5 Years Without Alcohol And My Life is Way Better
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- 5 years ago, on August 15th 2015, I took my last drink of alcohol. It's the best decision I've ever made. Everyday since has been a gift.
Here's my original video about quitting 5 years ago, • Why I Quit Drinking Al...
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*Welcome to DuzerTV* This channel is dedicated to inspiring viewers to get off their couches and explore this beautiful world (or even your backyard). You'll find videos about biking, running, trekking, traveling, do goodery, and anything that involves being outside and enjoying life. Join TeamDuzer and let's have some fun!
#RyanVanDuzer #TeamDuzer
#SoberLife
Contact: crazyduzer@gmail.com
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I know that most of you come for the bikes, running, and adventure videos, but I really appreciate that I can share different sides of my life's story with you. Thank you for everything! #TeamDuzer
you are still growing. The best is yet to come
way to go Ryan - thanks for all your inspiration
Thanks for sharing!
Enlightened & preparing that sounds exciting!! Have fun and Send pics
U da man! Love all your videos
As my wife says “you never regret not having a drink” we’ve both been sober for 2years and loving life together again
Word. 13+ months for me, never look back
You look incredible. You look like the super-healthy dad that does ultra-marathons for fun
2.5 years sober.... loving life like never before.
Right on, way to go
Im one year sober at the end of this month. I was a raging alcoholic for many years, blacking out every night, even starting the day with a shot. One year later, im happier and healthier than ive ever been. Making the DECISION that i wasnt going to be a person who drank anymore was the best thing ive ever done. Stay strong brother!!!
Right on my friend!! Proud of you.
Good on you, enjoy everything now. Good and bad it will deepen your soul.
Welcome to the rest of your life! Great job!
Thanks
Heck, yeah. Keep at it. You’re winning.
The best question I ever heard in AA is "Are you still having fun?"
If its not fun anymore, why do it? I drank every night for years. Sick all the time. I've replaced late night drinking with early morning cycling. I traded parties for sunrises. Life is so much better now that I have sober serenity
I still have fun though. Last night was awesome. I still can ride over 100+mi a week, run, and swim a few miles weekly. B A L A N C E.
No, i dont have fun when i drink... but it beats all the emptiness and thoughts about how empty my life has become.
Thats thrue , im 8 months sober now and i can tell you my life has changed , i start to play tenis , my business is kicking ass , my relationship with family and friends has a complete change , thanks to AA and god
@@jannorris4140 I am puzzled by your comment. Would you be willing to elaborate?
@@bwinmaine What i meant was its not particularly "fun" when i drink but it numbs all the emptiness and anxiety i tend to feel when sober, see?
30 years sober. Yes the best decision I ever made. Way to go Ryan.
SAME HERE WAYNE 30 FOR ME TOO FEELS GREAT
Being sober is amazing!
It sure is!!
Been dry now for six and a half years after 45 years of heavy addiction. However, I do truly believe in the "once an alcoholic always an alcoholic" whether you are still active or recovering. The urge to partake still follows me around a little or a lot but the urge has really let up a great deal in the last couple of years and gets a little better every day. Don't ever quit quitting. The joys and benefits of sobriety are never ending.
That’s because you still believe there is some pleasure you are missing out on.
@@ragebait988
Oh I know I'm missing out on the pleasures no question about it. But I'm constantly reminded of what usually comes afterwards. And after all this time the urge to start again is all but gone.
The best thing I've ever done for my morale was quitting the booze 14 years ago. As Ryan says, there are no downsides whatsoever, only gains.
I like that..."there is no downside".
Day 2 sober for me. I have tired to be sober numerous times. I hope this time sticks forever.
One day at the time
I’m 5 months in now and still feeling confident, what helped me tremendously was taking cold showers, it strengthened my mental focus to stay sober and also stay on track with 8/16 fasting. I’ve lost 30 pounds without a single drop of sweat!
