This makes sense. Logically, I've come to realize that alcohol has poisoned my life and caused nothing but problems. Therefore, I choose to quit drinking it day after day.
I need to be on you guys wave length, so I’ve hit rock bottom and it’s time to choose something better 🤔maybe cocaine, only joking I gave that up about 5yrs ago now and the heroin and crack for 11yrs so surely I got this
About to hit 30 days sober! 25 years of partying and drinking daily and I’m finally feeling like a human being again. I haven’t had my anxiety under control like I do now for as long as I can remember. I’m excited to start living my life again.
I finally quit drinking in february. After drinking very heavily for thirty years, I now have been diagnosed with cirrhosis. Ive changed my entire lifestyle. I pray it's not too late.
what helps me is how much better I feel without alcohol. When I go to bed totally clear headed it's a great feeling. Knowing I will not have hangovers is also a great part of not drinking alcohol. My ability to get to the gym is much greater and I have much better workouts. I am 69 years old, retired have a great life, and want to keep it that way. I am on a low-carb diet and drinking alcohol is not an option. Wish me luck!
You can succeed my friend because of your determination to want to change :) and I want you to know that although i know you not personally I want you to know that I am very proud of you.
Stopping today. I’ve never been this motivated. 2 DWIs, flipped my car off a bridge, jail, countless blackouts, bar fights, thousands and thousands of dollars wasted, breakups, divorce, strained relationship with my family, scars from falls, rehab, relapse, lost jobs, I could go on forever. Time for this to stop. Thanks for the video!
I’m sober 18 months and this advice is absolutely spot on - you have to completely change your mindset around how you view alcohol. Once you see it for the depressive poison that it is it becomes so easy - sober life is amazing! Well done Leon 👏
Congrats! I hope you have 30 months now, I’ve been sober 20 months…I get a monthly shot of Vivitrol from the VA which is the long term form of Naltrexone…I’m surprised how many of my friends don’t know of that medication, it works for me, I was drinking a big box wine a day, ugh…I hope you’re doing good today
8th night sober and I just took a bath and shower. Got out and boom pure bliss and joy. Waking up earlier and already being more productive. My face already looks better and I’m being less clumsy. Been ups and downs and some tears, but today is a turning point. I lost some good souls close to me a little over two years ago and my drinking got out of hand. Got drunk every single night and really fell behind and got off track. Tried to stop a couple times, but I guess I wasn’t ready. Found your channel the first night of not drinking and it has been helping me everyday along with everybody’s comments. Thank you. Weaning off nicotine and caffeine too. Looking forward to complete sobriety.
Great advice. I'm only 3 days sober, (by far not the first time), but this makes way more sense than any I've heard. I'm at the age where I have lots more road behind me than ahead of me. But I want the final years of my life (maybe 15 more if I'm lucky) to be alcohol free. I feel better after 3 days of not drinking than I've felt in the past year. I want to continue this feeling forever.
Hang in there I was clean and sober for 25 years I kinda gave up after Covid I am pushing 60. It’s not fun anymore I got 2 weeks no alcohol I still smoke weed when ever I really think about drinking not all the time much love you can do it
I gave up a lifelong drinking habit at the age of 68, and now, 3.5 years later, I haven't touched a drop since. You are right about getting into the appropriate mindset. I gave up by simply realising that alcohol is a toxin, and that it would be really stupid to keep pouring toxin down my throat. That, and Adrian Chiles' TV documentary about himself as a drinker, was all it took. For the first couple of weeks I had to remind myself in the supermarket that this was the toxic aisle, to be avoided, but that's actually all it took. Now, I don't even feel remotely like having a drink. Drinking alcohol no longer exists in my world.
@@Uvvibes Good luck! I should just say that while people might start out with the day-to-day approach, you will eventually stop even thinking about it.
I watched Andrew Hubermans video on alcohol. I’m 68. Close to two weeks now and not missing it or thinking about it. Once I understood what a poisonous substance it is it hasn’t been difficult. I quit caffeinated drinks a year ago. It’s the same. Lots of lies surrounding the products and I’ve bought into it all my life.
Last year November, I had 6 months to live. I was doing a job where I was underpaid. I quit drinking, I had to. I invested my newly found time in learning and upskilling. I found a new job, as a Senior IT Manager, with a 140% hike. Today, I am not an alcoholic, made a full recovery, and very happy with myself :)
Good for you. Im hoping to do the same. Starting a new job tomorrow after 7 years an underpaid job that caused physical injuries. Im hoping to stop drinking out of control, and to have a job where I get treated and paid what Im worth not just a minimum wage loser.
@@joea.9969 Great 😃. All the best. And please don't hesitate to take professional help to deal with withdrawal. I made the mistake of shying away from it for a long time.
I have a classy stocked bar in my living room that I just packed up today. My husbands not a drinker but he still looked at me like 😳What??? I told him a need a break. I’m 41 now & then I showed him before & afters of people that quit. I’m quitting because I want to look younger for longer 🥰👍❤️
I'm 42 and iv started my journey towards sobriety after 25 years of alcohol abuse. Mainly because of the 4 am anxiety and the massive depression the next entire day. I loved alcohol way too much but I'm just sick and tired of waking up full of fear at 4 am and spending the next day full of fear and sadness. Also I had to apologise everybody I texted bad. I refuse to live under the clutches of alcohol. I choose freedom! Iv had enough
I found a healthy alternative: tea. I feel just as relaxed after drinking a cup of tea as when I have a bottle of beer. The big plus for me is two cups of tea is enough for me to feel good for a whole night. When I relax or try to relax with alcohol it's usually a whole bottle of liquor or a case of beer. My tea habit is alot cheaper and healthier for me. The best part of staying sober is knowing I won't waste tommorow being hung over. Its funny how one drinks to take away stress but the drinking actually adds more stress to life. Alcohol is a drug and like any other drug it will form a cloud over your life. And it's a dark cloud that blinds all the good things you have. Sobriety is worth it! Good luck!
@@cynthiamarston2208 ... drink japanese matcha tea. It's superior to the regular green tea. And it's a good immune system booster. I stopped drinking two weeks ago, because it was causing inflammation in my intestinal track. Then I began drinking two cups of matcha tea each day. I feel much healthier and more motivated.
@@BonafideToolJunkie yes. I like matcha. I looked in to the M2 tea and didnt like the price. I haven t had any in ages but its i. The cupboard. Motivation is all i need! I stay sober these days after 15 years of mostly sober but not getting drunk at all if i did drink. Now im not interested one bit. 15 years is a long time. Hang in there and what I did was do anything but drink….and my chiices were decent. Matcha tea was one of them. Iced Thai tea too all fattening and yummy. I black tea with a bit of stevia and milk topped with whipped cream. Many drinks to try! I make my own green tea and honey ( as well as stevia) lightly sweetened adding ginger cold on ice. And chew bubble gum ha ha. Hubba bubba watermelon strawberry makes the best bubbles. I didnt cave in to a ton of sweet treats like i wanted to. I felt that was bad as booze but in a pinch yeah…ice cream etc….because anything but drink!
What kind of tea do you drink. I’m thinking about that alternative!! I never agree to use that I’m a alcoholic when I went to those AA meetings. I know what I am . And I’m the only one ☝️ who can fix it. Thank you all for the motivation
Day 3. I can't believe how good I feel. I was under the impression that coffee was giving me anxiety but it turns out it was coffee and how it reacted later in the day with the alcohol I drank. I've been drinking weak coffee for a couple days now and I have no anxiety. Anyway I turn 50 in April and I want to be the best that I can be. I barely drank until about 13 years ago. I have so much energy, my house is very clean the last couple days and I've tackled a couple big projects that I was really stressing about and everything is falling into place beautifully. I feel free.
I’d rebuke that if I were you. No way would I create that for myself. Of course I’ve heard it before.... change the thoughts that you are missing out wo drinking the poison. ❤️
I’m four months alcohol free. Very occasionally I would like a drink, ( out with friends etc) so I just tell myself I’ll have one tomorrow, works a treat! I absolutely LOVE my sober life.
I quit last week and side effects is really bad I have been drinking over decades and havy drinker. 2 bottles wine a day or one bottle whisky a day. I quit because I want to live more longer. I am single guy I have no problem with personal life I just feel like drinking it. My body getting fat faster and my energy slowed down daily. After quit side effects are worse that I am facing now I couldn't sleep 3 nights in a row the past few days. My body or my hands are shaking every 3 or 4 hours, I can't even concentrate on driving car I believe my body asking for alcohol. I started doing exercise past few days to get my body sweat out and avoid sugar because my body has too much glucose in it. I only drink water and select healthy foods because I want to get rid of body fat. Its 3 AM I don't feel sleepy. I believe my body will fully renewed in the next 5 years.
During my drinking days it was sometimes hard to prevent getting mixed up with lowlifes. Once I got completely sober it was like some miraculous “shield” that kept them away from me. Strange phenomenon!
So true. A light went on in my brain when i had quit: alcohol is self-harm. Anyone who is drinking weeklynir mothly are systematically harming themselves. And I was doing that for many years. I can not imagine cutting myself or something like that. Now, in my head, regular drinking falls in the same category of self-harm. Chronic drinking is a razor blade. And im NOT into that.
