Craig Ferguson 2007 Sobriety monologue

To celebrate 20 years rebirth, I give you the infamous 15 years sober monologue taken from the 2/19/7 episode of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson...

[@paulburke6785]

“Certain types of people can’t drink; I’m one of them.” This quote changed my life.

[@CAVEDATA]

Hope youre well

[@ericortega1745]

@@CAVEDATA . I got depressed after my wife wouldn't have a child with me. I was drinking 15 beers a day. She said no babies. I relapsed. I never knew I needed a child. A daughter or son of my own.

[@EddieDubs]

I'm one of them. I drank at least a six pack a night for half my life. This is an important video.

[@HM-hf7lw]

@@ericortega1745I wish I found men like you. It’s the same for me… I can easily find someone to date, but I am very intentional and want children. I have been dragged for years with false intentions. I knew it felt wrong but believed the words… and so I made myself drown. Twice. I love this video though. It’s golden.

[@caitlink9374]

Certain people can’t drink. For alcoholics, it’s a hard pill to swallow. But as soon as we realize this I believe life truly begins.

[@theyrecousins]

“She’s 25 years old herself. She’s a baby. She’s a BABY.” Damn, he really dug in to implore to the audience the severity of what he’s talking about. And I’m so glad to see that emphatic appeal from someone on television for the public at large to reconsider how they might characterize and dismiss the very real struggles and experiences of others.

[@cttaylor01]

What a fucking legend. He saw Brittney was in a really hard spot and instead of taking shots he genuinely tried to lend a helping hand.

[@getyourwillhere]

He did the same with Courtney Love

[@michaelyoungstrom9412]

That's called being a great caring human.❤

[@johncoktostone]

98 days sober here. This monologue was inspiring.

[@earthboundretro]

This internet stranger is proud of you :]

[@Betokan]

How's it going? Wish you all the best.

[@ChristopherStandardTime]

how are things?

[@hltvieira6354]

Coming up on 10 years the 30th of April. Craig Ferguson & Gordon Lightfoot made me believe I could do it. Congratulations to you 👏👏

[@ScottGraham14]

I hope it's going well. Congrats brother

[@RBDUZ]

There isn't a late night host on TV tonight that could hold a candle to this man. Craig, you are missed. Enjoyed your magic on the airwaves for many years.

[@user-nt8lq4rp3z]

I agree. His show enriched my life nightly. 💜

[@marinoraven9598]

"I don't have a drinking problem. I have a thinking problem." couldn't have put it better.

[@misinformedmarti]

It is very true. My moment of realization that I was on the wrong side of alcohol was thinking, "I want to have fun tonight" and my mind immediately thinking that I should get a handle of alcohol and drink. I was, and still do, associate fun = alcohol. It's a conditioned response almost. A habit that has solidified itself. So, until that somehow changes (probably won't), I don't get to drink anymore.

[@pauljordan4452]

​@@misinformedmarti I had a stroke as a baby, am autistic and because of audiovisual memories, have decided to abstain. I don't need drink.

[@LawrenceofVA]

32 years ago today, I stopped drinking alcohol. I have not had a drink since. I am very grateful. Life is good.

[@Talisman09]

Lawrence Gaughan wow. Have you ever slipped up in that time at all? That's unbelievable. what age did you quit?

[@michael47359]

Thsts awesome congrats!!

[@willem9688]

4th day for me. It's going well. Craig is an inspiration.

[@stickytones6891]

Im struggling with it today.... I got a DUI I lost my job I lost my car I lost my girl and my kids.... Im lost

[@Noahvalentine9]

@@stickytones6891 Hey man - I hope things are going better for you now x

[@soulcornflake1]

I remember a TV critic saying about Craig that his monologues are the best 10 minutes in TV anyway, but when he decides to get serious about something he becomes absolutely riveting. They used this monologue as an example. Happy 20th Craig.

[@soberncrazy2]

I celebrated 35 years in 2012 and I respect Craig for 'outing' himself....I'll bet he helped many watchers take stock in themselves.

[@pauljordan4452]

Great, Gerry.

