1000 Days Without Alcohol: Here’s What Happened

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  • čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
  • I went sober for 1000 days as a productivity experiment - here's the biggest lessons I learned when I cut alcohol out of my life.
    What are the main benefits of going sober? Does going sober make dating harder? How does alcohol affect productivity? How does alcohol affect sleep? Is it difficult to stay social when you're not drinking? And lots of other things.
    #productivity #alcohol #personaldevelopment
    -
    Listen to all episodes online. Search "Modern Wisdom" on any Podcast App or click here:
    Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2MNqIgw
    Spotify: spoti.fi/2LSimPn
    Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/mode...
    -
    Get in touch in the comments below or head to...
    Instagram: / chriswillx
    Twitter: / chriswillx
    Email: chriswillx.com/contact/

Komentáře • 5K

  • @ChrisWillx
    @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +4724

    "Alcohol is the only drug where if you don't do it, people assume you have a problem."

    • @calvin624
      @calvin624 Před 2 lety +119

      Well put. I'm not a big drinker, partly because my dad was an alcoholic and a wife beater, so I grew up wanting to avoid becoming him at all costs. And partly because I just prefer other drinks - a hot chocolate on a winter's day is infinitely more enjoyable to me than a cider or beer on a summer's day. People are genuinely shocked when you're out and you opt to get a coke or lemonade instead of anything harder, it's bizarre.

    • @Mr.Buttermaker
      @Mr.Buttermaker Před 2 lety +14

      So true

    • @dtzyYT
      @dtzyYT Před 2 lety +22

      Or a member of some religious cult.

    • @ramonperez7880
      @ramonperez7880 Před 2 lety +3

      Did you smoke at all?

    • @harrysachs2274
      @harrysachs2274 Před 2 lety +59

      You have to flip it on them. Say, "I don't have a problem, I just find drinking causes problems"

  • @Mecz2
    @Mecz2 Před 2 lety +5471

    Sobriety delivers everything that alcohol promises.

    • @kevinmael3862
      @kevinmael3862 Před 2 lety +36

      Sobriety delivers everything my addictions promise.

    • @BlankManj5
      @BlankManj5 Před 2 lety +22

      Even the hang overs.

    • @essedbl777
      @essedbl777 Před 2 lety +50

      What a fantastic statement!

    • @gaaava
      @gaaava Před 2 lety +13

      Rubbish

    • @Mecz2
      @Mecz2 Před 2 lety +32

      @@gaaava Care to elaborate?

  • @nickiboy33
    @nickiboy33 Před měsícem +11

    Ive been sober for 385 days now. Best decision in my life!!! 🎉

  • @EverthingsApple
    @EverthingsApple Před rokem +375

    I’m an alcoholic with 407 days free from any mind altering substances. Recovery isn’t just possible, it’s absolutely beautiful.

    • @mateuszmazurek7991
      @mateuszmazurek7991 Před rokem +2

      caffeine too?

    • @mathiasfrandsen5468
      @mathiasfrandsen5468 Před 7 měsíci

      We are what we tell ourself to be, but for me it seems you have doen it! you are no longer (that) version of yourself,you have changed mentaly spiritually and psycically

    • @lorenzaallan8383
      @lorenzaallan8383 Před 6 měsíci +1

      For a substance abuser - it’s everyday that a choice needs to be made. Every single day

    • @jeremywags
      @jeremywags Před 6 měsíci

      Hopefully he stayed on caffeine

    • @markcliffe7
      @markcliffe7 Před 5 měsíci

      Well done...

  • @BrownGeorge-pw2xo
    @BrownGeorge-pw2xo Před měsícem +92

    Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.

    • @NicoleCtirad
      @NicoleCtirad Před měsícem +1

      Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

    • @Bastianbishops
      @Bastianbishops Před měsícem +1

      Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Germany. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them

    • @DonnHowes
      @DonnHowes Před měsícem +4

      YES very sure of Dr.benfungi. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

    • @SusanaGomez-mp8sk
      @SusanaGomez-mp8sk Před měsícem +1

      100% agree I used to have Psychosis and paranoid thoughts like "people thinking about me talking about me etc. Very odd behavior after getting off Adderall from 7-16. Antidepressants at 18-29. 31 now. I took way to much, but took about 20g of Gold caps (Psilocybin containing mushroom) I analyzed my entire life. The emotions that came out helped me understand behavior etc more. Wont ever need to do it again because I'm happy and contempt forever, but I wish more people did this to alter their perception of reality. Would help with healing much trauma

    • @gefferystones2814
      @gefferystones2814 Před měsícem

      How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

  • @alexsvistunov620
    @alexsvistunov620 Před 2 lety +1929

    I was drinking half a bottle of whiskey 4 days a week, I've been only 3 weeks sober but already feels like an accomplishment. Even though I still think of alcohol every night, it's videos like this one that hold my strength, thanks brother

    • @awkwardatlas5623
      @awkwardatlas5623 Před 2 lety +72

      Keep up the good work. The first few weeks are definitely the hardest. I personally found myself starting to relax towards the end of month three. Almost two years sober now :)

    • @patriciamharris5664
      @patriciamharris5664 Před 2 lety +16

      Alex
      Keep it up!

    • @alexsvistunov620
      @alexsvistunov620 Před 2 lety +39

      @@patriciamharris5664 One whole month now and counting. Thanks Patricia!

    • @jakes2503
      @jakes2503 Před 2 lety +7

      Keep going bro!!!!!

    • @laleloli
      @laleloli Před 2 lety +22

      @@alexsvistunov620 I know that sounds corny, as I don't even know you, but I'm genuinely proud of you bro.
      In little over a week, I pass the 3 month mark and it's one of the most important decisions I've made in my journey, that surprisingly was rather easy. The hardest part was actually making the decision not to drink anymore.
      I kept telling myself that everything was fine and I didn't have a problem with alcohol.. Well I lied to myself, but I am not anymore and just the confidence alone I feel from no longer lying to myself , is worth it.

  • @scoieb
    @scoieb Před rokem +181

    I told some family members during dinner last night “I quit drinking.” They laughed and said “when? Today?”
    All I could think of was joke about it.
    You have to want to be sober. I took me 30 years to admit the problem and have enough of the negative effects.
    Everything this video states is true. If you’re struggling to quit, don’t ever give up. You can do it!

    • @tsm7964
      @tsm7964 Před rokem +7

      Stephen King, famously alcoholic, said that once he started believing in God, he was able to quit drinking.

    • @ENev68
      @ENev68 Před rokem +1

      Excellent words my friend.

    • @mattschrader5047
      @mattschrader5047 Před rokem +2

      Get around other people with sobriety if you really want to stay stopped. They will help you on your path. Once you know what you are talking about, give back and help others get sober. that's the secret to good fortune, you have to give it away to keep it

    • @WokeAFMillennial
      @WokeAFMillennial Před rokem +7

      I told my friends just yesterday that I quit drinking and got the same question. I answered with, "just this last Friday I had one beer and decided to quit then." It was met with jokes about how I quit just to pick it up again.
      I'm dead-set on this decision. I'm 36 and know this would have been easier if I had quit 10 years ago, but I recently learned the detrimental affects of even low-to-moderate drinking (1-2 drinks a night) and I realized I've been drinking like that since I was a teenager. I don't want cancer. I don't want to suffer through my golden old years. I don't want less brain white matter. I don't want to have any accidents in my life or in my family's life with my 8 month old son.

    • @scoieb
      @scoieb Před rokem +4

      @@WokeAFMillennial Good for you!
      Stick to it. I used to think I couldn’t function without it. My energy and well being are through the roof since quitting.
      No more guilt, damage or being incapacitated for my family.

  • @coryryan2804
    @coryryan2804 Před 8 měsíci +137

    I hit 1000 days today. This video hits the nail on the hit with every point made. I appreciate this. Makes my thoughts feel even more real

  • @PanHaszaman
    @PanHaszaman Před rokem +690

    I stopped for a year, both weed and alcohol. It was the best year of my life! Then hit few bumps, including car accident and ended up drinking, smoking and taking painkillers. Got suicidal and was severely depressed. Today is 44th day since I gave it all up again. I can't even understand my mindset from 50 days ago. This is, again, the best decision I've made in my entire life. It's good to be alive and present!

    • @psm8261
      @psm8261 Před rokem +23

      Keep it up
      You can do it..
      I'm 11 yrs + weed free
      8.5 yrs cigarette free
      4.75 yrs alcohol free..
      It starts with one day... if I can do it, so can you..
      Stay strong

    • @ashwinnmyburgh9364
      @ashwinnmyburgh9364 Před rokem +6

      Keep it up mate! Never look back at that trash.

    • @drewewinz
      @drewewinz Před rokem +3

      Happy for you.

    • @haesken2123
      @haesken2123 Před rokem

      thats what pills do they make you suicidal

    • @jonadam4233
      @jonadam4233 Před rokem +1

      Amazing, I give up things all the time on a whim, never had problems on or off any substances, but I take them all the same in moderation, my will power is soo oddly strong compared to most people, I guess I'm just blessed.

