Spent his whole life running from those traumas and going nowhere, except jail, the streets, and the liquor store. Extremely sad to watch a human live their life like this is all they got in the world.
These are people that I pray for. I hope they get help but more importantly, I hope they get to feel being loved, wanted, even happy. I hope he breaks this demon of alcohol.
Well now he’s richer than me. The gofundme on here raised $53k. And here i have to go to work and this guy can keep chilling on the street drinking all day
Man I relate to the alcoholics interviews so much. I know if I take one drink my life quickly falls apart. I feel so bad for people with alcohol addiction, I’ve heard from people that its the worst drug to be addicted to. Because it’s socially acceptable and you can buy it everywhere. It’s the only drug you have to justify NOT doing. Addiction is addiction I understand it’s subjective, but to me it is among the worst. Not so many drugs you can die from quitting cold Turkey. Alcohol will kill you if you stop immediately and you’re dependent on it. I’ve seen multiple people come into treatment and just seize up and nearly die from withdrawal. Shit sucks man..
I'm a little over 7 months sober. It's taken so many tries... I'm right there with you. It's really hard. Best wishes for you, Alex. I keep trying again and again when I fall down. I hope this time around I can stay up.
This breaks my heart. Maturity usually stops at the age people start using their drug of choice. I can still see the little boy in there that just wants to be noticed, looked after and loved like he should have been. Bless you Rodney. I hope you find peace somewhere.
@Hunter Allen weed is just another drug it's the same as alcohol or meth lol just because it's socially accepted doesn't mean it's better or less harmful because at the end of the day it's just another drug
@Hunter Allen see you're just verifying my point that it's socially acceptable lol just because it's socially accepted doesn't mean it's not a drug lol it's still a drug just like any other drug no matter what and who has the authority to say this drug is less harmful than this drug!! It's all opinion based science because one would say that weed is dangerous and one would say it isn't just like all the others drugs it's still simply a drug and it's addictive bottom line
@Hunter Allen and that's another point that's just a opinion lol some say weed is more addictive than meth and some say the opposite but at the end of the day the fact is that it's a addictive drug just like all the rest
@Hunter Allen and yes I've tried it and it made me crazy sick and I'll never ever do it again lol and no I don't do any other drugs because they're drugs alcohol weed meth Crack coke herion they're all drugs that the government has put into categories so that they can regulate its usage
I knew he'd had at least one stroke after he said one sentence. The right side of his face is drooping. His speech and he doesn't move his right arm much. He has excellent communication skills, and memory. This man deserves a happy/healthy life. I wish I could open a place for everyone who needs help. My husband and I are recovering alcoholics. Sober for 28 years.
@@MaidenlessActivites Thank you for the Congratulations. I really appreciate it. When you're an alcoholic you're always an alcoholic. The 2 stages are currently drinking and recovery. If I or my husband took one drink, our recovery would be over. As long as you never take another drink you're in recovery. Once an addict always a addict. In recovery perhaps, but as soon as you choose to do a line or take a few dabs, you're not in recovery anymore. I hope this is helpful. I thank God for each and every day that I and my husband are sober. I can't even be around people who are drinking. The smell of boozy breath makes me crave. So, it's like a diabetic staying out of candy stores. Why torture myself.
@@peacefulwife5199 Thank you for sharing here. I am also an alcoholic and I have been sober for over years almost 8 now. The way you explained it your right on. I am grateful for your sharing because it shows us newcomers that it is possible to live a better way of life. I also thank you and your husband for being a part of my sobriety today.
Congratulations! My brother passed away April 24, 2022 last year from liver failure. He was a month away from turning 40. He was also a combat veteran from New York. I swear to God this man lived the life of a 90 year old man. Quitting is pretty much what killed him. His liver couldn't process the old alcohol which turned into ammonia and spread through his body. Then jaundice set it. It breaks my heart everyday, Congratulations on your sobriety! That is very impressive. I've only got like 21 months
Me too. I’m 61 too and have had alcohol problems but somehow it hasn’t destroyed my life. This is why you judge other people without being in their shoes.
@@Dodgerzden I didn't mention I'm 8 years sober as this is Rodney's story. Alcoholism destroyed me. And do you know what it still does. I hate being sober. I'm the definition of a dry drunk. So how can I judge those of us who keep drinking? It's an impossible, crazy, soul destroying disease. The only thing that keeps me sober now is that I decided to have children in sobriety. I owe them to stay the hell away from that first drink. Michael, I can only wish you well on your everyday journey. Really. All of us need love. I'm 40 years old. Expecting my third child. Not 60 yet. But I can already imagine being there. Alcoholism takes our time away. Just 'poof' gone! Sometimes , for some of us even when we're "sober".
@@victoriamcdougall1879 I wish you well on your journey too. Being a dry drunk is hell because you're always thinking what can you do or how can you pull it off where you can get into a situation where it won't be harmful? I was having a similar conversation with a friend who claims she's an alcoholic and doesn't think I am. She does Yoga and goes running and I'm thinking "it can't be that bad if you're doing that". Or maybe she's lying about it. She was living in a halfway house at one time and I've never been in that situation. The only thing I could think of that made me different from her is because I HAVE to take care of myself. I have no family that will step in and covers my responsibilities. It sounds like that's what's saving you right now. But that doesn't explain Rodney's dilemma because there is no one looking out for him either. I think alcohol affects everyone differently. There is a book I read many years ago that put forth the proposition about how genetics is a big factor. It talked about how certain ethnicities such as the Irish, Russians, and Native Americans have a high propensity towards alcoholism because they have only been drinking for hundreds of years instead of thousands of years such as Jewish and Italian people. Therefore Jewish and Italian people have had much more time to adapt to the issues of alcoholism. It's an interesting theory since I have both Irish and Italian blood in me and the two cancel themselves out. The people on the Irish side of my family have a history of alcoholism and the Italian side doesn't.
I’m an alcoholic. This is terrible. I completely feel for him. It took getting a DUI before I straightened out. I was lucky that I only wrecked my car and nothing else and no one else. It’s so hard to cut that out and the “friends.” My heart goes out to this man. It is so hard. It’s like having an addiction to food. Socially acceptable and common among our peers. Now my friends know how to support me with this.
My Father & Grandfather were alcoholics. I’m so blessed that it didn’t pass down to me. I’ve never been much of a drinker. I think the last time I had a drink was a few years ago. My heart goes out to all that are in the grips of this insidious disease.
Thank you for sharing. As long as you are doing better than you were yesterday, then I'd say you're on the right track. I have a lot of problems with alcohol, but luckily I haven't suffered any lasting consequences because of it.
I'm an alcoholic in recovery. I'm a mom to a little boy. I love him more than anything in this world and I am doing everything I can to raise him in a happy and healthy environment. I will never stop fighting for my sobriety. Watching this has me choked up... When he said he first started taking swigs from his mom's drinks around age 5... His eyes are so sad. Rodney, if you see this, I think you have a beautiful and kind soul and you deserve peace and serenity. I am so sorry you did not get the childhood you deserved.
One day at a time you can do it. Watching this choked me up because I come from a loving wonderful family. My decisions I made the years I was out drinking living a lifestyle that was an embarrassment to my family I never want to be that man again. Working on myself and becoming a better person its worth the work. Being a son, uncle, cousin, and friend I cant express in words how much that means to me. I just keep working and just do it a day at a time.
@phil inn His father is in his life. I am married to him. Not that it matters. I disagree with what you're saying. I know men who have had absent fathers and they have turned out to be complete gentleman.
@philinn4788 According to myself, a man, yes. One of my best friends turned out to be a gentleman and an awesome and loving friend. He lost his father to alcoholism. So there's that.
He never had a chance with a mom like that. He started drinking so young. 💔 My heart goes out to him. I stopped drinking nearly 3 years ago, on October 1, 2018. Never ever thought I could do it. Grateful every day.
I was just thinking the same thing. Not sure why this effected me like that. I just feel that he never stood a snowballs chance in hell. Why do people have children and just ignore them? Give them to someone else if you don't want them.... someone will.
This is one person I really do feel for from these type of videos.. a lot of pain and suffering in him and honestly as sad as it is there’s no real way out for him.
It all started from his childhood…parents be mindful when you think your child isn’t watching your behavior, actions, emotions, decisions, addictions..they’re absorbing it all like sponges.
