Abstinence VS Sobriety (Exploring the Deeper Causes of Addictions)

[@bet-a-betta6468]

man what a good video relatable on so many levels, im so glad im already at this healing and awareness point in addiction as a teen

[@MeowingWhale]

Great video thanks for sharing your experience. I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that we have to re-examine exactly what mental processes draw us to these decisions in the first place

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

Hey! Thanks for that 🙂 I think you are officially the first person to comment on one of my videos that I don't know personally. So thanks. It means a lot! Hope you are doing well 🙂

[@oscargutierrez7117]

Hey bro I just stumbled across your videos last night and I’ve been binging on them. I can relate to a lot of the stuff you say. I’m coming on 3 years clean off alcohol and hard drugs. From the outside my life looks a lot better but I’m currently working a job that consumes all my life, and in all honesty, I can’t get through a day without taking kratom. I’m basically hooked on it now, I’ve noticed you mention kratom in some of your videos so I wanted to comment on that. Unfortunately this job pays well so it’s hard to leave. I’ve had the simple life before where you work a stress free job, make a lot less money but I was so much happier. I’m thinking I need to leave the kratom and this current job and just focus on being mentally healthy. Anyways, sorry for rambling, just thought I’d share this.

[@Degenerated00]

How are you doing, mate?

[@Lauren-ri8lr]

Thank you so much for this video! This will help me explain to my family my struggles and internal guidance system on choices im making.

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

Thank you so much for watching! I hope you are doing ok and not struggling too much 🙂 But if you are having a hard time, just remember that you aren't alone out there. The struggle is real, and I definitely get it. It's hard to be a human being in the world today with everything the world throws at us and expects us to deal with. And family can definitely present some particularly difficult challenges. Just follow your instincts. If you look deep down and can see your situation honestly you will find what is right for you. Stop by and say hi again anytime ❤

[@kelleydenise7819]

I know everyone says “yOu ShOuLd WrItE a BoOk” but seriously. You should write a book. You have so much earned wisdom that more people need to hear. I’m not an addict, never done drugs. But I’ve listened to everything you’ve had to say because it’s not only interesting but educational! Do it man. For the greater good.

[@jacquelinestef]

The part you mentioned about the things we are sold to pacify ourselves seriously blew my mind. I have been feeling so unsatisfied and I’ve been trying to channel the fundamentals of my existence like harnessing the moment but it is so difficult with the abstracts and stresses of everyday life. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. This world is just not set up for happiness and fulfillment… gotta try to find it ourselves 😅

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

Hey! 🙂 Thanks for the comment! Yes, unfortunately the way this world is set up keeps our basic human well-being rather on the back burner at best. It's just not profitable for us to be fulfilled and contented. But I've been learning lately how satisfying it can be to start to unplug from all that and, just like you said, begin to find our own happiness! Happiness is possible, we have just been trained to look in all the wrong places 🤔. I really appreciate you watching and commenting! It means the world to me ☺

[@larnold7614]

Great explanation of the difference between abstinence and sobriety!

[@kathryndrew5618]

Brilliant video. Brilliant song. Totally can see you dancing around to this smiling for miles!!

[@elizajaynevalentine]

It is so refreshing to find a new channel on addiction at the stage of my recovery where life gets intense and the recovery high (novelty) can wear off in times of grief, thank you for your insights!

[@jonathanhollier3314]

Best name for a channel ever 💯💪❤️

[@sandibroad4099]

Hey. So I’m 53 and it took me until this year to really understand/ grab/ feel in my soul that I sooth myself with food. I went from sucking my thumb to overeating at 12 years old. That was a new discovery. I have read books about food issues. But it took until now for me to feel it. Not someone telling me or watching a show. So I’m a binge eater and I don’t look as if I am. I don’t even talk to people about it. Food is everywhere and we need it to survive so that makes it crazy. I have been on different eating programs and always want to loose weight. I’m at a point where I’m not restricting certain food so I can neutralize them. And that is working. But that is leading to weight gain because I binge. And with this program, it’s about loving myself whatever size I am. It’s a lot. It’s really challenging for me to stop and be compassionate and love myself and not default eat for love. I have been working on the personal growth for several years (more areas than food…anxiety, people pleasing…I’m thankful I haven’t had to have a huge jolt like you, however I would really like something or someone to guide me on a daily basis. If you took the time to read this thanks. If not, that means just putting it out into the universe is good for me. ✌️💗and progress🤗