I’m three months sober this weekend, cant begin to describe how much better it is without alcohol. I remember waking up a few months ago, it was dark and I just didn’t know whether it was 6.30am or 6.30pm as the time had just passed and I was in a different state of mind. I attended a celebration not too long after that and even though I didn’t massively over do it, I just decided I didn’t want this anymore.
After a heavy drinking session I feel anxious, sick, depressed, fearful for upto a week. I can go a long time without drinking but when I do drink it's into oblivion and I want to stop altogether
I agree with you. You are not an alcoholic. You have bad habits of drinking. Big difference. When we say 'I am alcoholic", we make it our identity (like I am a Christian. I am American) Identity is eternal. But when we say , "I have bad drinking habits", it sounds temporary, because habits can be changed.
This year I punched a wall and broke my hand because I blacked out, then I broke my jaw and had it wired shut for getting in a fight blackout drunk. It’s such a problem in my life & Im ready to quit day 1. I find it so hard to stop because I drink due to social anxiety
I really loved watching this video! I am not a heavy drinker, but I have decided now is the best time to quit it all together. It is expensive and I also hate waking up hung over. 1 month sober so far ❤. I have been enjoying my sleep and the workouts at the gym :)
I would like to add that when under the influence of alcohol I am alot more apt to do things and/or try other things ( use your imagination ) that I wouldn't had I'd been sober. Some of my greatest mistakes and regrets were alcohol related !!
Same! I recently turned 21 and I noticed when I’m really drunk, I binge eat fast foods 😅 As much as I hate fast food, the drunk me loves it apparently. It’s been times where I’ve stopped to 2-3 places ordering lots of food, get home and didn’t even eat it 🤦🏾
Take away points: 1. Addiction doesn't exist. But you can still be "addicted" if you have been conditioned to believe that you are dependent. Get rid of the delusion and you get rid of the "addiction". 2. Alcohol isn't good for anything at all. In my own life alcohol only impaired me. Anything good that happened and I associated with alcohol would have happened anyway. 3. I am freeing myself from alcohol. I'm not giving it up. Thanks for this. This really helped.
About a week ago a close friend of mine fell off a 3 storey building while incredibly drunk after a wedding and it was a huge wake up call for me. He's now bed bound after a life saving operation and will be lucky if he can walk again. Then 3 days ago another friend broke his ankle on the walk back from a bar and ended up in hospital. Seems like misery and bullshit accompanies the drinking lifestyle and I'm quitting before anything bad happens to me like my unfortunate pals. Instead I'm running an 8.5 mile charity run next Sunday and having this goal in mind has really given me that boost to stay off the drink for good. I used to drink every single day for about 3 years, so the first 4 days were a struggle but I'm past the worst of the psychological withdrawal and cravings and feel like my mindset has completely changed. Good luck to everyone trying to change their life for the better, we all have the power to take control of our lives
Today makes it a year and 2 days ive been alco free. I drank all day . My job was next to a beer store so i could drink anytime for free or on credit and no supervisor or co worker even knew. I had to kick the habit. Good luck to everyone. Those frightful mornings and depression are gone
I have filled my fridge with soda waters, tonic cans, sparkling water bought flavour cordials grapefruit, blood orange. my fridge looks like a sober mans dream bar. this is how I am going to reduce to begin with and when I want my liqour im am mixing nice sober drinks, I am down to one actual drink a day compared to 8 in the past 2 weeks, and in 3 weeks I want to be done as also my 40th . I am easing out I have been drinking for over 25 years .
I've "given up" every Monday morning for the past 25 years. I "gave up" on a Saturday morning, to try something new, along with cigarettes, and so far your videos are working me. I have cravings, although it's only been a week.
This guy is one of the best to listen to on drinking subject. Because he is sincere about the subject. Beware, many those youtubers will lead you astray.
I won’t be a customer because I’ve taken control of myself out from under alcohol, but these tips largely reflect how I did it. I didn’t call myself an alcoholic I recognized that there’s an energy in me that applies 100% whether it be alcohol or anything else. I started seeing alcohol as the toxin it is and decided I wanted more than to be drunk on toxins all the time
My boyfriend is a business owner and he needs to take clients out, I constantly need to remind him to stop or be careful to NO drink too much ufff. Thank you for sharing this video, I will share with him. 🙏💞💕💞💕
1 month sober. I go to AA. You are absolutely correct on the alcoholic label thing. Your saying what I’ve been thinking for a long time. Thank you for articulating this. .
Very good info. I am quitting alcohol. I binge drink about 3 nites a week. I have been blacking out and have regrets of saying things etc. Woke up with a black eye from walking into a door that I opened. Lol. I'm a 60 year old mama and grandmama. Need to be the best example for my precious family. Gods word says..if your eye makes you stumble.,,cut it out.
I drink to celebrate my life. My life is awesome and i am far too humble to admit to others how awesome my life is because every one else is miserable all the time and drink out of self pity to medicate that misery. I on the other hand am on a daily basis deeply joyful for my existence in this realm. I toast to the sky for it's blessing to bring me the means to be that awesome person. That takes a lot of beer.
On point. I’ve known a number of people who have labeled themselves and this seems like a scarlet letter and so bad for the psyche. I have motivation to improve my health and eliminating the many opportunities our culture has to partake. We use it so often to celebrate and socialize.
Day 5 without alcohol for me after drinking all the alcohol I had in the house (even out of date stuff and spirits that had been in the cupboard for ages 🙈). Hit that point where enough is enough! Didn’t realise willpower wasn’t connected, brilliant video! Will watch this whenever I feel like I’m close to falling off the wagon! Wish me luck! ☺️
This is probably the most common sense approach to drinking and it's dangers I've ever seen. I spent my late 20s and most of my 30s in an alcohol haze, always knowing I was slowly killing myself, but never could buy into the AA propaganda. I'm now in my early 50s and have reduced my drinking drastically, but I still rationalize having a few drinks after work to unwind. I'm currently trying to rid myself of these last vestiges of justification for drinking.
I think you hit the nail on the head with this video mate. Many people probably dont go and seek help because they fear being given the Alcoholic label.
Back in August of 2022 I graduated from rehab for my drinking. Something I always told other guys in the program(all sorts of drug addictions only about 3 of us for alcohol) was about the problem of labeling yourself an addict. Words are powerful calling yourself an addict is the same as saying "I'll never be good enough" "I'll never be smart enough" "I'm not good looking enough" it's all negative reinforcement on oneself. The second you decide to quit you are no longer an "addict" you are a different person now.
If you’re an addict, that denial could kill you. How insane to focus on a description, as opposed to the suffering alcoholism inflicts. Words weren’t your problem, alcohol was, and may well continue to be. I’m 33-yrs sober, experienced and qualified.
I haven't drank in about a month. Had a two day relapse. Now I'm on day 7 sober. Alcohol is poisonous. I have to keep telling myself. I'm also on day one of two days off. Today I almost gave in but here I am coloring in my adult coloring books and drinking water. Tomorrow I hope is the same. Need to buy some fruit juice for variety.
He is right about AA, it doesn’t work for a lot of people. It even trashes people’s egos and self-respect and requires people get up and embarrass themselves. I think knowing the medical effects of ethanol in detail helps.
Hi Leon I just wanted to drop a few words I have been sober for 1 year and 8 months this past November 6-2021 I have been still listening to your encouraging words on drinking alcohol thanks again Leon you have encouraged me I hope your encouraging words will help someone else who has an alcohol problem Leon I am like you I believe just stop drinking alcohol period THANKS AGAIN LEON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY STAY SOBER EVERYONE IT IS GREAT 🙏❤️🙏
What you say is absolutely valuable: do not brand yourself as an alcoholic. That is analogous to saying you are doomed, and if so, why do anything at all? I'm delighted that A.A. works for those who benefit from it, but A.A. is NOT the only path.
I’m not even an alcoholic, hardly even drink, but great video man I can definitely see how this could stop someone in their tracks and make them at least think about stopping every drink they have, planting the seed of freedom in peoples minds! Thanks man
Just wanted to inject my 7-cents, i used to be a substantial drinker lost in the reality that alcohol was an OK thing. Looking back, it had done far more bad things than good things and the comparison was one-sided by far. Then something happened, I got pretty seriously hurt. It involved having to be under the care of a doctor that had me on several different medications that he told me would be beneficial to my condition. When he told me that this would help me, and it did, there was only one thing I had to do, ...never mix alcohol with the medication that was prescribed 24 hours/day. This meant that drinking was history! OK, i did as he said and after a while, I started to look at drinking differently. I was able to clearly see that drinking alcohol had been the root of many evils. I learned about how it works and affects your body. I learned to hate it and fear it. Alcohol is a deceptive drug that can sneak up on you before you can recognize its negative influence. The only thing alcohol ever gave me was a hangover that made me feel terrible. It's been twenty years and I would never again let it get it's claws into my life. Everything since has not necessarily been "better", it has been "normal" as things are meant to be. Things cleared up and life is great. What an absolute waste of time and potentially deadly substance. When on this topic with drinkers I love to ask them, "What has drinking ever really done for you?" I always get the same answer, "It's fun". Really?
Day 11 and I feel great!! I feel more productive and energized and feel handsome lol also been going to therapy and I feel brand new! Hope everyone is doing good 👍 ❤
It’s been about a week for me and I’m already having deeper dreams and feeling more focused in my day to day activities…. And I’m on vacation so the results are great!