This man's story did pull on some heart strings for me. I was neglected as well when my father passed away from alcohol. My Ma became a heroin addict and never really took care of me and my siblings. I am a recovering alcoholic and this hit home. I don't really cry but this made me shed a tear. I can tell he just wants to be loved and accepted. I hope he finds the love of his life, gets a roof over his head and just be happy for once. I see the hurt in his eyes and I honestly just want to give him a hug.
Alcohol RUINED my life, it destroyed it totally. It ruined my relationships, my finances - my everything. I became a raging alcoholic once I encountered some life events while I was approaching 40. I stayed in this state for about 4 years. I don’t understand how I became an alcoholic at 40 but just like that - I lost my house, my job of 10 years, my physical health and I have no short term memory. Now I sit at home at 46. I have a job again and live in a nice apartment. But the fallout from my addiction has me so embarrassed. I don’t speak with my family and have 0 close friends. I get scared to date because I’m worried that the relationship will put stress on me and I will start drinking again. I spend my holidays alone - everything alone and being lonely in your mid forties is the worst kind of alone.
It’s never too late to turn things around and get healthy again. My dad met his perfect match after an ugly divorce at the age of 58. Age is just a number! You’re still young!
Take a chance and reach back out to your family and old friends. People have short memories, and they just want you to change, so show them you have changed.
I'm a recovering addict. I'm 144 days clean😍😁 I went to rehab and something I really learned is how hard it is to have an addiction to alcohol. I mean its sold EVERYWHERE. The CVS that I went to for my meds. They had the line to wait for pick up in the alcohol aisle. I'm watching other ppl that were in rehab with me have to stand with their addiction within arms length. It bothered me so much that I spoke with the supervisor of that store asking if they can move the lines to a non alcohol aisle. He said wow I never even thought about that. When I picked up my meds again the line for pick up was moved. THANK YOU CVS for understanding and caring!!!!! Best of luck to you Rodney🤗🤗😇
Congratulations!! It’s been three days since you posted your comment so you might be at 147 days now, but if not you can *always* start again tomorrow-you get UNLIMITED chances! And it’s so thoughtful of you to mention to the pharmacy about standing in line by the alcohol…it’s so readily available, and the temptation for people fighting alcoholism must already be so intense, they shouldn’t have to stare at it while waiting to pick up their medication. Keep fighting the good fight! 🖤xx
Congratulations on your sobriety! May you have the strength to continue in your journey. If you fall down just get back up, it's apart of your recovery. Be blessed.
@Cinders Fire Thank you so much for sharing. I am an alcoholic and I have been sober for 2,901 days today. I remember walking by the alcohol in early sobriety and it was really hard. I go to a pharmacy that has an alcohol isle not far from their pharmacy and you know I would have never thought to bring that up. Maybe I can ask them if they can put a display or something to get it out of the range of vision of the pharmacy. Because I see people who are looking pretty close to that isle who are also struggling with alcohol and what I do is just go up and talk to them say hello or show them some kindness. I hope that you are still clean and doing great today. Thank you for helping me stay sober today.
I'm reading this at exactly 8 and a half years sober- to the day (Dec.4, 2014- today is June 4, 2023). Stories like these are important to hear in sobriety. Important in all cases.
Mark you are so gifted with your interviews - he said he struggled to talk with people, so conversations are hard, but you asked such good questions here that helped us get to know him. I hope he does end up getting help and treatment...even though the damage is already done. It might allow for him to do something more with the time he has left...a purpose.
Your right there mate, she's one unfair , mixed up, muddled up , fucked up world and everything that happens to you as a child can be detrimental to you for the rest of your life and that's why I never judge anyone without knowing the full story.
The emotion he showed talking about having kids of his own and being in love… 🥺🥺 All he wanted in his life was to be shown and taught and given love.. I’m so sorry you didn’t have the right upbringing, but just know you are more than worthy of being loved, being in love and to give love. I hope you find the strength and fight through all your demons, we all have them and you’re not alone!!! ❤️
My heart goes out to you Rodney. As an active alcoholic myself, who’s lost friends, jobs, relationships and everything else, this was a powerful one to watch. Best of luck man! 🖤
I hope he finds help. He seems like a good man whos been lost his whole life. Some ppl need a reason to live. He needs a reason to get up in the morning. He needs love and support. He needs family
I respect the hell out of people that have fallen through the cracks and overlooked my society. Knowing your a victim of circumstance, people who were supposed to be there to help you but weren't. Hope you can make it out Rodney you seem like a genuine guy
This is why you should always be kind to your children! This may be you’re lowest point in your life Rodney. But sharing your story has enriched and changed the lives of the many thousands of people who have watched it. So it isn’t all bad! Because of your story I will always remember to be kind and take care of my daughter. Thank you.
The emotional pain from alcohol is by far the worst ever. I feel this man's pain when he speaks God bless him and I hope he can get out of this situation and better himself soon❤️💯
I work full time as a mental health practitioner and I have alcohol problem only on my days off threw anxiety and pstd seeing my mam and family get murderd yeah I'm strugflimg but things do get better xx wish the man all the best and I do beleive there is always a positive out of a negative xx
Watching this as a recovering alcoholic sober 2 years. This is why I believe AA worked for me. I just would sit and listen to other peoples life stories and that keeps me motivated to stay sober. Alcoholism is the worst because it’s SO accessible. I used to drink 750ml of vodka a night. Been sober since 1/21/20. We do recover. Bless you Rodney
Rodney, I'd give you the biggest hug if I were there. I resent the negative comment that hope is lost. As long as breath is in a soul, I believe there is hope. Rodney needs a support system. He needs help applying for SSD, treatment, therapy and housing. He needs someone to believe in him, he needs love. How would Jesus treat him? He has life left and could find what he needs. My heart is broken. I am praying he gets the things he needs. Mark, are there any volunteers in the area that could help him start the SSD process? Apply for housing, food and medical assistance? Here in NC he would be considered aged and aged individuals can get more help. I am even sure he could get therapy through Medicaid. Love and hugs Rodney!!
I’m 30 years old and can easily see myself ending up like this if I don’t quit now. I relapsed after my latest sobriety attempt but I’m going to try again.
My Best friend I EVER had in my life died of alcoholism at the age of 61, he wanted to quit drinking for over 10 years. He’d get a few days under his belt and go back, DUIs, car accidents, drunk tank, horrible withdrawals, nothing could persuade him to change. He wanted to go to rehab, he said he would at the drop of a dime, he never got the chance. A total and complete waste of the many good years he had left in him. Please go get help while you can, at one point it may be too late. RIP CPT 💔 Love you for ever Fuzzy Head.
6:07 "people pushing buttons" that statement hits home with me. My mom is a severe alcoholic and everything bothers her, every single thing. I'm not sure how she's made it to be 64 years old. She still drinks, sun up to whenever she goes to bed. My dad raised me + 2 brothers thank God. It wasn't perfect as he doesn't know how to pick women and remarried a witch. I wish alcohol was outlawed... but we all know how prohibition turned out.
i had a very similiar childhood my mom was an alcoholic she passed then my dad remarried a crazy serial marrier woman i think shes been married a couple more times since they divorced :/
I remember I'd anxiously wait for 6:00 am for 7-11 to open their alcohol sales so I could continue the party ~ and I'd hate myself for being such a degenerate. Thankfully, those days are long gone.
Such moving and heartfelt comments. Thanks to all who seek to understand and not to condemn. I am a recovering alcoholic. 7 years sober in October. I work my program of recovery everyday and never worry about going to hell when I die…I lived in hell on earth. Paradise is sobriety for this alcoholic. 🌈❤️🕊️
Hope this guy can find peace in his life. Very difficult road ahead. Had to call my mom in an ICU today due to her alcoholism over many decades . Hardest call I ever had to make. Unfortunately have been waiting for this day my entire life. Very bad Edema and ascites (extreme abdomen and ankle/leg swelling caused by excess fluid buildup)… it’s very hard to picture someone doing this to themselves and having to go through it, and a mother who has unfortunately succumbed to her illness and disease and didn’t give any help toward this guy to live a normal productive life.
Rodney, if you are seeing this,I just wanted to say that I can feel your pain. You never deserved to live such a horrid life. You are strong and brave and smart. You got dealt a shit hand. I really think that A.A would be worth a shot. I've seen these heartbreaking stories over and over, many people that choose to commit to the program have become happy joyous and free. You can do it too! I know it sounds scary to get rid of drinking because it takes the pain away. AA replaces the pain and you do not require substances to cover it up any longer. I hope nothing but the best for you!! From one alcoholic to another, much lover, brother.