  • @MarySpender
    @MarySpender Před 2 lety +471

    This video helped me make the decision to stop drinking. 23 days so far. x

    • @PowerInOne22
      @PowerInOne22 Před 2 lety +1

      It's worth it. GL! :)

    • @robolasher
      @robolasher Před 2 lety +2

      Good luck. All things point toward quitting. I havnt uet but am tapering at the moment which is pretty good for me. My dr said that if i quit cold turkey could potentially dangerous. Starting with a group monday for support. No more just a couple to help sleep or any other triggers. I need to quit like NOW.

    • @Mr_Never_Sad
      @Mr_Never_Sad Před 2 lety +3

      Keep it going you got this

    • @dalebrown4724
      @dalebrown4724 Před 2 lety +3

      Well done I am into my second month of no drinking feel great. Keep the good work up

    • @tekay44
      @tekay44 Před 2 lety +2

      keep it up Mary. it is so worth it. if you fall. get right back up. one day at a time is all it takes.

  • @ChristopherKenji
    @ChristopherKenji Před rokem +90

    This kind of made me emotional. I quit drinking 3 years ago after drinking every day for years and I did it pretty much just me against the world without anyone’s help. I honestly have never heard anyone else put it into such perfect words all the exact ways my life changed and also the things I had to change about myself. I tell people whenever they ask about it that I had to get used to not making bad decisions -like it was really weird to be so in control of my life and my actions. I also really resonated with the having to learn how to be confident because I always used to think I needed alcohol for me to be fun to be around or romantically desirable because I wasn’t good enough just on my own. I usually never say this about anything but everything and I mean EVERY single point was spot on about how I felt/how I feel today. This video was a real trip for me. Thanks so much for sharing this -it means so much more than you could possibly know 🙏🏼

    • @steveconnolly7129
      @steveconnolly7129 Před rokem +2

      Wow hey i have 34 yrs no alcohol its not bad at all,dont start drinking again,

    • @steveconnolly7129
      @steveconnolly7129 Před rokem +1

      Hey its all good you learn as you go,progress is every time you dont think about drink drugs or the extra pysc.stuff

    • @oddities-whatnot
      @oddities-whatnot Před rokem +1

      Im struggling to give up for the same reasons as you ☹️

  • @mustafabaris9681
    @mustafabaris9681 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Just hit 20 days ..Was not a big drinker, but binge drinking on the weekends had its cost..Now, it is AMAZING to wake up on that Sunday morning without any sign of a headache or a hangover..I am done with alcohol for good..

  • @pjtanner2439
    @pjtanner2439 Před rokem +468

    After listening to this at 8 in the morning while washing dishes after breakfast, I dumped a handle of Kentucky Bourbon down the drain. I almost cried I felt so happy. Let’s do this! Thanks Chris.

    • @dylanmulroe9978
      @dylanmulroe9978 Před rokem +5

      How’s it going now bud?

    • @pjtanner2439
      @pjtanner2439 Před rokem +46

      @@dylanmulroe9978 Good. I’m surprised how little I miss it. Been getting up at 4 in the morning to workout and study German. No wasted mornings hungover. My productivity has gone up nearly an order of magnitude. By being so productive with my two hours of personal development in the morning, I have an energy that keeps with me the rest of the day to get things done.

    • @Craigslist420
      @Craigslist420 Před rokem +7

      Great Job Bro 😎 I am 3 months in no drinking as well and biking 🚴‍♀️ 100 miles a week over 5 days. My body has never felt better. I do supplement my high with Kushburst Delta 8 Gummies though. But still I feel amazing not drinking alcohol. I’ll pop a gummy before a bike ride and go hard. Keep up the great work 👍🏻
      Now I just collect Whiskey 🥃 for the future if we need it during wartime or an economic collapse.

    • @HomemadeChemistry
      @HomemadeChemistry Před rokem +2

      @@pjtanner2439 Sehr gut! Mach weiter so!

    • @steveconnolly7129
      @steveconnolly7129 Před rokem +1

      Wild huh,getting busted by the law all the time 34 years ago its been uphill ever since

  • @oeildemars
    @oeildemars Před rokem +815

    Being sober is the ultimate act of self-love and self-respect. Period.

    • @hardywatkins7737
      @hardywatkins7737 Před rokem +1

      @Francis - The best comment!

    • @martblart9884
      @martblart9884 Před rokem +6

      I’m happier getting fucked up twice a week. Period.

    • @oeildemars
      @oeildemars Před rokem +35

      @@martblart9884 Spare a thought for me on your next hangover then and enjoy your happiness this way!
      I used to think the same and then discovered that that there was a life without alcohol and it's beautiful. But this is an extremely hard topic to discuss with people that have a strong belief like yours.
      Can't help myself but wonder why you spend your time on a video of such topic though, if you are that happy...

    • @danieldeiparine5716
      @danieldeiparine5716 Před rokem +2

      @@oeildemars I drink at happy moments in life, but only to a point where I can still go to the gym, work, and enjoy life the next day 😁

    • @oeildemars
      @oeildemars Před rokem +8

      @@danieldeiparine5716, that is a wonderful thing then! We all have a different relationship with alcohol and if it can be under such control, I would say that a drink here and there is amazing to cherish good moments in life 😀...
      I was not like this unfortunately. For me alcohol was strongly linked to a form of destructive will and I just had to kick it out of my life!🤗

  • @RubenDuate
    @RubenDuate Před 4 měsíci +89

    DMT, LSD and psilocybin containing mushroom are just amazing with so many health benefits. Psilocybin mushrooms treatment saved my life honestly from alcohol addiction and depression. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

    • @Raymo64106
      @Raymo64106 Před 4 měsíci +1

      Congrats on your recovery. Most persons never realizes psilocybin can be used as a miracle medication to save lives. Years back i wrote an entire essay about psychedelics. they saved you from death bud, lets be honest here.

    • @SharonFalcon-fj7nb
      @SharonFalcon-fj7nb Před 4 měsíci

      Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Australia. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

    • @mattjeffery09
      @mattjeffery09 Před 4 měsíci +4

      Yes very sure of Dr.alishrooms

    • @NicoleCtirad
      @NicoleCtirad Před 4 měsíci +1

      I hate that some persons still grouped psilocybin with drugs like cocaine and heroin. Mushrooms are a remedy, not a vice! I went on a microdose treatment for a couple of months and within the first week, every sight of a cigarette got me questioning why I was doing all that to myself. It really works.

    • @Bastianbishops
      @Bastianbishops Před 4 měsíci

      How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

  • @jakebolling7550
    @jakebolling7550 Před rokem +14

    Very well spoken. I’ve been sober for about 2 years now, and this is pretty much exactly how it’s felt. Crazy how fast life changes!

  • @LeeAdrian777
    @LeeAdrian777 Před 2 lety +735

    I think most people’s “friends” are just drinking buddies.

    • @AndreaVirago
      @AndreaVirago Před 2 lety +21

      Facts

    • @AliDixon95
      @AliDixon95 Před 2 lety +17

      No, that is definitely more of a comment on yourself mate

    • @meab12
      @meab12 Před 2 lety +21

      @@AliDixon95 no, its not.

    • @AliDixon95
      @AliDixon95 Před 2 lety +8

      @@meab12 really is. All my friends are... my friends

    • @AliDixon95
      @AliDixon95 Před 2 lety +4

      @@meab12 so is it true for as well then? The majority of your friends are just your drinking buddies? 😆

  • @mrjackson9992
    @mrjackson9992 Před 2 lety +571

    Been clean and sober for 14 months. I’m 43 and have struggled my entire adult life. This video is bang on. I’ve experienced everything thing he’s talking. So grateful for my sobriety and better life.

    • @michaeldodd9260
      @michaeldodd9260 Před 2 lety +12

      Great job! I’m 40 and just hit 30 days… never going back

    • @hugoagogo4324
      @hugoagogo4324 Před 2 lety +1

      Well done !!!! Keep at it there's a great life out there waiting for you !!!

    • @bryoncovell6325
      @bryoncovell6325 Před 2 lety +12

      It gets easier each passing day. I'm working on 11 years sober. I am definitely in the place he describes for sobriety. The best decision I ever made was to get clean because it led to a slew of great follow up decisions. To all those struggling to stay on the wagon, look at how far you've come, not how far you have to go. If you do fall off, dust yourself off and get back on, you are worth it.

    • @markg.4246
      @markg.4246 Před 2 lety +3

      You have no idea how good it will get! : )

    • @sacueva
      @sacueva Před 2 lety +1

      right on! keep it going, my friend!

  • @KireEveryGame
    @KireEveryGame Před rokem +44

    About 300 days sober and this video was super relatable. Put into words a lot of things I've discovered while choosing not to drink over this time frame. Also the quote of "Alcohol is the only drug where if you don't do it, people assume you have a problem" is great, well said!

    • @dimitar297
      @dimitar297 Před 2 měsíci

      My penis is 1 inch longer now that I have given up drinking.