[@alansouthall8221]

❤❤❤

[@Imabigelvisfan]

I'm an Alcoholic, I'm a non practicing Alcoholic, Ive been sober 15 years also , Craig is right about the rehab, I stayed 1 month , I knew I would drink the day I got out and I did I drank for another year even worse , one day something snapped in my head and I didn't drink that day , never touched it again , AA did nothing for me , it's all in the mind , I choose not to drink that day and I stopped , the mind is a very powerful thing, it's your choice, people told me stop for your mother , stop for your wife and stop for your baby daughter, I stopped for no one until I wanted to stop for Me ,

[@actownsend7288]

AA is a corrupt cult. Alcohol free since February 11th 2023.

[@diegocabello3852]

Very well said... I celebrated 7 months clean and sober today. Gonna keep on hanging on

[@angelgal3076]

here's hoping you made it to 8! (it's a glass of water, pretty much all i drink most of the time!)

[@comradejosephstalin6886]

Did you make it to 2 years 7 months, mate?

[@williamgray6098]

Diego Cabello I need some help

[@mevrouwroos]

I hope youre doing good!

[@alansouthall8221]

❤❤❤

[@JordiVanderwaal]

This aged beautifully.

[@jeremystone2658]

Truth and wisdom are eternal brother 😊

[@frankrathbone7299]

I remember seeing this when he delivered it. I think its one of the best things he's ever done.

[@dudds6699]

In my opinion it actually is the best thing he did.

[@paulclark4071]

Didn’t he win the Peabody for it?

[@neilfindlay8332]

Brilliant I too am a alcoholic +drug addict, but now clean and sober by the grace of my higher power and AA/NA.

[@gimme4641]

Monologue aged like fine wine ❤️😊

[@nolin335]

Maybe not the best analogy lol

[@chilly243]

the irony with this one... perfect

[@ManishaSharma-gm5vk]

Oh the irony 🙌

[@arlanreber6717]

You can always tell when he's being serious and has dropped his guard. That Scotish accent just gets thicker and thicket. I love it. Let you Scotish touge fly man.

[@carolehayden8566]

my life has been saved for 26yrs. Thanks, Craig, you are a brother.

[@OOberization]

Just to let you know Craig and I really hope you read this. After watching your video I took a second look at myself. My pancreas is inflamed and infected, could not look in the mirror and drank 4 litres of wine a day. I am lucky I am not dead. My doctor starting January 23rd set me up with some medications to make sure i would not have a seizure and to help with the anxiety as I started this journey on the 24th. I have not had a drink in 7 days. And I feel great. I truly have a thinking problem that leads to my drinking. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for leading me to clarity.

[@alexanderprice2577]

Hope you're well Adam! Much respect to you and your journey.

[@anandadaquino3604]

Yeah. How are you going?

[@kathleenodonnell2206]

Craig helped a lot of people by being so open with his recovery

[@rihamy2nd]

Adam, it’s nine years later, my friend. I hope this message finds you well.

[@nigopow420]

Ugh! I want so badly to help. I wish I could just show up and help. How can I make this my passion and purpose.

[@deborahwood7089]

I'll celebrate 9 years sobriety as of January 2020. Major props to Craig for not piling on Britney on her rock-bottom night.

[@caseye6677]

I watch this every now and then, and just noticed how the laughs at certain names are almost reflexive, unintentional. Like it took some people a while to shift their gears.

[@elyeatonpullen5692]

He hAd to say I’m not joking more than once

[@user-nt8lq4rp3z]

​@@elyeatonpullen5692 It's human nature to laugh when we're uncomfortable.

[@shadowplay1990]

This is why I love this man. He's so honest and he's not afraid to tell his viewers the truth about himself. This monologue and the one with his father's eulogy are hands down some of the best live tv moments.

[@BlackBarney]

Ive never been much of a drinker or anything but I watch this video once a year, every year, just for perspective Hard not to respect Craig Ferguson. I respect myself enough to know that I should listen to him. Listen and learn.

[@johnnyhopkins69]

Drunk on Easter day, knowing I've gone from high functioning to barely functioning as an alcoholic, god bless you Chris, I'm trying.