Drank Bourbon and vodka every day for the past 40 yrs, from when I got home from work till bedtime. Never did my family ever want for anything, had nice homes, two car family, swimming pools and the latest toys, and paid my son's university. My motto, work hard and pay the bills first. This video is great at breaking down the stigmas that label people, and today is my first day off the booze due to health reasons. I'm not saying I will never drink again, just not now.
@@heyhey4101 I told myself I'm going to quit for a month, a month is not as scarry as forever. Whenever I felt like a drink I reminded my self not till the months over. 12 days in and I feel better, the craving is almost gone, and when I get to the one month mark, I'll do another month now that it just seems to be all about will power. I quit smoking the same way many years ago, it works for me.
I'm struggling last couple of days, it's not easy, your video's give me a lot of support. I want to say thank you from the deepest of my heart. And it's true what you say, it destroys everything.. but there's nothing a clear mind can't fix and build back up again. Thank you ♥️ From Belgium
Sober 15 days today, got the urge to drink yesterday almost went for “one beer” I pulled over watched one of your videos and the craving went away. At the bottom of every beer there is always a gram of coke. It truly is pure insanity and a fucken vicious cycle…We drink something that tastes like shit only to feel like shit the next day and in order to feel better, we drink more of what made us sick in the first place. Ironic huh? Much love to all of my brothers and sisters starting their sobriety journey, you’re not alone ❤️.
You are so right! Reading your comment helps because you understand what I’m going through right now. I’m only on day two but craving vodka, which tastes awful and makes me feel exhausted & nauseous and I black out nightly BUT I STILL WANT IT…..it’s crazy! Why do I want something so expensive and terrible? Good luck to you!
For years I have been saying the same thing, ONLY alcohol drinkers get a label and a label for life! I'm glad to see someone has spoken out and created a program where that label doesn't exist!
I never had alcohol issues like addiction but felt it is a program like thinking while being at store 'buy yourself some, have some' and once I said 'how about I won't have any ever?!' I yelled it in my head and since that day I hadn't single one and I was only drinking small amounts, never getting drunk, max a little tipsy sometimes. but still, it is a program. YES saying you are forever alcoholik you will be always tied to alcohol, to energy of alcohol, not truting your own free will. Trust yourself, you quit drinking? there, you are NO LONGER alcoholic, it's simple. You left the program. No matter how intensive it was about 'having some' you got over it. Thinking of it daily, doubting yourself will bring you back to it. If you won, the subject is closed.
At some point I just got tired of it. I don't think I was ever out of control but I was basically drinking over the weekend, always tired and made the start of my week more stressful, made me feel less confident. Didn't seem like I was giving up on much.
Society talks about drugs and alcohol. Alcohol is a nasty toxic drug. It physically damages a persons body That mindset helped me finally stop. I love running and being in shape. Alcohol gets in my way. Roughly 3 weeks in and feel great.
Good luck my friend. I have been drinking pretty heavy for quite a while. Probably 15 years. I have tried to stop with no success as of now. I wasn’t going to get any wine last night but I did🥲. I will try again today. Russell Brand suggested that I just focus on today. Take it day by day. Say to myself “ I am not going to drink today”. Not worrying about tomorrow or next week. Just focus on today. Pray for me too. This is gonna be hard but it will be worth it. Good luck on your journey 💙
I once quit drinking for 3 years. I remember viewing alcohol in stores and people drinking in a very different way, But then I started again. I have 4 beers left from last nights 12 pack and they are going down the drain right now. just did it, down the drain! I think I can bring back that view.
You get different types of alcoholics. Not all alcoholics are drunk 24/7. Some alcoholics would "top up" every day, others would habitually drink e.g. late afternoon on a daily basis, but have control over how much they drink. There is still the dependence, though.
I've quit drinking for 9 months before as well, thinking that somehow this was going to reset my ability to drink in moderation. Only to watch it all spiral out of control within two weeks of "moderate drinking". Over five years later I went to AA just to surround myself with other non-drinkers. Eventually reading This Naked Mind and realizing how silly and defended alcohol culture is, I no longer crave alcohol. It is true, alcohol is the only drug we need a reason to not consume. Quitting nicotine, no one cared. I'm 3+ years off alcohol, and have yet to see a single drunk that impressed me enough to want to go back.
Day one of my sobriety, I've definitely hit rock bottom, I've been a closet drinker from 10 years now. I even quit my job to be able to drink every day, my body can't take it anymore, I'm done! Wish me luck😩
@k reddy past couple of days have been OK, but today was particularly soo hard, I really had to use my will power. How is it going your side? Can you be my accountability partner?
@k reddy oh my goodness, health wise you seem to be doing much better. I've seen a difference on my skin, it's never looked brighter, it's amazing. Still hanging in there, dthe devil liquid has no place in my life anymore 😂. You are really keeping me going for real. We are on a roll😁. Let's check in again in 7 days 🙏🏼
@k reddy how are you doing now? I was drinking a litre of vodka a day too it almost killed me! I've stopped now but it's early days,I stopped drinking every day a month ago but I've already had 3 slips and I'm struggling massively any tips? I live with 2 alcoholics so that doesn't help
When I quit drinking it was this mindset basically. I just knew how good I'd feel and one thing that helped me was thinking "dude I'm gonna look so good. Lose weight, be stronger, etc." That's what got me started and got me through each day. I didn't even have to fight any urges after drinking heavily each day for 4 years straight. It was nothing, no problem at all.
This is so true! I quit drinking after trying and failing for years. What finally worked is countering the lies in my head telling me it was OK to drink, I could control it, ect -lies that would come and go. People need to work on countering those lies even when they don't feel like drinking. Even if they're dormant, they're still there.Too many sobriety seekers only have a back up plan for what to do if an urge hits, but they don't work enough on getting rid of the urge altogether.
Trying to arrange rehab for 3 months. Don't want to be a dry alcoholic! AA isn't for me. Glad I found sober Leon! Got a few addictive behaviours to sort. Really motivated but scared!
I read an article that said that alcohol damages the immune system. That’s all I needed to read and I quit drinking. I wasn’t an alcoholic but I would show up to the bar for 1 or 2 drinks maybe three or four times a week. My health has improved and I don’t need to drink. If I want to go out and socialize, I’ll order a Club Soda on the rocks. Once I realized it was bad for health, I stopped doing it.
On point #3, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree. That "normal drinker" that you see having just 1 - 2 drinks without going belligerent, etc...that's just what you SEE. When everyone else is gone and that person is home alone or whatever, they could be continuing to drink to the point where they're hungover the next day, the day's basically shot right there, so on and so forth. How do I know this? Because I've been that guy a million times and at 43, I'm realizing that it's simply time for a change.
Totally agree, I have had success recently by reframing my perspective on alcohol by educating myself on how bad it is for me and how it stop me to achieving all my goals
I struggled for a few years with drinking, but then something amazing started happening. I started getting massive anxiety the next day and it really started fucking up my sleep for several days after. I really lost the desire to drink after experiencing this a few times.
I sort of used my short attention span to my advantage. You have the same conversations or the same kind of arc of conversations drinking in bars/pubs and I was a bit bored of them. I kept reminding myself if you are bored, it's your fault, you have to do something about it. I've always thought boredom was a decadent, spoilt thing (unless you are getting paid for it) anyway which helped. Just started doing non drinking things that were new or things I hadn't done in a long time I found interesting or entertaining until they became the priority over drinking. It gets the natural dopamine going too and you need every bit of that when you stop.
YOU ARE SPOT ON. I have come to find pleasure in not drinking and the clear head I have from not drinking. I am now looking forward! Not looking forward to drinking! It is a great shift!! What some of us do not understand is who we slid under the power of looking forward to the drink!
I love having a drink, and I usually do it after a long day at work, or on the weekend when I relax. The past year I managed to control it to the point where I'd have a bottle of red wine a week, and I'd only drink it over saturday and sunday. When I changed jobs tho, it was very jarring, and I found myself falling off the wagon a bit, and I'm still really struggling to get back on it. I know I am capable of controlling it, it's so damn hard to do so when it becomes habitual and consistent in your everyday life.
I know that. I'm trying to take small steps atm. When I opened a bottle of wine I'd drink all of it. Now it'll last Friday and Saturday evening. Lockdown I was drinking a bottle a day.
Thankyou. I have been sober for 15 days. I went to an a meeting and they are truly wonderful people. My teo best friends are in the program and it’s helped then hugely. I could never say the words I am an alcoholic. I cant live my life waiting to fail and then having to face my friends when I “fail”. I don’t want to live my life thinking about drinking I just wanna “get on”. I read Allen carrs stop smoking and I knew I would never have another cigarette. Am using this method with drinking. I will buy his book on alcohol. Thanks for the video.
I didn't "walk away" from alcohol... I "broke up" with alcohol. Alcohol was like a bad relationship that did nothing for me. When I though of alcohol as a bad relationship (like with a boyfriend or girlfriend) it was easier to give up.