Laura, Thank you for helping me stay sober today. Thank you for sharing here and being of service. Ever make it to Oregon I would buy you a cup of coffee. If Rodney was where I am in Oregon or if I was where he is I would take a friend and go talk to him. If he wanted to go to a meeting I would pull out my phone and take him to a zoom AA meeting or find an open AA meeting and take him. When he said the pandemic how it made him feel it really hit me because I really like in person meetings because I get to see my fellows. Seeing another alcoholic suffering it always makes me remember we are all the same we feel it if we are alcoholics. As a group everyone has a little different story yet we can all relate because we have been there with alcohol. I pray to my higher power that someone who is seeing Rodney here please go talk to him, show him patience, love, kindness, and welcome him to come to a meeting because its never too late to start all over again. Im grateful that I was 12 stepped because I would be in prison, dead, or out there drunk again.
@@sswcustomsewing4276 You made my day! Thank you for taking the time to respond!! Never been to Oregon, may have to plan a vaca! Lol! What got me through the pandam without meetings was the podcast "Sobercast" it kept me going everyday listening to the amazing people that have been affected by this disease. God bless!! And I am rooting for you Rodney!!
@@popoff3283 Thank you so much. I will have to look up Sobercast I have never heard of it before. If you have any other podcasts or tips I would really like to hear them. I enjoy the zoom meetings I think they are great for everyone especially if its somebody's first meeting or someone returning. Plus I think the zoom meetings help people reach out and do more service work. Always great to hear from one of my fellows you take care and have a safe weekend.
“You start over again where you were before” Never heard that before but it is such a profound way to look at addiction and relapse. I have struggled with addiction and relapse for many years now and these words will surely aid me in recovery. I really hope this man has a period in his life where he is free from the burden of addiction. He is a kind soul. You can tell. My heart goes out to you sir. ❤
What a harsh truth if addiction when he says he’d rather lose his leg than give up drinking. I’m sure after a lifetime he can’t even imagine life without alcohol and maybe he’s so physically dependent quitting would kill him. Personally I can’t even be around alcoholics after being abused by them. I feel sorry for how his mom did him wrong.
A friend of mine ♥lost his spleen half.his stomach and a sliver of his pancreas from drinking and he still drinking so really to me it's just like heroin ughhhhh
@@carlaneal8263 it has the potential to be much worse than heroin I believe. Especially in terms of withdrawal and damage/ harm to others. Obviously you can't compare having a beer to slamming heroin, but actual alcoholism...yeah that is about the roughest you can get in terms of addiction right up there with benzodiazepines and opiates.
Rodney - thanks so much for your honesty. I really pray that you find a little love and peace in your life. Nobody deserves the hand you were dealt. It really matters and means a lot for us to hear about your life and your story
Everyone deserves love and friendship. My heart breaks for him. I wish he could get off of skid row so bad. I want to give him a warm hug. This world is fucked.
I was an alcoholic for 12 years when i got home from Iraq. Its hard to not drink because you can always find an excuse to get drunk or make mistakes and "need a drink" after. Its a brutal cycle, i drank the steel reserves as well cause its cheap and strong. I managed to get myself sober with alot of help from my local VA. I really feel for this guy cause its a nightmare needing alcohol all the time. It becomes your life, everything revolves around getting beer. I hope this guy can manage to quit some day, He seems like a decent man.
@@octaviobarajas3980 Thanks man and congrats on living clean. I tell ya its nice being able to remember my days and being able to function. I do not miss the drunken haze at all.
Yea i reached a pointed where I said fuck it and started doing heroin. I ran out of the reasons why I avoided it for so long, luckily it destroyed my body so much it only took me 4months to be hospitalized and treated for opioid use disorder.
Been struggling on and off with alcohol since the age of 29..I'm 41 now ...stopped for the 3rd time ..just hearing these stories hits home in so many ways.
Rodney I love you, brother. Even tho we might not have the exact same experience the way you describe things really hits home for me… I was on the streets for a while and tell true bro shit’s FUCKED UP! You’re a true survivor, and I wish you nothing but luck going forward 🍀
Things like this really make you think what that random guy on the street, on a bench, in the park ect.. is trying to deal with or gone through. Some people are broken, set on a very difficult path from the start. Dude needs some love in his life and hug everday!!
I can only imagine an alternative life that could have happened for Rodney, had the beginning of his life been different, and he'd been loved and taught differently. I can see beyond the rough edges, he's an amazing human.
I feel for you Rodney, I'm only 24 but I've been an alcoholic for 10 years. This world has been unkind to you, and you deserve more than what you have. You are a kind soul. Some of us live and die with this illness, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.. being alone in this affliction is harrowing. I hope you are okay.
Try as hard as you can to quit while your still in your 20s. I went to my first rehab at 23 and then again at 30. I relapsed both times but I think I’m finally done drinking and have some good friends in AA. I would do anything to go back 5 years and save some relationships and take away some evil stuff I said. A lot of pain can be avoided to get sober young.
Both of my parents were alcoholics, but they both raised me. I used to be one myself 3 years ago. I've been 3 years clean. My mom struggled thru alcoholism for 6 years due to her being in school. It was hard for her though I'm proud of my mother for being the awesome mom she has been and to this day she is awesome. Alcoholism ran deep in my family.
I feel so bad for this man.. made me tear up. Alcohol is the only thing I ever had trouble getting under control, as far as anything addictive that’s negative. Wine was my choice for the most part over the 7 to 8 years that I was an alcoholic. I remember waking up because I was pissing myself and breaking phones, video game controllers, etc out of heightened anger. I almost paid the ultimate price when I fell asleep and wrecked (single car wreck/eternally grateful I didn’t hurt someone else) .. I hit a median and my car flipped three times. I didn’t have my seatbelt on, and I went through the glass while the car was flipping. I awoke to the sound of staples going into my head at the hospital.. couldn’t feel them. I WALKED out of the hospital 28 hours later. I honestly feel like I’ve never been grateful enough for not only surviving that, but also having no long term injuries. Watching stuff like this makes me realize how ridiculous my ungrateful ass is…. I may not be married with a family or even have a lot of close friends. But I have a really nice living situation and a nice car and a dog who means the world to me. I’m feeling grateful for the 20+ years I am younger than he is. I needed this. You matter, and you helped someone today. Stay strong brother.
He is very "self-aware", & well spoken. Some of these poor folks ,I can't even finish watching,but this one,was one I'll remember. So many of these poor folks,they need our prayers,& understanding not our pity. Relate not under rate.
People having children before they are able to care and provide for them financially and emotionally is a enormous cause of the poverty, addiction, and depression that plagues are nation today, more than ever
Hey Rodney you have a good head on your shoulders-you seem self-aware and intelligent, despite the horrible abuse you experienced. But PPLEEEEEZ, if you have a choice between losing your leg or not, I hope you find it in your heart to get help with your addiction and take care of your leg. I had to have my leg amputated a couple of years ago and I really didn’t have a choice. Your world crashes, especially if you’ve been pretty independent your whole life. But at this point, Rodney, you DO have a choice. Amputation sucks, believe me. You’re a good, kind man and I hope you have the strength to overcome your addiction. Easier said than done, I know, but I just wanted to let you know how difficult it is-emotionally and physically-to lose a leg. Good luck, my friend~Stella
then at least he wouldn't be homeless. he was hungry with his mum n he's hungry now. at least he had a roof over his head.... 😢😢😢😢😢😢when shit hits the fan, doesn't matter how old we are, we all want our mum 💔😔
He’s drinking Steel Beer, 8.1% alcohol in 16 oz cans. At 8 per day that is same alcohol consumption as drinking 16 twelve oz cans of Budweiser per day. He never had a chance.
The question I have ... having watched so many of these SWU videos ... is what are we (you, me, the collective us) taking from this? Are we just commenting on what we see, what we feel at the moment ... or is it something more? There is no replacement for reality ... there is no replacement for living in the moment and doing what is best for you, your kids, your family. I implore all of us to watch, learn, and take responsibility for making change in our lives to help keep lost souls ... like this man ... to an absolute minimum.