  • @sammy145
    @sammy145 Před rokem +56

    Man, thanks. I quit 200 days ago today. I wanted to reflect on it and came across your CZcams video in the process. I'm going through a lot of what you are describing and it is so cool that we've had the same experiences. I'm a little bit earlier in the process, but you are describing exactly what's happening to me. From learning a lot about myself, to craving new friendships, to creating confidence on parties. I'm really proud of the decision I've made. Thank you for sharing this!

    • @filipstruhar8048
      @filipstruhar8048 Před rokem

      So you not taking any drugs instead of alcohol ?

    • @ashahahaha
      @ashahahaha Před 4 měsíci

      We're all proud of you! Keep it up! :)

  • @userrrfriendly1908
    @userrrfriendly1908 Před 2 lety +1647

    I am sober for 6 hours, I can't express how great I feel.

  • @mickritchie1815
    @mickritchie1815 Před 2 lety +452

    Nearly 2 years now. At 52 I’ve never felt better. Gave me the confidence to quit smoking also. 5 months without a smoke after 35 years. Better relationship with the wife and the added bonus of getting real good at golf. No downsides to quitting. 👍🏻

    • @rogaineablar5608
      @rogaineablar5608 Před 2 lety +5

      How hard was it to do at 50? like that's decades of habit and all that to overcome?

    • @scottyd2262
      @scottyd2262 Před 2 lety +8

      @@rogaineablar5608 I'm 2 weeks sober tomorrow. I stopped 5 days after my 50th birthday. I'm just starting to feel better now. I saw my doctor today and in 3 weeks l'll be off my blood pressure medication !

    • @user-nq9gz4xf7f
      @user-nq9gz4xf7f Před 2 lety +4

      For me quitting smoking harder than quitting drinking except long term the alcohol is seductive temptation

    • @mickritchie1815
      @mickritchie1815 Před 2 lety +5

      @@rogaineablar5608 No easy answer, Rogaine. Think age has something to do with it. Couldn’t have quit 10 years ago

    • @ttt69420
      @ttt69420 Před 2 lety +4

      Quitting smoking at 52 is very impressive, man. Great job.

  • @MrJK162
    @MrJK162 Před rokem +24

    I stopped drinking 3 years ago (with the caveat that I have one pint of Guinness and a glass of whiskey whenever I donate blood, which is once every 3 months). I don't think it totally changed my life like it did for Chris, but it has been a positive experience.
    1. Productivity: I noticed no change here. I feel that I'm just as productive after giving up alcohol as before. I started reading again because I do have more time, but more for entertainment.
    2. Confidence: I don't think my confidence changed much. I am very confident in my own personal skills, but I still suck in group conversations.
    3. Dating: I didn't date before, and I don't date now, so I can't compare here.
    4. Habits: I started cooking more of my own meals, and I am slightly more physically active. I don't like going to the gym; I find it really boring, but I love hiking and exploring the outdoors. I took up photography as a hobby, and I'm looking into joining an MMA or Jiu-Jitsu gym; maybe this will be more mentally stimulating than a normal gym.
    5. Sleep: I can definitely relate to having better sleep when sleeping drunk. I always had trouble getting to sleep after drinking alcohol. There is no benefit to my sleep in general, though I have always been able to get to sleep really quickly. I also don't use an alarm to wake up; I wake up naturally. I think this has been way better for my sleep than quitting alcohol.
    6. Lessons: Naturally, I have more money since I don't spend it on alcohol any more. I'm not sure if it's made me more competitive, but I do seem to be getting better opportunities at work and getting selected for better promotions than my colleagues.
    7. Better Friends: I have a few very close friends who were all supportive of my decision to stop drinking. Most other people were surprised, but I never received any judgment.
    8. Mental Sharpness: I have noticed that I am sharper, wittier, and better at thinking on my feet. I believe this change occurred after several months without alcohol, and I am only now noticing it in retrospect. I used to often think of a response to someone hours after the conversation ended, but that rarely happens any more.
    9. Temporary depression: I always hated the day after drinking way too much. The hangover itself is awful, but worse is the deep depression I found myself in for the next day or two. I would often feel an overwhelming loneliness and fear of other people on weekends after drinking on a Friday night. I don't get these feelings any more since I stopped drinking.
    10. Personal Integrity: Since I stopped drinking, I have been holding myself to a higher standard. I think more about why I make certain decisions, why I feel certain impulses to eat certain foods, and why I do certain things. Things I thought I did of my own free will were actually the lizard part of my brain chasing another dopamine hit. I have also struggled with anxiety for most of my life, and I never really realized. But now I can critically challenge these instincts, and they no longer control my life.
    Overall, stopping drinking was a positive experience, but not life-changing for me. I think it's important to know that quitting alcohol is beneficial, but you still need to put effort into changing yourself for the better; it's not just going to happen by magic because you quit.
    I know I still have a lot to do for myself, but this is one less thing holding me back.

    • @rudisfilms3485
      @rudisfilms3485 Před rokem +3

      Thanks for taking the time to write all this, very valuable comment.

  • @noumenon3020
    @noumenon3020 Před rokem +10

    What an inspirational video. Immense props to you, sir. I recently stopped drinking for 2 weeks due to covid and find myself feeling disinterested and even a little revolted by it now. I’ve decided to keep the momentum going. Deep down, I think I’ve always known giving up alcohol is the ultimate fallback plan to improve my life, and I’m facing a challenging year where I’ll need all the momentum I can get. Your video helped to strengthen and inform my decision. It can be really hard to tell how problematic it can be when we assume you have to be an alcoholic, hit rock bottom, wind up in jail or wreck a car to put down a drink. That unfortunately happens to a lot of people, but not to me - I just went as far as getting a buzz, but far too often, as a habit. Never had a problem putting it down for a couple days, weeks or months. But that doesn’t mean it’s ok or safe. Treading water isn’t good enough. Looking at the path ahead, I have to swim and hard. Alcohol is definitely going to slow me down and bring pain into my life. Anyhow, thanks to anyone that read through this and potentially resonated with it. Good luck to you all. I’ll be there with you

  • @madnomad91
    @madnomad91 Před 2 lety +358

    Mate, I usually don't post anything anywhere, but I've got to do it on this one. This video appeared in my feed just at the right time -- I've been sober for 2 years now, but just recently I've found myself doubting my own process and having thoughts like, maybe one shot wouldn't hurt. But thanks to your video, I got reminded of everything I have achieved thanks to sobriety: got the job I always wanted, I'm on my way to get a PhD, my emotional life is more stable than ever, got to become financially independent, got in the best shape I've ever been, etc. Tbh, I am going through a low period in life, but it is just that. This video is a reminder that I will come back stronger because if I managed to stay sober all this time, I know I can make it throughout this. Thanks again man, much love to you!

    • @jakes2503
      @jakes2503 Před 2 lety +2

    • @petera2421
      @petera2421 Před 2 lety +9

      Hang in there…. I know the feeling… bad and rough spots of life still come round, and I say to myself “shit would I ever like a drink”…. But I don’t …. And wake up the next day glad I didn’t. Just remember that whatever is happening , you are in the best shape mentally to deal with it sober, no matter how tempting it is otherwise.
      Keep it going bro!

    • @MitchCarmody
      @MitchCarmody Před 2 lety +4

      right!!! my story too, I need to hear this, so many want the old Mitch back, and that aint happening.

    • @kittykatt2859
      @kittykatt2859 Před 2 lety +3

      All good things happen from not drinking

    • @stevemarshall3986
      @stevemarshall3986 Před 2 lety +4

      It's never just one. Best to keep the path you're on.

  • @Just4Growers
    @Just4Growers Před 2 lety +303

    Approaching 2000 days sober! (Not trying to one-up you; I started my sobriety journey much later in life than you!) Loved your video. It underlined so many of my own experiences. Thanks for sharing!

    • @Foxy64
      @Foxy64 Před 2 lety +5

      Well done , you made a brave choice , it takes a lot of courage

    • @V3NQM69
      @V3NQM69 Před 2 lety +6

      Nice bro! I am at 1108 days sober and also see a lot of similarities with my own experience!

    • @DAlex181D
      @DAlex181D Před 2 lety +1

      Is talking about being sober always explicitly implying the person had an alcohol problem before?

    • @V3NQM69
      @V3NQM69 Před 2 lety +3

      @@DAlex181D Not explicitly. But yes, most people who are talking about being sober have had a problem with alcohol in the first place. What are you implying with your comment/question?

    • @Just4Growers
      @Just4Growers Před 2 lety +3

      @@DAlex181D To “explicitly imply” is something of an oxymoron, but I think I understand your question - and, if I do, it’s a good one! What is problematic for one person may not be so for another - so the problem here is the definition of problem. :) For me, sobriety is very much about abstinence from alcohol specifically.

  • @pegboy77
    @pegboy77 Před 4 měsíci +12

    I love the mornings more. I get up and read a couple books, work out. Less Anxiety...more energy. This video is great! Life is Beautiful. Also, i have reached out to more friends then i ever have.

  • @VitalityGracieGarage
    @VitalityGracieGarage Před rokem +137

    Good video. As a guy who was sober for 15 years i can confirm that all of this is true. Plus, I've noticed that a large number of so called "normal" drinkers are actually alcoholics but just don't know it. They would be shocked at how hard it is to quit drinking, if they ever tried.

