Signs You're Drinking Alcohol Not Because You Like It, BUT Because You're Suffering | Andy Ramage

[@DrChatterjeeRangan]

Looking for shorter clips or content? Check out my @DrChatterjeeClips channel

[@christopherbekker8573]

Objy

[@Rockyrockslost]

I love this podcast, have seen the last one and helped me. But still struggling being an average drinker-introverted person and was 6 months alcohol free last year. Now it feels like I have to stand up once again.

[@Custardpie174]

95 days sober here.....anxiety was out of control....no sleep...don't know how I did it....we all deserve better....

[@hiswordenduresforever7588]

You did it! I'm at the beginning again, and I get so afraid.

[@emoraytorres6842]

Take St John's wort for anxiety or Sam -e but not both at the same time, look up the benefits of those 2 supplements

[@lettinngamvaiphei6147]

Doctors don't really care ..cause most of them have time for alcohol ..I ask for sleeping pills they plainly refuse me all the time .

[@lettinngamvaiphei6147]

Can someone die of anxiety?

[@KsazDFW]

I drank 1 or 2 drinks per night 4 nights a week. Maybe one of those nights I’d have 3 glasses…. Never more. But I found I was drinking out of boredom and to escape. It didn’t do anything positive for me, so I’d decided to stop. It’s been 60 days now.

[@KsazDFW]

My BP has dropped 10-20 points and I’ve lost some fat around my middle. Less bloating and better sleep. I like the change.

[@firebellymel5557]

I’m a habitual drinker- rarely get wasted. See less and less value over time. I am bored and have chronic pain so sometimes it helps me escape it. No doubt it makes it all worse

[@KrisG66]

Andy, I saw you on Rich Roll 5 years ago and it took 5 years but I finally got sober. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do!

[@manfromdelmonty303]

Same - went sober after his RR episode

[@l.stevens1601]

I'm on 5 months, and while I felt isolated and "bored" for a few months, now I do not see where I would have the time to waste sitting around and dulling myself for hours. Life is so much fuller without alcohol! And I will add that periodically listening to these wonderful podcasts keeps me steadily on the path. Thank you, Rangan and Andy!

[@aliciarobinson8800]

This podcast is wonderful.. I'm hopefully on my way to either cut down & buy alcohol free drinks or better still go alcohol free for 90 days & see how i go from there.

[@littlebearsparty4323]

i managed my own fast-food take-way business in the UK for 19 years and could write a book on the horrific drunken violence that i witnessed. For the whole of 'British Isles' , from Dublin to Belfast , from Aberdeen to Cornwall , society is blighted by this damaging drug. The health benefits, both physical and mental of quitting are enormous. My hat comes off for everyone on here that has escaped from the addiction. Two legends having a great chat on a subject that affects everyone of us, a superb episode.

[@chiefstain]

I'm pretty sure if you had such a business, you'd know how to spell it

[@lisajesse181]

Dublin is not part of Britain.

[@suhubu1]

​@@chiefstaintypo?

[@chiefstain]

@suhubu1 A typo that he missed on the edit. Not only did he miss a letter out, but he also managed to add a random hyphen in there as well. That's some typo. I'm also curious of the name of this takeaway business that spaned from Aberdeen to Cornwall and Dublin to Belfast!

[@nextlevelsuki]

I am currently on Day 87 alcohol-free after 27 years of moderate to heavy drinking! Mannn to know better is to do better and I've come to the realization that it doesn't align with my journey to become the highest version of myself! I refuse to be an active participant in my demise!

[@moirahill6397]

Thank you for this excellently insightful comment. I agree!

[@nextlevelsuki]

@moirahill6397 thank you SOO much! I appreciate that!! Currently on Day 202 and still going!!🙌🏽🙏🏽❤️

[@moirahill6397]

@@nextlevelsuki You're welcome 😊 🙏 You're doing great 👍

[@michaeldalton6121]

I quit 10 years ago as I just got bored. Nothing positive from drinking only positives from not drinking. No brainer. No such thing as a healthy relationship, all it does is self medicate.

[@anne-no2ic]

i never enjoyed social events, talking to those I find tiresome or tiring or drinking to make it less irritating. I do enjoy some wine when alone to relax. At 88 I find a bit of wine soothes, so it must be self medication instead of prescription drugs which I avoid. I think a little wine helps me more than any prescription would at this stage of life. Though my husband had a fabulous wine celler I never became interested in the subject or drank much and he never was drunk but used it to unwind and relax. Collecting fine wines was a hobby. I am only sorry I didn't join my husband in his exploration and interest in the subject. Wine before bed helps me sleep.

[@alvodin6197]

That simply isn't true. Either you didn't have a drinking a problem or you don't want to acknowledge any vulnerability. There are plenty of benefits of being numbed out of your mind, pain etc. now, is that a good or healthy long term solution? Obviously not. But to say that there aren't any positives of alcohol and drugs, albeit temporarily, is a sign of lack of integrative thinking, which adults should possess.

