What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health | Huberman Lab Podcast #86

In this episode, I discuss the physiological effects that drinking alcohol has on the brain and body at different levels of consumption and over time. I also describe genetic differences that predispose certain individuals to alcoholism, binge and habit-drinking. I explain alcohol metabolism in simple terms and how it effectively acts as a poison, leading to cellular stress and damage. I then explain that it impacts neuronal function and changes our thinking and behavior - hallmarks of inebriation. I also discuss how alcohol consumption of different amounts impacts inflammation, stress, neurodegeneration, and cancer risk and negatively impacts the gut microbiome, brain thickness, hormone balance, mood and feelings of motivation. Additionally, I discuss the biology of hangovers and describe science-based strategies to mitigate the severity of a hangover. Since alcohol is one of the most widely consumed recreational substances, this episode ought to be of relevance to everyone. Indeed, even low-to-moderate alcohol consumption negatively impacts the brain and body in direct ways. The goal of this episode is to help people make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption that are in keeping with their mental and physical health goals.
Thank you to our sponsors
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Articles
Associations between alcohol consumption and gray and white matter volumes in the UK Biobank: go.nature.com/3PNFj7y
Gut Microbiota at the Intersection of Alcohol, Brain, and the Liver: bit.ly/3AaeF2F
Tolerance to alcohol: A critical yet understudied factor in alcohol addiction: bit.ly/3CmfCYo
Associations Between Drinking and Cortical Thickness in Younger Adult Drinkers: Findings From the Human Connectome Project: bit.ly/3AeUosJ
Moderate Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Breast Cancer: bit.ly/3PHlJcK
Can alcohol promote aromatization of androgens to estrogens? A review: bit.ly/3dJjGHZ
Other Resources
Examine - Alcohol & Hangover: bit.ly/3QHYpx4
Timestamps
00:00:00 Effects of Alcohol Consumption
00:02:25 Momentous Supplements
00:03:19 Low to Moderate Alcohol Consumption & Neurodegeneration
00:06:52 Levels, Eight Sleep, ROKA
00:10:46 Historical Context & Uses of Alcohol
00:13:28 Alcohol Metabolism, “Empty Calories”
00:18:23 Inebriation: Top-Down Inhibition, Impulsivity & Memory Formation
00:24:23 Long-Lasting Effects & Impulsivity, Neuroplasticity & Reversibility
00:27:55 Food & Alcohol Absorption
00:30:07 Alcohol & Serotonin, SSRIs & Depression, Risk for Alcoholism, Blackouts
00:37:39 Predisposition for Alcoholism; Chronic Consumption, Cortisol & Stress
00:44:53 AG1 (Athletic Greens)
00:46:07 Genetic Predisposition for Alcoholism, Consuming Alcohol Too Young
00:52:27 Gut-Liver-Brain Axis: Alcohol, Gut Microbiome, Inflammation & Leaky Gut
00:59:46 Tool: Improving/Replenishing Gut Microbiome
01:02:44 Reducing Alcohol Consumption & Stress
01:04:25 Hangover: Alcohol & Sleep, Anxiety, Headache
01:12:11 Hangover Recovery, Adrenaline & Deliberate Cold Exposure
01:17:16 Hangover Recovery, Dehydration & Electrolytes
01:20:45 Types of Alcohol & Hangover Severity, Congeners
01:25:25 Alcohol Tolerance, Dopamine & Serotonin, Pleasure-Pain Balance
01:33:36 Are There Any Positive Effects of Alcohol?, Resveratrol
01:35:42 Alcohol & Brain Thickness
01:37:11 Alcohol & Cancer Risk: DNA Methylation, Breast Cancer Risk
01:44:31 Mitigating Cancer Risk, Folate, B Vitamins
01:46:54 Alcohol & Pregnancy, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
01:50:58 Hormones: Testosterone & Estrogen Balance
01:55:09 Negative Effects of Alcohol Consumption
01:58:35 Zero-Cost Support, KZbin Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous Supplements, Instagram, Twitter, Neural Network Newsletter, Huberman Lab Clips
The Huberman Lab Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

[@andrewtrotter9023]

54 hours sober at this moment. It seems pathetic, but that’s the longest in 2 years I’ve gone without having 6 to 10 drinks a a day. I was in the hospital twice in 2020 for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. I thought I was dying. I MUST quit or I’m going die an early death. God help me. Day 36. 🙏🏼 Update #3: Thanks to all who have commented, prayed or sent good vibes. I’m still going strong. Today is Day 23 alcohol-free. I’m struggling with headaches which I never have. Not sure if it’s abstinence related or or something else, but it’s manageable with OTC pain relievers. Appreciate the love. Thanks so much. 🙏🏼 Update #2: Today is Day 13 alcohol-free. Eventually I’ll stop counting days but for now each one is a victory. Thanks again to all who have encouraged me. For those interested, I’m now on Day Nine alcohol-free. I have struggled with nausea, difficulty sleeping as well as temptation to ‘just have one’ to get through the day or get to sleep (of course I know I wouldn’t stop there). But by grace I have not had the violent vomiting and tremors that I had before on other tries. By far the longest I’ve been without a drink in two years. Thank you with all my heart to any of you who took time to post a reply or even acknowledge my message here with an upvote. Forever grateful to you all, even though we don’t know each other. I hope this encourages someone else. One more day… 🙏🏼

[@mariabourlako7420]

The book by Roy Eskapa, Phd "The cure for alcoholism" and The Sinclair method ,ask your doctor for prescription of the drug called Naltrexone, the book explains how to use the drug. Best of luck!

[@andrewtrotter9023]

@@mariabourlako7420 Thank you.

[@dc9015]

rooting for you

[@andrewtrotter9023]

@@dc9015 Thank you. Five plus days alcohol-free now!

[@rainmaker1461]

@@andrewtrotter9023 Very good. Keep going. 5 days will be come 10, then 20.

[@deepakkhule4174]

Fucking proud of me, 6 years of alcoholic, 1/2 a bottle whisky a day, and 100 + fail attempts of quitting and here I am on my 77th day of no alcohol. Was very hard for a month but now I am happy on myself.

[@Vusseyv]

Keep going I was an alcoholic for 20 years. Now clean. Feel amazing

[@milehighyt2097]

keep it going my dude

[@cathrynreid4500]

You deserve to be proud of yourself. Well done Sir…. I have so much respect for the fact that you did not quit trying to eliminate alcohol from your life and you didn’t give in to what would have been easy…to keep drinking. I don’t drink but my husband did have addiction issues and I can honestly say being a sober person around a drinker wasn’t fun….drinking didn’t do anything to enhance his personality..quite the opposite. No one likes listening to the slurring, dealing with the blackouts, putting up with hangovers which made him grumpy. I also worked as an ER/trauma nurse who seen so many senseless deaths due to impaired drivers. I just wanted you to know how happy I am for the wonderful life choice you made to quit drinking and have so much hope that you may unknowingly help others decide to do the same. May god bless you with all good things ahead and much 🫶🏻 from 🇨🇦. We ER nurses love hearing these stories. 🌻

[@lr2645]

That’s awesome! Keep it up. I wish I could get my husband to quit drinking.

[@TreeHuggerLifer]

Power to you, congrats! keep building up those good habits!

[@massawakening6232]

2 drink per night whisky drinker for over 10 years. This is the video that convinced me to quick drinking permanently. After several months of zero alcohol consumption, I personally experience the following benefits: Triglyceride levels returned to normal BNP levels returned to normal Blood pressure returned to normal Skin improved in appearance Former IBS issues completely disappeared Sleep pattern returned to a state of what would be considered normal 12 year battle with anxiety and depression completely subsided and was able to discontinue daily use of 20mg Lexapro Increase energy level Increase in sexual desire Weight loss Overall heathier appearance and feeling Last but not lease, a fatter wallet and satisfaction that I will not give my money to these companies that hide the truth. Good luck to all! And a humbling thank you to Dr. Huberman.

[@thomashugus5686]

Damn, I experienced same results! 50 years of alcohol 3 drinks most evenings. Thought I was a “ moderate” drinker😅. 83 days and counting!!

[@mattricopena]

'Drinking today, steals tomorrow's happiness'

[@nansmith8703]

Gosh that’s really surprising - two whiskies a night is extremely moderate.

[@winstonreid9077]

This is an incredibly beautiful testimony. A huge congratulations to you, brother, and thanks for taking the time to share these notes with the world. You’re inspiring many who read it even if they may not tell you directly like with my comment here. Way to be a light!

[@gaisericg9984]

Kinda crazy, I don't consider myself an alcoholic but I quit smoking around 3 weeks ago after 27 years and somehow my new thought processes ended up bringing me to this video. I used to be a drunk and went to the blackout point every time I drank but cut out hard liquor 10 or so years ago and just drink beer every night and handle it fine. Never crave a drink or anything like that these days but it's that little reward after work, when this video mentioned the "cutoff" between work and home life that hit home. Ended up listening to the entire video and so much of it hit the same way the CBT program that helped me quit smoking breaking down how much it isn't even enjoyable. Going to go dry tomorrow for the first time in probably 15 years and just see how it goes

[@jensenon]

I once heard some one say “I always regret drinking but I’ve never regretted NOT drinking”. That has stayed with me for 35 years and still holds true. Words to live by.

[@MartinBroadhurst]

As someone who just landed himself in a spot of bother through drinking too much, I think this is a great message. Definitely something to keep in mind.

[@misanthr0pic]

ehh sometimes i go out and wish i had a drink

[@Alexii18]

Thank you so much for commenting! I'm currently struggling with my alcohol habits, and this stood out to me ❤

[@MrWingiii]

There are moments you definitely regret not drinking

[@AP-nx6xo]

So true

[@bryguy6509]

Wild. I'm over half way through this and my eyes are opened. Many years of having sleep issues, depression, stomach problems, anxiety, a terrible threshold for stress, impulse control, etc. I truly thought my drinking was an inability to cope or not having the essential coping mechanisms. I just set up my first therapy session, still haven't had my appointment but yesterday I had a vizzy 12 pack, 3 bourbon shots, a pint of whiskey and halfish of a bottle of wine. That's for sure not everyday, but I often drink. I'm a sad bastard. Today I thought maybe I should quit because drinking is too convenient and getting in the way of my growth. I searched reddit to decide if I should quit and someone said "I'm not an alcoholic, but I quit" and mentioned this podcast. Now, watching this, I'm realizing that the majority of the reasons I had to pursue therapy was actually created due to alcohol use disorder, and I'm very much a candidate for full-blown alcoholism, or right on the fucking edge. Thank you for taking the time to make this. Day 1 sober. EDIT: 8 days sober. EDIT: 11 days - IWNDWYT EDIT: 30 days EDIT: 40 days EDIT: 67 days EDIT: 92 days EDIT: 98 days EDIT: 125 days EDIT: 218 days EDIT: 250 days

[@quazzydiscman]

How you holding up? You sound a lot like me and my first 2 weeks not drinking are always pretty difficult and I replace it with binge eating. Have you found yourself replacing the booze with another vice?