[@ItsaDaPope-a]

Hey man, how are you holding up? Would you mind checking in?

[@Success4u247]

40 years next year 27 August 1983. No pills, No wacky tobaccy. No Devils dandruff. Just Living. Thank GOD . And AA and ACoA

[@ddesa123]

Day 39…..you have to thank God every day you make the decision to stay sober

[@user-nt8lq4rp3z]

Wrong. I thank myself everyday a for making the choice to not consume alcohol. That's much more empowering than some invisible sky daddy having power over me.

[@jeremystone2658]

Exactly. Pat yourself on the back

[@solemndrifter2220]

This is why craig is the GOAT

[@mlcx7029]

ive watched this video numerous times, to keep myself in check, how ironic i turned it on tonight and its Feb. 17th. Tomorrow is Craigs anniversary for being sober,, Thank you Craig for being an inspiration!! Ps. im proud to say i am 8 1/2 plus years,,

[@petepallett4639]

26 years here. Good for Craig, he's one of the good guys.

[@peternewman135]

5 days sober here. This monologue has stuck with me since it first aired when I was 16.

[@user-em7kf5iz8i]

Hope you’re doing well, Peter!

[@Pigletsyes]

Pullin' for ya!

[@OMGitsSEVEN]

I'm an atheist and I Go to AA. I like being around sober folks, and I like hearing their stories. Anything to stay sober

[@lotaryguy12]

Religion (& especially the contents of the bible) can easily be proper interpreted to learn its teachings regardless of your beliefs. We can believe there is no god and take a lot from it anyways.

[@maryfitzpatrick2738]

I was never a church goer but when it comes to staying clean I go and it’s worked for me last drink/drug 11/11/11 that’s when my world changed for the better!☘️🙏🌞

[@adsyoffinch]

I’m not sober but this video and Craig’s talks about alcohol really help keep me in check, I will eventually be sober and this is the person who inspires me.

[@KingdomKing13]

You’ve got this, my friend. You have it in you. I know I’m just some random faceless internet person but you’ve got me in your corner.

[@seantyler8639]

I come back to this every few months. Addiction is an illness, and this is one of the realest talks about addiction ever captured on camera. Understand what Craig’s saying and if anybody needs help please, please get it

[@deanb024]

I was sober almost 4 years when it aired. Craig was so much fun. Still is. Anyways, it changed the way I looked at my own sobriety. I no longer felt cursed, but blessed by God. It changed my salvation and my marriage and how I looked at people. Thank God for the people and the rooms of AS. God bless all

[@ptroinks]

I don't have any problems like what he's talking about, but I just love this monologue. I can watch it over and over...

[@anandadaquino3604]

ptroinks that’s sweet from u! Most people just like to judge and mock 😐

[@Talisman09]

Ananda D'Aquino that's unfair, he states his points very well

[@jessica5497]

I love him

[@NortonsNestMonthly]

Craig is the best! He is a brilliant comic but the respect he has for his audience by being so honest is just amazing. I wish he would come back to late night.

[@SingerTJones]

February 18th, 2019 this came across my recommended videos. KZbin is recommending sobriety to me by way of Craig Ferguson.

[@abutterflyloves]

10 years next month December 2009 - December 2019! It's not easy, but it is worth it!

[@GamingHelp]

I seen this on the air and intentionally found it again and it's every bit as good as I remember. I recall how shocked I was at how genuine he seemed to be as well as the empathy he showed for someone who was having an obviously hard time. It's rare that I feel like I have personal respect for celebrities, but I certainly do for this man. I hope he's having a wonderful retirement.

[@davidwilley6199]

I purposely sought this out too.Eleven years sober.Its a great life.

[@GamingHelp]

@@davidwilley6199: Glad to hear it and that you're doing well. :)

[@Reizermo]

not sober. but come to listen every now and again. it helps.

[@jamesjames9193]

'I don't have a drinking problem, I have a thinking problem!' - this is so true, of anyone thinks that self-medicating with drugs [alcohol] is going to fix or improve any situation / problem(s)!