Watch at 5:12. The bottle in his pocket disappears. 10:26 - the bottle is back. Mark, I have edited videos, so I notice this kind of stuff. Once again, I cannot thank you enough for bringing to light the lives of other people I would never have met if not for you. Your videos are priceless. I am always trying to learn that other people have some serious problems that I may never experience. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Please keep up the good work! I appreciate you!
Rodney despite your hardship it is evident you are a *very* strong man. Of course alcohol is holding you back but you are doing better than most would given the same circumstances. What struck me was your choosing to not to have children that you knew you couldn't take care of... For somebody that was neglected so bad as a boy, you are incredibly considerate. You don't belong on the street, you have a lot to give. My older brother died of alcoholism in 2018 and he was a master at not talking about it, hiding it. Now for some reason listening to alcoholics talk (on SWU) makes me feel better. Rodney I guess what I wish the most for you is that you find a friend to help you know a better life is waiting for you and you are not alone. I really appreciated hearing you talk.
This breaks my heart. I grew up with a physically abusive alcoholic dad. I refused to be a statistic and was determined to not go down that path. I drink casually but I’m traumatized by alcoholism and drunkedness .. praying for his recovery
My brother was an alcoholic since age 17!?he lived a life of a homeless person, at times, his name was Victor...our grandfather was an alcoholic and died of alcoholic illness...my mom had a life of worries ,father left us all and mom took care of 8 children through so many hardships...hope she is in heaven,no one deserved more than her ❤😢
This is one of the most heart-wrenching things I've ever watched. This poor man was a baby and then a toddler and a little boy and to end up like this... our country just throws people away.
Rodney’s story is so sad and even upsetting because the system/government in itself has failed our society and we are technically still one of the richest countries in the world. Thank you Rodney for opening up to us! Thanks mark!
I feel so bad for you Rodney. I'm sorry people in your life let you down. No child should have had to go through what you've have gone through. Sending love and prayers. ❤❤❤
I was initially going to say “ He needs to stop blaming everyone else and take personal responsibility” But after hearing how he explained how his mother raised him… Wow… This lost soul needs a whole lot of help…. When I was 6, I was going on vacations and couldn’t wait until my birthday and Christmas. He continues the same cycle of insanity every single day… That’s a brutal way to live, especially since he seems to understand a bit about alcoholism… It’s never to late to change… I hope he hits a bottom that somehow leads him to sobriety.. 🙏🏼
How in the hell did this guy make it to 61?!? I know it wasn't his fault, but my mans life has been rough as hell. Kudos to his liver for hanging in there.
Life is funny like that. I know a guy drop dead at 45. Perfect health specimen of a man. Ate right did mobility stretches every nothing. Barely drank. Drop dead of a rare genetic heart condition. It’s all a crap shoot. That’s why it’s important to enjoy life and don’t be extreme one side of the spectrum to the other
I used to work at Volvo(car dealership). A salesman told me how much money he was making and used the phrase "drank up most of it". I never understood what that meant until I familiarized myself with addiction and alcoholism. He was an alcoholic. To spend that much money on alcohol drinking is a priority. It's sad. Unfortunately Im too familiar with it. Never thought I would be but here I am.
I learned about you listening to Rogan's podcast these alcohol ones hit home cause I'm fighting it daily I got rid of drugs but the booze it's just different then drugs you can literally buy it easier than nicotine watching these videos hurts but helps at the same time thank you sir for putting your life in danger cause it really does help watching these stories.....
Alcohol literally IS a drug, maybe do some more research? Just because it's sold over the counter doesn't mean it's not a drug..... nicotine is also technically (albeit a very mild) drug. Sad that grown adults don't know this
@@mongogojjo5944 A man shares his strugles with alcohol and you try to school him on the fact alcohol is a drug. Try some empathy it will help you as well as others.
Just keep up the good fight and try to reduce the use until youre ready to kick it. Also try to not look at yourself as an alcoholic but rather as the good qualities you posses. Start considering how much more good you could do for yourself and those around you if you stoped drinking. Thats just my 2 cents. Hope it helps.
This story really makes me think about people with bad childhoods. The thing that stands out in this story is the fact that he didn't know he was growing up in a dysfunctional household. He thought everyone went to bed hungry and had a mother that drank. I could not imagine once he realized that is not how normal kids grow up. One would have to feel cheated in life.
Although a alcoholic he vividly remembers the traumas & neglect as a child which feeds that beast of alcohol 😔
That's probably what started it. Wanting to escape the memories and childhood pain. To be numb.
This is what I was thinking. He knows exactly what is going on but can’t do anything to change it. So sad.
Spent his whole life running from those traumas and going nowhere, except jail, the streets, and the liquor store. Extremely sad to watch a human live their life like this is all they got in the world.
🙏🙏.
@@carpediem2445 He said his mom pounded it into his head; "It's the way I am. I can't do anything about it. If I drink, it numbs my feelings."
I have no words. His anguish is the source of his rage. I am so sorry, Rodney……..
Makes sense about some of the kids I went to school with.💔
These are people that I pray for. I hope they get help but more importantly, I hope they get to feel being loved, wanted, even happy. I hope he breaks this demon of alcohol.
Neglecting a child is abuse- heartbreaking. I hope that this man somehow finds the love that he deserves
Neglect isn't considered as horrific as physical abuse yet it causes as much damage, if not more!
Say it louder. Child neglect IS child abuse.
@@AmandaBabyyyyy Amen!!! It often starts so young that kids have no clue.
Well now he’s richer than me. The gofundme on here raised $53k. And here i have to go to work and this guy can keep chilling on the street drinking all day
@@dh-uo4lt shitty attitude
Man I relate to the alcoholics interviews so much. I know if I take one drink my life quickly falls apart. I feel so bad for people with alcohol addiction, I’ve heard from people that its the worst drug to be addicted to. Because it’s socially acceptable and you can buy it everywhere. It’s the only drug you have to justify NOT doing. Addiction is addiction I understand it’s subjective, but to me it is among the worst. Not so many drugs you can die from quitting cold Turkey. Alcohol will kill you if you stop immediately and you’re dependent on it. I’ve seen multiple people come into treatment and just seize up and nearly die from withdrawal. Shit sucks man..
Same here. 🙏🏾
Wow that's so true what you said about having to justify NOT drinking alcohol... I never thought about that before.
Very well said thank you i struggle with the same temptation everyday
Yep any other drug they understand if you don't want to use it. But alcohol, why don't you want a drink? Why not? What's YOUR problem?
I'm a little over 7 months sober. It's taken so many tries... I'm right there with you. It's really hard. Best wishes for you, Alex. I keep trying again and again when I fall down. I hope this time around I can stay up.
This breaks my heart. Maturity usually stops at the age people start using their drug of choice. I can still see the little boy in there that just wants to be noticed, looked after and loved like he should have been. Bless you Rodney. I hope you find peace somewhere.
Well said Karen.
@Hunter Allen weed is just another drug it's the same as alcohol or meth lol just because it's socially accepted doesn't mean it's better or less harmful because at the end of the day it's just another drug
@Hunter Allen see you're just verifying my point that it's socially acceptable lol just because it's socially accepted doesn't mean it's not a drug lol it's still a drug just like any other drug no matter what and who has the authority to say this drug is less harmful than this drug!! It's all opinion based science because one would say that weed is dangerous and one would say it isn't just like all the others drugs it's still simply a drug and it's addictive bottom line
@Hunter Allen and that's another point that's just a opinion lol some say weed is more addictive than meth and some say the opposite but at the end of the day the fact is that it's a addictive drug just like all the rest
@Hunter Allen and yes I've tried it and it made me crazy sick and I'll never ever do it again lol and no I don't do any other drugs because they're drugs alcohol weed meth Crack coke herion they're all drugs that the government has put into categories so that they can regulate its usage
I knew he'd had at least one stroke after he said one sentence. The right side of his face is drooping. His speech and he doesn't move his right arm much. He has excellent communication skills, and memory. This man deserves a happy/healthy life. I wish I could open a place for everyone who needs help. My husband and I are recovering alcoholics. Sober for 28 years.
Wouldn't that mean you're recovered? Been a while. Congratulations btw
@@MaidenlessActivites Thank you for the Congratulations. I really appreciate it. When you're an alcoholic you're always an alcoholic. The 2 stages are currently drinking and recovery. If I or my husband took one drink, our recovery would be over. As long as you never take another drink you're in recovery. Once an addict always a addict. In recovery perhaps, but as soon as you choose to do a line or take a few dabs, you're not in recovery anymore. I hope this is helpful. I thank God for each and every day that I and my husband are sober. I can't even be around people who are drinking. The smell of boozy breath makes me crave. So, it's like a diabetic staying out of candy stores. Why torture myself.