[@bryguy6509]

@@quazzydiscman i would say I've swapped booze for eating, but there are implications from quitting nicotine as well as a dental surgery i had Friday. Nothing is stable at the moment, but I'm feeling okay. 15 days sober 4 days nicotine free -4 wisdom teeth

[@quazzydiscman]

Well congrats on your start. Nicotine and alcohol quitting at the same time is really impressive. Keep it up. I'm no pillar of health here, but I can say that, for me, how long I maintain sobriety seems to go hand in hand with maintaining a regular exercise regimen. When I stop exercising, I start drinking. I currently can't seem to get back to a healthy routine. Good luck!

[@NewGrow-kb1bg]

@@quazzydiscman I find weight lifting exercise is a great way to force yourself to not drink and to eat healthy. It helps create a connection between healthy habit and feeling good, which is important when rewiring your brain from alcohol and processed food. Cause if you lift 1-2 hours5-6 times a week and you drink and eat bad, you’ll feel so shitty before and after workout that you’ll never do it again. When you aren’t working out, you eat processed food and drink it doesn’t make you feel bad in the same way as if you are lifting.

[@rebelsoldier2391]

All that in one night? I'm surprised you didn't get alcohol poisoning!

[@qm8888]

As an alcoholic, this episode explains SO MUCH about me and my previous behavior. Currently 4 months sober, this honestly gave me even more motivation to stay that way. THANK YOU so much!

[@wavesofcreation]

Wow exactly the same! 4 months 🙏🏻

[@xaviernogueira]

4 months is an accomplishment keep your foot on the gas!

[@deb8917]

Good for you! Good Luck!

[@joas162]

That's great work, keep it up!

[@terrileeg03]

Praying for you…I know it’s a struggle!

[@user-xd3yc8vy8l]

Listened to this March 2023 and have not had a drink since, lost 35 pounds, off diabetes meds. Still miss it from time to time. Great video! Thanks!

[@stevend7091]

I had a drinking problem for over a decade. After watching this video, I decided to quit. It's been 3 months now, and I come back to watch this every month . It scares me from the danger of alcohol and keeps me going on my sobriety journey

[@mokujin29]

come on stevie , just one drink won't hurt

[@stevend7091]

@mokujin29 problem is I can't just have one when I drink otherwise you are right

[@mokujin29]

I know right ? @@stevend7091

[@Ramdapanda]

@@mokujin29 that's some dark shit man

[@Ramdapanda]

@@stevend7091 good on ya! Keep on trucking, rooting for ya!

[@actual_john_doe]

Quitting drinking was the best decision of my adult life. Soon 500 days sober, one day at a time.

[@davidjimenez7556]

Awesome! Best decision I made in my adult life as well!

[@luzaguirre2830]

Samsies!! Sobriety is empowering & one of the best forms of self love ❤️ ❤❤ Now i'm all about that runner's high😏

[@forgiven36511]

Praying for you bud. Keep it up.

[@joehughes7620]

Mine too

[@OneLifeTwoLive]

I am so proud of you ❤

[@boldottoman]

The fact that Huberman has to tip toe around this topic and say things like "i'm not here to demonize alcohol" just shows how deeply rooted this problem is in our society.

[@voskresenie-]

I think some of it is probably that he's trying to effect change in drinkers who really don't want to give up alcohol. If one of them starts this podcast and hears, "alcohol is terrible, you should stop drinking immediately", they're more likely than not to just stop listening and turn it off. But if he takes a gentler approach, they might listen through the whole thing and actually realize that all kinds of negative effects they'd always assumed were just part of life (anxiety/depression, bad sleep, etc.) are actually a result of alcohol, and be more inclined to decrease usage or stop. I too wish he didn't have to tip toe, as you say, but he does say outright several times that he would prefer people not drink at all, so at least he is stating his beliefs outright, even if he feels the need to repeatedly add that he's not demonizing alcohol. I'm a recovering alcoholic, drank from the time I woke up till the time I went to sleep, and often had to drink more in the middle of the night to stop the shakes so I could get back to 'sleep', only taking a day off when the cumulative effects of a binge got to the point where I literally couldn't keep down any liquid -- I'd take a shot or drink a beer, immediately throw it up, try it again, repeat until it either worked and my stomach would relax from the alcohol, or until I realized it just wasn't going to happen and gave up -- and I did not give up easily, when you're going through alcohol withdrawal, you'll put up with just about any amount of physical pain (eg vomiting) to make the shakes and sweats and so on stop. That's obviously an extreme case (not for alcoholics, necessarily, but for drinkers as a whole), but I promise my story will have relevance to less severe drinkers as well at the end. Following stopping, I noticed massive improvements in mood and health for months and months. The first 2-3 months, I was getting better sleep, but still miserable. I thought that's just what life was like for me and that alcohol was the only way to feel any sort of enjoyment. Three to six months after, I started noticing an upward trend in mood (generally happier, far far less anxious, slightly more energy) and thought, ok, life might actually be tolerable without alcohol, but I thought that was where the improvements would stop. But over the next 6 months, I continued to feel better, almost at an accelerated pace. After about a year, I not only felt better than I could remember feeling at any point in my life, I felt better than I'd ever even thought was possible. Admittedly, I don't know how much of the changes from 6 to 12 months were related to a virtuous cycle -- more energy, less anxiety, and better mood led to me doing more with my life, making friends, engaging in hobbies again, which in turn all lead to more positive emotions and greater general happiness -- but I don't believe that was all it was, and I think my body and mind were still recovering from close to a decade of alcohol abuse. I think after a year, any improvements were the result of life changes rather than continued healing, but the healing is what facilitated those life changes, so while not physiological, are still improvements I got from quitting alcohol. If I'd felt this good before, I never would have felt the need to drink as much as I did. But I fell into partying heavily in college (because I was one of those people Huberman describes, who gets energized by alcohol), and gradually my body became less able to tolerate it -- my /tolerance/ increased, but my body's ability to tolerate and recover between nights of drinking decreased. As a result, my baseline mood degraded and I found myself drinking more and more often because I was less able to have fun without it. And then I was less able to even feel 'ok' without it. And then I was drinking 8-10 beers most weeknights, and 16+ most weekend nights, mostly alone. And then it went from 'most' to 'all'. And then I had a particularly difficult experience and I started drinking the next day at 9am. And then I started drinking from Friday afternoon till late Sunday night, straight. And then I started drinking a few drinks before work to calm the anxiety. And then I started sneaking out at lunch to have a few more. And then COVID hit and I started drinking the whole day through. And then I landed myself in jail with felony charges, only remembering bits and pieces of what happened. Got off with just a few years of probation, but if I failed a drug test (including alcohol), I'd be locked up for 2 years, so I had to quit drinking either way -- if I couldn't do it out in the world, I'd be forced to do it inside a cell. At that point, I seriously considered suicide, as I couldn't imagine how I could possibly live without alcohol. This all happened over the course of over 10 years. There was no point where I thought, "sure, now I'll become an alcoholic who is drunk 24/7, that sounds like fun". It was just a progression of steadily worsening baseline mood, followed by slight increases in alcohol consumption, in a vicious cycle to the bottom. I know most people with 'alcoholic propensity' aren't going to end up like this. But I never thought I'd end up like this, and neither did the vast majority of the hundreds of people I've met through in-/outpatient treatment and recovery support groups. Everyone thinks they've got it under control. They can hold their booze. They just /like/ to drink, they don't need to drink. And that's true, until it isn't, and by then, it's incredibly hard to get out. I wish more people knew how easily it can happen, without you even realizing what's going on. There's no point where you start to 'feel' like an alcoholic. You might know on paper that you are one, but you feel like the same guy who liked to party in college and have a few drinks to relax in the evening. The people who most need to hear it won't listen, though, because they're not 'weak-willed' like us alcoholics. I can't fault them; I didn't listen, either. And I don't regret going through it. I'm a better person for it on the other side. But that's because I got out, and not everyone does. To anyone reading this, if you think you have a problem, you probably do. You don't have to stop drinking. You can always wait and see. Maybe you'll never bottom out. But if you're someone who will, you'll spare yourself a whole hell of a lot of pain by stopping before you get there. And if you're someone who won't, your quality of life will still likely improve drastically if you do. And if you've already found yourself at rock bottom and you're still going, believe me: you're not there yet. You haven't hit rock bottom till you stop digging. No matter bad things are now, they can get worse. But no matter how bad things are, they can get better if you stop and get help. All the best.

[@mariebailey4368]

My Goodness what a story, all I can say is Wow Well Done You...🎉👍

[@Blake-pn6xm]

⁠@@voskresenie-This story should be it’s own comment- I’m speechless. So glad you pulled yourself out and created a better life. Godspeed.

[@tauseefhassan7796]

A few years back our town had to shut down our secondary highway at night and raise power lines to transport new kettles for a local brewery in the city 20 miles away - they were too big to fit under the bridges on the main highway. It's a massive problem.

[@DrWalterJitsu]

I disagree there is no shortage of "you should do this/you shouldn't do that" messages out there most of the time it is better to just provide people with the right information so they understand cause and effect and are better equipped to make the right decision

[@TheSgkerr123]

I have had anxiety and depression, terrible sleep and used alcohol to deal with this (although alcohol probably caused this) and job stress. Having watched this, I’m 4 days sober. In just four days I feel better, sleep is improving, I feel sharper, I do hope I am able to repair the damage I have done over the last 30 years.

[@flangecorp9789]

I’m in almost exactly the same boat. I’ve been 3 days sober, and I’m having a lot of trouble sleeping. I’m wide awake with 2 hours till work, but it’s better than being hungover, and I know I’ll get better sleep over the coming days. Keep going my friend, you’re doing great!

[@WyattKing.]

Checking in man. Good on you, keep it up.