Nice!! I wish you all the best on this journey
I just hit 4 months, I feel so much more present for my friends and loved ones. I admire all of those of you who have multiple years under your belts, thanks for the continued inspiration. Looking forward to a sober life.
You got this!
11 years sober now. I agree- best decision ever.
Congrats!!
the hardest part for me was staying away from certain friends and finding new things to do
I'm too weird to have friends but it benefits me!
Same here
You'll definitely be spending more time alone, even if you try and drink water out, it just isn't as fun. Eventually you'll find other things fun and that being stupid.
I quit alcohol After 3 years of depression. It was one of my best décision ever !! It allows me to live free again. It was hard to quit because it was the only way for me to stop thinking and feel light but i was a slave to this.
Now my life is wayyy more better i’m so glad
I’m at 1.5 months completely sober and I love it. I started for physical goals but have noticed the mental clarity and physical improvements! I don’t see myself drinking again.
Congrats!
I'm a mountain biker, it's my favorite thing to do. Second favorite thing to do is skiing. I'm drunk right now as I have been most nights especially during the pandemic. I want to be able to have milestones like this. I hope to start working on that asap. Thanks for your story.
You can do it, man. One thing that helped me during the pandemic was finding non-alcoholic drinks that taste good. I know that's easier said than done. When I say non-alcoholic, I don't mean non-alcoholic beer. I'm talking about tasty ass water, kombucha, interesting teas, etc. One thing, not a drink, was even a tea-based dip called Baccoff. I like the peach flavor even though I've never been a dipper. Best to you.
There is no "start working on it." You either do it or don't.
Go for it.
Simply choose happiness. Everyday the choice is yours. Even though your comment is a year old, you can still choose happiness. Alcohol usually leads to unhappiness in the end. So simply choose happiness and become the best authentic version of you.
All those who quit drinking, at one time, thought they could never quit. There's a beautiful world out there. Stop the insanity.
Being able to party sober is a superpower.
True!
The main reason I've clung to your channel for all these years! Your character stands tall in this crazy world .
That means a lot to me, thank you!
I just drink once in 3 months, but still affected my thyroid and liver functioning, so I said Bye to it in March 2020.
So far No Alcohol. being healthy and riding bikes .
I was a weed smoker for 25 years. Quit cold turkey 7 months ago and it was a great decision for me as well. Kudos to you and thanks for sharing Ryan.
Congratulations Ryan. I will be five years soon, and yes it’s the best decision of my life.
Ryan, here's an example of how your energy is so special: after leaving my earlier comment here, I called a friend that reminds me of you and mentioned your video to him... he told me TODAY, Aug 15 is also his sobriety anniversary of 3 years... what an amazing coincidence! I'll forward this video to him!
biketothetop no way! That’s crazy. I love how the world works. Hope you’re doing well.
@@duzer I've got no complaints, I'm a lucky dog! Thanks :-)
That could be one of those God coincidences as they say in AA.
They also say that there are no such thing as coincidences.
Just found the channel so I’m late to this. I’m 2.5 years drug/booze free myself. Hearing other people be open about this type of thing always gets me emotional, it’s a weird little fraternity this disease has given us. Anyway super proud of you and congrats on your sobriety.
Binge drinker from 20 to 40, long story short, i must’ve been dead a long time ago. Started quitting little by little, finally quitted once and for all. I hated hungovers, that was my motivation.
I quite too a year ago wasn't a struggle i just decided like you to spend my energy to go outdoor instead... i love my morning run and with alcohol i wasn't capable of getting up early and cranked up to go for it so quitting was the only way!!! Thank you for sharing this and i can't wait to watch the great devide series ✌
Boréalis Venture awesome! Glad that you’re loving the sober life! It only gets better.
Agree, Ryan! I've been sober for over 2 yrs and it's the best decision ever. Loveya, man.
Same! I just sort of stopped drinking and it wasn’t a big deal. I’m on year two and I don’t really get urges because the memory of the hangover is just far more powerful of a completely miserable state id be in if I decided to have some drinks.