@@peacefulwife5199 Thank you for sharing here. I am also an alcoholic and I have been sober for over years almost 8 now. The way you explained it your right on. I am grateful for your sharing because it shows us newcomers that it is possible to live a better way of life. I also thank you and your husband for being a part of my sobriety today.
@@sswcustomsewing4276 Wow....Thank you. I am honored. 😊 Stay strong. You got this. 👍
Congratulations! My brother passed away April 24, 2022 last year from liver failure. He was a month away from turning 40. He was also a combat veteran from New York. I swear to God this man lived the life of a 90 year old man. Quitting is pretty much what killed him. His liver couldn't process the old alcohol which turned into ammonia and spread through his body. Then jaundice set it. It breaks my heart everyday, Congratulations on your sobriety! That is very impressive. I've only got like 21 months
This man literally breaks my heart. He never had a chance from day 1
I don't know why, but this one really got me. Couldn't stop crying. Rodney, find peace. With or withought that bottle. Your 61. What a life. X
Me too. I’m 61 too and have had alcohol problems but somehow it hasn’t destroyed my life. This is why you judge other people without being in their shoes.
@@Dodgerzden I didn't mention I'm 8 years sober as this is Rodney's story. Alcoholism destroyed me. And do you know what it still does. I hate being sober. I'm the definition of a dry drunk. So how can I judge those of us who keep drinking? It's an impossible, crazy, soul destroying disease. The only thing that keeps me sober now is that I decided to have children in sobriety. I owe them to stay the hell away from that first drink. Michael, I can only wish you well on your everyday journey. Really. All of us need love. I'm 40 years old. Expecting my third child. Not 60 yet. But I can already imagine being there. Alcoholism takes our time away. Just 'poof' gone! Sometimes , for some of us even when we're "sober".
@@victoriamcdougall1879 I wish you well on your journey too. Being a dry drunk is hell because you're always thinking what can you do or how can you pull it off where you can get into a situation where it won't be harmful? I was having a similar conversation with a friend who claims she's an alcoholic and doesn't think I am. She does Yoga and goes running and I'm thinking "it can't be that bad if you're doing that". Or maybe she's lying about it. She was living in a halfway house at one time and I've never been in that situation. The only thing I could think of that made me different from her is because I HAVE to take care of myself. I have no family that will step in and covers my responsibilities. It sounds like that's what's saving you right now. But that doesn't explain Rodney's dilemma because there is no one looking out for him either. I think alcohol affects everyone differently. There is a book I read many years ago that put forth the proposition about how genetics is a big factor. It talked about how certain ethnicities such as the Irish, Russians, and Native Americans have a high propensity towards alcoholism because they have only been drinking for hundreds of years instead of thousands of years such as Jewish and Italian people. Therefore Jewish and Italian people have had much more time to adapt to the issues of alcoholism. It's an interesting theory since I have both Irish and Italian blood in me and the two cancel themselves out. The people on the Irish side of my family have a history of alcoholism and the Italian side doesn't.
I was just crying over this one too. It is his vulnerability. I can't imagine feeling this way and being totally alone :(
So sad and heartbreaking
I’m an alcoholic as well; I appreciate this guy for speaking into it.
Allie, please seek out help. You can free yourself of this bondage. I did. My husband did. My son did. You can too. ❤🙏😊
@@peacefulwife5199 - want different! It sounds like your family is doing great - that alone is making me smile right now 😺
@@peacefulwife5199 I did too 🙌🏽 4 months sobriety now praying for my daughter to join me.
@@hansonallie you can do it!
@@tomeccaevans - Thank you!!!
I’m an alcoholic. This is terrible. I completely feel for him. It took getting a DUI before I straightened out. I was lucky that I only wrecked my car and nothing else and no one else. It’s so hard to cut that out and the “friends.” My heart goes out to this man. It is so hard. It’s like having an addiction to food. Socially acceptable and common among our peers. Now my friends know how to support me with this.
My Father & Grandfather were alcoholics. I’m so blessed that it didn’t pass down to me. I’ve never been much of a drinker. I think the last time I had a drink was a few years ago. My heart goes out to all that are in the grips of this insidious disease.
My ex was a huge alcoholic and now my son uses and drinks. Also I am.addicted to buying a.certain something but the word is addicted
Thank you for sharing. As long as you are doing better than you were yesterday, then I'd say you're on the right track. I have a lot of problems with alcohol, but luckily I haven't suffered any lasting consequences because of it.
Thank you Kianna Quick for helping me stay sober today.
How much did you drink
I'm an alcoholic in recovery. I'm a mom to a little boy. I love him more than anything in this world and I am doing everything I can to raise him in a happy and healthy environment. I will never stop fighting for my sobriety. Watching this has me choked up... When he said he first started taking swigs from his mom's drinks around age 5... His eyes are so sad. Rodney, if you see this, I think you have a beautiful and kind soul and you deserve peace and serenity. I am so sorry you did not get the childhood you deserved.
One day at a time you can do it. Watching this choked me up because I come from a loving wonderful family. My decisions I made the years I was out drinking living a lifestyle that was an embarrassment to my family I never want to be that man again. Working on myself and becoming a better person its worth the work. Being a son, uncle, cousin, and friend I cant express in words how much that means to me. I just keep working and just do it a day at a time.
@phil inn His father is in his life. I am married to him. Not that it matters. I disagree with what you're saying. I know men who have had absent fathers and they have turned out to be complete gentleman.
@phil inn Seems like you might need some therapy, Phil.
@philinn4788 According to myself, a man, yes. One of my best friends turned out to be a gentleman and an awesome and loving friend. He lost his father to alcoholism. So there's that.
@philinn4788 You really do need some therapy...
He never had a chance with a mom like that. He started drinking so young. 💔 My heart goes out to him. I stopped drinking nearly 3 years ago, on October 1, 2018. Never ever thought I could do it. Grateful every day.
This man is full of hurt, and sadness. Wish I could hug him, and take it away.
I was just thinking the same thing. Not sure why this effected me like that. I just feel that he never stood a snowballs chance in hell. Why do people have children and just ignore them? Give them to someone else if you don't want them.... someone will.
Me too
That's deep however he needs to hug himself like you want to hug him. He needs to love himself...heartbroken inside...so hard to see...bless this man
Ugh!! My heart is breaking for him. I’m so sorry Rodney. Life is truly unfair
Can hear the sadness! You have thousands of people behind you and praying for the best for you Rodney!!
This is one person I really do feel for from these type of videos.. a lot of pain and suffering in him and honestly as sad as it is there’s no real way out for him.
It all started from his childhood…parents be mindful when you think your child isn’t watching your behavior, actions, emotions, decisions, addictions..they’re absorbing it all like sponges.
This poor, poor man. My heart breaks for him. All he's ever wanted was to love. And to be loved. I hope someday he finds what he needs.
This man's story did pull on some heart strings for me. I was neglected as well when my father passed away from alcohol. My Ma became a heroin addict and never really took care of me and my siblings. I am a recovering alcoholic and this hit home. I don't really cry but this made me shed a tear. I can tell he just wants to be loved and accepted. I hope he finds the love of his life, gets a roof over his head and just be happy for once. I see the hurt in his eyes and I honestly just want to give him a hug.
Alcohol RUINED my life, it destroyed it totally. It ruined my relationships, my finances - my everything. I became a raging alcoholic once I encountered some life events while I was approaching 40. I stayed in this state for about 4 years.
I don’t understand how I became an alcoholic at 40 but just like that - I lost my house, my job of 10 years, my physical health and I have no short term memory.
Now I sit at home at 46. I have a job again and live in a nice apartment. But the fallout from my addiction has me so embarrassed. I don’t speak with my family and have 0 close friends. I get scared to date because I’m worried that the relationship will put stress on me and I will start drinking again.
I spend my holidays alone - everything alone and being lonely in your mid forties is the worst kind of alone.
💔🙏🏽 me too 💔😞
It’s never too late to turn things around and get healthy again. My dad met his perfect match after an ugly divorce at the age of 58. Age is just a number! You’re still young!
🙏
Take a chance and reach back out to your family and old friends. People have short memories, and they just want you to change, so show them you have changed.