[@SonaFlare]

keep it up y’all!!❤

[@TH-eb5ro]

Just checking in on you. I have siblings who have issues you describe and am hopeful they will also give it a try. They almost need the alcohol to fall asleep.

[@Nb_edu]

I started like this and now im 60 days in. Cant remember the last time i felt so good, sharp and at peace

[@scottcrane7670]

Currently married to an alcoholic. Awful situation that many don’t understand. I worry everyday about her overall health. All the reasons/excuses for drinking cause her to be stuck in an endless loop. Alcohol is just a very short lived temporary fix for life’s problems. In reality, it creates so much more. All while fixing nothing. I pray she can one day announce sobriety. I will never touch the stuff again. It brings back such awful memories.

[@DrMackSplackem]

Look into The Sinclair Method with Naltrexone. It has a 78% success rate, and the person doesn't even have to want to quit, just cut back (but most eventually do decide to stop regular drinking after reaching extinction).

[@donotmissDutch]

She shall never stop drinking. You know.

[@ysabellpp]

@@donotmissDutchthat’s not helpful at all. Many many people do stop.

[@latina06678]

I recommend the book Annie Grace (this naked mind ) only way I have ever stopped with the feeling of feeling left out or feeling like I was missing something.

[@ABC-48483]

Leave her

[@AwareParenting]

Absolute gold. I'd love high school science teachers to show this in class. Changing the drinking culture starts with accurate unbiased, non-emotive information.

[@llkoolbean4935]

Absolutely right

[@cmmorrell]

I agree! In Zambia alcohol is sold to teens (no ID checks) so they drink quite early and don't understand the implications of this activity...

[@yoko1813]

That teach might just be file as a missing person before the lesson is up

[@chompushkabombushka3595]

SERIOUSLY! This plus more comprehensive and actionable information about neuromodulators, especially dopamine and its relationship to addiction and motivation. This information would be so valuable for young adults.

[@sergedenovo2389]

I thought “just say no” was sufficient? …’Just cut it out buddy.’ No. That is worthless advice that too many- martini and whiskey sipping- boomers give. Bad, banal advice, boomers. Drinking is a symptom not the cause. And “just pull yourself up by your bootstraps” advice is completely and utterly worthless. So is “gotta hit bottom”. For some people “the bottom” is the grave. And life is too precious to let this demon take it.

[@waynebuckley8209]

An hour in I had to pull over and sat crying listening to the rest of this. I was the typical military guy that can drink all night. Now I find myself needed a dew drinks a day. It's for no reason (as my life is good) other than 'needing' a drink. The 5 beers I had left from last night that I was going to drink tonight (whilst convincing myself it's all good) I've poured down the drain in disgust. THANKYOU

[@eastcoastkickz4891]

The war isnt over ⚔️

[@diaz6884]

Update? I'm on day 2 same deal partied so much in my 20s that I started needing to drink at least a six pack a day.

[@chrisgarland1401]

You can do it man.

[@RealziesCuts]

You got this 🏆💫

[@AiJJC]

Keep it up man! One day at a time. If you wanna drink, go for a walk, be busy.

[@zachcal4328]

This video should be shown to every high schooler. Crazy how if you don’t drink people look at you like you’re a lunatic

[@mokujin29]

yep this guy was taking to his children for a while there

[@timzstr]

los er

[@sheenae762]

This video helped me to stop drinking alcohol in December and I cannot believe the benefits that I have enjoyed. At first it was hard because I had a headache for five days and then dry mouth for three days, but after that, I noticed some major positive changes. I did not think having a glass of wine on average every day was a problem, but it really was. Here are some of the benefits I have noticed: Much less anxiety, much less stress, better conversational skills, improved relationships, increased true confidence, better focus, better listening, better attention span, less reactive, more situational awareness, more sleep and much better quality sleep, healthier appetite, more energy, better hydrated, improved hair health, better impulse control, much better memory, much better recall of specific facts including numbers, more positive outlook, reduced sciatica pain, it is easier to wake up earlier in the morning, and the list goes on and on. If you are dealing with any mental or physical health issues at all and you drink alcohol, try stopping and see if you feel better

[@firephoen1x]

Currently alcohol free for 50+ days and ive noticed all of the positives that you mention. Thinking way more clearly, boosted energy levels, anxiety completely gone, sleeping better, feeling better, breathing better, much more confident, acid reflux gone, just to name a few. This has been the best decision ive made in years, and i plan to never drink again. If anybody is in doubt, stop drinking for 30 days and i am confident you wont look back

[@murfnturf23]

Also fasting helps with all of this too.

[@aw.9639]

I've been drinking since I was 17. Probably not a single weekend that I haven't had a drink for years now. Lately, because of personal issues and depression, I started heavily drinking almost every other day. Sometimes, every day. Stuck in an endless cycle, it was giving me the boost for the night, shutting down my mind and making me feel happy for a few hours, and then was feeling like shit for a few days. Then I got to know about this gentleman and I listened to him. And it stopped. All my booze is stacked up and I've not touched it for a while now. Mr. Huberman if you are reading this, please know there is one more person you saved from drowning in toxins. Thank you!

[@conorpaulpurcell3403]

All that stacked up booze - pour it down the sink. I did that last year and never looked back. Don't allow it in your home as a fundamental principle.

[@krisb-travel]

oh man, this is the dream, in the last month or so i just spiraled down, my whole life i drank 2-3 beers a night, concerning but not alarming perhaps, now in the last month something changed and im in the death spiral of 8 beers a night (8 x 500ml).... at this point its a major health risk and im struggling to take a single day break, after 20 years of drinking, im finally in the death spiral. AKA the phase where if you dont stop, you have just a few years to live... my sides hurt already.... im a dad of two and business focused, i think im too bored hence the drinking... any tips would be massively appreciated.

[@romkirom2739]

@@krisb-travel No planning, just stop for today and tomorrow. Mark your dry days. Write a few sentences in the evening about how you feel. Yeah, even when you’ll feel bad, just pour it out to your notes. Use OneNote or Notion or whatever suits you. Morning journaling is also great but hard for me. A bit of exercise in the morning though make wonders. Nothing crazy but keep the momentum, every day, the same set of pushups etc. Write somewhere why do you want to break the habit. Return to this „WHY” every time you’d feel down. Add „whys” along the way. Helped me tremendously!

[@steven-dark]

@@krisb-travel If you are in the USA, you could look at Ria Health.

[@SupaHoon]

Chuck it out, now!

[@ricasso777]

I was sober for 7 months and relapsed this past weekend . Listening to this pod encouraged me to get back on track , thank you

[@ilovebrandnewcarpets]

You got this!! 💪🏼🤙🏻

[@dannyb7166]

Being sober is a lifestyle one day doesnt make a pattern keep putting your best foot forward bro

[@jzen1455]

I was sober for 6 months from Jan to June of this year. Then relapsed until Sunday Oct 2. I'm on day 5, and this is the longest stretch of sobriety since July!

[@lorainemohar5791]

You got this!

[@msjannd4]

😔😌❤

[@blove3414]

As a recovering alcoholic that swore none of my health issues caused all of this. Cirrhosis was going to be my end. 18 months in. Cut all sugars and sober most all problems have vanished. Life is so precious. My gosh. One day at a time!

[@island661]

Not to mention how it ages you.

[@blove3414]

@island1111 oh the dehydration. My good skin was yellow and eyes too lol 😆

[@BrownGeorge-pw2xo]

I started drinking alcohol since my teenage, spent my whole life fighting alcohol addiction. Alcohol addiction actually destroyed my life. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@NicoleCtirad]

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]

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 Greece. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@DonnHowes]

Hey! Yes Dr.alishrooms

[@SusanaGomez-mp8sk]

I'm really happy for you that your mom decided to help you...I hear about alot of family members or so called friends shutting an addict out of their life, which since most addicts do it to mask emotions to me is the worse thing someone can do to an addict.

[@RubenDuate]

How do i reach out to him? Is he on Instagram

[@nathanielbarbeau4821]

I started at 30 years old after a divorce and an ankle fracture. Alcohol energizes me. 8 years later of 8+ drink s everyday I can confirm 100% everything said here. Depression, anxiety, mood swings, no sex drive, no motivation, no enjoyment in my passions, weight gain and now hypogonadism that’s probably irreversible. 17 days sober now with next to 0 cravings, and my blood work is showing nice improvements. My goal is a sober 2023. God answers prayer folks.

[@Davinci__man]

Wish you good luck❤

[@nathanielbarbeau4821]

@@Davinci__man Thank you for you kind reply. 43 days sober today.

[@chrisgreen2299]

Praise God for your sobriety. When I try and quit the depression and anxiety is so bad! How did you deal?

[@jakescourage]

​@@nathanielbarbeau4821 goodluck brother you can do this!

[@nathanielbarbeau4821]

@@chrisgreen2299 speak with your doctor and get some blood work. You may be medicating yourself for an unknown issue. I’ve slipped up twice in 2 months, but I’m back on track. I had bad anxiety the day after my last slip up but it was a result of alcohol. When I do not drink my anxiety eventually goes away. The risk of death helps me stay focused. Sometimes you just need a wake up call.

[@user-cx2mt3gl9v]

I quit drinking on my birthday January 13th, 2023 mostly from this podcast alone. After years of high functioning alcoholism, I am sober for the first time in my adulthood and I haven’t gone back or took one sip. Wow, never thought I’d be able to do this!!

[@bklynn6218]

Wow that's awesome, wish my daughter could hear how you did it. She's been addicted since teen years and in her mid-30's now. Happy for you and your family 🎉 keep staying strong 🙏♥️

[@aggiesart6]

​@@bklynn6218❤

[@griley218]

That's my birthday

[@eileenlocke7877]

Well done

[@eileenlocke7877]

There is Alcoholics Anonymous and narcotics anonymous world wide it helped me sober 16 years I wish yr daughter well

[@toddh9507]

Almost 3 years alcohol free here. Best decision I've ever made. I drank for 30 years, and now I've never felt better. Wish i quit that poison sooner.

[@gavinclothier9625]

Huberman your literally giving people the greatest medicine = Free Education, laterally this gives people the ability to replay every time they feel the "pull". For decades people had to pay good money to see a doctor or specialist to maybe get one 10th of this information. Walking away from a clinic with best intentions only to forget it soon after. Education should be free and available to everyone to help stop social decline... I applaud you for sharing your knowledge with the world in the most professional way, you lead by example in every way 👏

[@fabulouslyfit54]

192 days sober today. Best choice I’ve ever made. I’m 52 years old and it started affecting every part of my life for the worse. Thank you, Dr Huberman for talking about this.