This is sheer brilliance Leon. I found AA unhelpful and unhealthy. I read The Power of Now. Stopped attending meetings, ceased calling myself an alcoholic and moved on. The 3 secrets are magnificent. I am going to watch this again immediately! Thank you and well done. You are helping an endless amount of people. 🙏
I am an a Alcoholic. Also I am allergic to Alcohol. Also my anxiety medication do not work with alcohol. It made me stop 2years now. I started hating alcohol. 1000 reasons my life is better now.
Hmmn - I was the same as you but about 30 years ago - couple pints (with friends) after a hard days work in London, no problems. - 20 years ago it was a few beers and a large wine when I got home. - 10 years ago beer didn't do it anymore - only wine and a large G&T (and besides I was being very successful) - 2 years ago it was just gin - no tonic (after I'd put the kids and the wife to bed - who always seemed to be in a mood for some reason). 1 year ago I looked divorce and death in the face (after going AWOL for a week I still can't remember). I realised everything I'd done with booze was an illusion - and I could have done a lot of things a lot better.
Just made 29. I've been fighting myself for my life for about 8 years now.I'm a week sober and already loving it. Been waking up fresh for the past 7 days.. man i love it. I'm done with alcohol.
There is a true euphoria experience I get from drinking. Unfortunately, the ROI on that little tiny piece of euphoria counts for almost nothing when considering all the terrible things that this poison enflicts on me. The reframing method I learned from Hyrum Smith’s behavior model seems similar to this. Very interesting! Great videos Leon!
I get that same euphoria. I feel more relaxed and open plus I absolutely enjoy a drink. I believe there are certain health benefits from a scotch or cognac or a small glass of wine. Once I pour I want more and I’m trying to reduce the inflammation which seems to be the key factor in many diseases. I’ve so far survived cancer and a month ago had a massive heart attack although at the time I didn’t know thinking it was heartburn. For now I’m trying to avoid completely but my aim is to enjoy a small glass infrequently. Only time will tell
@@bar10ml44 I love to tell you this….. there is absolutely nothing good about drinking poison. There are no benefits to drinking the devils pee. Poison cannot be moderated. No matter the dosage. Alcohol is simply not a good thing. It’s pure evil.
I think it's true what they say that the dream is borrowed You give it back tomorrow Minus the sorrow And the pain she just comes in to break up the daydream And I felt his waving To keep from feeling the same thing
I used to get a euphoria, because I saw it as the key to me being more social and the life of the party. It was exciting. But when I accepted myself fully and stopped caring so much about what people think of me, the appeal of drinking faded away. What you should do is find why the euphoria is happening and what benefits you feel/see from alcohol. Then you find out how to get the same benefits from a healthier place. Or even better, to give the same benefits to yourself.
I am in the middle of a divorce and 3 weeks ago i left the house after drinking too much and drove away about 15 min got in a car crash and i havnt touched a drop of alcohol after that and i feel happier now and i also have quit people who dont ad anything in my life and i am starting over fresh with my life
I'm 64 I wasn't drinking a lot anymore but it was definitely affecting my life. I would have 2 drinks a night and it ruined my next day. I stopped drinking 45 days ago then had a couple drinks a couple days in a row. I love the calm feeling I get from alcohol but the next day isn't worth it. I started to stop drinking again 2 days ago.
I am 53 and same for me. Generally I will drink 2-4 beers but it effs me the next day. Am trying to go 2,3,4,5 days without drinking. Love the mental energy I get from abstinence.
FINALLY! Someone that talks SENSE! I've hated AA meetings specifically because I don't like the idea that it's permanent and my only solution was to accept it. Thx Sober Leon!
Well today is the day for me. I’ve been watching your vids daily for a while not and I’m inspired enough to stop with the knowledge that alcohol has 0 value for my health/ mental health. I don’t need good luck I just need me to keep recognise that alcohol is a poison and it stop you from being your best version and I don’t want that
I just turned 22 and I’ve had my struggles with addiction and just that I’m watching this video with a drink in my hand made me realize that I’m making excuses and need to turn my life around. Tomorrow I will look at as day one, not one day
You are a saint sir I hope your path to help others is great. I’m a drinker an I don’t believe alcohol is good but I’m a stubborn old school guy. I work to play weather drinking or whatever I’m an introvert an love my solitude. I’m under no disguise of my foolishness but hope for others to succeed. Everyone who sees a way out go for it don’t let the shit road some of us walk be an excuse for you to follow! I’m not a godly man so I will say I believe in the possibility of bettering one self! If you can’t believe in that then you are more foolish than me! Be ready for the fun side of the world while you can grasp it an jump for joy when you do!!!!!!!!!
@@becky2235 nope. but much better 3, 4, 5, 6 days clean and then an afternoon where I just want to get chores done. Certainly not for partying. Those days are long gone. How are you doing @becky22? I seen a video about thinking ahead of how you'll feel after the drinking...sick, shameful etc and that works sometimes for me, but not always. I just obsess about it and give in... justifying that I'm getting chores done and then wake up disappointed in myself. and not getting much accomplished on the next day! just eating and watching TH-cam. Still trying everyday!
@becky 22 hey Becky, thanks for asking! wow almost a year eh! Sorry I didn't see this post earlier. We went to Cuba. fastest answer, nope. I'm better, 3,4,5 or 6 days and then an afternoon of drinking to get chores done. I justify it by saying I'm getting stuff done, but then the next day all I'm doing is eating and sitting on TH-cam. I seen a video about telling yourself to look ahead before you take the first drink...the sickness, shame, guilt etc (ha I should add sitting around the next day!!!) and that helps me sometimes. I'm also getting back on track with my eating and fitness so that is really helping me wanting to quit! I know I'm still grieving my Son too. Seems harder to move forward now then it did 4 years ago. I know thats not something that I can change... and if I don't change there ain't gonna be any change! Need to change to change! oh and I did just win an on line auction last night for two months of yoga! Yeah, I'm trying... I'll never give up trying. How are you Becky?
I didn't quit drinking. I say I'm going to see how long I can go without having another drink. Haven't had one for 35 years now.
This makes sense. Logically, I've come to realize that alcohol has poisoned my life and caused nothing but problems. Therefore, I choose to quit drinking it day after day.
So Motivating! Congratulations.
I need to be on you guys wave length, so I’ve hit rock bottom and it’s time to choose something better 🤔maybe cocaine, only joking I gave that up about 5yrs ago now and the heroin and crack for 11yrs so surely I got this
Ha, I did the same thing! How long can I not drink for? Challenge accepted! Game on! Been almost two years for me.
@@jesse_- well done hun so proud of you😎👊🏻I’m sure I will do it in time
I Stop drinking yesterday I hope I can stay clear from alcohol. Wish me please luck everyone . 🙏🏻🙏🏻
How’ve you been doing so far since you last posted here? I hope all is well! 💪🏼
If you're Irish you have luck 🍀
ur still free from alcohole?
Love a cold beer. Plan to have a beer tonight. But if I don’t, maybe tomorrow.
Good luck you got this!
About to hit 30 days sober! 25 years of partying and drinking daily and I’m finally feeling like a human being again. I haven’t had my anxiety under control like I do now for as long as I can remember. I’m excited to start living my life again.
Congratulations! You experienced 30 miracles in a row. Our disease wants us dead and you have said , "Not today!" I am so happy for you.
How's the willpower holding out?
@@bryankochar7615 just hit my 90 days on Saturday!
@@pete4693 thank you! I’m still going strong. Just hit my 90 days sober on the 19th
I finally quit drinking in february. After drinking very heavily for thirty years, I now have been diagnosed with cirrhosis. Ive changed my entire lifestyle. I pray it's not too late.
what helps me is how much better I feel without alcohol. When I go to bed totally clear headed it's a great feeling. Knowing I will not have hangovers is also a great part of not drinking alcohol. My ability to get to the gym is much greater and I have much better workouts. I am 69 years old, retired have a great life, and want to keep it that way. I am on a low-carb diet and drinking alcohol is not an option. Wish me luck!
Good luck.
You can succeed my friend because of your determination to want to change :) and I want you to know that although i know you not personally I want you to know that I am very proud of you.
Stopping today. I’ve never been this motivated. 2 DWIs, flipped my car off a bridge, jail, countless blackouts, bar fights, thousands and thousands of dollars wasted, breakups, divorce, strained relationship with my family, scars from falls, rehab, relapse, lost jobs, I could go on forever. Time for this to stop. Thanks for the video!
Sounds like me. Good luck!!!!!! I'm right with you. God bless!!!! Keep in touch
Hope your doing good. I start choosing something else other than alcohol from tomorrow
hope its going good bro
And that was just last weekend!
@@anyah9384 where’d you go?
3 months sober and counting..... I do get some bad days but watching these videos help me to push on.... Thanks.
Glad the videos are helping! Keep going, you've got this! 💪
Hang in there! Remember, drinking is truly borrowing happiness from tomorrow!
@@Oldplace-xc7pb well said 👍🏼
@@Oldplace-xc7pb I don't understand what you mean
Stay strong.. 💪
I’m sober 18 months and this advice is absolutely spot on - you have to completely change your mindset around how you view alcohol. Once you see it for the depressive poison that it is it becomes so easy - sober life is amazing! Well done Leon 👏
Yes it makes you feel depressed I mean that how makes me feel.