    • @laurarules3642
      @laurarules3642 Před rokem +8

      I worked with lots of people who would drink really heavy on a night after work and turn up for work the next day really hung over (this is back when companies were more relaxed but it still happens) these people were clearly alcoholics and when a few of them retired they just drank from morning to night and many died because they no longer had work to give them a rest

    • @rajeshkadam7917
      @rajeshkadam7917 Před rokem +6

      You are absolutely right. Quitting is more difficult. 209 days sober today.

    • @YungRainMan1111
      @YungRainMan1111 Před 11 měsíci +5

      Well going into it with the mindset that it is hard doesn't help. I just quit 2 weeks ago and went into it with the mindset of being a person who doesn't drink. I haven't even had a single craving to go back.

    • @adam7802
      @adam7802 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Yep . I've quit because I had a problem and some of the effects were scaring me. My friends have actually been pretty good about it but family don't get it... but nobody is convincing me otherwise now,

    • @VitalityGracieGarage
      @VitalityGracieGarage Před 8 měsíci

      @@YungRainMan1111 I hope you've got some people around you that will help you. Staying sober long term requires a strategy and and plan. Alcoholism is a cunning, baffling and PATIENT disease.

  • @donnajarvis6370
    @donnajarvis6370 Před rokem +374

    Can totally relate, I'm at 910 days no alcohol. Literally living my best life! 😊

    • @MrJVRIE
      @MrJVRIE Před rokem +4

      You still count the days? For what? after almost 3 years you still have that craving?

    • @donnajarvis6370
      @donnajarvis6370 Před rokem +16

      @@MrJVRIE no I don’t have any cravings at all but I do like to remind myself how far I've come and how much money I've saved. I'm 950 days today and have saved over £6500. That's worth celebrating!

    • @MrJVRIE
      @MrJVRIE Před rokem +3

      @@donnajarvis6370 Congrats to you! I'm a recreational drinker. I enjoy it at times and can control myself...I think this video is meant for people who have more problems with that...

    • @vivaanmittu7844
      @vivaanmittu7844 Před rokem +5

      @@MrJVRIE nope I think it’s for people who can’t accept the fact that alcohol is leading to more problems more issues and that people have a genuine drug addiction to it and can’t get out of. The benefits of not drinking is clear even if a person has never drunk alcohol, can observe and realise that it is true. So stay hard, keep up the grind and don’t drink alcohol. 💪🏼

    • @Warriermedia
      @Warriermedia Před rokem +1

      @@MrJVRIE It's for everyone one. Ideally if we retrospect the course of drinking which really don't add any value. To me life is a set of memories one has & no point in filling it up with alcohol, actually most of them are blanks for me.

  • @alfredosuarez1430
    @alfredosuarez1430 Před 2 lety +345

    I stoped drinking, 1.5 years now, lost 50 pounds and I've read 30 books so far. This is directly related to habit building being easier, which I agree :). Not everything is amazing, being a social being in a society that romanticises alcohol and puts drinking with priority it's incredibly hard. Choose you, stay hard!

  • @Matty9003
    @Matty9003 Před rokem +21

    427 days and going strong. I haven't once even fancied a drink and now have my confidence back to be around drunk people without feeling the need to drink. I'm think being sober is literally a super power. I'm on the ball at all moments in my life I love it.

    • @Jumpingjackflash123
      @Jumpingjackflash123 Před rokem +2

      That’s why I’m quitting. My life was a roller coaster. I’d stay sober and life would improve and then I’d drink. And just like it always happens I ended up doing something stupid and regressed. I just want a solid chart that only increases. No more up then down up then down

    • @annedoupe112
      @annedoupe112 Před 4 měsíci

      Our bodies and minds are in the zone when we leave them alone we have all the chemicals already inside!!

  • @lilycoldplay4825
    @lilycoldplay4825 Před 4 měsíci +5

    I love how you directly started with the content of the video without a long and boring introduction!

  • @18Bees
    @18Bees Před 2 lety +409

    Congratulations. I’m 11 months without alcohol. My life is incredibly better.

    • @ChrisWillx
      @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +30

      Happy to hear it!

    • @kitty10141
      @kitty10141 Před 2 lety +6

      Good for you!! Keep it up

    • @gregemont6471
      @gregemont6471 Před 2 lety +1

      If your life is ‘incredibly better’ then why do you trust the results? You do say it’s ‘incredible’, after all

    • @persona-non-grata
      @persona-non-grata Před 2 lety +8

      @@gregemont6471 Incredible means 'amazingly good' in the informal sense. You already knew that though, so why am I feeding the troll? I've had several drinks on Independence Day; and I'm feeling incredible, that's why.

    • @gregemont6471
      @gregemont6471 Před 2 lety +1

      @@persona-non-grata 🤦‍♂️I really hope you’re not a teacher. Incredible literally means impossible to believe and no amount of drinks changes that.

  • @TheDhammaHub
    @TheDhammaHub Před 2 lety +54

    About 3 years ago I also quit all kinds of intoxicants. It is a true blessing

    • @ChrisWillx
      @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +5

      What did that include?

    • @TheDhammaHub
      @TheDhammaHub Před 2 lety +5

      @@ChrisWillxmainly alcohol, but also energy drinks, occasional smoking and a few years earlier also all other drugs

    • @harrysachs2274
      @harrysachs2274 Před 2 lety

      I still smoke pot daily, but that hasn't hindered my productivity. I know this because I had stopped everything for 3 years before I started smoking pot again. Maybe I cultivated good habits before I reintroduced it which is why it works. As for drinking the benefits of not drinking far outweigh the "fun". I have only drank once when both of my brother and I were together after many years. It was also at home with family, fair enough. I'm not religious about not drinking like they want you to be in AA so it's was no big deal. The guilt wasn't there to slide me back into a habit. Now I'm going on about the evil cult that is AA, I digress.

    • @61shirley
      @61shirley Před 2 lety +1

      Well done

  • @erbo1992
    @erbo1992 Před rokem +13

    This was soo well explained! Literally had the exact same 3 years and experience! Sober life is soo much better than I ever expected!

  • @AngusGaukrogerDev
    @AngusGaukrogerDev Před rokem +68

    I'm just under a week away from 2 months without drinking. I partied hard through university and went solo traveling for 4 months earlier this year (and didn't really drink for the majority of the trip). On my return to England, I found I had way more motivation and finally quit drinking after years of saying I wanted to. Results so far have been fantastic, I feel more present, I have a morning routine, I can wake up early. Hope that 1 day I'll make it to 1000 days as well! Thanks for your content Chris, you're a true inspiration 👍👍

    • @FordHoard
      @FordHoard Před rokem +2

      You just have to tell yourself that alcohol is overrated and stupid. I'm 25, and never have drank (except for on accident when I was 11). I just don't see a point in drinking or smoking. If you need those things to have "fun", then it's a problem. Take care, and keep it up!

    • @jomaka
      @jomaka Před rokem +2

      Keep going. First 6 months are brutal but your liver needs time to heal. Mentally you will be a whole new person. Crystal clear thinking. The sugar is the worst part of alcohol.

    • @sarasweightlossjourney1432
      @sarasweightlossjourney1432 Před 11 měsíci

      Honestly, I've been struggling with drinking lately. I crave it as soon as the afternoon kicks in after work and I've been drinking pretty much every day for the last two months. I don't know how to get this under control

    • @AngusGaukrogerDev
      @AngusGaukrogerDev Před 11 měsíci

      @@sarasweightlossjourney1432 I'm no expert, but it's going to take time to break a habit like that. So focusing on smaller goals like for example 2 sober days per week could be a good start. Then gradually increase. Expect setbacks and hold yourself accountable for them. But do not punish yourself because that won't help either..
      I found that a change in environment was the only thing that could do it for me, it's really not easy so don't be discouraged. You got this!

    • @sober-diary
      @sober-diary Před 4 měsíci

      I literally repeated your story a year later :'). Hope you've kept it up?

  • @ConstanceToddSmithCreator
    @ConstanceToddSmithCreator Před 2 lety +19

    I’ve been alcohol free for 34 years. Welcome to the coolest club on the planet. Being sober is a super power.

  • @x48sail07x
    @x48sail07x Před 2 lety +232

    It's my 10th day being sober!

    • @ChrisWillx
      @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +30

      One step at a time Benjamin

    • @x48sail07x
      @x48sail07x Před 2 lety +8

      @@ChrisWillx Thanks Chris! Your videos have been very helpful to me in many aspects. Keep it up!

    • @Trazynn
      @Trazynn Před 2 lety +9

      Keto helped me stay off alcohol more easily. Carb cravings and alcohol cravings are identical.

    • @koroshiya_1
      @koroshiya_1 Před 2 lety +2

      Keep pushing, bro. It gets easier and it becomes a lifestyle.

    • @x48sail07x
      @x48sail07x Před 2 lety +1

      @@koroshiya_1 Thanks a lot!