If feels great and I really don’t see myself going back, I feel amazing!
Well said! I quit at age 28. Over 30 years later I have no regrets about the decision. When I think about taking a drink I think back at the stupid hurtful things I did under the influence.
Simply awesome. I have 18 years and you inspire me.
I've had 2.5 years off and then after 2.5 years back on I did another 5 years. I've been drinking again, mostly occasionally but lately too much and I always feel low the day after. I've been thinking about stopping again and this video has helped me make the decision to once again go sober. Love you man 👍
Right on! I'm glad that my story could help. You got this!
There's nothing wrong with doing it in moderation.. the issue is that some people simply can't due to their genetics and self-control. It's all up to the individual
@Seth Belfort Everything in the Universe functions off of balance and moderation. Go look at the cycle of nature and tell me otherwise. Also just so you're aware, there have been multiple case studies done and they have shown that those who drink outlive those who are teetolars aka straight edge & sober their whole lives. I'm not saying anyone has to drink. Sobriety is powerful. But drinking will more than likely not harm you if you do it correctly.
@Seth Belfort I don't remember if details like that were included. That's good to hear man. I'm doing a sober 2022 after a year of heavy drinking. Again I didn't mean to sound like I'm advocating for people to drink, I just think for some people it's fine because they are capable of handling it
@@nicebars nor will opiate or amphetamine use if used in moderation...that's the good news...the bad news is small use almost always leads to larger quantities used....same with alcohol...no alcohol will always be better than any amount of alcohol...
I haven't ever been a heavy drinker, but I have worked in the craft beer industry for almost 6 years, so I've thrown back my share of drinks. Regardless, I also made a decision to stop drinking fairly recently, mostly because I realized that I enjoy the idea of drinking much more than the act of drinking itself. It feels so much better to live a sober life, especially being more present and cognizant. Good on you for recognizing changes you needed to make, and taking the steps to create a brighter path!
Bikes and burritos lol talking my language now.
I had no idea you were in recovery.. CONGRATS!! I've got 11.5yrs.
5 years is about where the real work starts :)
Hi Ryan I love this youtube channel stay alcohol free I have been sober 1year and 2 month thanks you for encouraging words Stay safe and enjoy 🙏
Congrats!
Happy birthday! My birthday is tomorrow! Congrats on 5 years. That’s huge.
Congratulations Ryan on changing for the better. You are a living example of one of my favorite sayings: DARE TO TRY!! YOU MAY SUCCEED!!
Love that!
I’m 2 years sober and out stories are very similar! I also found it easy to quit.
Afternoon Ryan you're August of 15 I may 15th I enjoy watching your show very inspirational wouldn't mind doing a road trip with you I enjoy biking have a great day enjoy
Awesome, I can feel what you are talking about. I quit drinking 2 years ago. Mountaineering and other sports were becoming more and more important in my life. And drinking is the opposite of healthie and fit.
This is great man. Im on the same path evacuating alcohol from my life. Biking hundreds of miles a week. You are inspirational and truly motivating. Thanks for the vids and speaking your heart 👊
Best of luck on your journey, keep riding that bike, and you won't have time to drink anymore ;)
@@duzer Amen to that brotha! Safe travels!
8/23/1993 I'm with you. Life is better! 👍👍👍
Right on, congrats to you!
Just about to hit 4 years sober, and yes, it was literally the best decision I've ever made. Unfortunately, I didn't stop before I did some serious permanent damage to my body, but at least I know the damage has stopped. Glad I can still ride my bike!
I fell into mountain biking later on in life and suddenly I found this buzz (and awesome community) that mattered more to me than drinking my way through the weekend. I genuinely think I’d have been a functioning alcoholic if I’d not discovered how much I love the trails. I’m now doing a 90 day challenge to not drink at all and am getting more and more sober curious - as life seems way more productive when you don’t drink. Thanks for sharing dude. Really enjoyed watching - keep up the awesome lifestyle!
