5 Tips to Stay Sober | Toothbrush Therapy for Addiction Recovery

[@DRKJFOSTER]

My apologies for the lighting issue in this video. I filmed it in the evening after trying to film outside in between the rain, and then finally giving up and going to the gym (well, technically, a Cyclebar class) to work off my frustration.... btw, another great tip that will help your body heal from addiction! Exercise helped me with my Post-Acute Withdrawals and it continues to help me nearly 13 years later as a way to combat depression and anxiety. So, even though this was not filmed under the greatest conditions, I do hope you found it helpful. Thanks for watching 💜

[@Lovelytiff21]

@DRKJFOSTER I was SOBER for about 6 months off and on of 5 years. I fall off then get back up it’s a real big struggle , go to out patient treatment because I have someone living with me that actively using . Looking for some guidance screaming out😮😢❤ ANY ONE

[@RichRoyaltyRobNRecklessRecords]

I'm clean and sober because I want to be, not because I have to be. Its a huge difference.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Yes 💯

[@murphmurph2124]

Yup! That's what works even know it may not be as easy as that but sure is a huge plus

[@frankmccann29]

Hallelujah! 9 years 20th this month.

[@buckrustle9237]

Good for you

[@MaineUSA]

I don't feel that way

[@fancynancymacy]

I just celebrated 43 years of sobriety and I just found your channel and I think you’re spot on

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Congratulations, Nancy. Glad you are enjoying the channel.

[@jandasalovich6469]

25 days in and I am not going back to alcohol because I do not want what it did to me. These are very helpful.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@downercowzzz.3236]

I am 66. 50 years ago first sip. 45 yrs ago began daily drinking. April 10th began my alcohol free journey. Most important for me is the realization that my five off roads into having a small amount of beer does not mean I have crashed and burned. Sobriety is not a light switch -- it's a journey. And there will be rough spots.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Glad you are choosing a healthier lifestyle.

[@ungeee514]

1. Attend a meeting daily 2. Talk to someone in recovery daily 3. Pray daily 4. Read 4 pages of positive literature 5. Write down 5 things for which you're grateful

[@DRKJFOSTER]

You got it!

[@growsinhouseherbiculturali1100]

Terrible list.

[@tayluvskirr5067]

thank you sm

[@leetarrant5630]

No thanks

[@OZ01209]

This video is helpful. Just want to share my experience. I hardly drink, but I smoke weed everyday. Pretty much all day, thanks to the vape form. I work full time and take care of my responsibilities, but I've noticed how tired and lethargic I have become. The person I am doesn't match the person I want to be. I realize that my character defects have followed me from teens to 40s. I started smoking weed when I was 12. Then, quit when I was 17. Then started at 19. It was casual for the longest time. I worked 14 hour days in 2003 so I would smoke in the evening at home after work. Then I started college in 2007. I still smoked as a casual pass time. I had a rule that I wouldn't smoke until weekends and after midterms and finals. Then I graduated in 2017. My dad was diagnosed with IPF in 2016 and died November 2017. It was a random disease that cane up. He didn't smoke or drink anything. There was so much going on that year. That's when life got heavy. Since my dad passed, I'd say that I have only been sober for maybe 10 days in 6.5 years. I started going to Alanon in 2018. Not consistently, but it was my saving grace. I found a really healthy group, and I go more frequently now. I have been saying that I want to quit smoking for the last 2 years, but life, stress, depression, habit, and comfort cause me to continue. I haven't had a relationship with God in 30 years. For the last 5 years I've been on a personal, professional, spiritual, mental health and wellness journey, but I've always felt stuck. I had a dream last October that I was sitting with God and asked him to please help me quit. I didn't hear him, but I felt his presence. The message I received is that he's with me and knows that I can do it. I woke up feeling so happy and comforted. It felt so real and reassuring to me. I didn't quit overnight, but I did wake up yesterday morning with a deep sense and readiness to quit. I have gone 24 hrs without smoking weed. 🙌🙏💖 People want to have arguments about it not being a drug, but it is. So what if it's natural from the earth. It can be addictive because it changes behaviors and alters the state of mind, and can have an effect on your daily life if not done in moderation. I smoke to numb the sadness and shift my boring mundane life into a psuedo-good time. I also smoke as a social activity with friends. I use to never smoke in the morning, but since 2020 I noticed that I can't get out the front door without a few puffs. I have finally reached a point in myself that I don't want to be clouded in my brain all day. It is a low energy drug. I want clarity. I was decisiveness. I want control over my life, my thoughts, my actions, and my emotions. I don't have anything against weed or people that smoke, but when it starts controlling your life you have to face it and make the adjustments. 💚✌️

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you're now on the right path. Keep going 🙏

[@shorty004]

Im done living a lie i want soberity. I know what i must do! Wish me luck

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Good luck!!