  • @paulcottrell5030
    @paulcottrell5030 Před 10 měsíci +23

    I really liked your description of a hangover as ‘acute self induced depression’. That’s a real haymaker 🙏

  • @Adeyemiii
    @Adeyemiii Před rokem +6

    The truly confident part was so true for me! I realized that alcohol was a crutch that I used in social situations. Once I stopped, I had to do what you did in the video and I’m so much better for it!

  • @jes7574
    @jes7574 Před 2 lety +164

    I'll be 30 days sober from alcohol as of this Tuesday. I stopped using cannabis a few months back. Next one I'm kicking is sugar. Total life change.
    Congrats on 1000 days!

    • @ChrisWillx
      @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +18

      Epic. Good luck keeping it going

    • @jes7574
      @jes7574 Před 2 lety +8

      @@ChrisWillx Thank you for being a positive influence. Especially loved your Jordan Peterson interview.

    • @roywall8169
      @roywall8169 Před 2 lety +1

      🤟🏻

    • @MrKentheken
      @MrKentheken Před 2 lety +1

      Booom!

    • @LeeAdrian777
      @LeeAdrian777 Před 2 lety +2

      @@johnmercer3571 next best thing is switching to natural sugars like honey and maple syrup

  • @grrinc
    @grrinc Před 2 lety +152

    I’m 50 and gave up alcohol 10 years ago. The few friends around me who still drink are suffering for it. But they still feel it’s the only way they can wind down and relax.

    • @ChrisWillx
      @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +52

      Using alcohol as a psychological-pain coping mechanism is so insidious. Great effort breaking out on your own

    • @phamawa
      @phamawa Před 2 lety +9

      Which is wild because binge drinking stresses tf out of your body

    • @DaveMasters1121
      @DaveMasters1121 Před 2 lety +6

      I think that's the key isn't it. Myself and many friends who are 38-40 age have just quit, especially after this lockdowns. We seem to all quit cigarette in our early 30s and booze in our 40s

    • @Paeload
      @Paeload Před 2 lety +4

      I quit recently (2 years now) at 57. And to see the stark differences between those who do and dont drink after 50 is astonishing.
      This is very obvious when you are looking at it from the outside (after having been an insider). A lesson that's better understood through experience (unfortunately).

    • @biggav7434
      @biggav7434 Před 2 lety +14

      Just done 7 weeks sober. Been in and out of AA for years. Longest sober stint was 3.5 years.

  • @majortwang2396
    @majortwang2396 Před rokem +12

    Sober over 10 years here, and everything you say in this video resonates with me. I can't imagine going back to that life

    • @Ali_k20
      @Ali_k20 Před 6 měsíci

      same, i'm 37 and approaching 11 years sober

  • @maks327
    @maks327 Před rokem +36

    2022 was a year of a lot of drinking for me and I never really get “drunk” and have these terrible hangovers but I’m just 30 days into no drinking (Dry January) and I’m reaping ALL of the benefits this video mentions.
    The habit building is so much easier and im finally not stunting my own personal development. Exercising daily/reading/writing/meditating…it’s all been consistent because I’m actually giving myself a chance to build momentum.
    With that said, I will not be doing 1000 days of no drinking. I’ll be transferring my new found discipline into a set of rules for myself like limiting myself to a number of drinks a night and no weekday drinking and no back to back nights of drinking (especially while on vacation). For myself, I don’t think the answer is 0 drinking at all. My goal is to treat drinking like I treat eating dessert. I don’t eat it every day or even every week but I do enjoy a treat when the occasion calls for it.
    Also, I will be implementing another dry month mid year as a reset both mentally and physically. 2023 will continue to be an incredible year 💪💯

    • @josegabrielsanchez793
      @josegabrielsanchez793 Před 10 měsíci +17

      In my experience, I tried this and failed. I went from drinking heavy on Friday, Saturday and some Sundays to going cold turkey for 3 months. It was the best three months of my last 10 years. I could think clearly, work harder, smarter... But then 4 months ago, I tried to negociate with alcohol, no more than 2 drinks I said. Ive been drinking every friday, saturday and some sundays AGAIN. Last friday I had 2 margaritas and 4 beers while "hanging out". I felt horrible, couldnt sleep, my anxiety is back.. Im going cold turkey again, 2 days sober right now and I WILL MAKE IT TO 1000 DAYS.

    • @giselerafaelle
      @giselerafaelle Před 9 měsíci +2

      I relate 👏🏼

    • @sober-diary
      @sober-diary Před 4 měsíci

      Couldn't agree more with regards to building good habits. You also remove so many bad habits that attach themselves to drinking (diet, exercise sleep etc). This compounds over time to have a massive impact!

  • @edenbreckhouse
    @edenbreckhouse Před 2 lety +122

    I've been sober for over 2500 days. I am happy, fit, healthy, productive. Being sober is like getting new glasses with the correct prescription - everything becomes clear and in focus.

    • @ChrisWillx
      @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +9

      Do you have any intention of going back to drinking?

    • @edenbreckhouse
      @edenbreckhouse Před 2 lety +19

      @@ChrisWillx my life is so much better I have no wish to jeopardise that. Sometimes I do wonder if I could drink socially but I'm too scared to even try it. I have done so many wonderful things since giving up the booze, it's quite miraculous - ran my first marathon, ran 81 miles in 3 days, did a 450 mile solo charity walk, donated a kidney - it's all been so positive and if I hadn't have given up booze I'm sure I'd have been dead by now.

    • @laurensapato9797
      @laurensapato9797 Před 2 lety +4

      Nice metaphor! Helps me put it in perspective 😉

    • @DawnalynForrest
      @DawnalynForrest Před 2 lety +2

      Beautifully said. I love to hear the positives~it sure helps me.

  • @michelleiriarte8947
    @michelleiriarte8947 Před 2 lety +102

    It’s been 5 years since I’ve stopped drinking and I feel 100% better physically and mentally. One of the best decisions I have ever made for myself.

  • @4Clarke4
    @4Clarke4 Před 5 měsíci +10

    I think the most difficult thing about not drinking is that it becomes harder to meet new people. The new people you do meet also have preconceived perceptions about you being “boring” etc.

  • @simonebreedon5191
    @simonebreedon5191 Před rokem +9

    Thanks for this! I just completed my first completely sober Christmas 🎅🏽 It was my calmest and best Christmas in years ☺️ I’m excited for all the rewards sobriety will bring (I wasn’t a big drinker just a lightweight)

  • @chrisafp071
    @chrisafp071 Před 2 lety +79

    I'm 5 days sober and already feel so much better. I'm motivated to continue, coming from the military it has been so hard to separate myself from drinking culture. It has been ruining my life for years and I'm so done.

    • @davidrossaert3869
      @davidrossaert3869 Před 2 lety +1

      How is it going?

    • @chrisafp071
      @chrisafp071 Před 2 lety +14

      @@davidrossaert3869 I was sober for 76days and had a drink. Ive mostly not drank since then but I've slipped up a couple times. Just wanted to be honest. It's been such a battle and I've had some pretty horrible stuff happen recently. Thanks for asking tho

    • @jaydo1879
      @jaydo1879 Před 2 lety +3

      @@chrisafp071 keep it going. You got this!

    • @Ram-69
      @Ram-69 Před 2 lety

      Just got a bottle of whiskey from shop…

    • @chrisafp071
      @chrisafp071 Před 2 lety +3

      @@Ram-69 sorry to hear that brotha

  • @chf4486
    @chf4486 Před 2 lety +196

    Nearing 6 years of alcohol abstinence. Best thing I ever did. I can strongly attest to everything you say in this video.

    • @mariomenezes5974
      @mariomenezes5974 Před 2 lety +7

      3 years sober and clean. Best decision I have ever made.

    • @dariuszpytel588
      @dariuszpytel588 Před 2 lety +4

      Awsome keep up The good days :)
      I do not drink for over 8 years now.
      AND ITS AWSOME :)

    • @martblart9884
      @martblart9884 Před rokem +2

      Drink every once in a while? How tf does complete abstinence for eight years compute to the best decisions y’all ever made?

    • @vegadog30
      @vegadog30 Před rokem +1

      6 years as well here congrats.

    • @whirled_peas
      @whirled_peas Před rokem

      @@martblart9884 I can’t tell you as I drink a fair bit, but maybe watch and actually process what’s being said in the video…?

  • @davidbarker7439
    @davidbarker7439 Před rokem +8

    Been sober since Christmas Eve 2022 and can relate the all of Chris mentions. It's been the best decision I've made in recent years.

  • @vincentgiambrone8487
    @vincentgiambrone8487 Před rokem +2

    Thanks for the message I’m 21 years sober because my higher power put people like you with a powerful message I’m 73 still learning so much more thank you again for the message

  • @jeffrey99massey
    @jeffrey99massey Před rokem +98

    575 days sober. 55 years old and have been a steady drinker sink late teens. This video is absolutely spot on. I quit once 20 years ago, it lasted 3.5 years and then I decided a few beers wouldn't hurt. WRONG. Took years to get back sober for any length of time. Will not give it back this time. Life drunk is just too damn hard.

