate your wise words 👍👌
I could never drink in moderation, I tried it, never worked for me as it was even more uncomfortable that when I was drinking full time.
Good effort Tim , keep it up. ( former Bootneck)
Thank you, Royal.
I've never been a professional pilot (military or otherwise) but I am a former PPL Pilot and up until my Dad died in 2013, I didnt have any real problem with drink until he passed away.
I have a good job in an industry that I've been in a long time and my coworkers look to me for advice and support, I'm also a carer for my mum who has mobility and mental issues.
I also have no family members (my Mum is the last one standing on her side and the members of my Dads side may as well be characters in Shameless), and because I'm a carer I find it hard to go out and make friends.
This time of year fucking sucks, it seems like when your nearing 40, the only place to meet someone is the pub, dating a coworker which is a is a strict no go (been there, bought the T shirt) and online dating sucks but not in the nice way.
Drinking isnt so much as something that I enjoy, it just gets me through it, I'd love a non alcoholic option.
I'm stressed all the time and just out of ideas, I really really miss flying and I have no family or friends (coworkers aren't freinds, I learned that the hard way) so finding talking to someone isn't a realistic option.
Any advice would be welcome.
I'm not just saying this to take your money but people use my school in a very social way - if you fly DCS and want to build it into a hobby, the school will definitely keep you busy and helped me a great deal when I stopped drinking a year ago. Alternatively, hitting the gym or a new sport, archery etc, can often lead to better social groups?
Another informative vid Tim, common sense. Thanks.
Would love to hear more about your journey Tim.! Definitely try make more videos on this topic if you can! I’ve watched loads of videos about this and none have resonated more than this .
I agree with everything you said on this topic . I stopped on dec 1st .
Thank you for the video Tim.
I appreciate it, I will try and do another one over Christmas.
Thanks TD. 1st January Eh? 🇬🇧
I’m going to give it a go as I can’t do the depressed feelings after a few beers. It’s tricky because a lot of my social connections meet in the pub and it will be difficult to mix with them if you’re not ‘joining in’. I’ve been a paramedic for 33 years and like a previous comment have seen the results of alcoholism. I’m going to use non alcoholic drinks as a way of easing out of it. ?
Thanks Tim- I really enjoy your posts and your honesty. It’s your ‘ alcohol free flight’ school!🤗💪🏻👍
I didn't go for non-alcoholic beers myself, they work for some but just made me want 10 of them!¬ I found sparkling water REALLY helped a lot - you can only drink so much of it after all.
Tim, did you address the reasons why you needed to drink so heavily in the first place?
Hey tim hope all is well this has planted a seed not much of a drinker these days but when I do there’s no stop button if that makes sense.. nothing ever comes good from alcohol just regret anxiety then for the next week am just not the same on a massive guilt trip even if I haven’t done anything wrong. So the last time I drank was the weekend gone when a colleague started to confront me I walked away he followed he then continued to grab and pull so then the ex rockape in me showed it’s face of course under the guidance of card alpha I gave him 3 vocal warnings which failed so he received a single strike to the throat I walk away back to the venue continued on with the night. This week I am now under investigation in work over this. top table have said we’ll done for keeping your calm etc don’t worry we have seen the CCTV you done nothing wrong. However the side effects of drink won’t allow me to not worry .. worrying anxiety through the Roof all the usual stuff but amplified by this event. I say to myself well am to blame I know how alcohol makes me feel so why put myself in that environment and then Part of me thinks if stop drinking am taking away the ability to socialise but at the same time am not socialising when I drink am escaping.
So maybe it is time to make a decisive move an just remove alcohol from my life completely.
Thanks for your content Tim your doing a good thing
Tim, who told you no-one watches things longer than 10mins? Maybe the younglings that can't sit still longer than a kangaroo after drinking a gallon of coffee...
I guess I'm like Mrs Davies... I enjoy a drink, whenever I want. I've never had the urge to get drunk (though I have been completely and utterly wasted at times), I drink because I enjoy it. Last year, my Mrs turned around to me with a "I'll stop smoking if you stop drinking" - OK, done. She lasted about a week, I didn't drink a drop for 2 months just to prove a point. At one point in the two months she even commented that I had bottles (plural) of whisky gathering dust. "Yeah, just don't fancy any right now," was the reply.
I thank my highschool biology teacher for the psychology - her take was "everything, in sufficient quantity, is a poison, and if you burn as many calories as you eat, you won't gain weight. Everything in moderation, including moderation itself." She was a big lady, so while she didn't practice what she preached, she certainly put me on the right path.
January for me, is "One Punch Man" month - 100 sit-ups, 100 push ups, 100 squats AND a 10k run - every day, for the month. Gotta burn off that Christmas pud!
11mins 51... and I watched every second.
That's some big exercise stats for January - I'll give it a go but I think you have me on those!
@@FastJetPerformance ease into it if you're going to try it Tim.
I do a 10k run and a 10k swim (in the sea when possible) once a week, and ramp up for Jan. Even then, I won't lie, the middle of Jan is hell. But for me, that's the point of it, proving to myself that I can still do the things my body doesn't want to do.
Neither of us are spring chickens mate (I'm 9 years behind you), seriously, ease into it. Would be fun to see a TH-cam Short from you every day though (but I understand that editing is a pain and the routine already adds a couple of hours/day to the schedule)
Tim if you struggle with drink, then stopping is the right thing to do, and all of us need to help people who need to stop. but it's wrong to tell everyone to stop, because it's a social lubricant and it make us calmer and nicer. We all know someone who died because they drank too much it's a shitty situation, but we also know people who go to the pub and have 2 or 3 pints and a good craic and leave having a better and nicer day. Booze isnt a bad thing.
I'm not telling people to stop, the thumbnail does say that though yes, apologies.
Top video pal. On day 29 cold turkey and do feel a lot better but it is sooooooooooooo hard at this time of year....
It is hard but look at Christmas as just a couple of days - next year is the plan you want to hit and have a really productive year, try and not let Christmas get to you, go to bed early if you really feel the pull - clean your teeth and lie down for an hour - that will help a great deal.
The other thing they tell you is that you can't 'just stop' drinking. But if you don't you keep drinking. My nephew was one of 2 people I know who got told that, the other was my ex g/f, we split up because of (largely) her drinking plus a few other things, mostly also her narcissism.
Yes, you can just stop drinking but I expect somebody into the heavy spirits might want to see a doctor, I'm not sure. I just stopped and yes, it wasn't pleasant, but I didn't die and if I'd stayed drinking I would have. I think we need to be careful about these things we here about drinking, I always thought that I'd rather just stop and die from sudden stopping that continue what I was doing but that's me.
Well done. A bit older than you and from a forces (RAF and Army) family I experienced excessive consumption of often duty free cigarettes and booze from an early age. I quit cigarettes quite early on but found alcohol much more tempting. After occasional campaigns to have a break I too decided to abstain completely this year and must admit it hasn’t been as hard as I expected it to be. I enjoyed booze particularly red wine (lager was too gassy). I am tempted to have a drink over Christmas but don’t want to break my record. Yes, it is amazing how vivid and frequent one’s dreams are now. All the best. And I enjoy your Twitter feed.
Thank you Bill, I didn't think anyone liked my twitter, lol - I'm just normally shouting at stupid people!