@@DianaCarolinaGirl22 thank you
I'm a recovering addict. I'm 144 days clean😍😁 I went to rehab and something I really learned is how hard it is to have an addiction to alcohol. I mean its sold EVERYWHERE. The CVS that I went to for my meds. They had the line to wait for pick up in the alcohol aisle. I'm watching other ppl that were in rehab with me have to stand with their addiction within arms length. It bothered me so much that I spoke with the supervisor of that store asking if they can move the lines to a non alcohol aisle. He said wow I never even thought about that. When I picked up my meds again the line for pick up was moved. THANK YOU CVS for understanding and caring!!!!! Best of luck to you Rodney🤗🤗😇
Congratulations on your recovery 🙏👏🤩❣️
Congratulations!! It’s been three days since you posted your comment so you might be at 147 days now, but if not you can *always* start again tomorrow-you get UNLIMITED chances! And it’s so thoughtful of you to mention to the pharmacy about standing in line by the alcohol…it’s so readily available, and the temptation for people fighting alcoholism must already be so intense, they shouldn’t have to stare at it while waiting to pick up their medication. Keep fighting the good fight! 🖤xx
@@AmandaBabyyyyy Still clean...feels wonderful to not wake up needing drugs. Have a great weekend guys🤗🤗🤗🤗
Congratulations on your sobriety! May you have the strength to continue in your journey. If you fall down just get back up, it's apart of your recovery. Be blessed.
@Cinders Fire Thank you so much for sharing. I am an alcoholic and I have been sober for 2,901 days today. I remember walking by the alcohol in early sobriety and it was really hard. I go to a pharmacy that has an alcohol isle not far from their pharmacy and you know I would have never thought to bring that up. Maybe I can ask them if they can put a display or something to get it out of the range of vision of the pharmacy. Because I see people who are looking pretty close to that isle who are also struggling with alcohol and what I do is just go up and talk to them say hello or show them some kindness. I hope that you are still clean and doing great today. Thank you for helping me stay sober today.
I’ve been sober 8 1/2 years. I’m grateful that I don’t need to take a drink today. This story is heartbreaking.
My husband and I quit in 1995. Never looked back. It saved our marriage, saved our lives. Congratulations to you, Sir.👍
9 years sober from alcohol. To all those still suffering, you can get sober too. 💜
congrats. don't need a drink tomorrow, either!
Keep up the good work. U saved yourself. So proud of you. Life is good.
I'm reading this at exactly 8 and a half years sober- to the day (Dec.4, 2014- today is June 4, 2023). Stories like these are important to hear in sobriety. Important in all cases.
All these videos show me, is that truly, the answer is love. That’s all these people ever needed , most of the time.
You have been dealt a rough hand Rodney, it's been a rough ride & yet you have hung on. I hope you find a little peace in life.
Mark you are so gifted with your interviews - he said he struggled to talk with people, so conversations are hard, but you asked such good questions here that helped us get to know him. I hope he does end up getting help and treatment...even though the damage is already done. It might allow for him to do something more with the time he has left...a purpose.
Kids never get to choose their environment, yet it's a driving force in the rest of their life. It really isn't fair.
Your right there mate, she's one unfair , mixed up, muddled up , fucked up world and everything that happens to you as a child can be detrimental to you for the rest of your life and that's why I never judge anyone without knowing the full story.
@@Sweptundertherug Amen.
The emotion he showed talking about having kids of his own and being in love… 🥺🥺
All he wanted in his life was to be shown and taught and given love.. I’m so sorry you didn’t have the right upbringing, but just know you are more than worthy of being loved, being in love and to give love.
I hope you find the strength and fight through all your demons, we all have them and you’re not alone!!! ❤️
My heart goes out to you Rodney. As an active alcoholic myself, who’s lost friends, jobs, relationships and everything else, this was a powerful one to watch.
Best of luck man! 🖤
I hope he finds help. He seems like a good man whos been lost his whole life. Some ppl need a reason to live. He needs a reason to get up in the morning. He needs love and support. He needs family
I respect the hell out of people that have fallen through the cracks and overlooked my society. Knowing your a victim of circumstance, people who were supposed to be there to help you but weren't. Hope you can make it out Rodney you seem like a genuine guy
man, it's wild hearing a 60 year old talk about his parents and it sounds like the words are coming from a kid.
Addiction stunts one emotionally to around the age the addiction started.
Yeah it's called trauma.
@@timmywitty1432 Feel like thats a blanket statement just saying
@@TheEuskon not at all, talk to anyone who innerstands addiction.
His mind stuck His body kept ageing
This is why you should always be kind to your children!
This may be you’re lowest point in your life Rodney. But sharing your story has enriched and changed the lives of the many thousands of people who have watched it. So it isn’t all bad! Because of your story I will always remember to be kind and take care of my daughter. Thank you.
The emotional pain from alcohol is by far the worst ever. I feel this man's pain when he speaks God bless him and I hope he can get out of this situation and better himself soon❤️💯
I’ve maybe watched hundreds of your videos, and I have to say this one really hit hard with me. I truly hope this man finds some peace.
I work full time as a mental health practitioner and I have alcohol problem only on my days off threw anxiety and pstd seeing my mam and family get murderd yeah I'm strugflimg but things do get better xx wish the man all the best and I do beleive there is always a positive out of a negative xx
🥺 sorry to hear… stay strong. 💘
I'm soo very sorry hun I hope you get help for yourself whole helping others PLEASE try to think of yourself luv ... GBY 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Poor baby feel better ❤️ you are loved. Don’t drink please! You are worth so much more than that!
Watching this as a recovering alcoholic sober 2 years. This is why I believe AA worked for me. I just would sit and listen to other peoples life stories and that keeps me motivated to stay sober. Alcoholism is the worst because it’s SO accessible. I used to drink 750ml of vodka a night. Been sober since 1/21/20. We do recover. Bless you Rodney
Rodney, I'd give you the biggest hug if I were there. I resent the negative comment that hope is lost. As long as breath is in a soul, I believe there is hope. Rodney needs a support system. He needs help applying for SSD, treatment, therapy and housing. He needs someone to believe in him, he needs love. How would Jesus treat him? He has life left and could find what he needs. My heart is broken. I am praying he gets the things he needs. Mark, are there any volunteers in the area that could help him start the SSD process? Apply for housing, food and medical assistance? Here in NC he would be considered aged and aged individuals can get more help. I am even sure he could get therapy through Medicaid. Love and hugs Rodney!!
These Interviews teach a lot.
I’m 30 years old and can easily see myself ending up like this if I don’t quit now. I relapsed after my latest sobriety attempt but I’m going to try again.
My Best friend I EVER had in my life died of alcoholism at the age of 61, he wanted to quit drinking for over 10 years. He’d get a few days under his belt and go back, DUIs, car accidents, drunk tank, horrible withdrawals, nothing could persuade him to change. He wanted to go to rehab, he said he would at the drop of a dime, he never got the chance. A total and complete waste of the many good years he had left in him.
Please go get help while you can, at one point it may be too late.
RIP CPT
💔 Love you for ever Fuzzy Head.
🙏🏽💔😢
@@misssonyalee6159 TY, in January will be 3 years, still miss him ever day… a waste of his genius.
6:07 "people pushing buttons" that statement hits home with me. My mom is a severe alcoholic and everything bothers her, every single thing. I'm not sure how she's made it to be 64 years old. She still drinks, sun up to whenever she goes to bed. My dad raised me + 2 brothers thank God. It wasn't perfect as he doesn't know how to pick women and remarried a witch. I wish alcohol was outlawed... but we all know how prohibition turned out.
i had a very similiar childhood my
mom was an alcoholic she
passed then my dad remarried a crazy serial marrier woman i think shes been married a couple
more times since they divorced :/
They always say that so people wouldn't use prohibition again. Which sounds like an alcoholic saying sobriety isn't worth the withdrawals
no wonder Muslims avoid alkohol.
Alcohol is needed but I feel you
I remember I'd anxiously wait for 6:00 am for 7-11 to open their alcohol sales so I could continue the party ~ and I'd hate myself for being such a degenerate. Thankfully, those days are long gone.