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

"a thinking problem" OCD. Craig is also an obsessive and compulsive flirter, which is less harmful, but can be harmful.

[@lukewelch9952]

This is changing my life. I'm struggling being a single dad, I have my stepson while she has my son. I love them both. I lost everything to alcohol. This changed my life. I watch it all the time because it gives me the hope I need. I hope it helps others. Being an alcoholic sucks, but seeing others so willingly to share and hear others stories helps. I couldn't share but when I watched this, it gave me the courage and hope to share. He isn't a legend, he is somebody who knows the addiction and how uncomfortable we are in our own mind and skin. He talks for himself because he knows when he was getting sober somebody was selfless enough to do the same for him. He had a platform and used it to help us. For that I am forever grateful. I cry because I know there was a day I was ready to die too. Thank you sir, you helped save my life.

[@sherrifaye4821]

One day sober. Wish me luck.

[@Captn_Ghostmaker]

How's the week been? You've got this.

[@derickson5418]

It is Feb 18th 2018. Craig and I will have the same sober date. Thanks for this video.

[@smlpcollective4166]

Keep going mate.

[@ih8music]

Love this man. I've been working on my sobriety for over 7 years now. It's been a struggle at times. Just when you think you're good, ol' slick comes around and gets you to do things that you (intellectually, at least) know are wrong. The lesson for me is that I will never be "good" and need to stay on guard 24/7/365, one day at a time. Some days, one minute at a time.

[@alanstrickland]

Stay strong.

[@peterbaskind9872]

If it were easy, everybody could do it. Keep going.

[@JVipple]

3.5 years sober. Christmas day 2018. Nobody has ever summed up my battle/journey with alcoholism quite like Mr. Ferguson. Powerful insightful stuff.

[@danielbrowne9344]

Fantastic. These stories help me in my sobriety journey.

[@mastrcheefed]

This is why Craig is my idol, been through years of hardship but still tries to convey that healing is always possible. That is a hero.

[@sandythompson2295]

July 17, 1982. Thanks Susan

[@bbloomfield6497]

Almost 35 days today.. 24 of those days were in hospital because of organ failure. Though I've seen this monologue many times before, now the drinking problem/thinking problem concept is really going to stick with me.

[@estt1252]

When times are tough, I listen to this again

[@tomjohnson7788]

I've been sober 10 years. I'm with you craig

[@katydids03]

Thanks for supporting Britney. You were one of the only celebrity types, certainly male celebrity types who did.

[@seanjames5799]

Just celebrated 2 years clean and sober last Monday.

[@Graoully]

No matter how many times I watch this monologue, it still amazes me. Well done Chief.

[@davidligman3706]

I needed to see this today. Thanks Craig.

[@Wolvenfire86]

Every time I see this, I am moved just as powerfully as I was the first time.

[@euey7441]

Craig is the best of us, a genuine soul. Speaking nothing but compassionate truth and yet people still laugh; There's so much to take away from this video and I hope if you are reading this you feel it too, that we can all do a little bit better for each other

[@Ahnyks]

It's a shame no one takes him serious at first when he brings up Britney Spears. But they come around, thankfully. Thanks for uploading this.

[@christopherbrennan4858]

Two weeks into 2020, a week after getting out of the hospital, someone at a meeting suggested I watch this. 52 months of sobriety later and I come back to this regularly.

[@mikemarchetti1535]

Day 12 without a drink. In a rehab center in Dallas drying out and working out my mental health, the biggest thing that brought me to the bottom of the bottle. Love Craig, he's inspired me to get into standup. I hope that cleaning up will help me get on the path to where I want to be

[@deanb024]

I pray you're still walking the walk.

[@gemgem347]

I watched this the other day and even today i still had tear in my eye. 20 years is a great milestone....goodluck to everyone at the beginning of the road....one day at a time you'll get through it :-) watching clips from 5 years shows how much his accent has changed, but it is still obvious scot (reminds me of john barrowman in that sense) thanks mal

[@OhNehNee]

starting my sobriety today. im not designed to drink. and i will come back and give updates. hope you all luck too.