    • @shapoopy4784
      @shapoopy4784 Před rokem +4

      Keep going brother , every day is a new one , stay strong

    • @nofiltersenzafiltro9596
      @nofiltersenzafiltro9596 Před rokem +2

      life drunk having a pint a day? lol middle age crisis right there. Muslims dont drink and I dont see them super humans to be fair

    • @jasonfenton9117
      @jasonfenton9117 Před rokem +2

      Keep going I'm 6 months sober it's hard but worth it. 100% i love being sober I've drank everyday for years but this time I'll be sober. I wont say I wont have a d rink but everyday sober

    • @stuartblamire6565
      @stuartblamire6565 Před rokem +1

      I'm 50.75days in feeling so low I'm assuming it's the alcohol trying to get me back hope it passes soon.i don't want to drink but feel I need too

    • @ianabello4427
      @ianabello4427 Před rokem

      If you have freetime, listen, read the book the easy way to control alcohol by allen carr. It is everything I never would have expected. He made a book about smoking which ill read next but when im drinking, smoking is something I find myself doing too much. One step and day at a time.

  • @mikeredhead2894
    @mikeredhead2894 Před rokem +56

    You hit the nail on the head brother. 6.5 years sober, was the best decision of my life.

  • @andrewwolf4963
    @andrewwolf4963 Před rokem +12

    Today January 9th I am 8 years sober
    Though I stopped celebrating my sobriety year 3. Sometimes I regret quitting NA and AA but I am glad I was able to find a new identity with the life lessons and experience I gained from using while also the term addict not having to be part of my life anymore.
    Congrats on 1000 days!

  • @AJ-zn7ck
    @AJ-zn7ck Před rokem +6

    Best sobriety video I’ve seen soon far: you explained these points perfectly. I’m 1 week sober.

  • @DrProgNerd
    @DrProgNerd Před 2 lety +271

    I didn't quit drinking - I stopped drinking. Quitting drinking seems to me like a struggle. Stopping drinking was just a decision I made. I drank from my late teens through my mid-twenties - switched it up with pot here and there - then gave it all up 14 years ago. I just hit a point where it wasn't working for me (if it ever did). One day I just decided I was done and that was that. My experience has been pretty much the same as Chris'. There is an honesty to sobriety that I wouldn't give up. What he says about earning your confidence is 100% true. Great vid.

    • @peterbourke424
      @peterbourke424 Před 2 lety +7

      Like you analogy alot. Im about to go into rehab for at least six months. Like yourself im stopping drinking!!

    • @j.d.buchanan4897
      @j.d.buchanan4897 Před 2 lety +6

      Almost exactly my experience. Best thing I ever did. I like being in control, I hate being out of control. I'll never go back.

    • @robbroome5933
      @robbroome5933 Před 2 lety +7

      What surprised me most was how easy it was. As with you, I didn't quit, I just thought I don't need this and stopped.

    • @danielmurray9820
      @danielmurray9820 Před 2 lety +6

      your comment really reminded me of the difference between holding your breath and pausing at the top and bottom of. breath.
      Agree on the video, it a very good piece, very straightforward, honest and relatable.
      The effects of drinking, especially regularly to the point fo drunkness, it goes far beyond hangover, 3 days a bit off... but your world view.It can sneak in so subtly you never notice and then it becomes the normal baseline all else is judged from.
      Like that line "I feel sorry for people who don't drink, when they get up thats as good as they will feel for the rest of the day" .. a joke endorsing drinking, but really shows waking up needing to know you will have a drink and feel better later. It accepts feeling bad a "normal" with booze fixing that.. what a terrible baseline view hey?
      I do drink and have been a heavy drinker, even being very moderate has made huge differences to me. It ceases to be the thing that sets the tone and background.
      Glad I happened by this video and your comment, All the best to you.

    • @jlindsay
      @jlindsay Před 2 lety

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  • @tylervincent2559
    @tylervincent2559 Před 2 lety +85

    Focusing on sleep, diet, and exercise really helped me. 7-9 hours of sleep every night, mainly whole food diet, and a structured workout a couple times a week. Focusing on one lifestyle change at a time, each one for about a month or so before adding a new one. It's easy to become overwhelmed and doing it this way really helped me ease in to an all around healthier lifestyle.

    • @kbcarroll
      @kbcarroll Před 2 lety

      what type of results did you see?

  • @Samuel_J_Russell
    @Samuel_J_Russell Před rokem +64

    I drank heavily for more than 20 years. In the end I was drinking two bottles of wine nearly everyday, sometimes more. I nearly lost everything that I'd worked years to achieve. I've been sober for 17 months now. Sometimes it's a real battle in my head not to drink but I'm determined to stay sober.

    • @esticaandres3169
      @esticaandres3169 Před rokem

      If could achieve so much while being drunk... why changing

    • @Ben-ks5bm
      @Ben-ks5bm Před rokem

      2 bottles of wine is nothing lol

    • @bruh1077
      @bruh1077 Před 8 měsíci

      Keep going brother

    • @bruh1077
      @bruh1077 Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@Ben-ks5bm2 bottles of wine is crazy bro what are you talking about. 💀 that’s way way more than what a human should ingest

    • @DR_RUFUS
      @DR_RUFUS Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@esticaandres3169 because you feel much better after changing.

  • @MrJules2U
    @MrJules2U Před rokem +4

    Great vid Chris. I discovered your channel a while ago through your fantastic guest repertoire and I must say, your questions and conversations are among the best. Hard work pays off, as does long term sobriety.

  • @SeriousKeto
    @SeriousKeto Před 2 lety +196

    Amazing video. I'm on day 47 and can already relate to so much of what you said here and look forward to making my own 1000 day video. One thing I've also noticed besides people's pity or taking a piss on your sobriety are the pious, self-righteous, judgmental ones who like to tell you that you're a powerless addict who can never be cured and who must go to daily meetings. It's unacceptable to these people that you are, in fact, in control of your life and that you made a CHOICE to be sober.
    I'll be keeping this video in my "Watch Later" playlist, as it is just so energizing and reinforcing. Thank you!

    • @miguelrobb5719
      @miguelrobb5719 Před 2 lety +2

      Alcohol isn’t good for you. I agree with that, but I do get tired of folks always judging me when they see me drinking. Everyone has this “alcohol is evil” mindset when they see you drink it or smell it on your breath. You get into an argument, they blame the alcohol, you get into a fight, they blame the alcohol. Like I said. It isn’t a healthy habit to have, but not all of us drinkers are a bunch of out of control bums that need daily counseling. I do feel like I’m bored of drinking so I’m taking a good long break from it. I’m just not feeling it recently. At least I don’t have to deal with folks being judgmental for the time being.

    • @carriecattoni9948
      @carriecattoni9948 Před 2 lety +4

      Just what I needed to see and hear while getting my sobriety and life back again. Was 7 years sober once. Best, most successful years of my life.

    • @lindsayeller8649
      @lindsayeller8649 Před 2 lety +4

      @@miguelrobb5719 Alcohol is literally glorified in our society. I've been shit on more times for attempting to get sober than I ever was when I drank. I know we all have different experiences, but from where I'm sitting it's the opposite of what you've said.

    • @LyndseyMacPherson
      @LyndseyMacPherson Před 2 lety +5

      Good on you, cheering you on, man! I was never overly seduced by alcohol, but there was this cumulative realisation of how much it destroyed my immune system after a 'night out'. So I ditched it for good, and I don't miss much about it, tbh. I still go out with friends, but with gusto, I order a glass of milk, mostly to see the weird looks I get. But also, they usually have whole milk in US pubs, so it's still a treat, hah!

    • @letscheckitout1985
      @letscheckitout1985 Před rokem +1

      @@lindsayeller8649 yea don’t worry about what he says. Dude knows nothing about life.

  • @zackhansen5773
    @zackhansen5773 Před 2 lety +85

    Often times, the thing we think we are sacrificing is actually what has been weighing us down. Thank you for sharing, mate.

  • @carstenwemeldinge
    @carstenwemeldinge Před rokem +18

    I took Dry January as an opportunity to start my alcohol free life, only 2 weeks in but I can already feel changes to my mental state and body! Thanks for sharing your experience

  • @mimid.2515
    @mimid.2515 Před rokem +53

    I'm on day 3. Been drinking everyday from dinner time to bed time, mostly beer lately but harder stuff before. Over 20 years. Breaking the habit. It ends now. Thanks for this video. 🌻

    • @fredmartin328
      @fredmartin328 Před rokem +4

      Hang in there, one day at a time. My name is Fred. Sober 1/9/94.

    • @DavieMahon
      @DavieMahon Před rokem +2

      Stay strong brother I’m 3 weeks in and I feel much stronger mentally

    • @subjecttochrist
      @subjecttochrist Před rokem +2

      Right on! You don’t need it. You don’t need to poison yourself!

    • @jasonhenderson6846
      @jasonhenderson6846 Před rokem +1

      I'm on day 4 and I have way more energy already

    • @Rick-ve5lx
      @Rick-ve5lx Před rokem +2

      It helps to imagine the money you’re paying in alcohol tax being wasted on some useless Government project, such as the police arresting people for mean tweets or other suchlike bull crap.