Kudos Ryan. I quit smoking 19 years ago, drinking - I forget - 15 years ago? Best decisions eVAR. May your life be blessed with purpose, adventure - and clarity.
I love how many people are mountain bikers here! Thats rad
We like bikes!
Amazing Ryan. Happy Birthday!!!!
Our and me both man! Good on ya! I quite last October and I weighed 195lbs now just riding my bike as much as possible and I'm 165 lbs and do not miss it one second! ✌🏼 thanks for sharing. 😎
It’s 4 years and 5 months for me, had the same problem you had.I had to quit.
Hi I'm new to your channel and cycling. I'm so enjoying both. I so appreciate your transparency. Your authenticity really come through. I look forward to make of what you got to share. Pura Vida!
Thanks for sharing Ryan, 1 month
I wasn’t so drunk often, but I quit drinking almost 4 years ago and I agree with you, I’m a better man now in every aspect!
And I quit from a day to another just wanting that, like smoking which I quit 6 years ago too!
Keep on, I’m going for a ride too 😊👍
Right on! Congrats to you for making the decision for a better life
Congratulations on 5 years! I can relate as I too will celebrate 5 years on 8/28. I agree with you that quitting alcohol was one of the best decisions in my life. Stay strong...love your content! #TeamDuzer #soberwarrior
Sincerity, honesty-excellence.
As I am working out in my garage, your video stopped me dead in my tracks. I thought that was me talking about my story. Your story and my story are so similar except I have 9yrs in July. When I quit drinking it was cold turkey, and I found myself needing a hobby. It was a tossup between golf and getting a bike I thought getting a bike would be cheaper. Almost 10 years later; two mountain bikes, two ride bikes and all the great gear that goes with it I should’ve took up golf. I am in the best shape of my life now, at 60 years old and I am working on getting my first gravel bike. The pandemic has slowed the process a little bit in me getting that gravel bike but it’s going to happen. Before watching your five year anniversary video I watched the divide video which took you over 23 days and after watching that I move that to the top of my bucket list. Again happy five year anniversary keep making the inspirational videos I will keep watching.
Ryan, you’re such an inspiration. As ever. Meeting you in September of 2019 at the Walnnut Cafe was a true American highlight to me. Having followed you for many, many years, you never fail to impress and inspire.
I’ve been a drinker since the age of 18. I’m now 51. Lord knows how much money I’ve spent on alcohol. Never mind the days lost through the hangovers. I can do the odd days without it, but to totally quit it, like you seems out of reach.
I’d love to be able to meet you again in a few years and tell you that I’m sober.
Thanks again for another great video. You’re always welcome to my home, here in England. Cheers Ryan.
I can't wait to meet you again someday, you're a good man!
Ryan ; Captain Goodvibes once climbed a big hill and said ' on a clear day , you can see the back of your own head , if you look hard enough!' .
There's wisdom in the old Pig .
Tracks.......
The next best thing to being Sober .
Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations on the 5 years, I’m just 18 months clean but not looking back now, great channel 👌
Congratulations for your success!
I didn't have a problem with alcohol by any metric, but I stopped about sixteen months ago and life is definitely better.
Love this so much! I'm coming up on two years of sobriety this December, I did the same thing spent my 20's and early 30's drinking too much and being done with that is the greatest ever!
14 months into my new sober life, not quite five years yet but I can already see myself making the same video when that day comes - and I'm pretty sure it will
Ryan I became sober in July 2015,it's given me the best life ever.Want to wish you all the best on your journey.
Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary. Awesome message...thank you for sharing. 🚴♂️
Hey Ryan,
I must be a Scottish version of you.
Everything you have said I've been there, nearly going out every night clubbing, bring people back to my work place after closing hours, I was seriously wild until just about the same time as yourself gave up drink and started getting back into my fitness again like night half marathon, running, hiking and swimming. I love the feeling of not to worry about hangovers they do suck your life soul energy
So yeah I know exactly what you mean
You can not beat life.
Hope you are well Cpt Ryan and keep on going 🇺🇲❤🤩🏴
I hope to meet you someday, my Scottish brother!