[@lorieromano]

Wine is my poison and I've always thought food would be a tough one. No one needs wine to survive but you can't just stop eating and once you start... Ugh... Knowledge is power...hopefully being aware will help. Btw, I'm 2 years sober so I get the struggle ❤

[@sandibroad4099]

@ sounds like you are able to take care of yourself even when you don’t want to. That is powerful. Thank you for sharing. Keep loving yourself. 😊💗

[@Elric54]

Thanks, so helpful. Made perfect sense.

[@anitarose7915]

You are doing as well as any other youtubers!❤

[@JemFuerte]

Always look forward to your videos: this had the most views 🎉 and song of the week ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 unapologetically rock to it

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

Aww! Thank you! Yeah I love that song! It's so good. And I'm super stoked to be getting some views! its all very exciting ☺

[@Melissa-d6n-b1d]

Hi Brian! It's your self-appointed personal cheerleader, Melissa!! As always, your approach and insights on such a "typically remarked upon in the same way" subject is so refreshing and unique. I have recently been rethinking some of my own roots in 12 step and my eyes are open to other similarly related options... such as taking elements of a few things and doing "my own thing". Idk... the jury is still out. Again, you have covered the extremely sensitive (for some reason), subject of how we label "not drinking, using, gambling, sexing, or chocolating, (the worst of them all imho), etc, etc. Well done, my friend. Hugs and love. ❤

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

Hey Melissa!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 It’s so good to hear from you. Yes! The chocolating! That one still gets me from time to time. I have seen a lot of people make the 12 steps into their own thing that works great for them. That’s the key for me. Just knowing yourself well enough to know what works best for you. Whatever works to make your life the best it can be is the way to go in my book. You’re the best ❤️🥰

[@Melissa-d6n-b1d]

@SmilesforMiles2024 I really needed to hear that as I keep feeling im doing something "wrong" in the respect of the 12 step program so it feels weird bc the steps are "only suggested" but it seems to create silent judgment if they're not done as suggested. But then again, I may think I'm pretty much a professional at knowing what other people are thinking, but there's a slight chance I could be wrong...probably not though. 😉 Also you mentioned your mom in this video and I can only imagine how delighted and proud of you she must be! What a great feeling for both of you.

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

@@Melissa-d6n-b1d yes. Mom and I are close now. And she is proud of me 🥰

[@GymRatCrypto]

Thanks for the video sir. Keep going. God bless

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

Thank you for watching and thanks so much for the encouragement. It really helps! I'm honored that you took the time to watch 🙂

[@danryan1285]

You're not rambling. I really appreciate you.

[@danielwoolfe1135]

Hi Bryan. I find your insights wondeful, but have also noticed an impressive guitar collection. ;) (dabble in the ol 6 strings myself). One day, can you play something for us? Any songs that have come out of this journey for you?

[@Drew57720]

I’ve started from the beginning of this channel working my way through and one of the things I’ve picked up is that this man is FAR more intelligent and wise than he gives himself credit for.

[@kat.nicolette]

I was surprised you mentioned kratom because I know someone who just got out of rehab after kratom use and i had no idea kratom was a thing until last year

[@juliezzz444]

I love that song. Fun song to dance to. I love getting to know you thru your videos. Thank god for You Tube otherwise I wouldn't be able to feel like I'm part of such a interesting and eye pleasing persons life. Its fun.

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

I love this comment. I had to go back into the video to see what the Song of the Week was. Yeah I’m still loving that song. Brak was my favorite character on Space Ghost. You’re awesome. ❤️🙏

[@themiddlekath]

I would like to reach the freedom of sugar sobriety - beyond white knuckling sugar abstinence. I continue to fall off the wagon and the impact to my mood (anger) of sugar highs and lows really does make my life unmanageable. It’s more than a sweet tooth, it’s “my strange addiction” territory. I will be free of this addiction one day - beyond abstinence into greater ease and calm in sobriety. P.S. Hell yes to Dua Lipa!! I was raised by religious leaders on classical and liturgical music exclusively. I like classical, but now I have a full-on obsession with the poppiest of pop music. I love an earworm - the catchier the better!!