[@1Hawting]

Congratulations on the 192 days!!

[@LiveGoodSMW]

Good brother... Its not easy though, hey. I find it hard to stop for real, no matter how good i feel after several months. Crazyness.

[@jzen1455]

I was sober between Jan and June of this year after drinking ~15 servings of alcohol daily for nearly 2 years straight during the pandemic with maybe 5 or so days of not drinking. I drank to reduce the anxiety and fatigue caused by heavy drinking, which further worsened anxiety and fatigue... I've tried moderation since June only to ramp up drinking again and am now trying to titrate down and quit for good.

[@skeets2409]

1year+1week for me bro, lets keep it going

[@cedric4097]

Congratulations, keep going !!

[@penmaenmawrdefiant1146]

I'm scared to watch. However the uncomfortable truths I face couldn't come from a more trusted and reliable source. Thanks for covering this subject Andrew Huberman ❤️

[@kr5746]

"TRUSTED AND RELIABLE" !! AGREED! Thanks for everything indeed!

[@mankydave67]

Me too, scared to watch, but definitely been waiting for Andrew’s take on the effect of alcohol on the brain and the rest of the body for that matter.

[@Diesel11769]

I feel the same way

[@TheGutFeels]

We all are scared

[@TimL1980]

👍🏻😁yeah.... I do sometimes take a break from wine cider etc - a week here a couple of weeks there... but given that we are apparently talking about miniscule amounts (at least that's what 10drinks a week would be considered here in France, Germany, GB...) it's quite scary! I'm one hour in now and do hope those beneficial effects come up soon!

[@shellylamb2986]

1 month sober today. I've been on and off with drinking for a while and really wanting to quit, watching this video several times to strengthen my resolve to never go back. Thank you for your amazing content.

[@frjensen13]

I LOVE these Dr. Huberman videos! I am today, February 1, 2024, one month and one day free of the poison, and this information is excellent reinforcement that I made the correct choice to stop drinking. It feels great and I don’t in any way miss those mornings of feeling crappy and depressed.

[@HighLifeWorkout]

I stopped drinking over 5 years ago. One of the best decisions I ever made. Great video🏆

[@LiveGoodSMW]

How did you do it.

[@dawnfmEnthusiast]

very cool to see you here 💯

[@sihlehadebe4127]

How?

[@tedgq]

🙌

[@talkofthetownpodcast5175]

I started 5 years ago, best decision of my life

[@theguvnor3880]

Stopping alcohol consumption was one of the best life decisions I have made.

[@kimberlyf4888]

Likewise!

[@daniellebaer7166]

Same here ! I've been alcohol free for 5 years now, my quality of life has improved immensely 👌

[@Faust_77]

As a Muslim, I have not put any single drop of alcohol ever in my life. Are you saying I haven’t missed much? 🤪

[@kyleneal413]

Same here. 3 plus years AF.

[@Patrickdaawsome]

@@Faust_77 lol you've definitely missed out, but fun times can't last forever so we must stop at some point. Doesn't mean some of the experiences weren't worth it.

[@lindsaymacaskie8423]

I didn’t start drinking until I was 21; I became an alcoholic by the time I was 30. I am now 34. I quit drinking for 2 years & 3 months cold turkey with no support; long distance running became my outlet. Earlier this year, I relapsed & was right back to where I was 2 years ago. My friends and family thought I’d just get right back on the wagon, but I have been struggling to get sober & have been really beating myself up for it to the point where I began to believe I really was powerless, & started thinking this could be the end for me. After listening to this podcast, I now feel hope for the first time in months. I don’t feel like this is my fault anymore- I now understand that I was genetically predisposed. It’s my fault if I drink alcohol- but it’s not my fault that I’m an alcoholic. That’s a powerful distinction for me. I now understand that the depression and anxiety that follow from drinking are my brain/gut/ body chemistry struggling to find equilibrium after I have literally flushed my system with poison. Simply understanding what is going on gives me a lot of peace and has made me believe in myself again.

[@chrissymoltisanti1892]

thanks for sharing. best of luck!

[@KG-tk1oh]

Check out the naked mind book.

[@annikadjurberg6762]

Read " This Naked Mind "

[@user-he2tn7bv6r]

1year sober on the 27th of January 🎉 Drank heavily every weekend from I was a teenager 😢 my mother was an alcoholic and drug addict my childhood was pretty traumatic I used alcohol to numb & mask stuff! Now living my best life healthy fit & strong mind body & soul at 33 years old. Better late than never ❤ on goes the journey to self healing xxx

[@cht2162]

I'm surely fortunate. Had my 1st beer in 1957 (aged 18) and LOVED the feeling. Euphoria, Warmth. Quickly moved to drinking bourbon and became a daily drinker. So many blackouts and serious depressions. Kept on drinking with slowly increasing daily amounts, trying to stop for short periods (New Year's (etc)). Soon back to drinking. I loved how drinking made me feel and I never got into trouble because of it. Like all drunks I was surrounded by drinkers. My average daily consumption was about a pint. My health began to go South (180/120 BP). Got involved with AA and had a great sponsor. Went to a treatment center. That was 8/2/1981 when I was 41. I have never had a drink since and I'm a healthy 83. I'm lucky. Many of my former drinking buddies are dead.

[@MCandela922]

Really inspiring. Congrats to a better life.

[@bm421]

Great story. Gives me hope as a 40 year old. Sometimes feels like it’s too late to reverse any damage.

[@tonym994]

I'm 20 years or so younger than you, and I've known too many people who died (65)before their time due to lifestyle .had my Dad lived, he'd be around your age .he was 12 yrs. sober in the 12 step outfit you mention, when he died, suddenly. and w/ booze, he nearly didn't make 55.

[@miamaufort1186]

❤ awesome

[@Chazdachap]

The best kind of day is 10 hours of caffeine followed by 4 hours of alcohol.

[@RealziesCuts]

134 days no alcohol 🥇🏆 I can 100% confirm that this is the most valuable and important video on the entire Internet! Thank God for Andrew Huberman 🏅

[@thisisme3238]

🎉 Congrats 🎉 "One Day At A Time"

[@danielfcastro]

I nerver had a problem with alcohol so it has been easy for me to quit it. 31 days now without even tasting it.

[@kimba3339]

…I agree with you. Knowing all the facts about that toxin makes it much easier to make the decision to quit. Congratulations!!!!!

[@scriming]

@@thisisme3238 no, Alan Carr - Easyway, read it

[@scriming]

@@thisisme3238 ok, so until you can interpret a simple offer, dont read it

[@Tardyrover]

18 years now without a drink, was a chronic alcoholic , great podcast and very true!

[@ElsWester-wj6bl]

What exactly was yr reason to watch this? Curious

[@Tardyrover]

I think it's something I never forget, I like to remind myself how well I've done as well I guess. @@ElsWester-wj6bl

[@yousnasserous]

How did you do it?

[@davehinman8326]

I too celebrated 18 years of sobriety this week and the blackout segment was my start of sobriety. Best podcast I have learned about in 18years!

[@OpenSocialBoostbyLPMedia]

5 things I learned from 365 days alcohol free: 1) Cake is better than beer. I saved 180,000+ calories just by not drinking for 12 months. I ate more cake, ice cream & cookies than I ever have. I lost 52 pounds. I also made much better food decisions more often. Alcohol makes me crave terrible food. 2) I like running. Like WTF, how did that happen? I grew up an athlete, playing 3 sports in high school, playing college baseball, and was in the military. I still hated running though. Now I crave it, I’ll crush 5 miles like a light walk. My mind gets tired before my lungs do. I can really challenge my inner dialog & push my mental stamina. 3) FAB or Fading Affect Bias is real. This mechanism helps us be more positive or process past events or traumas. In the case of negative habits, this is what trips many people up. Thinking of drinking, I usually remember the "fun" times, not the negative aspects or physiological harm. FAB leads to cravings; I cut them off immediately. 4) I enjoy sports & concerts more. Initially it was hard; alcohol was associated w/ every event. Not only did I save money, about $3k, but also time. I wasn't standing in a beer line or bathroom line for half the dang show or game. And I just flat out enjoy these events more. The experience feels deeper. 5) Never say never, but I do not see ever consuming alcohol again. It's a dull drug. I thought this would be a 1-year deal, but it's turned into a lifestyle. I am much healthier, stronger physically & mentally, and my clarity of vision for my goals has never been sharper. My personal relationships are stronger & my inner dialog is better than it’s ever been. I am simply happier and it’s not even close. Normalize alcohol free lifestyle. A great book, for those interested is Alcohol Explained by William Porter. It’s the one that flipped the switch for me.

[@gingerharris6207]

You've cross addicted on sugar. Check out a 12 Step program

[@skydengelis3758]

Verbatim my experience

[@LudwigSC93]

That's great that you do not drink anymore but sugar in general should be avoided just like alcohol because sugar is the enemy and will destroy you eventually just like alcohol. "I ate more cake, ice cream & cookies than I ever have."

[@lindboknifeandtool]

I quit alcohol and I be eatin cake and ice cream

[@matt_fs]

Lol cake is terrible for you

[@joefagan9335]

I’m 620 days sober. Best decision I ever made. If you’re thinking about it, just spoil yourself. It’s the kindest thing I’ve ever done for me.

[@joanneglas4851]

I stopped for 5.5 years then steadily started again Very silly But today I decided to quit again ,,,, I am so looking forward to all my benefits from not drinking… and well done to you x

[@ChickensBarbie]

At first I was counting the days, now It just became a normal thing. My friends started to acknowledge my strong will not to drink anymore, they still invite me on parties but this time they also prepare non alcoholic drinks for me. I feel loved. By the way, I’m now on my 3rd month of no alcohol. Feels great!

[@elizabethcrowley3321]

Congratulations, you are now a non drinker!

[@winkA1]

Congratulations! For me my friend’s acceptance of what I was doing and giving me non alcoholic options was the most beautiful thing for me. I felt so supported and loved

[@elizabethcrowley3321]

Well done! I too have given up alcohol. I feel SO much better and have regained my enthusiasm for life. Alcohol is a poison for anyone who partakes. I you are a regular drinker get a Liver Function Test at least once a year to make sure no damage is occurring. X

[@jeanbeans7926]

Excellent... and those are REAL friends.