I would love that, to meet up with you 🇺🇲🤩🏴❤
@@duzer I would love that to meet up with you, I think a lot of your youtube family would love to meet you too.
You do have this gift to brighten up people's lives 🇺🇲🙏🤩🏴
Congrats and thanks Ryan. A little over a year alcohol free, myself. It was a little sadder and lonely for me, but I relate so much to what you shared.
❤️
Dude, your honesty with the drinkin is halarious, glad you feel better, sober is way kool , me and my mom subsrcibed to your channel , and have been watching your videos. Your videos are dope
Great to hear buddy. I was the exact same accept I was a sad drunk. 8 yrs sober for me. Cold turkey was easy for ridding of cigarettes/alcohol.
Excellent. I stand with you 100%.
Congrats Ryan! 5 years is a milestone. I just celebrated 6 yrs in April. This is depth psychology, this is life! “The deeper the sorrow carves into being, the greater the joy’ Kabril Gibran
I've been sober a little over two years. I feel exactly the way you do. Once my heart was behind quitting, the motivation was strong. Great message! Thank you!
I remember seeing your video back in 2015, it took me two more years to stop drinking alcohol. I am so grateful for your honesty and willingness to be vulnerable. You are a doll. I am so grateful to you dear Ryan.
Congrats on getting alcohol out of your life! I hope that you're loving life even more now.
Ryan you rock thanks for sharing your story and letting the world know you don't have to drink to ride to live life to the fullest. You're a true Free Rider and a talent keep the faith and keep the plug in The Jug as I have for 34 years today 8.24 87
Right on my man, 34 years is HUGE!
Congratulations Ryan, I applaud you for having the guts to put it all out there and openly tell your story. My personality is very much like yours, my motto was “moderation is for cowards”. That was with everything I did in life, including drinking. I have been sober since 2010 and it too is the best decision I ever made. My life completely changed for the better. FWIW I used AA and it helped immensely. Anyone reading this that thinks they have a problem, get some help from wherever or whoever you can.
For those who need it - go find an AA meeting. More importantly, for those with relatives, friends, or loved ones who need AA, go to an Al-Anon meeting and keep going back.
AA does not work for everyone and it didn't work for me...ppl need to know that AA is not the only option. If it works for you great , but don't make ppl think its the only solution. Its not a one size fits all!
@@stephaniemendez6784 Dear Everyone, AA doesn't work for everyone. It's just the most proven method. Dear Stephanie, I never went to AA. I am not an alcoholic. However, I did go to Al-Anon as there in a recovering alcoholic in my family. That recovering alcoholic never once went to an AA meeting. But I can tell you Al-Anon saved my life, marriage, and sanity.
Happy now?
Ryan there are many of us, that have been down that road, it does feel good to get pass that issue😃
Oh I like that! Sobriety is the best gift I ever gave myself! .perfect
Congrats on 5 years! 🎉 I made a new year's resolution in 2017 to see if I could go an entire year without alcohol. And I barely drank then (did drink a bit in college), usually had a glass or two of wine once a week. It was successful and I just kept it up. And your one year sober video solidified it in my head to stay the course. Life is so great without it! :)
Congrats on being 5 years sober Ryan!!! I decided to quit this year on New Years Eve & haven’t touched a drink all year.
Still sober?
Hope it’s 2 years now
You're a good dude. Funny enough, today is August 15th and I just came across this video... Congrats on your sobriety. Peace to you.
Wow!! You’re here for my 7 year anniversary!!!
You are right ! Life is changing completely without alcohol ! I did it like you!!! Thanks for this video !!!!!
Congratulations on 5yrs! 🎉 I have 3.5yrs myself. I love that you are willing to speak about this! Yay to no hangovers and remembering everything I did last night! Woohoo!
Thank you, Ryan! So brave to do this. And I thank you. I recently started an alcohol free life and I love it. Biking is a great outlet. Thank you for your channel and your honesty.