Congrats! I hope you have 30 months now, I’ve been sober 20 months…I get a monthly shot of Vivitrol from the VA which is the long term form of Naltrexone…I’m surprised how many of my friends don’t know of that medication, it works for me, I was drinking a big box wine a day, ugh…I hope you’re doing good today
Whatever works, but how do you get off the drug you traded it for? I believe you must get to the root. It's a mental challenge.
@@shawnmclean7932 I’ve talked to the doc, my will is strong enough now to get off the drug
I stopped and had 3 grand mals. Wasn't a heavy drinker. Had problems before a sip of alcohol. Nobody had answer's
8th night sober and I just took a bath and shower. Got out and boom pure bliss and joy. Waking up earlier and already being more productive. My face already looks better and I’m being less clumsy. Been ups and downs and some tears, but today is a turning point. I lost some good souls close to me a little over two years ago and my drinking got out of hand. Got drunk every single night and really fell behind and got off track. Tried to stop a couple times, but I guess I wasn’t ready. Found your channel the first night of not drinking and it has been helping me everyday along with everybody’s comments. Thank you. Weaning off nicotine and caffeine too. Looking forward to complete sobriety.
Welcome Luke!
Congratulations keep the awesome advancement!🌞
How are you going Luke? ❤️
You still dry pal. If not do you wish you was.
Still holding on?
Great advice. I'm only 3 days sober, (by far not the first time), but this makes way more sense than any I've heard. I'm at the age where I have lots more road behind me than ahead of me. But I want the final years of my life (maybe 15 more if I'm lucky) to be alcohol free. I feel better after 3 days of not drinking than I've felt in the past year. I want to continue this feeling forever.
Hang in there I was clean and sober for 25 years I kinda gave up after Covid I am pushing 60. It’s not fun anymore I got 2 weeks no alcohol I still smoke weed when ever I really think about drinking not all the time much love you can do it
4 days sober for me!! I will keep you in my prayers
@@joshuamichael5612 Thank you I will do the same it’s been a month feeling better
Day 3 for me but every journey has to start somewhere.
Day 2 for me
I gave up a lifelong drinking habit at the age of 68, and now, 3.5 years later, I haven't touched a drop since. You are right about getting into the appropriate mindset. I gave up by simply realising that alcohol is a toxin, and that it would be really stupid to keep pouring toxin down my throat. That, and Adrian Chiles' TV documentary about himself as a drinker, was all it took. For the first couple of weeks I had to remind myself in the supermarket that this was the toxic aisle, to be avoided, but that's actually all it took. Now, I don't even feel remotely like having a drink. Drinking alcohol no longer exists in my world.
Amen 🙏
Oh I want to watch that one thanks for sharing
@@Uvvibes Good luck! I should just say that while people might start out with the day-to-day approach, you will eventually stop even thinking about it.
God bless you Brian.
I watched Andrew Hubermans video on alcohol. I’m 68. Close to two weeks now and not missing it or thinking about it. Once I understood what a poisonous substance it is it hasn’t been difficult. I quit caffeinated drinks a year ago. It’s the same. Lots of lies surrounding the products and I’ve bought into it all my life.
I need to stop drinking. I have lost few good friends, family connection due to my stupidity when I have way more to drink. Lord give me strength 😓
You got this :) I can't say much only I do understand.
Last year November, I had 6 months to live. I was doing a job where I was underpaid. I quit drinking, I had to. I invested my newly found time in learning and upskilling. I found a new job, as a Senior IT Manager, with a 140% hike. Today, I am not an alcoholic, made a full recovery, and very happy with myself :)
Congratulations
Good for you.
Im hoping to do the same. Starting a new job tomorrow after 7 years an underpaid job that caused physical injuries. Im hoping to stop drinking out of control, and to have a job where I get treated and paid what Im worth not just a minimum wage loser.
@@joea.9969 Great 😃. All the best. And please don't hesitate to take professional help to deal with withdrawal. I made the mistake of shying away from it for a long time.
I have a classy stocked bar in my living room that I just packed up today. My husbands not a drinker but he still looked at me like 😳What??? I told him a need a break. I’m 41 now & then I showed him before & afters of people that quit. I’m quitting because I want to look younger for longer 🥰👍❤️
Good for you. How long is it now since your stopped drinking?
I'm 42 and iv started my journey towards sobriety after 25 years of alcohol abuse. Mainly because of the 4 am anxiety and the massive depression the next entire day. I loved alcohol way too much but I'm just sick and tired of waking up full of fear at 4 am and spending the next day full of fear and sadness. Also I had to apologise everybody I texted bad. I refuse to live under the clutches of alcohol. I choose freedom! Iv had enough
What's IV? You mean the "Liquid IV" powder you drink with water or juice...?
I've
Keep on going
Hangover regret is the WORST!
I'm on day 20 of being sober. EDIT: Day: 40. 9/21/23.
update?
@@izyn631 I went 120 days. Drinking again. Luckily it's only beer. The whiskey was so tough. Thanks for caring / asking.
How is it going sis?
@@wordofmymouthtarot Day 60. Thanks.
I found a healthy alternative: tea. I feel just as relaxed after drinking a cup of tea as when I have a bottle of beer. The big plus for me is two cups of tea is enough for me to feel good for a whole night. When I relax or try to relax with alcohol it's usually a whole bottle of liquor or a case of beer. My tea habit is alot cheaper and healthier for me. The best part of staying sober is knowing I won't waste tommorow being hung over. Its funny how one drinks to take away stress but the drinking actually adds more stress to life. Alcohol is a drug and like any other drug it will form a cloud over your life. And it's a dark cloud that blinds all the good things you have. Sobriety is worth it! Good luck!
What kind of tea? Ha ha….😁
m2
@@cynthiamarston2208 ... drink japanese matcha tea. It's superior to the regular green tea. And it's a good immune system booster. I stopped drinking two weeks ago, because it was causing inflammation in my intestinal track. Then I began drinking two cups of matcha tea each day. I feel much healthier and more motivated.
@@BonafideToolJunkie yes. I like matcha. I looked in to the M2 tea and didnt like the price. I haven t had any in ages but its i. The cupboard. Motivation is all i need! I stay sober these days after 15 years of mostly sober but not getting drunk at all if i did drink. Now im not interested one bit. 15 years is a long time. Hang in there and what I did was do anything but drink….and my chiices were decent. Matcha tea was one of them. Iced Thai tea too all fattening and yummy. I black tea with a bit of stevia and milk topped with whipped cream. Many drinks to try! I make my own green tea and honey ( as well as stevia) lightly sweetened adding ginger cold on ice. And chew bubble gum ha ha. Hubba bubba watermelon strawberry makes the best bubbles. I didnt cave in to a ton of sweet treats like i wanted to. I felt that was bad as booze but in a pinch yeah…ice cream etc….because anything but drink!
What kind of tea do you drink. I’m thinking about that alternative!! I never agree to use that I’m a alcoholic when I went to those AA meetings. I know what I am . And I’m the only one ☝️ who can fix it. Thank you all for the motivation
Day 3. I can't believe how good I feel. I was under the impression that coffee was giving me anxiety but it turns out it was coffee and how it reacted later in the day with the alcohol I drank. I've been drinking weak coffee for a couple days now and I have no anxiety. Anyway I turn 50 in April and I want to be the best that I can be. I barely drank until about 13 years ago. I have so much energy, my house is very clean the last couple days and I've tackled a couple big projects that I was really stressing about and everything is falling into place beautifully. I feel free.
hows it going?
Coffee gives me anxiety too , and alcohol just drink water
@@PhiltheThill girl you are so right. I'm off coffee again. Alcohol and Coffee are on the devil. 😭
Same with me
1) don’t buy it
2) don’t pour in the glass
3) Don’t drink it
1. Steal it
2. Drink it from bottle
3. Guzzle it
I’d rebuke that if I were you. No way would I create that for myself. Of course I’ve heard it before.... change the thoughts that you are missing out wo drinking the poison. ❤️
Dont touch the bottle or can.
@@Mtb-cp6gz lol that was my issue things got bad day 2 finally now the night mares are the worst
Only water tea coffee and energy drinks , I only meet positive people who also drink this in open air coffees
I’m four months alcohol free. Very occasionally I would like a drink, ( out with friends etc) so I just tell myself I’ll have one tomorrow, works a treat! I absolutely LOVE my sober life.
i am a drinker, i love drinking but hate the side effects and yes it consumes your life and destroys it
I quit last week and side effects is really bad I have been drinking over decades and havy drinker. 2 bottles wine a day or one bottle whisky a day. I quit because I want to live more longer. I am single guy I have no problem with personal life I just feel like drinking it. My body getting fat faster and my energy slowed down daily. After quit side effects are worse that I am facing now I couldn't sleep 3 nights in a row the past few days. My body or my hands are shaking every 3 or 4 hours, I can't even concentrate on driving car I believe my body asking for alcohol.
I started doing exercise past few days to get my body sweat out and avoid sugar because my body has too much glucose in it. I only drink water and select healthy foods because I want to get rid of body fat. Its 3 AM I don't feel sleepy. I believe my body will fully renewed in the next 5 years.
@@Reflection_Wave how's quitting drinking going?
Same
During my drinking days it was sometimes hard to prevent getting mixed up with lowlifes. Once I got completely sober it was like some miraculous “shield” that kept them away from me. Strange phenomenon!