[@bmxcommentator]

This podcast was the reason I stopped drinking alcohol completely - I set myself a one year goal of zero alcohol to improve my sleep (initially) but I listened to this and made the decision to quit permanently. That was 14 months ago, and I have no plans to start again any time before hell freezes over.

[@mrjpierce]

"I'm not here to be the bearer of bad news", HOWEVER... proceeds w/ 234,718 reasons alcohol is terrible for you. 😅 In seriousness, ceasing consumption of alcohol is a change I've long sensed my body asking me to make and the information outlined here definitely provides motivation towards that change. Thank you Dr. Huberman for your work!

[@lynchs2441]

Good luck, it's definitely worth it!

[@vivarantx]

it's horrible, why would you drink peasant?

[@waynekoch2284]

Perfect all with the courage and motivation to reply. Peer pressure when even reducing alcohol consumption gradually let alone to predominantly nil is tremendous. As many no alcohol days as possible to just about temperance without being obsessed worked for me as a gradual but sustainable “Cold Turkey”. Immune responses reserved for non self inflicted overloads, and more health and energy to “overload” on some exercise, family time and general procrastination. Well played again Dr. H 👍

[@kimcrosby918]

Me too!

[@cat-le1hf]

someone has to break the bad news!

[@angelalopez2003]

I was almost afraid to watch this, but I'm glad I did. I have been using alcohol to mitigate the pain of losing my husband after he experienced a "widow-maker" heart attack. I told myself it was ok to have a couple of glasses of wine (sometimes more) each night so I could calm down and sleep. I now know I've been bullsh*tting myself. I only have one kidney because I donated the left one to my husband... I need to find better ways of coping with grief. And now I'm going to finish watching your video about grief, it is somehow comforting to learn the science of grief... maybe because it provides hope of a pathway out of this living hell.

[@qytjdfuocnguiofm]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Angela. I've been medicating chronic pain with alcohol, but this episode shows how there's no way to win with drink.

[@memastarful]

Sending you a big hug so proud of your sincere honesty. May healing encompass you

[@fishwithfaith3500]

I believe the reference "hair of the dog" is isn't complete. The full saying should have been something like "take a little of the hair of the dog that bit you". This would have been a homeopathic prescription to avoid rabies. So to cure a hangover, take just a little bit of alcohol. Thanks for the information, might be all I need to save my own life.

[@fhowland]

So sorry for your loss. I turned to drinking to get over a brutal breakup a few years ago and learned how quickly it can become an emotional crutch you depend on to numb pain. In the end it doesn't solve or fix anything just makes things worse.

[@vickylopez2173]

Look for God. He provides everything addicts are looking for.

[@terilynnnelson572]

I turned 59 this year and I basically stopped drinking alcohol in my mid 40s… I didn’t really plan on it it just happened organically because I realized that I didn’t think my body reacted very well to having alcohol in it. I’ve always been physically active and drinking alcohol was inconsistent with my fitness goals. I always get complimented on how young I look for my age, and I think a lot of this has to do with not drinking alcohol for the past decade, while most of my peers continued drinking into their late 50s.

[@user-ke1fl1do7p]

WOW! I’ve been a complete non-consumer of alcohol my entire life. Never started drinking. I’ve always been glad for that. Now, I’m REALLY glad.

[@comtedestgermain5627]

I would just like to say that for the last several weeks I have been living in a massive wall tent to reset my body and mind, and im coming off 8 years of heavy alcoholism while often going days without eating. For the last few months I have been religiously watching your episodes, and you have greatly helped me to completely overhaul my life. This comes at an amazing time, thank you so much for everything you and your team does to make this show happen.

[@Jessilavender]

Keep going ☺️ healing is possible ❤️🦋

[@carolhopetyler2178]

👏👏👏 bless you as you heal.

[@Deelitee]

You may need some help with detoxing. No judgment. Just stay safe! Your body-organs may need help as it detoxes.

[@DA_AAA]

You are getting there Sir. Keep the fight and remember always you have a beautiful soul

[@HanzoGonzo]

Stay strong friend!

[@CatalinaFOIA]

Thank you for this episode. My mother is a non-functional severe alcoholic. Unsure how she is still alive at 65. She's been drinking herself knock out drunk everyday since she was 21; 44 years. Is she healthy? No. Is she mentally unwell? Yes. Does she continue to drink and get worse? Yes. Are any of her adult children speaking with her anymore? No, all 4 of us have hard boundaries and she's broken them all, so as a result we no longer even speak to her by phone. She's 65, appears 85-90 years old. None of us 4 adults are alcoholics, we don't even touch alcohol, no addictions to drugs, etc... are we perfect? No. We have other issues: anxiety, attempts to be a perfectionist, workaholic, depression. We each have 1 of those; I'm the anxiety sufferer. We were raised by inadequate parents and 2 of us have children and we learned what NOT to do. Our children are thriving and the cycle of alcohol and dysfunction has been broken. We will make sure to inform our children at a young age about the dangers of alcohol and what we went through (age appropriate).

[@JDSabre]

Congratulations to you guys for breaking the cycle! Unfortunately, the alcoholism is a bandaid for something much deeper. I fear her upbringing may have been very difficult, there's usually a trigger point that gets people into those situations. One thing I've learned from an emotionally absent father is he needed the love from his father but never got it, just like me... so now there's compassion where there used to be frustration and anger. Much love to you all!

[@rrichards3399]

prada.....think about......... call her and ask her earliest remembrances and listen. do you ever listen to gabor mate?

[@naydaflores2665]

God bless your family. So sorry you had to endure all this growing up. Stay strong🙏

[@muzduza44]

Creator of love please see fit for this mother's desire to grow.let her be ready to have these defects removed.creator send her to us a.a.s

[@zenabishop8956]

As alcoholics we can't "cut down" on our drinking. I know cos I tried that for 7 years, it brought me to my knees. I have been sober for well over 20 years thank goodness. The chaos my binge drinking caused has gone. When I rest my head on my pillow at night, I know exactly what I have done that day. I always say a gratitude prayer.

[@DJ-TimeShift]

This video was my final push in quitting alcohol completely at the beginning of 2023. We are at the beginning of 2024 and i haven't touched a drink ever since. I wasn't that big of a drinker but it hampered my recovery and progress while working out. + i was pretty prone to hangovers, even if didn't had that much (i could already feel it after 4 drinks). Best descision so far! I feel great, i look great and my anxiety has been pretty much non-existent nowadays!

[@FrankensteinintoFranken-FINE.]

28 years of partying and binge drinking. Turn 47 in December and now 5 months sober tomorrow, just hope ive not damaged my body, no going back for me now.

[@markfleming1202]

Andrew, I can't tell you the impact that this podcast has had on my and my wife. I'm 67, and I've been drinking for 50 years. I've had periods of heavy drinking and periods of casual drinking. In recent years, I've had no problem just having one or two wines or beers, 4 or 5 times a week. No hangovers, no real issues. Or so I thought. I didn't really think about what was going on in my body and brain. Here I am at 67, working on longevity, wellness, nutrition, fitness--I am super fit and healthy--yet inside me the alcohol is doing things that are completely contrary to my healthspan and lifespan goals. I'm an idiot. I see now what I have been doing to my myself, and can only hope that stopping drinking (on Day 7 now) or drastically reducing drinking to nearly nothing, will heal the extreme damage I have surely done to myself over 50 years. You've started me down a rabbit hole of thinking through why I drink, and of all the benefits (not just the health benefits you raise) I'd see curtailing alcohol. I thank you, Andrew.

[@tigerlily6763]

Good luck. Stay the course.

[@amorascottREDC8]

I am happy for you!

[@redbaron1006]

Wonderful post. You are amazingly open/growth minded for your age!

[@markfleming1202]

@@redbaron1006 Thanks! I'm really like a 45 year old at 67 years. I hate that number, it's not me. And I don't want to be my "real" age ever. Alcohol certainly is not a helper. :)

[@angelaf.4982]

I encourage you to keep it up! You will be amazed at all the benefits you will reap including much better restorative sleep and clearer thinking. Good luck!

[@vincegpking1]

You don't know how hard this 2 hr podcast hit me. You may have just saved my life man. Thank you so much.

[@vincegpking1]

I'm happy to say, I'm now 3 days sober after years of heavy drinking.

[@kasiecastleberry]

Whether today is day 8 or you woke up back at day 1. *Let's. Fucking. Goooo!* You got this, my dude.

[@CCitis]

Keep it rolling, every night your head hits that pillow sober is a good night.

[@mirosbcro307]

How is it going?

[@Pilkie101]

@@vincegpking1 Hope you're still off the drink!

[@Mobsy-bw7yj]

After watching this video, along with watching a friend get sober, I decided it was time to stop the cycle. Almost 9 months sober now and living my best life!!! It’s only now that I can see the scale of the destruction it causes. Thank you!!!!

[@-mj4vc]

This podcast has changed my life - yes that old chestnut. Been trying to quit drinking for the past few years, generally drinking 25 units a week equivalent, with 2 to 3 pub sessions a month on top. So not a major alcoholic but enough for it to have me in its tentacles. I knew at the time it wasn’t doing me any good, really disrupting my sleep etc, and affecting my mood and my exercise and training. I practise Tai Chi and Kung Fu, so my relationship with alcohol was not helping in this area whatsoever. I listened to this podcast over 3 months ago and have not drank a drop since. Before this I kept giving into the craving, quitting is not easy in a society obsessed with alcohol! Each time I am tempted I remind myself that it actually didn’t relax me in the long run, it disrupts my sleep, cuts straight through my blood brain barrier, increases stress and anxiety, messes with my hormones, affects my training, etc etc, in fact I don’t find a single positive to drink it. It’s like I have your voice in my head keeping me on the straight and narrow. I think you must have hypnotised me. Note to self - be mindful of other podcasts you listen to. Thank you professor Huberman. Your service to science and humanity with your clear, informative and concise podcasts is second to none. Top man and top team you have supporting you. I salute you all ! 😊

[@PaolaHuezo]

Im 28 and been struggling with alcohol for 11 years. I am now about 5 days sober after having another embarrassing black out of several hundreds of them. I realize I continue to add more hills to my mountain and I have tried SOOO many different ways to slow down or stop for a few but this is the first time in my life where I’m actually done for life because god has given me way too many chances. I will no longer take my life for granted. From black arrests, to black out dui, to black out waking up in the hospitals with no one there to losing relationships to avoiding me having a confrontation I needed to have with my mom for 15+ years, I’m done running from my problems and adding more, this is the year I Will remember that is my 180 for the better!!