[@anne-no2ic]

@@alvodin6197 I don't have a problem with alcohol, I only drink a certain wine and a bout once a month, usually around a holiday, but While I do not feel tipsey I feel relaxed and easy. I like the release. But alone. I like the relaxing effect, it removes accumulated tension . It must be self medication to unwind and totaly relax. If it wasn't detrimental to health I would drink a bottle of fizzed up wine a week, but it isn't benificial in excess. As a relaxing, unwinding it is healthy.

[@rickkan4870]

Didn’t think about taking the master of wine exam ?

[@ChrisBird1]

😂😂😂that's upto you ,my take is vastly different to yours. At 51 I've had an absolute blast socialising on alcohol .. absolute blast 🎉and I'm fitter and stronger than nearly anyone I know 👊

[@misslemu]

I’m on day 45 and this interview, along with the book This Naked Brain, have inspired me to kick alcohol to the curb once and for all. Alcohol free AF from now on my friends 😊

[@Sarah-kj6yg]

Congratulations on day 45. I started reading This Naked Mind by Annie Grace 3 weeks ago 😊😊

[@ThePaulaon1]

​@@Sarah-kj6ygAre you enjoying the book Sarah?

[@ThePaulaon1]

@misslemu Well done. Keep it up 💪. I've went 9 mths as my longest & 100 days back in 2020. Best thing I've ever did. Had a cple of 6 week breaks since them but I deff need to give it up. Life is just SO much better.

[@schanychamemphis1327]

one day at a time🩷

[@schanychamemphis1327]

I am 66 years old and have never been much of a drinker. I am single and it seems like everything revolves around drinking. Then you never really know anyone because they were talking to you when they were drinking and do not even remember what you talked about. I am currently looking for folks who want to hang out without the alcohol and all the BS and nastiness that comes with it.

[@moirahill6397]

Book club or night class?

[@schanychamemphis1327]

@@moirahill6397 None of my night classes has even offered alcohol. I quit the book club because the women were getting wasted. Most did not even read the book!

[@moirahill6397]

@@schanychamemphis1327 Hiking or walking club?

[@juliocesarmombiela111]

Meetings. Lots of sober people that are living there life with out booze. 👍

[@seattlegrrlie]

It's true that it took years to get here. My goal was to drink less, exercise more. I'd gotten down to about 1 drink a week and realized my heart rate and exercise intensity was worse for 2-3 days after one drink. Messed up my sleep. I'm done, seven months sober and in the best shape of 25yrs

[@midi510]

I turn 65 in a few months. My main sport is backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. I go out most weeks during the 6 - 7 months of winter we have. In the summer I rock climb, hike, and do general mountaineering. Most of the guys I go out with are 30 years younger than me and they have a hard time keeping up. I've drank alcohol off and on most of my life, sometimes heavily. A few years ago, I gave it up for good. I just can't do the things I like to do at the level I like to do them and drink alcohol. Plus, I'm dedicated to maximizing my conscious experience of life and alcohol makes one less conscious.

[@Galaxie500IN]

that last part - I’m the opposite. I’ve quit, but I’m feeling too intensely aware all the time; it’s as though I can not slow my head down enough to think.

[@midi510]

@@Galaxie500IN The end goal, I suggest, should be to be completely present and aware without thinking. Analytical thinking is a tool that should only be used when necessary. When simply present and aware, there's an absolute stillness. An emptiness that's also a fullness. It's complete peace and joy. It's absolute love. It's everywhere all the time, but people aren't aware of it because there's this tendency to always be distracted by what's going on around and inside of us. It's not the awareness that's distracting, but the commentary on what's happening, what happened, and what's likely to happen. It's the judgements and valuations that are distracting. It's fine to make judgements and valuations, but do it intentionally and with purpose. Aside from that, we can function most of our day without any thinking at all by running programs and sub-routines - muscle memory, etc. Meditation is the master tool for learning that we are not the content of our minds.

[@sliphere011]

I'll go months not drinking. Then I'll go out to catch up with some friends and have a few drinks. People who think they recover after 24 hours don't realize it has an affect for like a week. Mood not the same. Get tired randomly. Really throws your body off.

[@learningvideosbynikhil8308]

Wait so you don’t drink now by the way?

[@sliphere011]

@@learningvideosbynikhil8308 have not had any alcohol in probably 7 months? Something like that. Lost track

[@littlebearsparty4323]

it takes the liver 3 weeks to heal after consuming booze.

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

I pretty much drank out of boredom and a thirst quencher ! I couldnt quit cold turkey like my body was addicted to acytelaldihyde the toxic byproduct of alcohol ! I feel like death even after day #2 without drinking ! Going on day 3 and my digestive issues seem to be improving ! Does anybody know how long this lasts ?