[@misinformedmarti]

Checking in on you. No judgement if it isn't as hoped.

[@OhNehNee]

@@misinformedmarti i failed after a month. lol

[@wfm445]

Hope you are doing well I'm 2 weeks sober

[@OhNehNee]

i started keto last month, drank twice in that timeframe and in moderation, keto is the best

[@jocelynnowen3078]

Thanks you Craig. Good talk buddy. Love you

[@user-nt8lq4rp3z]

I saw this monologue the night it first aired. I had just over a year of sobriety under my belt. I now have eighteen years. I watch this a few times a year and every year on my sober anniversary. I share it with as many people as I can who are struggling.

[@gerryharrah7153]

I'll have 12 years on the 23rd of this month. I always listen to this monolog/lead on that day. It's never gotten old.

[@tedmichaels1951]

I miss watching this guy

[@actownsend7288]

His podcast JOY is really awesome. Comedy podcasts and game shows have kept me alcohol free one day at a time since February 11 2023

[@NovaScotiaZee]

I have watched this many, many times and it never fails to give me strength and inspiration. Thank you, Mr. Ferguson.

[@nemonobody6011]

I went through some similar episodes. Last May 21st marked my 7th anniversary of not drinking, and keeping it up. One of the greatest gifts I gave myself. Sobriety feels good.

[@bakontrack]

Well spoken! I was in a relationship with an alcoholic/addict for 2 and a half years. About half that time she was drinking/using. She was jailed for DUI. She got out and thankfully got clean. But the thing is, she had the same thinking problem. She was 33 and it was like she had the mentality of a teenager. I tried and tried to make it work, but unfortunately I couldn't stay with her on her journey because she needed to do some things on her own. She needed to grow and I was standing in her way of growing because I was codependant. Leaving her to grow on her own was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. I do care for her and want to hear her tell her story some day like Craig did here. I love you Jamie Marie. God bless you and heal you!

[@meowbeats7496]

You were fucking an addicted teenager

[@alexarul3124]

Why mention her name publicly?

[@abe9458]

Hopefully will start today

[@JawboneandJolene]

Craig, I have loved your humor for some time now. And my wife, she laughs so hard at your monologues she can't get a breath! This monologue, which I have just seen, made me realize why I dig you so much. We're hit with the same problem and we've both found the solution. I'd like to think I'd have the courage to tell some of my story on tv, not to get a laugh but to maybe give someone a new and better perspective about themselves or a loved one. You sir, are a hero.

[@DethroneME]

Mr. Ferguson, a man of pure class. :)

[@TzadikTheManic]

Wow I remember this monologue, I never (or rarely) missed the show, it’s still my favorite and nothing will ever replace it. I did forget a bit however how very poignant it was; Craig being that candid & open on a show otherwise known & loved for its constant irreverence & unique humor. What a great man, everything about him impresses me.

[@DrRealz]

this is a classic by Ferguson. I've watch this video at least 10 times and everytime i have the chills

[@canigettawhatwhat]

I love this man

[@jtssexy]

Craig has moved me more than anyone ever has. His honesty, humility and 'realness' is something rare and beautiful. What always gets to me the most when watching this is hearing how close he came to missing out on all of the wonderful things that have happened to him in the years since that day, and how close the world came to never having the chance to discover a true talent and a beautiful human being. Thank you Craig, as always, for sharing your humor and heart with us. XOXO

[@TheGoodrichgirl73]

I watch this video over and over again , it gives me comic relief to the painful reality of addiction I can’t do AA , I can’t get past the religion and the powerless I found peace in refuge recovery but I’m still looking for people on my island to connect with. This is a powerful disease and we need to be with people like us

[@moppetmaker]

Ah, five years has really flown by. I vividly remember watching this episode the night it aired. It's really when I fell in love with him for being so open and honest about himself. His genuine nature is what sets him apart from all the other late night hosts.

[@oopsjustsayin]

My dad is an alcoholic (or was) and he's been sober for 2.5 weeks now after he'd gotten a pancreatic infection... I hope he stays sober, I love my dad very much.

[@leonardogonzalez-f1802]

curious to know. He made it?