[@meatballfreak3868]

Are you still going buddy? Remember if you relapse it does not matter. QUIT IT AGAIN.

[@kennethballard755]

Pls

[@bilalhummad9798]

Stay strong, you aren't alone. Your testimony gave me strength to remember my past mistakes and to acknowledge the how God has saved me to.

[@tatun1183]

Praise God 🙌🏻🙏🏻 your making the decision to stop. God had much more for you, more that u can think it imagine, keep on running the race to get out completely of that old you to walk into the person wants you to be, may u walk in obedience to His will 🎉 u are loved by Jesus Christ 🙏🏻❤️

[@ginacelio]

You can do it!! One day at a time. AA mtgs may help!!

[@thebranchorganics3721]

I'm an alcoholic, so was my father... It killed him, Ive been sober 11 months now. This video is so incredibly important.. You are extremely knowledgeable on the topic and have a great way of explaining things..

[@Walter37165]

Ditto on my dad. Killed him. I'm going on five years no alcohol and am so much happier in my life. You can do it brother! 💪

[@thebranchorganics3721]

@@Walter37165 I'm a sister but thankyou 👍🏼. Congratulations on 5 years.. You deserve the health and happiness you've achieved.. ☮️

[@shannonparker1]

Congratulations! You got this! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@DogeCodes]

how old was he and how long did he drink for... RIP😪

[@leighton5376]

It killed my father too, 49 years old. My uncle just died last week from it. I haven’t had a drink in 4 days and am figuring out what my relationship with it will look like from this point forward.

[@lourdesgomez5221]

Thank you for this thorough and thought- provoking episode on alcohol. I wanted to quit drinking and listening to this podcast, as well as praying to God for years, helped me to "seal the deal". I feel calmer and more peaceful. And, as a side-note, instead of wine, I now buy myself flowers. They remind me of my resolve to stay focused on my mental and physical health.Thank you, Dr. Huberman, for sharing your expertise.❤🤗💐

[@marijanamajic]

"I'm not demonizing alcohol..." Well, you should. Alcohol is a drug. It is one of the worst things that happened to humanity. As a daughter of an alcoholic, I am really strictly against it. Whatever it is doing to your body, it's doing even worse things to your family. And there is no "occasional" drinking. Every drop of alcohol is horrible.

[@E-D-E2704]

Well said my thoughts exactly.

[@DrMackSplackem]

Without ethanol mixed into drinking water human civilization likely wouldn't have survived long enough to invent sanitation, but I get where you're coming from.

[@kekistanihelpdesk8508]

1.5 years sober. First thing was weight loss and keeping it off. Then more energy and free time - no more sleeping until 2pm on a Saturday. My life is generally better. It's not a magic overnight life changer but drinking is a barrier to solving the other things in life that you have not been addressing.

[@ShockwavesFTW]

This podcast single handedly convinced me to quit drinking. 3 months alcohol free - it's the best decision I've made in a long, long time.

[@LONEWOLF..314-S-T-L]

SALUTE 👍🏾💯

[@easth-lr2gt]

Hope you are doing good

[@ASH-xt8uh]

How does it taste drinking alcohol like

[@Reviewsnooz]

@@ASH-xt8uhwhat?

[@ASH-xt8uh]

@@Reviewsnooz just nevermind

[@denisereadatreadpromotion5657]

Wow! I love this. You really put things into perspective and kept it unbiased and nonjudgmental. I was a 1-2 drink per night gal. Many years. Have been decreasing over the last few years but hadn’t really found the “click” to stop for good. It’s been 5 days without now and I’ve been listening to all sorts of stuff this week about the dangers and realities of alcohol. Yours REALLY hit home in many aspects. Just dumped ALL my alcohol down the sink and super excited to repair my body and live a wonderful future without it!! Onward and upward!! Thank you!! ❤❤❤

[@miked5357]

Hope you're still on track!

[@richayadav958]

Thanks Dr. Huberman. I am not an alcoholic but just a weekend drinker but slowly have started noticing my body feeling the negative impacts. Your video just confirmed my observations and gave me more strength to go 100% alcohol free.

[@dwyerplusrichardson]

I've managed to make it to 23 years old without ever consuming a single drop of alcohol - this podcast has more than validated my decision. Thank you for collecting and communicating this information out to the public for free Andrew.

[@vivarantx]

alcohol it's horrible even to the taste, I don't understand why people drink that shit instead of a smoothie which is tastier

[@AwareParenting]

Nice work Luke! I can't imagine that was always easy, but with this validation, I can imagine it will be going forward.

[@brechtsje645]

Well done!

[@GodSaveTheClothes]

Well done!

[@BA-tu5eb]

What an amazing choice at this time of your life! I hope you will spread the truth to as many young people that will listen and they many listen more quickly to a peer.

[@thirdballattack]

This episode truly changed my life. I’ve determined to go at least six months without a sip of alcohol. I’m at 3.5 months now. Thank you, Andrew. You’ve comprehensively put out what needed to be said, without judgment.

[@neandrewthal]

I'm at 4.5 months and watching this video to help me prepare for a long weekend staying at a place where much alcohol will be consumed.

[@BarbaraJBuist]

@@neandrewthal How did your weekend at that place go? Diid you stick to no alcohol? Also, how do you feel now vs. 4.5 months ago?

[@BarbaraJBuist]

How do you feel after being alcohol free for 4.5 months? I'm thinking about quitting....

[@neandrewthal]

@@BarbaraJBuist Honestly pretty much the same since I didn't drink very often but if you drink more than me then you have even more to gain. The weekend went fine. There wasn't as much drinking as I thought. All I had to do was abstain while others were ordering beers with dinner and watch them drink some wine with dinner another night when I had a cola.

[@manicmike8585]

Good luck!

[@timothymccoy1569]

Day 160 - Dropped 15 pounds 2 ½ inches off the waist Significant improvements in: • Reflexes • Eyesight • Inflammation • Joint swelling • Sleep • Energy level • Brain functions • Articulation • Memory - long and short term • Eye-hand coordination • Eliminated the jitters Wake up in the morning with no body aches, head aches or muscle stiffness!

[@RhodeNel]

I want to thank you sincerely for compiling this information and sharing it as a podcast. The global liquor industry is huge and has no concern for the damage done through the careless and uninformed consumption of their toxic products. Drinking is an acceptable, even favorable social pastime in South Africa, so much so that when out I'd often buy a beer, dump it in a basin and fill it with water instead, just to dupe everyone else into thinking I'm also drinking. I've never been a huge alcohol consumer myself, thanks mostly to my mother's ban on alcohol in the house growing up, but now hearing this and understanding the mechanics, I think it was my saving grace. My grandfather was an abusive alcoholic, both his parents were also alcoholics, and this was why my mother was so strict about this issue. I think very few people understand the relationship between a lack of impulse control, and abuse of every sort. I once read that one common denominator that all sorts of abuse have in common, be it substance, verbal, physical or sexual abuse - is a lack of impulse control, in the abuser. Not only does chronic alcohol use destroy the life of the user, but also the lives of those around them. I have five brothers, most of them don't drink, and the ones that do or did, all displayed the characteristic signals for becoming alcoholics too. Because there is such a lot of societal pressure on me since adulthood to drink, and we being a wine producing country, I've been deliberately trying to develop a taste for alcohol, wine in particular, so as not to be such a neanderthal bore... I've somehow been duped into believing it is actually beneficial to my health, and social standing. So just sincerely THANK YOU for being honest and transparent about the truth of this matter, I imagine you may be very unpopular for it, in many, many circles. I have passed this on to all my family and friends as well as anyone I deeply care about that I know drinks carelessly and uninformed. I hope they take this to heart, but if they don't, then at least they cannot say they were not warned.

[@orlandowiebe9371]

This was the final sign for me to get help and quit drinking. I was 9 years sober until I dipped back into it and have been in this rut the last 3 years. I’m done! With Gods help and admitting I need help I’m going to fight to become sober again this time for good. One day at a time. Thank you for this very informative video it really spoke to me. God bless you!

[@macalex101]

Good luck on your journey brother

[@bmoney2560]

U got this brother, Man when I sat back and realized that every bad situation I have gotten myself into was due to alcohol, which lead to drug abuse. I felt miserable during that drought in my life it was chasing a temporary relief from life, but it always got worst every time i went through the daily cycle, when I stopped, my body instantly felt amazing, my mind got clear, I started to get things done constantly, are started to live in my higher self, I finally found my passion for things I love to due ,life really started to open up, u start seeing the games that society plays to keep u in your lower self by advertising all these poisons to alter our states of mind to a lower vibration, once they get your mind on these low vibrational things such as sex, alcohol and drugs, which most people have a problem with at least one of these if not all three. These things they use to govern our mind and keeps u enslaved in your lower self u see, I found that to be one of the keys to unlocking life’s true happiness within, imagine if u put that energy towards adding value to yourself and others life, instead of indulging in these temporary highs that put u at risk or danger, they make these things seem good but they really are harmful to our physical, mental and spiritual state of mind, I’m rooting for u, u can do it because if u couldn’t u wouldn’t have even came to this video

[@MyPolicyPro]

Sober is the new high. Keep putting this kind of info in your brain until you completely pull out! You will break free just keep putting in the truth everyday until your brain gets it. I also watch Sober Leon hear on youtube. Brainwash your brain everyday with the truth until sobriety is easy. Stay positive my friend!

[@tuomollaonkoivu]

Remember brother, one day at the time, speaking helps

[@markg.4246]

"Go to meetings, clean house, and help others". You'll never have to drink again!

[@avatrastern107]

I love etymology (not ethanol 🤣)and used to love alcohol too, had been drinking steadily since i was 17(now 50) . Decided to quit cold turkey Jan 1 , 2023, and within a week came across an article saying Alcohol is derived from the arabic 'al ghoul' which means "spirit stealer". It made further reference to ghouls and other living deads... I started working out to fill the craving times, to exhaust me so sleep could come easier. A win win situation--dropped weight, gained focus, no more intense mood swings. Still feel like im on a permanent , clear high.Problems come along and i meet them head on without freaking out and going for more alcohol. I was raised by a single Mum who'd come home from work and announce : " I need a drink!" She still drinks at 85 and is an absolute boring , self centered, narcissist. Another reason I decided to quit! Social life has all but disappeared but already partied enough for a lifetime.Its now time for me and I'm not scared to be alone, to focus, to read more, listen to great podcasts 😊. Now fully there for the two teenagers I'm raising(they support me and they say they can really feel that I'm more present and less moody.Alcohol is the most legal and life wrecking drug! Wishing you all the power to quit !