[@archanakrishnaprium6166]

U have to stay clean forever

[@lukepaine8512]

Struggling with drinking that leads to coke binge not everyday but once a week or two weeks I am good shape but it is a knock back every time I do drink

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Sorry to hear that Luke, yet all change starts with awareness. Glad you are aware of the connection and can make the necessary adjustments to succeed.

[@tomlund4951]

Sobriety is just the beginning!😊

[@DRKJFOSTER]

💯

[@mistyespinoza7735]

Thank you so much for your work and videos. I’m 19 days sober and clean. I believe I was lead to your page for a reason. I appreciate your work and look forward to attending a meeting 🙏🏼💜

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Thanks, Misty. Hope to meet you soon.

[@CowGirlBeeBop]

How are you doing misty? 💕 I Hope you are doing Great :)

[@Moonmajik44]

Hi I've got 97 days sober and just got out of a treatment center and now in sober living. How are you doing?!

[@alexandrapettibon4575]

I'm in a group for addiction to alcohol. What's helpful for me. Is being in counseling, being understanding that you can't grow from same environment that broke you. To your lowest point I don't believe in God but I fully support those that do. I did affirmations yesterday. I want to get back into doing that. I also do meditation. Reading, listening to music. I like to read the news on celebrities. I brought up Mattmans death in class. Mattman is Matt Perry.

[@tlobb2325]

I put this on on my way from work while having a craving. Drove right passed the 711 i was going to stop at listening. Thankyou for the strength and god please let me stay sober.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

So glad you found it helpful.

[@baldersn4474]

Meetings gs and 12 steps never helped me atall ,,neither did getting a sponsor it just wound me up...I just lierally had enough of binge drinking one day so i never carried on..You tube vudeos helped me when i learned an Bout the science behind drinking and what it does to your body and brain etc

[@Jahmon-ew1wr]

I'm in NA and AA and what they all say there is that doing those things definitely help but what will really help is step work. I've just completed my step one and each time I think of a drink or drug I feel sick because I know where it'll take me. I know I've just started but just wanted to offer something to those just coming into twelve step fellowships.

[@Insideritineraries]

I’m in south Florida and struggling pretty bad right now

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Hope you were able to get some help and are now doing better.

[@rowanpeek59]

Hope you're doing well mate, you're not alone

[@linda.quirky]

I'm not sober yet.. but trying to stop benzos. Thank you for this video!

[@DRKJFOSTER]

You're so welcome! Good luck to you!!

[@jenhealingrhythm4175]

Be careful! You need to wean from Benzos or you could have a seizure. I did

[@linda.quirky]

@@jenhealingrhythm4175 yeah not trying cold turkey ever again.. it was like horror

[@earlterepocki1]

great addidtives to reovery

[@ianmcnicholas634]

Thank you , thank you for your time

[@DRKJFOSTER]

My pleasure!

[@pranabsarma1502]

God bless you.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@markedbynoelle]

Thank you

[@DRKJFOSTER]

You're welcome.

[@akaixl83]

Looking forward to the Sunday videos 👍

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Thank, me too 💜

[@Jerid58]

The first 2 have helped me immensely quitting alcohol. Going to any meeting will show you there are people far worse off than you and also the type that will not judge you. Love the Buddha pic in the background, I have the same one in my home. Thanks for the vid!

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Glad you found it helpful 💗

[@carolynreichert959]

Thank you for sharing this information with the recovery community. I have and will continue to share with those in mine. Bless you!

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Hi Carolyn - Thanks so much for watching and for sharing with others. I greatly appreciate you and your support. I hope you have a great day... maybe you'll get in a bike ride today 😊

[@kellyjodetty3511]

It's very helpful. Thank you💜

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Hi Kelly Jo -- You're welcome 😊 So glad it was helpful. btw... KJ stands for Karrol Jo 😊😊

[@emilywestmorelanddd]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@DRKJFOSTER]

You're welcome

[@chicadelobas5495]

thanks 🌷

[@DRKJFOSTER]

You're welcome.

[@josephoconnor7739]

Yea very good exellent.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Glad you like it!