[@valerieclark5064]

I agree with your take on abstinence and sobriety. I had a good friend who lost her son a little over two months after her son spent a total of 8.5 years in prison for drug-related offenses. He was paroled at 2.5 years but went right back to his life, including his on/off girlfriend, who also had an addiction. He was violated within a couple of months. When he came out after serving his complete sentence and started serving the parole, his mom and family said he had been sober for six years. I was thinking, no, he abstained for six years. He said he was not returning to his life or girlfriend; he changed his name on Facebook so old friends couldn't find him, etc. He had free room and board from his mom. Long story short, he lost before he got a chance to change. A girlfriend he was dating at one point came running to my friend's house the day after he was released. He told the girlfriend he wanted to take it slow. Well, she didn't. After a fight, he took her car, which he was already driving more than she did, for a drive to cool off and think. He told her he would return in a couple of hours. She reported her car stolen. He ran scared because he knew he was going back to prison. He caused a car accident within 3 hours of leaving, and he was killed instantly. My friend kept crying, "he was sober," I finally said, "No, he was abstinent but never got a chance to learn how to live sober outside of prison. You did your best to help, but he knew what he had to do and just didn't do it." My friend reluctantly accepted my answer.

[@WizDude-npc]

“I swing both ways” I’m here for that 😂 even if it’s just for music 😂

[@barryben-horowitz5023]

Ah - Knowing we're diseased is half our cure. We can spend our lives sweeping spider webs because its emotionally easier - - or we can face the root cause of our pain, no matter how scary - and kill the spider so we can stop sweeping webs and find peace. I'm really impressed with your introspective into addiction. I was married to an heroine addict. I was clueless (or in denial) he was using and always wondered why he would lose everything to get "high". I get it now - whatever was / is causing his pain - it was easier to get high than to face the root cause because then he would have to do something about it.

[@MsRotorwings]

I’ve decided to watch all of your videos from the beginning. 12 steps doesn’t work for a lot of people. But isn’t part of getting out of prison playing the part, doing what looks good for the parole board and your parole Officer? When you meet with the parole Board aren’t they going to want to see objective feedback that you are doing well (ie. from a Therapist). Or is a recommendation from your Parole Officer all you need?

[@SmilesforMiles2024]

This is a good question. I am up for review right now to see if I can get the ankle monitor off in September. Fingers crossed. I haven't been through it before so I'm not sure how it works or what is going to happen. But I think my parole officer is on my side now. I hope that is enough :) I am definitely doing all the right things as much as I can to play the game right.

[@Elric54]

SMART program worked for me. Self-administered cognitive behavioral therapy. It was alcohol for me.

[@anitarose7915]

Sober in scripture is like what you are saying. Scripture tells us to be watchful and sober. Not speaking of drugs or alcohol. But not partaking in these intoxicants, certainly are also a part of what it is to be wise and dignified.

[@anitarose7915]

This book better be good. Amazon hardcover $ 13.79.😊

[@anitarose7915]

Nothing new under the sun. Just deceptions!😊

[@JokerCat9]

What kind of Les Paul is that in the background?

[@s.g.5602]

Try reading SENECA by the University of Chicago press….your best companion to not get bored.

[@jefffillinger8085]

I wouldn't call kratom a drug its about less than a baby aspirin in the scope of opioids

[@anitarose7915]

You are lucky not to be doing 30 years in prison!!!❤ And thank God!!❤❤❤

[@kristinacollins7668]

I need to communicate with you! Please reach out

[@anitarose7915]

Southeast Asia poppy fields! Mel Gibson and Robert Downy Jr did a movie "Air America" about this crap during the war. Funny and serious movie.

[@anitarose7915]

You look so much like a boyfriend of mine when I was 24-25. Joey I am 56. Too cute!

[@anitarose7915]

Christianity has been riped from society. Believe me, I have lived long enough to know what I am talking about. Lawlessness and lying is typical today, instead of the atypical behavior it was before about the year 2000. You can see the crazy-ass changes happened so quickly that you can see it in the show friends. It ended in 2005 I think, and some of its content is frowned upon today. It is funny and appropriate. This is now clown world, and crazy land!!!

[@anitarose7915]

Your drugs were a side effect!!!😊