[@FREEDOTYOU]

Im a recovered addict / alcoholic i watch this video periodically to remind me how traumatic it is on the body .i sent this video to my friend just now , i hope it is as impactful to him as it is to me .Thank you Andrew!!! i use your podcast to enhance my families'/my ' health and vitality and fulfillment in life ❤😊😊😊

[@johanwagner_sweden]

I wonder how many quality years this video has created already for humanity. Thanks Andrew

[@nancycm]

The longer I go without, the less I think about it. I feel like my drinking days are a whole other life, like it happened to somebody else. It’s a great feeling. So much to experience and learn and the energy to do it!

[@courtneyr214]

That’s good to know! I’m 5 weeks sober and I’m doing great but I definitely still get cravings. It’ll be nice when that goes away.

[@queenbee7753]

It will - and you will one day feel so free and question yourself how this could ever have happend to you when you experience the beauty of forgetting about alcohol - never took a sip again for years - you can too @@courtneyr214

[@courtneyr214]

How are you holding up Nancy? I'm 96 days sober today! ❤️

[@TheXxdaanxx]

congrats! im almost 2 months sober, its hard but with time i feel like it gets easier! @@courtneyr214

[@mordie31]

Because in a way, it did happen to somebody else. The person you are today is not the same person you were back then in any way.

[@biffkline8771]

I can't stress enough how eliminating alcohol consumption has increased my mental clarity, sleep quality, emotional health, discipline, and overall quality of life. I'm achieving goals that used to seem so far out of reach as to be fantastical. I hope this podcast speaks to people who have been numbed by the social acceptance (almost a requirement, actually,) of alcohol consumption.

[@fabulouslyfit54]

193 days sober for me and I couldn’t agree more. Best thing I’ve done for myself. Just wish I did it sooner.

[@catsteinhilb2880]

🙋🏻‍♀️ thank you for your comment, it’s me.

[@JonJosephKuhn]

I'm 7 months into being sober and I ordered a calendar for 2023. This marks the first time I have ever planned out for more than a few months in my life. It's wild all of the ways alcohol corrupts your damn mind. It's like a super power once you quit. Stay awesome Biff!

[@harkyo]

@@JonJosephKuhn thanks for sharing. I need to quit. I've quit cigarettes after 30 years, so I know that I can quit booze. Keep on keeping on.

[@geverniveup]

Appreciate this comment. Gives me hope. Currently stuck in a relationship and my partner is a heavy and chronic alcoholic…and the last 5 years I have joined her in the chronic drinking daily ( we are both in the industry). I’ve been wanting to stop for the entire time and I love her dearly but being around her keeps me drinking

[@voteZDLR]

50 days sober now. I was drinking so much I actually went ahead and went through a detox program to make sure there were no complications from it (seizures etc) then I went through treatment. It's definitely an adjustment period but overall I feel great and I am happy I did it and the best thing of all is going to meetings etc I have made a lot of new friends I otherwise wouldn't. Got my girlfriend back, everything is just better in general. To anyone out there reading this who wants to make the jump, I recommend looking into getting properly detoxed at a bare minimum. If you are an alcoholic though, you learn pretty quickly from the Big Book (the AA book) that there is no such thing as in between for you. You either don't drink at all, or you drink uncontrollably. It's not your fault, you have a disease and you need to learn how to manage it like any other disease people have they learn to deal with.

[@Juliejewels67]

I truly believe this podcast is what finally woke me up to how horrible alcohol is! I’m done, done DONE with it. Bless you Dr. H!!❤

[@jeffg3975]

I made a conscious decision to quit alcohol after listening to the first 50% of your podcast. Another life saved, my friend. Thank you for putting in the work.

[@jaysdub]

Same here. Good luck.

[@jeffg3975]

@@jaysdub Good look to you as well, Jayson!

[@wartimemodels]

I’m almost 6 years sober. If you want to read a couple of great books on the topic I recommend “this naked mind” by Annie grace and “alcohol explained” by William porter.

[@slptammy]

I felt the same; I shared the link with my two young adult children. I wish I had this insight in my 20s. Thank you Andrew for putting together evidence based data and explaining it clearly and concisely. It’s life changing.

[@benvergus1573]

Glad I never started drinking, when I was 13 and heard about it's horrible effects I decided to never start this habit

[@nancyjune751]

I have been a drinker for about 45 years and have decided I need to quit. I’ve realized all my health problems are because of my alcohol drinking and I’m trying to use different tools to stop completely. When I watched your podcast I was totally convinced of the specific effects that alcohol has on the body and I’m planning to watch it again and again. The way you explained it was life-changing for me. Thank you so much. You are a great man

[@harry0042]

I'm with you. I need to listen to this daily. Good Luck...

[@stephendooley9386]

Agree - good to hear the points frequently so you don't forget what it does, hard cause I made my own spirits & have a good supply - but haven't touched a drop, which is good - even when mixing it

[@danmaloney3187]

10 years no beer not one drop never looked back should have quit in my 20s not 50s yup time to stop ditch the demon ...

[@DoodleDoo]

i wanna know what alcohol does to my body and brain but not watch a fking 2 hour long video for that😂

[@stephendooley9386]

@@DoodleDoo best to listen while your doing something- driving, or working

[@SvrakaMagpie]

I would just like to say that it's so amazing seeing so many people in these comments sharing their recovery and/or lifestyle changes, and I'd like to give a big hug and congratulations to all of you! 🫂 What an incredible decision to make for yourself! You should be super proud!!! I'm someone who basically never had a pleasant experience with alcohol so I have no desire or urge to drink. That being said, I know that it can be socially isolating to be sober. People can be really shallow, but please take pride in the fact that you are taking care of yourself, and nobody should shame you for that. 🫶

[@heyskates27]

This would be such a beneficial episode to show in high school biology classes. Excellent unbiased content. Thanks for doing what you do Andrew!

[@Prodominatrix]

I have been sober for 3 and a half years. The explanation of why people who are pre disposed to alcoholism have an even more enhanced feeling of “joy” while on it was fascinating and helps me understand Better a part of why it affects me so strongly

[@johnulcer]

I was a weekend binge drinker throughout my 20s. I'd eat healthy, workout during the week, then Friday would roll around and I'd down a half bottle of liquor just to pregame the evening. As I got older the next-day hangover anxiety was becoming unbearable and I saw it headed down a bad path during COVID when the frequency of my drinking began to escalate out of a cycle of boredom and depression and inability to do the things that usually kept me structured (eg going to the gym). So, after downing an entire bottle of tequila one day and waking up feeling like death, I decided to take a break. It's been a little over 2 years now and I haven't felt better. My sleep quality even during the week has improved remarkably. I feel like I have more consistent energy. I've lost weight. My skin and hair looks better. And I wasn't even a daily drinker, but just blacking out (or close to it) once or twice a week was probably enough to be causing a lot of repercussions that I wasn't even aware of. I highly recommend anyone considering doing so to try taking a one month break off booze altogether and really track how your mood, energy, sleep, and gym goals may shift during this time. I'm almost 34 and have hit new PRs at the gym that I never even hit in my 20s. I started with the goal of making it a month and at this point, a couple years on, I don't really see myself turning back because the positives far outweigh the negatives, which become easier with time (eg feeling left out when you go to a social function and everyone else is drinking. I don't even really think about it anymore).

[@123klf]

Exactly, I have completely same experience.

[@aidanclifford2164]

Although I dont get black out. I moved to London in April and have been drinking once or twice a week. Really feeling it with the sleep. Hangovers are taking days to clear and sleep the next night is awful! I don't think I can quit fully right now but definitely cutting it down. Think when I settle down and leave London ill quit for sure.

[@sulav616]

Yours' and my story are almost similar. I eat healthily, cut off sugar, and junk food, and go to the gym 5 days a week. However, I drink almost 4 to 5 bottles of beer every Friday and feel like crap for the next day. I was off of alcohol for almost 7 months and was achieving more balance in life. Comparing these two lives, I can say that even drinking once a week can cause lots of imbalances and anxieties. It's better to stay away from Alcohol forever.

[@sevenspineiii7524]

Word for word my experience.

[@biffkline8771]

Such a relatable journey. Thanks for sharing.

[@souledout3340]

I've been avoiding watching this episode because I knew it was going to teach me what I didn't want to know. Very glad I finally watched it. Thank you.

[@badboybullterriers4104]

im the same not sure if i should watch it.

[@knowledgesimjess]

@badboy bullterriers you should watch it

[@ryan4830]

damn my exact feeling.

[@ahcteamkosova868]

@@badboybullterriers4104 don't worry it won't change anything (im lying). Just watch it man, for the fun of it.

[@ChrisBird1]

Everyone I know drinks to excess and have all there life ..my father lived to 93 and I know lots of other life long drinkers like my mum who is the fittest 83 year old around ..he talks like you should be dead after 3 pints ..crazy talk.

[@ConfidenceZone]

My husband died 3 days before Thanksgiving from liver failure due to alcohol use disorder. At age 60. Dead forever. From drinking increasing amounts of straight vodka nightly. I do believe he never thought of himself as an alcoholic. But it happened. The alcohol became total poison. Over 20+ years. He died alone, isolated, scared, clinically depressed, and broken. He was a psychologist.

[@Serenitynow958]

May I ask his average daily total? I’m very worried for my brother who is turning 65 in the fall. I believe he may be drinking as much as 14 drinks a day.

[@ConfidenceZone]

​@Serenitynow958 I'm not sure exactly. I suspect that by the end he was drinking a bottle every other day. 14 drinks a day by any standards is very high Use. If you are not familiar, look up Gabor Mate on trauma and addiction. I wish I knew then what he had to say about addiction, I might have done things differently with my husband. Understanding that trauma and pain underlies the Use. Alanon was very helpful for me, too. I'm so sorry about your brother.

[@Serenitynow958]

@@ConfidenceZone Ah thanks for responding. I am familiar with him but will look him up again. My niece died at 23 from cancer and his wife left him after cheating with a friend. Check check.