[@nicolethatcher1492]

Wondering on how to find link to your zoom link for meetings

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Hi Nicole. There should be a link in the video, but if not please go to my website. There is a tab and link there. It's www.drkjfoster.org

[@maxxx.da.ripperr6663]

Yass I’m sober now yay No more coke , liquor, meth and black men 😊 life’s good (sigh)❤

[@SkinnyMane804]

How come no one every talk about the physical part of pill addiction. I cold turkey detox for five days and relapsed the six day and went two days taking them and it’s so hard for me to deal with my everyday life without using. I came to realize I dealt with my relationship as long as I did because I was taking 3/4 30mg Percocets a day. I’m trying to not be dependent on them but I feel like I don’t wanna live without them

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Good luck to you. It's hard, but it's worth it!

[@CesarSandoval024]

Im not addicted but I just want to stop drinking. Drank last night. Now there is negative energy in the kitchen

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Good luck to you. It's hard, but it's worth it!

[@jimf.8872]

I can remember as a newcomer asking my sponsor if I had to attend a meeting everyday. My sponsor looked at me and asked "did you drink and use drugs everyday?" Lol

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Yes, so true! Thanks for sharing this, Jim. Sorry for the late response. I'm just seeing this now.

[@suzq7137]

It's a cult.

[@suzq7137]

Annnddd there is the platitude.... cookie cutter indoctrination. Geee- what did this person say to a weekend binge drinker??? Please.

[@cvmitchell9368]

Thank you so much KJ.! I don't know if I missed it but could you pin a link to this video into your Spiritual Sunday videos? I just want to ensure when I share your videos, people will be able to link directly to the "Toothpaste Therapy" step, just in case they're unfamiliar. Bless you, you're a lifesaver. 🙂❤

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Absolutely! Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do that right now. And, it's Toothbrush 😉Therapy😊💜🙏

[@cvmitchell9368]

@@DRKJFOSTER Jeeshhhh, next I"ll be calling it "Crest" Therapy, so sorry.! Thanks again for all you do🙂.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Lol... trust me when I tell you that I am the worst at getting names wrong. I think it's genetic. My Mom is the same way 😊 I hope you have a great weekend!

[@lynnglidewell7367]

For someone who left AA you still utilize it's recommendations to a large degree. Everything you recommended in this video they recommend. You may repackage it a bit and give it a new brand but it's the same thing heard in AA repeatedly. I suppose to a novice unfamiliar with AA this might be informative. You still practice the Spirituality of AA I see yet some recovery groups you support go out of their way to avoid the ' God Stuff". Seems a bit of duality there. Oh well, whatever works for you.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

I am not anti-AA

[@Moonmajik44]

One of those unnecessary comments.

[@tiffanyemarkovich7490]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@DRKJFOSTER]

❤️❤️❤️

[@crystalweitzman3803]

So....essentially AA.😂

[@DRKJFOSTER]

It was developed as a part of AA, but can be modified to be used with any other recovery program.

[@sheilachancey6092]

Geeze we get it your husband started it 18 years ago,I lost interest before I seen the method half the video is her talking about 18 years ago

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Sorry you were disappointed, Sheila. A lot of what I share involves my own experience and I understand it is not appreciated by everyone. I hope you find what you are looking for, in terms of support and encouragement. Wishing you all the very best.

[@murphmurph2124]

Get over it and move on, don't buy into that 12 step crap that tells you that you have to be there the rest of your life,that is dangerous to your well being.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I think that for some people, where AA (and the fellowship it provides) has become their sole network and social circle, it can be beneficial and enjoyable for them to attend for their whole lives, but not for everyone.

[@ibjustlivinlife]

I’m forced

[@LTWKR]

Page 164 “we realize we only know a little……” Stop these biblical protocols.. everyone is different… You are dangerous, even though your heart is in good place.. STOP is it 5 things or 6? The outline is in BB

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Whether you realize it or not (guessing not) your comment is a contradiction in and of itself.

[@GG-kk9dr]

spit it out

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Yes, have been known to belabor a point

[@debraelliott9611]

Just please get to the point

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Yes, lol. This can be a struggle for me at times.

[@teribacon22]

Get to the point..

[@DRKJFOSTER]

Thanks for the feedback 🥰

[@gwillis01]

I have heard that new members are encouraged to [do. 90 in 90 ] Go to 90 AA meetings in your first ninety days of membership

[@JacobTremblay-b3q]

I'm in a group for addiction to alcohol. What's helpful for me. Is being in counseling, being understanding that you can't grow from same environment that broke you. To your lowest point I don't believe in God but I fully support those that do. I did affirmations yesterday. I want to get back into doing that. I also do meditation. Reading, listening to music. I like to read the news on celebrities. I brought up Mattmans death in class. Mattman is Matt Perry.

[@DRKJFOSTER]

I'm glad to know you have found things that are helping you. Much good luck to you on this journey.