I have it up 5 years ago after drinking it for 14 years... Best decision I ever made.
That's Awesome! any advice?
So true. A light went on in my brain when i had quit: alcohol is self-harm. Anyone who is drinking weeklynir mothly are systematically harming themselves. And I was doing that for many years. I can not imagine cutting myself or something like that. Now, in my head, regular drinking falls in the same category of self-harm. Chronic drinking is a razor blade. And im NOT into that.
I’m three months sober this weekend, cant begin to describe how much better it is without alcohol. I remember waking up a few months ago, it was dark and I just didn’t know whether it was 6.30am or 6.30pm as the time had just passed and I was in a different state of mind. I attended a celebration not too long after that and even though I didn’t massively over do it, I just decided I didn’t want this anymore.
After a heavy drinking session I feel anxious, sick, depressed, fearful for upto a week. I can go a long time without drinking but when I do drink it's into oblivion and I want to stop altogether
I agree with you. You are not an alcoholic. You have bad habits of drinking. Big difference. When we say 'I am alcoholic", we make it our identity (like I am a Christian. I am American) Identity is eternal. But when we say , "I have bad drinking habits", it sounds temporary, because habits can be changed.
This year I punched a wall and broke my hand because I blacked out, then I broke my jaw and had it wired shut for getting in a fight blackout drunk. It’s such a problem in my life & Im ready to quit day 1. I find it so hard to stop because I drink due to social anxiety
Been struggling with it my whole life. It is a mindset, and it is an evil drug that will always be calling. God bless all those struggling with this
I really loved watching this video! I am not a heavy drinker, but I have decided now is the best time to quit it all together. It is expensive and I also hate waking up hung over. 1 month sober so far ❤. I have been enjoying my sleep and the workouts at the gym :)
Oh my god....im only half way through this video and i cant stop crying uncontrollably......what an amazing presentation.....
I would like to add that when under the influence of alcohol I am alot more apt to do things and/or try other things ( use your imagination ) that I wouldn't had I'd been sober. Some of my greatest mistakes and regrets were alcohol related !!
Same! I recently turned 21 and I noticed when I’m really drunk, I binge eat fast foods 😅 As much as I hate fast food, the drunk me loves it apparently. It’s been times where I’ve stopped to 2-3 places ordering lots of food, get home and didn’t even eat it 🤦🏾
@@yungrydr then you feel guilty for spending money yes I've been there! How are you doing now
Sexual escapades?
Funny I am not horny at all when I drink. I could never have sex drunk. I get whisky dick. I quit drinking and I f like a horse on meth
Take away points: 1. Addiction doesn't exist. But you can still be "addicted" if you have been conditioned to believe that you are dependent. Get rid of the delusion and you get rid of the "addiction". 2. Alcohol isn't good for anything at all. In my own life alcohol only impaired me. Anything good that happened and I associated with alcohol would have happened anyway. 3. I am freeing myself from alcohol. I'm not giving it up. Thanks for this. This really helped.
About a week ago a close friend of mine fell off a 3 storey building while incredibly drunk after a wedding and it was a huge wake up call for me. He's now bed bound after a life saving operation and will be lucky if he can walk again. Then 3 days ago another friend broke his ankle on the walk back from a bar and ended up in hospital. Seems like misery and bullshit accompanies the drinking lifestyle and I'm quitting before anything bad happens to me like my unfortunate pals. Instead I'm running an 8.5 mile charity run next Sunday and having this goal in mind has really given me that boost to stay off the drink for good. I used to drink every single day for about 3 years, so the first 4 days were a struggle but I'm past the worst of the psychological withdrawal and cravings and feel like my mindset has completely changed. Good luck to everyone trying to change their life for the better, we all have the power to take control of our lives
Today makes it a year and 2 days ive been alco free. I drank all day . My job was next to a beer store so i could drink anytime for free or on credit and no supervisor or co worker even knew. I had to kick the habit. Good luck to everyone. Those frightful mornings and depression are gone
I have filled my fridge with soda waters, tonic cans, sparkling water bought flavour cordials grapefruit, blood orange. my fridge looks like a sober mans dream bar. this is how I am going to reduce to begin with and when I want my liqour im am mixing nice sober drinks, I am down to one actual drink a day compared to 8 in the past 2 weeks, and in 3 weeks I want to be done as also my 40th . I am easing out I have been drinking for over 25 years .
I've "given up" every Monday morning for the past 25 years. I "gave up" on a Saturday morning, to try something new, along with cigarettes, and so far your videos are working me. I have cravings, although it's only been a week.
This guy is one of the best to listen to on drinking subject. Because he is sincere about the subject. Beware, many those youtubers will lead you astray.
I won’t be a customer because I’ve taken control of myself out from under alcohol, but these tips largely reflect how I did it. I didn’t call myself an alcoholic I recognized that there’s an energy in me that applies 100% whether it be alcohol or anything else. I started seeing alcohol as the toxin it is and decided I wanted more than to be drunk on toxins all the time
My boyfriend is a business owner and he needs to take clients out, I constantly need to remind him to stop or be careful to NO drink too much ufff. Thank you for sharing this video, I will share with him. 🙏💞💕💞💕
1 month sober. I go to AA. You are absolutely correct on the alcoholic label thing. Your saying what I’ve been thinking for a long time. Thank you for articulating this. .
Very good info. I am quitting alcohol. I binge drink about 3 nites a week. I have been blacking out and have regrets of saying things etc. Woke up with a black eye from walking into a door that I opened. Lol. I'm a 60 year old mama and grandmama. Need to be the best example for my precious family. Gods word says..if your eye makes you stumble.,,cut it out.
I drink to celebrate my life. My life is awesome and i am far too humble to admit to others how awesome my life is because every one else is miserable all the time and drink out of self pity to medicate that misery. I on the other hand am on a daily basis deeply joyful for my existence in this realm. I toast to the sky for it's blessing to bring me the means to be that awesome person. That takes a lot of beer.
Once you can control your mind, you can do anything.
On point. I’ve known a number of people who have labeled themselves and this seems like a scarlet letter and so bad for the psyche. I have motivation to improve my health and eliminating the many opportunities our culture has to partake. We use it so often to celebrate and socialize.
6 months sober thanks to the Alan Carr book and your videos. I get excited when I see the thumbnail for new uploads.
That book is great. I used it as well. It really set my head straight about drinking.
Day 5 without alcohol for me after drinking all the alcohol I had in the house (even out of date stuff and spirits that had been in the cupboard for ages 🙈). Hit that point where enough is enough! Didn’t realise willpower wasn’t connected, brilliant video! Will watch this whenever I feel like I’m close to falling off the wagon! Wish me luck! ☺️
This is probably the most common sense approach to drinking and it's dangers I've ever seen. I spent my late 20s and most of my 30s in an alcohol haze, always knowing I was slowly killing myself, but never could buy into the AA propaganda. I'm now in my early 50s and have reduced my drinking drastically, but I still rationalize having a few drinks after work to unwind. I'm currently trying to rid myself of these last vestiges of justification for drinking.
I think you hit the nail on the head with this video mate. Many people probably dont go and seek help because they fear being given the Alcoholic label.
Back in August of 2022 I graduated from rehab for my drinking. Something I always told other guys in the program(all sorts of drug addictions only about 3 of us for alcohol) was about the problem of labeling yourself an addict. Words are powerful calling yourself an addict is the same as saying "I'll never be good enough" "I'll never be smart enough" "I'm not good looking enough" it's all negative reinforcement on oneself. The second you decide to quit you are no longer an "addict" you are a different person now.
If you’re an addict, that denial could kill you. How insane to focus on a description, as opposed to the suffering alcoholism inflicts. Words weren’t your problem, alcohol was, and may well continue to be. I’m 33-yrs sober, experienced and qualified.
Extremely toxic and addictive and desired by people who have a weakness for it. Bless everyone who is struggling this monster 💖
I haven't drank in about a month. Had a two day relapse. Now I'm on day 7 sober. Alcohol is poisonous. I have to keep telling myself. I'm also on day one of two days off. Today I almost gave in but here I am coloring in my adult coloring books and drinking water.
Tomorrow I hope is the same. Need to buy some fruit juice for variety.
@@Adeline9418 best of luck... I would stay away 200% bc it is that addictive. STOP IT totally.🍀🍀🕊️💗🌹
Weakness? 🧐 no one uses without a reason, even if others can't see that...
Alcohol free beer is part of my routine.
He is right about AA, it doesn’t work for a lot of people. It even trashes people’s egos and self-respect and requires people get up and embarrass themselves.
I think knowing the medical effects of ethanol in detail helps.
I am also wary of the kinds of people you meet, i tend to attract people who want to use me or have anterior motives.
Hi Leon I just wanted to drop a few words I have been sober for 1 year and 8 months this past November 6-2021 I have been still listening to your encouraging words on drinking alcohol thanks again Leon you have encouraged me I hope your encouraging words will help someone else who has an alcohol problem Leon I am like you I believe just stop drinking alcohol period THANKS AGAIN LEON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY STAY SOBER EVERYONE IT IS GREAT 🙏❤️🙏
What you say is absolutely valuable: do not brand yourself as an alcoholic. That is analogous to saying you are doomed, and if so, why do anything at all? I'm delighted that A.A. works for those who benefit from it, but A.A. is NOT the only path.