[@zandafan5602]

I sent this to my brother and I hope he takes this seriously. I read an article once explaining how drinking can affect your DNA and make you bipolar. My brother is always changing his mind and has gotten himself into trouble with his wife and the law. I thank you for your teachings.

[@stevepetrowski5224]

I've been sober 4.5 years now. The day I quit booze my blood pressure, weight, cholesterol were awful. I was drinking a half liter of booze every day mixed with diet Coke. 1 year after I quit my BP came down from 180/100 to 130/85. I lost 30 lbs and my sleep became better. My energy is so much better too. I am 51 now and I feel healthier now than any other time in my life. My life is not boring at all being sober. Thank you for the great information that helps people like me!

[@badboybullterriers4104]

im 49 and doing what ur were doing with me its rum and ginge beer or coke i only started 6 months ago and cant stop now. Well done dude i was 5 yrs clean from heroin working in a rehab i know what it takes.

[@nauxsi]

That drop in BP is amazing. That alone would make me stay off it.

[@AptusConsulting]

I have high BP and cholesterol and I suspect it is the booze. Otherwise completely healthy.

[@Amy-ol3id]

Are you single or married to someone that drinks or married to someone that does not drink?

[@yogini326]

I’m not an alcoholic but I stopped drinking a year ago and i have never before had such clarity of mind. sleep has improved. Less anxiety and more energy. wish I had done it sooner.

[@bradd6376]

Can you explain how the clarity of your mind has increased?

[@DanRichter]

Quitting alcohol five years ago was a game-changer for me-hands down one of the best life choices I've ever made. Stellar video, by the way. Keep up the excellent work! 🏆

[@mandyharrison3799]

Scary stuff about the impact on the brain. A weekend drinker on and off and have managed 8 months sober previously but the summer comes... currently 54 days sober and hoping to finally kick the habit this year. Good luck to everyone for even trying...we will prevail! Thanks for educating us too. Great video ❤

[@PatBastian]

Sober for 6 mos now after 50 years of drinking. This podcast just reinforced my decision to live an alcohol-free life. It's glorious.

[@MrRight_1]

You are my proof that I can keep drinking for the next 30 years and I'll be fine. I have only been drinking for 20 years and was beginning to worry listening to this video, but then read your comment and felt much better. 50 years of drinking for you and the stop and be feel glorious...... I'll take it thanks. 🍻 Cheers to 30 more years.

[@mikedavey8280]

Fool

[@trailseeker7]

Glorious indeed!!! I'm over 3 1/2 years sober and I can honestly say after 40 years of drinking, these have been the best years of my life.

[@ianpearson8976]

50 years? didnt u realise earlier.

[@miamicakes1830]

Alcohol causes cancers. Stay away from that stuff.

[@originalrbp2869]

Been sober for 4 years....not a single drop, not a single craving for it. Its been the best decision Ive ever made for all areas of my life

[@edpick5287]

Mid-Jan will be 5years for I. I co-sign your statement 1000%

[@aujanchu7947]

Although I only drink occasionally, perhaps once or twice a month or during a family gathering, I haven't had alcohol since watching this 8 months ago. Thanks Andrew!

[@MrRobot-tz5dv]

This episode was the beginning of my sobriety. Now I’m 11 months sober.

[@thecatebeling]

This podcast changed my life and my partner's life. We both stopped drinking. I've ignored a lot of this research, thinking it applied only to heavy drinkers, not the 1-2 glasses of wine drinkers we were. We are both so glad we stopped. I see nothing good in drinking alcohol anymore. Thank you.

[@joeycee2585]

Awesome!

[@susieserb6068]

THIS..I went from occasion, to only very occasional, but now to none at all, after viewing this YT.

[@michelerenea]

Hopefully today will be day 1 for me. I've been drinking nearly 2 bottles of wine daily for about 2 years. I used to begin drinking at 5pm, then started at 2pm, now for the past several months, I've been starting at 12:30pm... I work from home, and it's kind of lonely, so I use that as an excuse to drink every single day. I've been getting worse, starting arguments with my husband nearly every night due to the alcohol. I have to quit, it's destroying my marriage and my health. Wish me luck!

[@rr58315]

Good luck, Michele! Different things work for different people, but finding someone who you can really be honest to about your consumption also creates a kind of accountability.

[@tatun1183]

@michelearenea I pray you will be set free from this tramp ur in, I encourage you to look for a local church where you can be encourage by, where u can learn more about God word n will for u n ur family. God bless you 🙏🏻

[@teresadoone2101]

Praying for you Michele..one day at a time x

[@brittanyknol]

❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@susanwatt671]

I've been doing the same since lock down and working from home. Listening to this video has made me to make the decision that this is also going to be my Day 1.

[@YakAngling]

I've battled drinking from the age of 25 to 45 because I found myself living for the weekends and not happy with my choice of work carrier. I would drink through the week to cope with life and binge drink with friends on weekends when possible. At 45 I emotionally knew I was failing in life by my choices and actions from alcohol. At 47 I found my passion for the outdoors to be more true to myself and started a tube channel for fishing and camping. I am happy to say I found myself before loosing everything I had embracing me like my wife and kids to true friends that were not abusers. I can stay sober for weeks now and choose when and how much I want to drink if I choose to with friends. Life really begins when you understand!

[@mrdouggibson6609]

I accidentally gave up drinking one year ago at the age of 70. I need to explain that. I was drinking on average 2-3 drinks a night most of my adult life. The previous year I had a serious back injury and the surgery failed to repair the damage to my nerves leaving me with a condition called foot drop. This led to a bout with depression that left me searching for answers to get my life back. I began a qigong practice and meditation in hopes that might help. While scrolling through self-help KZbins I came upon this episode and listened through it, even though in my mind I didn't have a problem with alcohol. I followed that with my qigong exercises and a long meditation. The next night was 'music night' with my band mates, where drinking was definitely part of the evenings fun. I had one drink and could barely finish it, felt crappy right after. I didn't drink for a week until music night again and same thing happened. I can't touch alcohol now, it makes me incredibly nauseous if I try. Not sure what happened, or how, but I have been alcohol free now for nearly a year and don't miss it a bit. I lost weight, sleep better, exercise more and have better mental clarity. I can't thank you enough.

[@magnusericsson2431]

Interesting, thanks for sharing your experience. I have the same in some way, in periods when I feel good mentally, meditate etc my body can't take alcohol, have to stop after a half glass. I think alcohol lower your energetic vibration a lot, so when your body feeling balance physically and mentally it doesn't want the poison into the system. I have a friend who have some issues with anxiety - he always feels "good" and calm when taking a drink. I am the opposite, IF I take a drink when I feeling good, I get anxiety issues the day after.

[@lois6705]

Four years sober today. This podcast just reiterates what I learned in my journey to sobriety; alcohol is terrible for you. Thank you.

[@owenhunt]

I am 4 years free of alcohol too. Occasionally I have a 2-4 day period of night drinking, and this episode of Huberman transpired at the tail end of that period. A super blessing to receive.

[@kwazhims3lf]

heres to 4 more, health and money saved. proud of you, keep going.. i figured "havent i had enough, in this lifetime?" the answer was yes 5 years ago, then recently heard jocko comment "im an old man now, ive had enough, dont need it anymore i dont get anything out of it" made me feel good, just to hear it from him as well..

[@maryshi_]

Huberman probably saved me and tons of people from getting cancer and other health issues from excess alcohol consumption just from this podcast THANK YOU!

[@jackbuaer3828]

I thought that the cancer connection has been well known for years. It's strange to me that most people are seemingly unaware of this.

[@mpinline1]

At least intake of alcohol is under your control. Given the amount of other even worse toxins that we are exposed to from the environment and other people, and is beyond your control, cancer is just inevitable one way or another. I am sorry to point this out.

[@queersobercurious3222]

@@jackbuaer3828 the alcohol industry spent trillions to say "drink responsibly" rather than have to put any warning labels on their products. They've done a lot to makes sure this info is kept in the dark

[@jackbuaer3828]

@@queersobercurious3222 The cancer connection has been established for at least the last 20 years. Anyone with an internet connection and with interest in the subject could find it. The problem is that people don't want to take responsibility for their own health or do their own investigations. They stick their heads in the sand. That's their own fault. Back in 2001 and every year thereafter, all they had to do was google "Alcohol" and "Cancer" or "Alcohol and Harm". Even before 2001, it was well known that Alcohol causes cirrhosis. Bagnardi V, Blangiardo M, La Vecchia C, Corrao G. Alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer: a meta-analysis. Alcohol Res Health. 2001;25(4):263-70. If society wanted to go down the warning path, we could put warnings on 75% or more of the items sold in the supermarket and 75% or more of the items sold in restaurants. What has been up for debate in recent years, is whether one drink a day is beneficial to health. More scientists in recent years have come out against that form of mild drinking. So I get it if someone mistakenly thought one drink a day is good. For anything else, from my perspective, they have been sticking their head in the sand.

[@czerox16]

This video changed my life. I will soon complete 1 year sober. This is amazing. Than you, professor.

[@yangr9520]

Thank you very much for this episode! I drank a lot during the pandemic. One day after I read WHY WE SLEEP I decided to not to drink at least for that day, then I couldn’t sleep at all. It was a wake up call for me how serious my drinking problem got. I’m doing a lot better now but still I’d like to quit drinking completely. This episode is of great help! Thank you again!

[@michaelzastenchik2881]

6 weeks sober and am obsessed with watching videos like this. Thank you this is the best video I’ve came across

[@roghabhrideradioshow]

Good for you Michael!

[@colldollm51]

Sober for 35 years this February. Now I see why I still had impulsiveness, anxiety, and insomnia for years after my last drink. It wasn't because I was particularly "sensitive" - my brain neurocircuitry had literally remodelled, and took a while to reconnect. Come to think of it, I'm still unwinding, but thank God, no longer caught up in chaos. Thank you, Dr. Huberman for providing a straightforward "judgement-free" analysis and clarity.

[@JavierCespedes90]

1 year and 3 months sober here. Best decision ever made. I feel like Andrew wants to scream out that alcohol is a poison and it is insane to drink it, but he is really careful on how he says the information, to not trigger too much people.

[@rodriguez.4405]

Always thought that was the way I was going to go, couldn't stop. Many times relapses, jails, detox, completion of 3 rehabs, and today I have 14 years sobriety.