[@DrGrumbles612]

I found this monologue and his eulogy monologue for his mother (or maybe it was father) in 2008, and I credit those for officially getting me into Craig

[@danieln.siskron8980]

Thank you Craig .... for speaking about these Alcohol problems with people . I think it s important people hear speeches like this.

[@annaclayton8418]

Inspirational - wish I could have shared this with someone I loved very much. Maybe it would have helped. An alcoholic doesn’t want to be an alcoholic.

[@hockeyqueen]

Wow mad props to Craig for talking about this. It's even more powerful because he's a comedian so everyone expects him to be funny. When he comes out and gets all serious people take him even more seriously. Continued good wishes to him

[@user-cv2hq9cg2y]

12 yrs sober. I often get a chance to help other addicts and alcoholics, and the very first thing I do Is have them watch this video. Craig is great at explaining the serious nature of sobriety, while at the same time injecting humor into it. I've seen this 100 times, and the bit about the Vicar still makes me laugh!

[@amandacoverdale]

I admire so much this man

[@Detoxtorehabcenter]

Who else didn’t know how sick they were until they got sober? Thank goodness for ‪#‎sobriety‬ !

[@MsLina625]

hope u are doing ok. question: how do you know you really need help? what is the difference between heavily drinking recreationaly and actually being an alcoholic? I know I sound stupid here but I think I need help and smn to talk to

[@thehonestnewsshowwithjason9566]

Simple way to find out, can u stop drinking? I dont mean for an hour or 2, I mean can u go say a week w/out drinking? If u cant or if its really difficult to I'd say yeah u've probably got a drinking problem.

[@emergencyCALL911]

@@MsLina625 Craig addressed this very question on a radio show he did about 8 months after this. Here's his answer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moa1hJmYa7KbicU

[@sampokemppainen3041]

I think that without really having any distance into the situation, it's really hard to notice. Not only for the addicted but their families and friends too.

[@elyeatonpullen5692]

Email me I gotchu

[@Bevcrusherfan]

Craig is a great human being.

[@ReezeGoingSenseless]

I respect Ferguson for that monologue to no end.I enjoy comedy like anyone else, but the reality this man brought forth is exceptional.Thank you.

[@Wonky-Donkey]

Hope you are still hanging in there. I have 18 years sober and while it's not easy it's worth it. Wish you all the best.

[@MazrimCage]

I'm 10 months sober, I don't think I'll ever go back to drinking. I'm still depressed as all fuck but at least I can deal with it sober.

[@Ms_Ve]

❤❤❤

[@MazrimCage]

@@Ms_Ve It's small acts of kindness and solidarity like some hearts on a comment that leave you wondering if they make a difference and I'll tell you that they do. I've thought about your reply more than once, it's a positive thing and I thank you.

[@Ms_Ve]

@@MazrimCage thank you SO SO MUCH for replying.

[@Ms_Ve]

@@MazrimCage i appreciate you xxx

[@deanb024]

Books with Ben. I don't know you. But I love you. You're around 2 years sober now I pray. The first 2 were awful for me. Suddenly having to deal with my feelings and my life with no crutches was hell. I know you can do it because I can do it. Only for the grace of God go I. April 8, 2003. Peace. Let me know how you're doing if you don't mind. 🙏

[@BeauJames59]

I appreciate Craig doing this.........

[@kimmykimko]

If i could drink, I would drink...but I can't. This is truly only understood by alcoholics or addicts. We cannot control our drinking. Its insane.

[@Birdwolf1]

If you can't make it to a meeting watch this video, some very personal hard times, thanks for sharing Craig:))

[@CAVEDATA]

Hero

[@littlemisshedgehog]

Wow...I mean, I loved him before. All I can say is that I have THE greatest respect for this man now.

[@jcbak]

Don't EVER give up!

[@esolgeorge]

Right on the money! I have 15 years now myself, and I started my sober journey about a month after this video was made.

[@nahuelma97]

Makes me think of my father. He reminds me a lot of him.

[@markdavis7853]

Still my favorite late night tv segment

[@NET1340]

thanks for the upload