I can't understand why alcohol is advertised EVERYWHERE. It hurts as social accepting as this is the dark reality in so many of our loved ones lives
Just when I have seen all of your interviews Mark. One jumped out on me. Great interview so so raw
Poor guy man. Ive watched a lot of these and this is just so unfortunate. Never even got a chance. Drunk since 5 years old. Brutal
Good luck man, I’m pulling for you❤️
I truly feel for this man. Rodney I hope you can get treatment and start your life over. It's never to late. You deserve it Sir. ❤❤❤
Such moving and heartfelt comments. Thanks to all who seek to understand and not to condemn.
I am a recovering alcoholic. 7 years sober in October. I work my program of recovery everyday and never worry about going to hell when I die…I lived in hell on earth. Paradise is sobriety for this alcoholic. 🌈❤️🕊️
Hope this guy can find peace in his life. Very difficult road ahead. Had to call my mom in an ICU today due to her alcoholism over many decades . Hardest call I ever had to make. Unfortunately have been waiting for this day my entire life. Very bad Edema and ascites (extreme abdomen and ankle/leg swelling caused by excess fluid buildup)… it’s very hard to picture someone doing this to themselves and having to go through it, and a mother who has unfortunately succumbed to her illness and disease and didn’t give any help toward this guy to live a normal productive life.
Sorry about your mom. God bless you 🌺
So sorry from Nashville
I’ve seen almost all of the videos on this channel and this is the only one that actually made me cry. He deserves better💔
Rodney, if you are seeing this,I just wanted to say that I can feel your pain. You never deserved to live such a horrid life. You are strong and brave and smart. You got dealt a shit hand. I really think that A.A would be worth a shot. I've seen these heartbreaking stories over and over, many people that choose to commit to the program have become happy joyous and free. You can do it too! I know it sounds scary to get rid of drinking because it takes the pain away. AA replaces the pain and you do not require substances to cover it up any longer. I hope nothing but the best for you!! From one alcoholic to another, much lover, brother.
Laura, Thank you for helping me stay sober today. Thank you for sharing here and being of service. Ever make it to Oregon I would buy you a cup of coffee. If Rodney was where I am in Oregon or if I was where he is I would take a friend and go talk to him. If he wanted to go to a meeting I would pull out my phone and take him to a zoom AA meeting or find an open AA meeting and take him. When he said the pandemic how it made him feel it really hit me because I really like in person meetings because I get to see my fellows. Seeing another alcoholic suffering it always makes me remember we are all the same we feel it if we are alcoholics. As a group everyone has a little different story yet we can all relate because we have been there with alcohol. I pray to my higher power that someone who is seeing Rodney here please go talk to him, show him patience, love, kindness, and welcome him to come to a meeting because its never too late to start all over again. Im grateful that I was 12 stepped because I would be in prison, dead, or out there drunk again.
@@sswcustomsewing4276 You made my day! Thank you for taking the time to respond!! Never been to Oregon, may have to plan a vaca! Lol! What got me through the pandam without meetings was the podcast "Sobercast" it kept me going everyday listening to the amazing people that have been affected by this disease. God bless!! And I am rooting for you Rodney!!
@@popoff3283 Thank you so much. I will have to look up Sobercast I have never heard of it before. If you have any other podcasts or tips I would really like to hear them. I enjoy the zoom meetings I think they are great for everyone especially if its somebody's first meeting or someone returning. Plus I think the zoom meetings help people reach out and do more service work. Always great to hear from one of my fellows you take care and have a safe weekend.
“You start over again where you were before” Never heard that before but it is such a profound way to look at addiction and relapse. I have struggled with addiction and relapse for many years now and these words will surely aid me in recovery. I really hope this man has a period in his life where he is free from the burden of addiction. He is a kind soul. You can tell. My heart goes out to you sir. ❤
Being an alcoholic sucks. It is so hard. My heart goes out to you Rodney.
Absolutely heartbreaking, 💔😥
"I never touch alcohol, but it touches me often"
?
What the hell does that mean?
That's not as deep as you think it is...
What a harsh truth if addiction when he says he’d rather lose his leg than give up drinking. I’m sure after a lifetime he can’t even imagine life without alcohol and maybe he’s so physically dependent quitting would kill him. Personally I can’t even be around alcoholics after being abused by them. I feel sorry for how his mom did him wrong.
A friend of mine ♥lost his spleen half.his stomach and a sliver of his pancreas from drinking and he still drinking so really to me it's just like heroin ughhhhh
@@carlaneal8263 it has the potential to be much worse than heroin I believe. Especially in terms of withdrawal and damage/ harm to others. Obviously you can't compare having a beer to slamming heroin, but actual alcoholism...yeah that is about the roughest you can get in terms of addiction right up there with benzodiazepines and opiates.
Yet a good man Rodney, compassion to all.
Rodney - thanks so much for your honesty. I really pray that you find a little love and peace in your life. Nobody deserves the hand you were dealt. It really matters and means a lot for us to hear about your life and your story
Everyone deserves love and friendship. My heart breaks for him. I wish he could get off of skid row so bad. I want to give him a warm hug. This world is fucked.
Thank you for sharing your story, Rodney. ❤
I was an alcoholic for 12 years when i got home from Iraq. Its hard to not drink because you can always find an excuse to get drunk or make mistakes and "need a drink" after. Its a brutal cycle, i drank the steel reserves as well cause its cheap and strong. I managed to get myself sober with alot of help from my local VA. I really feel for this guy cause its a nightmare needing alcohol all the time. It becomes your life, everything revolves around getting beer. I hope this guy can manage to quit some day, He seems like a decent man.
Thank you for all you did for us!!! Appreciate you man. I’m sober too! 2 years 7 months 24 days! And it’s beautiful 🤩
@@octaviobarajas3980 Thanks man and congrats on living clean. I tell ya its nice being able to remember my days and being able to function. I do not miss the drunken haze at all.
Thank you for your service. And happy that you are sober
Yea i reached a pointed where I said fuck it and started doing heroin. I ran out of the reasons why I avoided it for so long, luckily it destroyed my body so much it only took me 4months to be hospitalized and treated for opioid use disorder.
Did you drink because of ptsd from being in the military?
Been struggling on and off with alcohol since the age of 29..I'm 41 now ...stopped for the 3rd time ..just hearing these stories hits home in so many ways.
Man. I’m 41 too. Alcohol takes so much but it’s just always there, legal. Stay strong my person 💪👍👍👍
@@Clemsoncrawler362 thx Bro...that's the hardest part...it's available everywhere
I love when the closed captions work on this channel👌
This man reminds me so much of my father.
Rodney I love you, brother. Even tho we might not have the exact same experience the way you describe things really hits home for me… I was on the streets for a while and tell true bro shit’s FUCKED UP! You’re a true survivor, and I wish you nothing but luck going forward 🍀
Things like this really make you think what that random guy on the street, on a bench, in the park ect.. is trying to deal with or gone through. Some people are broken, set on a very difficult path from the start. Dude needs some love in his life and hug everday!!
I can only imagine an alternative life that could have happened for Rodney, had the beginning of his life been different, and he'd been loved and taught differently. I can see beyond the rough edges, he's an amazing human.
I feel for you Rodney, I'm only 24 but I've been an alcoholic for 10 years. This world has been unkind to you, and you deserve more than what you have. You are a kind soul. Some of us live and die with this illness, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.. being alone in this affliction is harrowing. I hope you are okay.
Try as hard as you can to quit while your still in your 20s. I went to my first rehab at 23 and then again at 30. I relapsed both times but I think I’m finally done drinking and have some good friends in AA. I would do anything to go back 5 years and save some relationships and take away some evil stuff I said. A lot of pain can be avoided to get sober young.
I’m an Alcoholic from aus, this has made me realise what I have and what I should be taking advantage of.. thank you
From one lifetime alcoholic to another it’s possible to get that off your back!! You can’t do it alone.. we all need support and guidance.💜
One day at a time. I too am an alcoholic and I thank you for sharing here, and thank you for helping me stay sober today.
@@sswcustomsewing4276 one day at a time it’s possible 💜
Both of my parents were alcoholics, but they both raised me. I used to be one myself 3 years ago. I've been 3 years clean. My mom struggled thru alcoholism for 6 years due to her being in school. It was hard for her though I'm proud of my mother for being the awesome mom she has been and to this day she is awesome. Alcoholism ran deep in my family.