I’m not even an alcoholic, hardly even drink, but great video man I can definitely see how this could stop someone in their tracks and make them at least think about stopping every drink they have, planting the seed of freedom in peoples minds! Thanks man
Just wanted to inject my 7-cents, i used to be a substantial drinker lost in the reality that alcohol was an OK thing. Looking back, it had done far more bad things than good things and the comparison was one-sided by far. Then something happened, I got pretty seriously hurt. It involved having to be under the care of a doctor that had me on several different medications that he told me would be beneficial to my condition. When he told me that this would help me, and it did, there was only one thing I had to do, ...never mix alcohol with the medication that was prescribed 24 hours/day. This meant that drinking was history! OK, i did as he said and after a while, I started to look at drinking differently. I was able to clearly see that drinking alcohol had been the root of many evils. I learned about how it works and affects your body. I learned to hate it and fear it. Alcohol is a deceptive drug that can sneak up on you before you can recognize its negative influence. The only thing alcohol ever gave me was a hangover that made me feel terrible. It's been twenty years and I would never again let it get it's claws into my life. Everything since has not necessarily been "better", it has been "normal" as things are meant to be. Things cleared up and life is great. What an absolute waste of time and potentially deadly substance. When on this topic with drinkers I love to ask them, "What has drinking ever really done for you?" I always get the same answer, "It's fun". Really?
Day 11 and I feel great!! I feel more productive and energized and feel handsome lol also been going to therapy and I feel brand new! Hope everyone is doing good 👍 ❤
It’s been about a week for me and I’m already having deeper dreams and feeling more focused in my day to day activities…. And I’m on vacation so the results are great!
Drank Bourbon and vodka every day for the past 40 yrs, from when I got home from work till bedtime. Never did my family ever want for anything, had nice homes, two car family, swimming pools and the latest toys, and paid my son's university. My motto, work hard and pay the bills first. This video is great at breaking down the stigmas that label people, and today is my first day off the booze due to health reasons. I'm not saying I will never drink again, just not now.
How did u stop?
@@heyhey4101 I told myself I'm going to quit for a month, a month is not as scarry as forever. Whenever I felt like a drink I reminded my self not till the months over. 12 days in and I feel better, the craving is almost gone, and when I get to the one month mark, I'll do another month now that it just seems to be all about will power. I quit smoking the same way many years ago, it works for me.
@@MrAllan9 Thanks man! Needed that. This is sooo hard. Keep up the great work buddy!
I'm struggling last couple of days, it's not easy,
your video's give me a lot of support.
I want to say thank you from the deepest of my heart.
And it's true what you say, it destroys everything.. but there's nothing a clear mind can't fix and build back up again.
Thank you
♥️ From Belgium
Sober 15 days today, got the urge to drink yesterday almost went for “one beer” I pulled over watched one of your videos and the craving went away. At the bottom of every beer there is always a gram of coke. It truly is pure insanity and a fucken vicious cycle…We drink something that tastes like shit only to feel like shit the next day and in order to feel better, we drink more of what made us sick in the first place. Ironic huh? Much love to all of my brothers and sisters starting their sobriety journey, you’re not alone ❤️.
You are so right! Reading your comment helps because you understand what I’m going through right now. I’m only on day two but craving vodka, which tastes awful and makes me feel exhausted & nauseous and I black out nightly BUT I STILL WANT IT…..it’s crazy! Why do I want something so expensive and terrible? Good luck to you!
For years I have been saying the same thing, ONLY alcohol drinkers get a label and a label for life! I'm glad to see someone has spoken out and created a program where that label doesn't exist!
0 xcxx
I'm an alcoholic because I have no control of how much I drink. That will never change no matter how long I abstain. It's nothing to be ashamed of
I never had alcohol issues like addiction but felt it is a program like thinking while being at store 'buy yourself some, have some' and once I said 'how about I won't have any ever?!' I yelled it in my head and since that day I hadn't single one and I was only drinking small amounts, never getting drunk, max a little tipsy sometimes. but still, it is a program. YES saying you are forever alcoholik you will be always tied to alcohol, to energy of alcohol, not truting your own free will. Trust yourself, you quit drinking? there, you are NO LONGER alcoholic, it's simple. You left the program. No matter how intensive it was about 'having some' you got over it. Thinking of it daily, doubting yourself will bring you back to it. If you won, the subject is closed.
At some point I just got tired of it. I don't think I was ever out of control but I was basically drinking over the weekend, always tired and made the start of my week more stressful, made me feel less confident. Didn't seem like I was giving up on much.
Society talks about drugs and alcohol. Alcohol is a nasty toxic drug. It physically damages a persons body
That mindset helped me finally stop. I love running and being in shape. Alcohol gets in my way. Roughly 3 weeks in and feel great.
Today is day 1 of sobriety for me! Please wish me luck everybody!
Good luck my friend. I have been drinking pretty heavy for quite a while. Probably 15 years. I have tried to stop with no success as of now. I wasn’t going to get any wine last night but I did🥲. I will try again today. Russell Brand suggested that I just focus on today. Take it day by day. Say to myself “ I am not going to drink today”. Not worrying about tomorrow or next week. Just focus on today. Pray for me too. This is gonna be hard but it will be worth it. Good luck on your journey 💙
Yes, Yes and Yes. This is the truth I realized over 10 years ago when I quit drinking without the help of AA.
I once quit drinking for 3 years. I remember viewing alcohol in stores and people drinking in a very different way, But then I started again. I have 4 beers left from last nights 12 pack and they are going down the drain right now. just did it, down the drain! I think I can bring back that view.
You get different types of alcoholics. Not all alcoholics are drunk 24/7. Some alcoholics would "top up" every day, others would habitually drink e.g. late afternoon on a daily basis, but have control over how much they drink. There is still the dependence, though.
This guy makes more sense to me than anyone ever did
I've quit drinking for 9 months before as well, thinking that somehow this was going to reset my ability to drink in moderation. Only to watch it all spiral out of control within two weeks of "moderate drinking". Over five years later I went to AA just to surround myself with other non-drinkers. Eventually reading This Naked Mind and realizing how silly and defended alcohol culture is, I no longer crave alcohol. It is true, alcohol is the only drug we need a reason to not consume. Quitting nicotine, no one cared. I'm 3+ years off alcohol, and have yet to see a single drunk that impressed me enough to want to go back.
21 days in! It gels me to think as using alcohol in the past to cope. Now I have better coping tools
Day one of my sobriety, I've definitely hit rock bottom, I've been a closet drinker from 10 years now. I even quit my job to be able to drink every day, my body can't take it anymore, I'm done! Wish me luck😩
@k reddy past couple of days have been OK, but today was particularly soo hard, I really had to use my will power.
How is it going your side? Can you be my accountability partner?
@k reddy thank you so much, your advice has been pulling me through. I'm drinking about 2 and a half litres of water daily.
How are you holding up?
@k reddy oh my goodness, health wise you seem to be doing much better. I've seen a difference on my skin, it's never looked brighter, it's amazing.
Still hanging in there, dthe devil liquid has no place in my life anymore 😂. You are really keeping me going for real. We are on a roll😁.
Let's check in again in 7 days 🙏🏼
@k reddy how are you doing now? I was drinking a litre of vodka a day too it almost killed me! I've stopped now but it's early days,I stopped drinking every day a month ago but I've already had 3 slips and I'm struggling massively any tips? I live with 2 alcoholics so that doesn't help
When I quit drinking it was this mindset basically. I just knew how good I'd feel and one thing that helped me was thinking "dude I'm gonna look so good. Lose weight, be stronger, etc." That's what got me started and got me through each day. I didn't even have to fight any urges after drinking heavily each day for 4 years straight. It was nothing, no problem at all.
No withdrawals?
This is so true! I quit drinking after trying and failing for years. What finally worked is countering the lies in my head telling me it was OK to drink, I could control it, ect -lies that would come and go.
People need to work on countering those lies even when they don't feel like drinking. Even if they're dormant, they're still there.Too many sobriety seekers only have a back up plan for what to do if an urge hits, but they don't work enough on getting rid of the urge altogether.
Trying to arrange rehab for 3 months. Don't want to be a dry alcoholic! AA isn't for me. Glad I found sober Leon! Got a few addictive behaviours to sort. Really motivated but scared!
I read an article that said that alcohol damages the immune system. That’s all I needed to read and I quit drinking. I wasn’t an alcoholic but I would show up to the bar for 1 or 2 drinks maybe three or four times a week. My health has improved and I don’t need to drink. If I want to go out and socialize, I’ll order a Club Soda on the rocks. Once I realized it was bad for health, I stopped doing it.
You are exactly right. Been drinking 40 years. Ugh. I keep doing it, but I don't want to.
Doing any better Russ?
@@christophermeyers I keep buying beer, thinking what am I doing ? I don't even want it. I'm just going to try harder not to buy it. Thanks
Russ i feel your pain. I hope you're ok
On point #3, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree. That "normal drinker" that you see having just 1 - 2 drinks without going belligerent, etc...that's just what you SEE. When everyone else is gone and that person is home alone or whatever, they could be continuing to drink to the point where they're hungover the next day, the day's basically shot right there, so on and so forth. How do I know this? Because I've been that guy a million times and at 43, I'm realizing that it's simply time for a change.