  • @AnvyMusic1
    @AnvyMusic1 Před 2 lety +121

    That self-induced depression you talk about is soooo real. Alcohol makes me so anxious even though I ever only have 1 to 3 drinks, but none of my friends can relate, which makes me think my body doesn't react well to alcohol anymore. It's just so unnecessary to put yourself through that and lose the whole next day recovering from a night out.

    • @cptings3396
      @cptings3396 Před 2 lety +5

      Mugs game

    • @R_A120
      @R_A120 Před 2 lety +13

      Yep I similarly get horrible after effects from hangovers now, specifically anxiety and a sense of dread, its got to the point where the hangovers are so bad I don't even have that 'well it was worth it for a good night out' feeling anymore, I just regret over indulging and letting myself feel this bad
      Meanwhile my friends will usually outdrink me hard and crack on with it the next day likes its no big deal, its hard to get some of them to understand why I don't drink as much as they do

    • @fitwithbrittany2706
      @fitwithbrittany2706 Před 2 lety

      So true. I don’t think anyone’s body reacts well to it, especially women. Even after weeks I think you can feel unmotivated and depressed.

    • @cptings3396
      @cptings3396 Před 2 lety

      @@R_A120 are u a sheep baaaa

    • @cptings3396
      @cptings3396 Před 2 lety +1

      @@R_A120 i was pissed off yesterday because that police officer that did that murder looked actually like my neighbour who is a special police...he has assaulted me twice for playing music at xmas..i am sorry

  • @lewishunt5615
    @lewishunt5615 Před 2 lety +65

    I basically stopped drinking during lockdown and changed my life , set my own business up and happily worked 7 days a week and I was sharp. Gone back to drinking recently and never been worse this was amazing to watched because re enforced what I already knew and was perfect timing! Cheers mate

    • @Zebra_3
      @Zebra_3 Před 2 lety +7

      liquor stores remained open during the pandemic in many places, a decision supported by the medical community.

  • @brennankitson-jones
    @brennankitson-jones Před rokem +2

    Crazy how much better Chris’s speaking has got over the past 18 months. Seems so much more confident, comfortable, and fluid now. That speech coach has paid off. Well done

  • @CleanandSoberNation
    @CleanandSoberNation Před 9 měsíci

    Chris, I've been in recovery for over 4 years and facilitate a community peer group. I shared your video with 25 people on probation (most behind drinking) and the group really listened. Very good video. Thank YOU, Susan.

  • @nicksmith7846
    @nicksmith7846 Před 2 lety +86

    As someone that is three years sober, a lot of this has chimed true. The only thing I can say is, being a father with young children, makes you have similar affects to a hangover, in terms of being tired, brain foggy and others. Difference is, one is unrewarding, having offspring is extremely rewarding

  • @md1trk
    @md1trk Před 2 lety +69

    Congratulations, Chris. You're right about the stigma. I gave up alcohol in my 20s due to persistent health problems and was amazed by the reaction I got. Alcohol is such a social thing that it's seen as judgemental to opt out of that lifestyle.

    • @ChrisWillx
      @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +4

      #deprogrammed - love it.

    • @The_Iron_Yuppie
      @The_Iron_Yuppie Před 2 lety +3

      I’m a bit late to this, but I gave up in my early 20s as well for personal reasons. It’s funny how much of an issue it is for some people.

    • @davidmt23
      @davidmt23 Před 2 lety +3

      @@The_Iron_Yuppie
      It's mostly because these people have a problem with the beers themselves and want a drinking partner.
      I found that that after the initial shock of "your not drinking!!" People couldn't really care less. Its in the newly non drinkers head

    • @The_Iron_Yuppie
      @The_Iron_Yuppie Před 2 lety

      @@davidmt23 yes David, you’re absolutely right. Someone I dated last year, listed me not drinking as a reason she finished with me. Apparently I didn’t like to social and I judged her for her drink. This was BS of course and she actually told me a few times whilst we were going out, that she’d been getting blackout drunk of late, to forget her problems. But yeah, it’s quite a good metric to see how a person reacts when you tell them

    • @tekay44
      @tekay44 Před 2 lety

      i quit drinking young, it was amazing how everyone wanted to drive home with me. lol.

  • @Don-cm2jk
    @Don-cm2jk Před rokem +20

    I watch this everyday! It helps remind me to stay sober thank you man!

  • @donna-marie9100
    @donna-marie9100 Před rokem +5

    I've never had an alcohol issue, but when I decided to go teetotal due to menopausal hot sweats when I had alcohol, I was surprised how much better I felt. I haven't been drunk in 14 years. One particular best friend who relies on getting drunk when she goes out on the town, found it extremely difficult to accept my sobriety. She actually was quite narky about it. Took her about 2 years b4 she accepted it.

  • @morriman0987
    @morriman0987 Před 2 lety +97

    I stopped drinking about a month ago. This video has been very encouraging so thank you very much!

  • @timothysteven
    @timothysteven Před 2 lety +59

    Everything about this is bang on. I'm coming up to 12 months sober. I have no interest in drinking ever again. I'm not achieving my goals as fast as I'd like because theres still a few old limiting beliefs that I'm gradually destroying, but i'm still light years ahead from where I was. Thanks for this video. Super inspiring and congratulations on your journey!

    • @EFTTappingwithHeatherAmbler
      @EFTTappingwithHeatherAmbler Před rokem

      I think it's awesome that you're aware that limiting beliefs are holding you back. Everyone has them, but most have no idea. By the way, EFT erases limiting beliefs VERY quickly. Like you literally just can't believe the thought anymore. If you haven't tried using EFT, highly recommend!

  • @greenpea9412
    @greenpea9412 Před rokem +2

    Holly heck. This was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo well said. I am experiencing the same thing right now. I feel so much more clarity in my life and my thinking is rational for the first time in a while. I think your message was so well presented and put together. You are a keen person and I'm glad you shared your message with the world. I hope people that are at the beginning of this fight stumble on your video. Thank you for sharing what you have come to discover.

  • @HyperKyfa
    @HyperKyfa Před rokem

    Nearly two months sober and this just popped up in my feed, made me feel even better about myself. Thanks.

  • @guillermomelendez7950
    @guillermomelendez7950 Před 2 lety +88

    Thanks a lot Chris! I'm a struggling alcoholic and have had some sober streaks, but still the little demon inside makes me fall every now and then, I'm glad you put it in such an unbiased perspective, it helps to have good reasons not to fall easily.

    • @Dman857
      @Dman857 Před 2 lety +2

      Hey Guillermo
      Have a read about Ibogaine Retreats I have heard they can do amazing things to help.
      I hope it does help you.
      Big love brother

    • @clabeauxdave8709
      @clabeauxdave8709 Před 2 lety

      It took a full 4 months for me to finally start feeling good after quitting. And it was all at once.

  • @aliertufekci1993
    @aliertufekci1993 Před 2 lety +142

    Commenting for the algorithm. Let's push this video TO THE MOON

  • @andresortiz560
    @andresortiz560 Před rokem +4

    just cleared 400 days. I wasn't an alcoholic but found myself with very little difficulty in drinking heavily so I decided to go a year without it. Felt so good that at the end of the year I decided to keep going and to add coffee to my abstinence list.

  • @MRFLASHCO
    @MRFLASHCO Před rokem

    Spot on video. I've always said there are no benefits from being a drunk. I just never thought I would be the one stating I don't need it. Its truly amazing.

  • @ttobinupinit
    @ttobinupinit Před 2 lety +37

    I haven't had a drink in a week and I quit smoking weed three weeks ago... It's weird having too much energy, now. It makes me wonder why I thought drinking regularly for years was a good thing, especially after I've been sober for years at a stretch, and I felt way better, was in better shape and was definitely far more productive as an artist. This is one of the best arguments for sobriety that doesn't have guilt or shame attached to it. Great work, dude.

    • @jesse_-
      @jesse_- Před 2 lety

      Hope you’re still quit. It been over a year and a half for me, and life is leaps and bounds better.

  • @jameskory2779
    @jameskory2779 Před 2 lety +53

    Being 18-year-old, who doesn't drink, I have numerous opportunities to be genuinely charismatic rather than just "acoholically confident". It really pays of.
    Splendid video Chris!

    • @zander3158
      @zander3158 Před 2 lety +5

      don't be a bell end all your life

    • @jameskory2779
      @jameskory2779 Před 2 lety +3

      @@zander3158 Well, you seem like a nice guy.

    • @youtubewatching2340
      @youtubewatching2340 Před 2 lety +4

      I'm 22 and deciding to give up weed and alcohol i'm sure its going to very positive for our quality of life :)

    • @jameskory2779
      @jameskory2779 Před 2 lety +2

      @@youtubewatching2340 More power to you man! :)

    • @youtubewatching2340
      @youtubewatching2340 Před 2 lety +2

      @@jameskory2779 Same to u bro you've seen through the bullshit early on. We were born to be healthy :)

  • @Simonjthomas
    @Simonjthomas Před rokem

    This resonates with me so much. I didn't search for this video and it was a welcome surprise. I tried giving up alcohol many times over the years and failed miserably. The previous new year was my last dance with alcohol and it's the first time I haven't tried to quit. It's not forced. I'm just sick of holding myself back which I know I have been. I've had a desire to be sober for a while and I think I was scared of the change. Your video eloquently describes everything perfectly. I've experience all that you mentioned to some degree. It's only been 6 or 7 weeks so far and this time feels so right. I was initially thinking of taking a year off but now I think I'd rather never taste alcohol ever again. Great video, and I hope it inspires many people to give it a try.