My 5 year is next month. Thank you, God.
Way to go!
Thank you for your honesty. You are a great example 😊☺️🙂.
I've always said I can't condemn or condone drinking. I quit 15 years ago and now bare witness to those around me that have drinking problems. Way to be a positive influence and witness to those around you!
I'm coming up on 5 years myself, and agree with everything you've said here, Ryan! You don't need to be a chemically-dependent alcoholic to come to the conclusion that alcohol is messing up your relationships, your emotions, and your health. Like a lot of people, I stopped as I entered middle age because I just couldn't take the negative effects anymore. But I wish I'd stopped in my twenties and focused on the important things in life. AA, Recovery Dharma (Buddhist recovery), and even the stopdrinking subreddit are great places to go if you need some companionship in quitting. I swear, life really is better sober (and this is coming from a cranky, introverted, skeptical person).
Thank you soooo much!
Hey Ryan, thank you for your honesty. I'm a new subscriber and at 60 I'm probably old enough to be your dad- "or close to it". I had my last drink of alcohol 8/18/89 at the age of 26 yrs. God willing I'll have 35 years of sobriety this coming August. I'm alive and well today as a result of the gift of sobriety. I have 2 wonderful kids and 6 grandchildren that love and care about me. I probably wouldn't be here if I had continued as I was headed- I'm grateful my friend. I was the clown and entertainer also. I realized in a short while I was having blackouts which really scared me. I thank God I didn't hurt anyone driving in the condition I was in at times. Outdoor activities in my sobriety have helped me tremendously. Nothing better than a good workout or bicycle ride to clear the head and get recentered. It is good to be alive and not run from my own humanity. Thank you again for your story.
Welcome to my channel and thanks for sharing your story, it’s powerful. Life is soooooo much better without alcohol. What a gift to be sober. I’m sending you a big hug from Boulder
Congratulations Ryan on your over 5 years of sobriety!! I love how your channel is more than just about adventure. You are letting us into a bit of your life and that makes some of us feel connected. I'll be celebrating 13 years of sobriety on Dec 20. The decision to sober up for me was also the best thing I could have done and as a matter of fact, it was life giving! I can do the things today that I would not have dreamed of doing while drinking. I've run a marathon, half marathons, biked centuries, travel, and I get to scuba dive, one of my favorite activities. so Right On Brother!! You're awesome!!
Right on Scott, congrats on 13 years! And I can attest to everything you're saying, we have so much more time to do great things. Cheers
He ryan here 10 years try to catch me hahaha ,on the bike I lose but now I’m a winnner hahaha 😆 love your positive energy
haha, you'll be forever out in the lead on this one ;) Happy trails my friend
Ryan Van Duzer thanks for the reaction means a lot,I wish you all the best from Belgium
Thank you for this post. Thank you for your comments...Cheers!
You have great presence. Thank you for sharing
I did 3 years sober, got fit, got my head right. Now I've found balance. It's all about balance. I love IPAs.
What's your balance? Currently looking for that myself. But scared to drink more than one or two per fortnight agajn
@@Hughbens rage all summer with my lifeguard friends, spend time alone in the desert in the winter
Best person on CZcams. Love you bro.
Wow. Thats amazing. You are full of surprises! So cool. Thanks for being so open.
Thank you Ryan , you jus motivated me to quit drinking for good...life is to precious to wasted being wasted...Congratulations in your 5 years sober!,👏
Love hearing this! I wish you all the best
I was a smoker starting from early age (teen-age), finally could fully stop 7 years ago. After that, everything seems possible.
Very proud of you, Ryan. Congratulations on your 5 years of sobriety. Thank you for sharing your story of overcoming. I hope it inspires others to do the same.
I rode 16 miles for the first time on my bike the other day. When I got home I felt so amazing. I felt better than I have have felt while drinking. You are inspiring. I'm gonna cut back on the Lone Stars.
I'm at 4 years & 7 months, can't wait to hit 5 years! Congrats to you!
Right on! Way to go