💪💪👊🏻
Totally agree, I have had success recently by reframing my perspective on alcohol by educating myself on how bad it is for me and how it stop me to achieving all my goals
I struggled for a few years with drinking, but then something amazing started happening. I started getting massive anxiety the next day and it really started fucking up my sleep for several days after.
I really lost the desire to drink after experiencing this a few times.
I’m on day 5. The sun is out and my husband is grilling and my willpower is crumbling. This video helped a bit
I sort of used my short attention span to my advantage. You have the same conversations or the same kind of arc of conversations drinking in bars/pubs and I was a bit bored of them. I kept reminding myself if you are bored, it's your fault, you have to do something about it. I've always thought boredom was a decadent, spoilt thing (unless you are getting paid for it) anyway which helped. Just started doing non drinking things that were new or things I hadn't done in a long time I found interesting or entertaining until they became the priority over drinking. It gets the natural dopamine going too and you need every bit of that when you stop.
YOU ARE SPOT ON. I have come to find pleasure in not drinking and the clear head I have from not drinking. I am now looking forward! Not looking forward to drinking! It is a great shift!! What some of us do not understand is who we slid under the power of looking forward to the drink!
I love having a drink, and I usually do it after a long day at work, or on the weekend when I relax. The past year I managed to control it to the point where I'd have a bottle of red wine a week, and I'd only drink it over saturday and sunday. When I changed jobs tho, it was very jarring, and I found myself falling off the wagon a bit, and I'm still really struggling to get back on it. I know I am capable of controlling it, it's so damn hard to do so when it becomes habitual and consistent in your everyday life.
I know that. I'm trying to take small steps atm. When I opened a bottle of wine I'd drink all of it. Now it'll last Friday and Saturday evening. Lockdown I was drinking a bottle a day.
Thankyou. I have been sober for 15 days. I went to an a meeting and they are truly wonderful people. My teo best friends are in the program and it’s helped then hugely. I could never say the words I am an alcoholic. I cant live my life waiting to fail and then having to face my friends when I “fail”. I don’t want to live my life thinking about drinking I just wanna “get on”. I read Allen carrs stop smoking and I knew I would never have another cigarette. Am using this method with drinking. I will buy his book on alcohol. Thanks for the video.
Let's walk away from alcohol and find people to positively influence
I didn't "walk away" from alcohol... I "broke up" with alcohol. Alcohol was like a bad relationship that did nothing for me. When I though of alcohol as a bad relationship (like with a boyfriend or girlfriend) it was easier to give up.
hey leon. you r absolutly right ..been drinking for 40 years and want to quit ..will keep checking your vids ..good work
This is sheer brilliance Leon. I found AA unhelpful and unhealthy. I read The Power of Now. Stopped attending meetings, ceased calling myself an alcoholic and moved on. The 3 secrets are magnificent. I am going to watch this again immediately! Thank you and well done. You are helping an endless amount of people. 🙏
Would you please divulge one of the secrets? Thank you.🇨🇦
I am an a
Alcoholic.
Also I am allergic to
Alcohol. Also my anxiety medication do not work with alcohol. It made me stop 2years now. I started hating alcohol. 1000 reasons my life is better now.
Hmmn - I was the same as you but about 30 years ago - couple pints (with friends) after a hard days work in London, no problems.
- 20 years ago it was a few beers and a large wine when I got home.
- 10 years ago beer didn't do it anymore - only wine and a large G&T (and besides I was being very successful)
- 2 years ago it was just gin - no tonic (after I'd put the kids and the wife to bed - who always seemed to be in a mood for some reason).
1 year ago I looked divorce and death in the face (after going AWOL for a week I still can't remember). I realised everything I'd done with booze was an illusion - and I could have done a lot of things a lot better.
Just made 29. I've been fighting myself for my life for about 8 years now.I'm a week sober and already loving it. Been waking up fresh for the past 7 days.. man i love it. I'm done with alcohol.
There is a true euphoria experience I get from drinking. Unfortunately, the ROI on that little tiny piece of euphoria counts for almost nothing when considering all the terrible things that this poison enflicts on me. The reframing method I learned from Hyrum Smith’s behavior model seems similar to this. Very interesting! Great videos Leon!
I get that same euphoria. I feel more relaxed and open plus I absolutely enjoy a drink. I believe there are certain health benefits from a scotch or cognac or a small glass of wine. Once I pour I want more and I’m trying to reduce the inflammation which seems to be the key factor in many diseases. I’ve so far survived cancer and a month ago had a massive heart attack although at the time I didn’t know thinking it was heartburn. For now I’m trying to avoid completely but my aim is to enjoy a small glass infrequently. Only time will tell
@@bar10ml44 I love to tell you this….. there is absolutely nothing good about drinking poison. There are no benefits to drinking the devils pee. Poison cannot be moderated. No matter the dosage. Alcohol is simply not a good thing. It’s pure evil.
I think it's true what they say that the dream is borrowed
You give it back tomorrow
Minus the sorrow
And the pain she just comes in to break up the daydream
And I felt his waving
To keep from feeling the same thing
I used to get a euphoria, because I saw it as the key to me being more social and the life of the party. It was exciting.
But when I accepted myself fully and stopped caring so much about what people think of me, the appeal of drinking faded away.
What you should do is find why the euphoria is happening and what benefits you feel/see from alcohol. Then you find out how to get the same benefits from a healthier place. Or even better, to give the same benefits to yourself.
@@bar10ml44 good luck sir. Please look at for what it really is. We have a limited time here on planet earth 🌏. All the best to you my friend.
I am in the middle of a divorce and 3 weeks ago i left the house after drinking too much and drove away about 15 min got in a car crash and i havnt touched a drop of alcohol after that and i feel happier now and i also have quit people who dont ad anything in my life and i am starting over fresh with my life
I'm 64 I wasn't drinking a lot anymore but it was definitely affecting my life.
I would have 2 drinks a night and it ruined my next day.
I stopped drinking 45 days ago then had a couple drinks a couple days in a row.
I love the calm feeling I get from alcohol but the next day isn't worth it.
I started to stop drinking again 2 days ago.
Sounds EXACTLY like me!! I'm 63. Went a whole month sober. Slipped up on my days off. Those are hard to get through.
I am 53 and same for me. Generally I will drink 2-4 beers but it effs me the next day. Am trying to go 2,3,4,5 days without drinking. Love the mental energy I get from abstinence.
I'm saving this and watching over and over when I need it. Thank you for your videos' they are so helpful
FINALLY! Someone that talks SENSE! I've hated AA meetings specifically because I don't like the idea that it's permanent and my only solution was to accept it. Thx Sober Leon!
That’s the first step
Denial kills more people than most substances!
Well today is the day for me. I’ve been watching your vids daily for a while not and I’m inspired enough to stop with the knowledge that alcohol has 0 value for my health/ mental health. I don’t need good luck I just need me to keep recognise that alcohol is a poison and it stop you from being your best version and I don’t want that
I just turned 22 and I’ve had my struggles with addiction and just that I’m watching this video with a drink in my hand made me realize that I’m making excuses and need to turn my life around. Tomorrow I will look at as day one, not one day
(if you want to say) how are you doing? All the best
You are a saint sir I hope your path to help others is great. I’m a drinker an I don’t believe alcohol is good but I’m a stubborn old school guy. I work to play weather drinking or whatever I’m an introvert an love my solitude. I’m under no disguise of my foolishness but hope for others to succeed. Everyone who sees a way out go for it don’t let the shit road some of us walk be an excuse for you to follow! I’m not a godly man so I will say I believe in the possibility of bettering one self! If you can’t believe in that then you are more foolish than me! Be ready for the fun side of the world while you can grasp it an jump for joy when you do!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Leon!!! I just received my Allen Carr book and began reading it yesterday and found you today! Today is day 1 for me......June 21, 2022
How you doing almost a year in?
@@becky2235 nope. but much better 3, 4, 5, 6 days clean and then an afternoon where I just want to get chores done. Certainly not for partying. Those days are long gone. How are you doing @becky22? I seen a video about thinking ahead of how you'll feel after the drinking...sick, shameful etc and that works sometimes for me, but not always. I just obsess about it and give in... justifying that I'm getting chores done and then wake up disappointed in myself. and not getting much accomplished on the next day! just eating and watching TH-cam. Still trying everyday!
@becky 22 hey Becky, thanks for asking! wow almost a year eh! Sorry I didn't see this post earlier. We went to Cuba. fastest answer, nope. I'm better, 3,4,5 or 6 days and then an afternoon of drinking to get chores done. I justify it by saying I'm getting stuff done, but then the next day all I'm doing is eating and sitting on TH-cam. I seen a video about telling yourself to look ahead before you take the first drink...the sickness, shame, guilt etc (ha I should add sitting around the next day!!!) and that helps me sometimes. I'm also getting back on track with my eating and fitness so that is really helping me wanting to quit! I know I'm still grieving my Son too. Seems harder to move forward now then it did 4 years ago. I know thats not something that I can change... and if I don't change there ain't gonna be any change! Need to change to change! oh and I did just win an on line auction last night for two months of yoga! Yeah, I'm trying... I'll never give up trying. How are you Becky?