  • @queenoftheshiznit88
    @queenoftheshiznit88 Před rokem +4

    Currently 60 days sober. I made the decision to quit drinking 2.5 years ago but have never managed to go more than a couple of months. I'm really hoping it sticks this time. Everytime I quit I notice how much better everything gets. But then it's like I forget and give into drinking thinking I can just do it occasionally. This video was really helpful to remind me why I'm doing this in the first place. So thanks for that.

  • @Car-jy8pw
    @Car-jy8pw Před 2 lety +33

    Thanks for sharing your story.
    I didn’t count days, but I went from drinking around 10 beers a night to sober for a few years. It wasn’t difficult (I didn’t have a physical addiction). I now only drink A beer every few weeks if my husband is in the mood for one.
    My big changes:
    I lost all my friends from the past.
    I’m not depressed.
    I take greater responsibility for things and I have a much higher standard for myself.
    I’m much more productive.
    I build closer relationships with fewer people.
    Better discipline (I have no problem putting the needs of my family and God’s will above my own.)

  • @Rogerkonijntje
    @Rogerkonijntje Před 2 lety +70

    great stuff chris! as an ex alcoholic for now 7 years, i wholeheartedly agree.

    • @ChrisWillx
      @ChrisWillx  Před 2 lety +8

      Well done mate, that's sick

    • @Matt24002
      @Matt24002 Před 2 lety +5

      Day 620 for me. Need to get my shit togethwr.

    • @GlenAdamson101
      @GlenAdamson101 Před 2 lety +5

      Day 3 for me

    • @Rogerkonijntje
      @Rogerkonijntje Před 2 lety +2

      @@GlenAdamson101 keep it up brother! Im not special.

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      @jlindsay Před 2 lety

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  • @musickf
    @musickf Před 4 měsíci +2

    I accidentally stopped drinking (medication), and I noticed what you're describing, fairly quickly. It's like I'm coming out of a long depression. My thinking is more clear, deep and I'm doing more to help myself without thinking of it as a chore. It's a welcome change.

  • @jpmackin
    @jpmackin Před 9 měsíci

    Congratulations on your decision and your accomplishments and thank you for making this video for all of us! I too stopped a week ago and I really look forward to benefiting from same results you have had.

  • @katiefrench8965
    @katiefrench8965 Před 2 lety +40

    This is by far the best sobriety video I’ve seen.
    I didn’t have a problem with alcohol, however my life has improved in all the same ways as you expertly talked about since giving up alcohol.
    Loved it, thank you.

    • @hoosierlady9500
      @hoosierlady9500 Před 2 lety

      Good for you! Fannnnntastic!

    • @DJ_Dopamine
      @DJ_Dopamine Před 2 lety +1

      Same here. I was fine with my alcohol consumption. But giving up has been so beneficial, I will just keep going. I might have a glass of wine at a wedding maybe. But that will be it.

    • @hoosierlady9500
      @hoosierlady9500 Před 2 lety

      @@DJ_Dopamine awesome

  • @roblewisvideos
    @roblewisvideos Před 2 lety +39

    I am 41 and giving up now. 1 week in and already seeing the benefits. I have been drinking heavily since 17, at first it was social, then when I tried to quit I realised I was dependent on it. I don't get drunk so I didn't think I had a problem but that was five years ago when I wanted to stop and couldn't . Finally doing it now. Sleeping better already, bloatedness has reduced, blood pressure is down, exercising again, more energy, and more focus. This is just one week! I cant wait to see what a month can bring, a year, two!

    • @taylormaydmusik1879
      @taylormaydmusik1879 Před 2 lety +1

      Keep it up bro!

    • @TracksWithDax
      @TracksWithDax Před rokem +5

      I think I gotta try this… 25 now and I tend to drink every night without getting drunk and without getting hungover - but I think it’s having an effect on my brain speed and motivation

    • @ericlucido4581
      @ericlucido4581 Před rokem

      How has it been?? 2 months in!

    • @jamesnoriega4698
      @jamesnoriega4698 Před rokem

      How's it going?

    • @baltoravens1
      @baltoravens1 Před rokem

      @@TracksWithDax I'm int he same boat. Like a Beer or 2. I'm on a mission to quit as well

  • @russ.scagell
    @russ.scagell Před 10 měsíci +1

    Dude… You described exactly what I’ve been feeling for a while. I’ve fantasised about quitting alcohol for a couple of years; journaled about it and concluded with twelve significant reasons that it serves no purpose in my life (versus the one benefit of it being a ‘social lubricant’). The only thing that’s been holding me back is my mistaken belief that it was something that I needed, but I’m ready to let that go. Thanks for the great video.

  • @kylecz9415
    @kylecz9415 Před 11 měsíci

    I just passed a year sober! The changes in my life are unbelievable. I never would’ve thought I be where I’m at in just 1 year!

  • @27qwljrob2
    @27qwljrob2 Před 2 lety +11

    I quit drinking almost 3 years ago. I was not a heavy drinker, and I rarely drank. I'd go for months without having a drink. I think those long periods of sobriety are what motivated me to quit. I realized that I just didn't feel good when I drank. Drinking didn't do anything positive for me.
    I laughed when you mentioned people's shock when you tell them you're sober. The struggle is real. People will actually try to shame me and peer-pressure me into drinking. I've found the solution to this problem is, instead of telling people I don't drink, I just tell them that I'm almost 3 years sober. The result is a complete 180. People just assume that I'm a recovering alcoholic and, instead of shaming me or trying to peer-pressure me, they respect my choice and actually congratulate me on kicking the habit. It has been interesting to observe this behavior.
    I'm very happy for you. Quitting has paid dividends, and I look forward to seeing what else life has in store for me.

    • @davidfarr9678
      @davidfarr9678 Před rokem

      this completely resonates with man. keep with it.

  • @jacksontylervfx
    @jacksontylervfx Před 2 lety +31

    I was about to go to the liquor store when this video showed up in my home page. Plans have changed

  • @DenisQS
    @DenisQS Před rokem +6

    I am trying a 30 days experiment without alcohol and this is exactly the reason I am doing it !
    I will probably go on not drinking for far longer than I planned though

  • @jeanyvesvisuals8844
    @jeanyvesvisuals8844 Před rokem

    This summarizes so many things I have been thinking and experiencing since I stopped 3.5 weeks ago. Thanks for this video, I saved it in my favorites for later reference!

  • @ladyveracity
    @ladyveracity Před 2 lety +18

    I have never had a drink. Ever. This blows more people’s minds than anything else.

    • @Maniac3020
      @Maniac3020 Před 2 lety +3

      Me either. Aside from a single sip, and one brandy filled chocolate. Didn't like the taste of either.

    • @TheHumbleCarpenter
      @TheHumbleCarpenter Před 2 lety +2

      Good for you! Don’t ever start. You’ll be glad you never started.

    • @suaviant
      @suaviant Před 2 lety

      This is an L

    • @ladyveracity
      @ladyveracity Před 2 lety

      @@suaviant Why?

    • @Maniac3020
      @Maniac3020 Před 2 lety +1

      @@TheHumbleCarpenter I already am.

  • @novadude75
    @novadude75 Před 2 lety +4

    Thank you for this video, Chris. I'm an alcoholic who fell off the wagon a few months ago and I needed a good kick in the butt to get me sober again. You've reminded me about all the wonderful things I discovered when I quit drinking in 2018. Thank you, brother!

  • @ronaldmcgaiver8419
    @ronaldmcgaiver8419 Před rokem +5

    This video comes in perfect timing. My mind is killing me since about 1 year. So much bad things happened since than. I hurt other people because i couldnt handle the amount i drunk every time. All of my friendships are probably build on alcohol. As you said real friends should support you on this but i feel like i will lose them all. That scares me pretty much. I just want to become more successfull in life. Just more productive for the things i like. I guess this is the only way to get rid of all my bad feelings about this stuff. Like i said i am scared to do this but i feel like i have to. Thanks for this advise. Hopefully this will chance my life.

  • @joeybtown1
    @joeybtown1 Před rokem

    3 months sober from drugs and alcohol. I feel great, and it has been a truly eye-opening experience. I have binged alcohol and smoked weed since I was 14, with other drugs mixed in over the years. I turned 42 and finally decided to move forward from these anchors. Quitting has been nothing but positive in every way...but I do miss the social aspect. The drinking culture is incredibly high in my college town and my social circle drinks. I feel like the odd man out often, and I'm worried I might fall back into my old habits. I started watching videos like yours, and it seems to be helping. Stories like yours only allow me to move forward, and I have to stay strong. Thank you for sharing!

    • @thepresence1349
      @thepresence1349 Před rokem +1

      Good.. the more you are happy u less care about social norms