Rodney, you are such a wonderful man. Keep your head up brother and I hope you get better
I feel so bad for this man.. made me tear up. Alcohol is the only thing I ever had trouble getting under control, as far as anything addictive that’s negative. Wine was my choice for the most part over the 7 to 8 years that I was an alcoholic. I remember waking up because I was pissing myself and breaking phones, video game controllers, etc out of heightened anger. I almost paid the ultimate price when I fell asleep and wrecked (single car wreck/eternally grateful I didn’t hurt someone else) .. I hit a median and my car flipped three times. I didn’t have my seatbelt on, and I went through the glass while the car was flipping. I awoke to the sound of staples going into my head at the hospital.. couldn’t feel them. I WALKED out of the hospital 28 hours later. I honestly feel like I’ve never been grateful enough for not only surviving that, but also having no long term injuries. Watching stuff like this makes me realize how ridiculous my ungrateful ass is…. I may not be married with a family or even have a lot of close friends. But I have a really nice living situation and a nice car and a dog who means the world to me. I’m feeling grateful for the 20+ years I am younger than he is. I needed this. You matter, and you helped someone today. Stay strong brother.
I miss my dog.
This is a really sad interview. This poor man never had a chance. What a terrible miserable life he has led.💔
Sure he did. He was just never shown it. He didn't believe in himself, which is understandable if no one believes in you
Oh man 😣 I hopes he finds a safe place to stay... A deep hug for you!!
It’s so sad that he choked up when basked about being in love.. his entire story is sad.
He is very "self-aware", & well spoken. Some of these poor folks ,I can't even finish watching,but this one,was one I'll remember. So many of these poor folks,they need our prayers,& understanding not our pity. Relate not under rate.
Very sweet natured man deep down. I hope nobody hurts him.
People having children before they are able to care and provide for them financially and emotionally is a enormous cause of the poverty, addiction, and depression that plagues are nation today, more than ever
Hey Rodney you have a good head on your shoulders-you seem self-aware and intelligent, despite the horrible abuse you experienced. But PPLEEEEEZ, if you have a choice between losing your leg or not, I hope you find it in your heart to get help with your addiction and take care of your leg. I had to have my leg amputated a couple of years ago and I really didn’t have a choice. Your world crashes, especially if you’ve been pretty independent your whole life. But at this point, Rodney, you DO have a choice. Amputation sucks, believe me. You’re a good, kind man and I hope you have the strength to overcome your addiction. Easier said than done, I know, but I just wanted to let you know how difficult it is-emotionally and physically-to lose a leg. Good luck, my friend~Stella
Pretty sad how at 12:20 he says he wishes how he could be with his mom, despite his rotten childhood.
then at least he wouldn't be homeless. he was hungry with his mum n he's hungry now. at least he had a roof over his head.... 😢😢😢😢😢😢when shit hits the fan, doesn't matter how old we are, we all want our mum 💔😔
Rodney, my heart breaks listening to you. I feel your pain. Please know you are loved. I hope you find happiness soon
He’s drinking Steel Beer, 8.1% alcohol in 16 oz cans. At 8 per day that is same alcohol consumption as drinking 16 twelve oz cans of Budweiser per day. He never had a chance.
The question I have ... having watched so many of these SWU videos ... is what are we (you, me, the collective us) taking from this? Are we just commenting on what we see, what we feel at the moment ... or is it something more? There is no replacement for reality ... there is no replacement for living in the moment and doing what is best for you, your kids, your family. I implore all of us to watch, learn, and take responsibility for making change in our lives to help keep lost souls ... like this man ... to an absolute minimum.
Watch at 5:12. The bottle in his pocket disappears. 10:26 - the bottle is back. Mark, I have edited videos, so I notice this kind of stuff. Once again, I cannot thank you enough for bringing to light the lives of other people I would never have met if not for you. Your videos are priceless. I am always trying to learn that other people have some serious problems that I may never experience.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Please keep up the good work! I appreciate you!
My heart ached when he talked about "bad boy classes". You weren't a bad boy, Rodney 🧡
Rodney despite your hardship it is evident you are a *very* strong man. Of course alcohol is holding you back but you are doing better than most would given the same circumstances. What struck me was your choosing to not to have children that you knew you couldn't take care of... For somebody that was neglected so bad as a boy, you are incredibly considerate. You don't belong on the street, you have a lot to give. My older brother died of alcoholism in 2018 and he was a master at not talking about it, hiding it. Now for some reason listening to alcoholics talk (on SWU) makes me feel better. Rodney I guess what I wish the most for you is that you find a friend to help you know a better life is waiting for you and you are not alone. I really appreciated hearing you talk.
This breaks my heart. I grew up with a physically abusive alcoholic dad. I refused to be a statistic and was determined to not go down that path. I drink casually but I’m traumatized by alcoholism and drunkedness .. praying for his recovery
My brother was an alcoholic since age 17!?he lived a life of a homeless person, at times, his name was Victor...our grandfather was an alcoholic and died of alcoholic illness...my mom had a life of worries ,father left us all and mom took care of 8 children through so many hardships...hope she is in heaven,no one deserved more than her ❤😢
Man, this really makes me sad. I hope the guy finds peace one day 🙏
This is one of the most heart-wrenching things I've ever watched. This poor man was a baby and then a toddler and a little boy and to end up like this... our country just throws people away.
I feel for him. His parents failed him. I wish him a better life. I hope he can get housing and be able to rest/recover.
Rodney’s story is so sad and even upsetting because the system/government in itself has failed our society and we are technically still one of the richest countries in the world. Thank you Rodney for opening up to us! Thanks mark!
Me my sister my father his father all alcoholics very serious problem just fortunately I don't drink anymore
Best wishes from Nashville
I feel so bad for you Rodney. I'm sorry people in your life let you down. No child should have had to go through what you've have gone through. Sending love and prayers. ❤❤❤
I was initially going to say “ He needs to stop blaming everyone else and take personal responsibility” But after hearing how he explained how his mother raised him… Wow… This lost soul needs a whole lot of help…. When I was 6, I was going on vacations and couldn’t wait until my birthday and Christmas. He continues the same cycle of insanity every single day… That’s a brutal way to live, especially since he seems to understand a bit about alcoholism… It’s never to late to change… I hope he hits a bottom that somehow leads him to sobriety.. 🙏🏼
How in the hell did this guy make it to 61?!? I know it wasn't his fault, but my mans life has been rough as hell. Kudos to his liver for hanging in there.
How has he had cirrhosis this whole time?
@@dh-uo4lt its very very slow and nasty awful way to die
Life is funny like that. I know a guy drop dead at 45. Perfect health specimen of a man. Ate right did mobility stretches every nothing. Barely drank. Drop dead of a rare genetic heart condition. It’s all a crap shoot. That’s why it’s important to enjoy life and don’t be extreme one side of the spectrum to the other
@@drewdelaney4166 longevity at the base level is all about what genetics you have.
must be the jail stints...even tho u sometimes get toilet wine. It's a once in a while thing. so liver gets rest inbetween
I used to work at Volvo(car dealership). A salesman told me how much money he was making and used the phrase "drank up most of it". I never understood what that meant until I familiarized myself with addiction and alcoholism. He was an alcoholic. To spend that much money on alcohol drinking is a priority. It's sad. Unfortunately Im too familiar with it. Never thought I would be but here I am.
I learned about you listening to Rogan's podcast these alcohol ones hit home cause I'm fighting it daily I got rid of drugs but the booze it's just different then drugs you can literally buy it easier than nicotine watching these videos hurts but helps at the same time thank you sir for putting your life in danger cause it really does help watching these stories.....
Alcohol literally IS a drug, maybe do some more research? Just because it's sold over the counter doesn't mean it's not a drug..... nicotine is also technically (albeit a very mild) drug. Sad that grown adults don't know this
@@mongogojjo5944 I'm sure they actually do know that, so maybe try to be less of a condescending cunt.
You don't sound like a nice person at this moment
@@mongogojjo5944 A man shares his strugles with alcohol and you try to school him on the fact alcohol is a drug. Try some empathy it will help you as well as others.
Just keep up the good fight and try to reduce the use until youre ready to kick it. Also try to not look at yourself as an alcoholic but rather as the good qualities you posses. Start considering how much more good you could do for yourself and those around you if you stoped drinking. Thats just my 2 cents. Hope it helps.
This story really makes me think about people with bad childhoods. The thing that stands out in this story is the fact that he didn't know he was growing up in a dysfunctional household. He thought everyone went to bed hungry and had a mother that drank. I could not imagine once he realized that is not how normal kids grow up. One would have to feel cheated in life.