[@PriusTurbo]

@@scottymoondogjakubin4766If you're still going no alcohol, two weeks later you should be feeling pretty good now! Three weeks is the magic number for a lot of people. Then 90 days seems to really bring in a new level of brain function. Stay focused on the 90. Dial in your diet and exercise and treat your body like the high performance machine it is.

[@josephhevey4735]

88 days in. I had a tumour removed and had radiotherapy that finished back in November 22. I wasn’t drinking much at all but just decided to stop for January and kept going . I did this as my general health still felt bad so I thought why am I hindering my recovery by having a few drinks now and then. To be honest I still feel bad but I know I would feel worse if I was taking the odd drink. I have other reasons that affect my health so it’s not all down to drink. For now I don’t drink. Your health is your wealth.

[@josephhevey4735]

172 and counting

[@rachelnekati5571]

7 years alcohol free and loving every moment of my life.

[@DavidMichaelBurnett]

I'm a 30 year old male from the Newcastle area in the UK and the "going out-out" culture here is massive. I find it very difficult to avoid going out and drinking and when I do it's excessively. I can go weeks/about a month without touching alcohol however when I do it's heavy binge drinking due to things like football matchdays and it's whenever I see friends it it isn't for a hike or something. It's largely my social life as I have a season ticket at Newcastle United. It's blowing up my mental health for about 5 days afterwards. I'm physically destroyed for about 3-4 days. i can barely function the day after. It's causing havoc with my mood and performance at work and I feel it's largely (not fully) to blame for my progress in life. I feel so behind in life for my age. I can easily not drink, but socially I find it extremely difficult to avoid it. I struggle to drink in moderation when seeing friends and it's really effecting me negatively and I want to do something about it. But I feel like I'm stuck in a cycle as I'll end up feeling a buzz about wanting to go out and drink with friends and afterwards feel the exact same effects above. Is anyone else in the same boat or has experienced at least similar?

[@PriusTurbo]

Quite similar to my experience. I stopped drinking a few "craft beers" alone after work, while cooking dinner etc a few years ago when I realized it was not healthy. I have gone weeks and months periodically over the last ten years where I have no alcohol and am feeling great. What brings me back to it are what you describe: the friends and the occasions where it feels entirely proper to have a drink. It turns into a binge all in the name of good fun followed by the 5 days of mental and 3 days of physical suffering. Always regretful and I actually will resent the friends that I drank along with though they weren't the ones pouring gin down my throat. I have tried the moderation thing again recently after quitting for about 75 days. 2 or 3 drinks then done for the night, only to lose energy and get sleepy (need 5 or 6 to get the dopamine/energy flowing). Next day, feel low-grade poisoned, tired, irritable off the 2 or 3. More drinks than that, I risk having a ripping hangover. So the logic here for me is unless I'm going hard, drinking is pointless because I'm losing in the moment and losing the next day or two. If I drink for the big vibes then I'm trash for the week. I have done my personal research and I can now confidently tell people/friends that a little bit sucks tonight and a lot sucks for a week and I'm honestly more fun and I have a better experience hanging out with people whilst not drinking. Plus if my friends get sh*housed I can still steer the boat and I don't know anyone that won't appreciate that. Final advice here is that all of the times I've gone out and had drinks when I didn't want to (and I regret every time) were because I wasn't mentally prepared to deal with the situations. You have to rehearse them in your head so you aren't caught by surprise and find yourself grabbing that shot or pint suddenly. Bonus: If you have to, tell your friends you are getting a blood test/hormone panel done and you can't drink for a while leading up to it so the test results are accurate. No dude is going to argue that.

[@agceh]

I went to rehab in south africa. Did not wake up with a bottle but when I drinked it was out of control and feeled horrible the day after, anxious, depressed. Did benzo's to kill that feeling. Im going to the football over here (PSV Eindhoven season ticket) and now, im 1.5 years in recovery, I can go normal to the football, also with friends, after the match I dont stay long. You cant have the same life, but there is a life possible if you quit. I play padel(sport) so much now and really enjoy it. Also the mornings I really enjoy, not waking up sick and thinking wtf did I did last night? Im 36 and I can say im done with that life anyway. I couldnt stop when I started, could not behave me and wake up terrible and feel shit for days and than repeat the same shit.. is that life? I dont know what life is but im looking now for other things. Also following the 12 step program now. Wish you all the best. There is a life possible without it, im seeing it more and more

[@Mccafan543.]

Well done! ​@@agceh

[@luispou8106]

When you start to say " alchol blow my mind " , exactly same happens to me , is not one day , almost a full week , swing mood , irritated , foggy brain , hate life , unsocial , all the opposide I am really are . Alchol fuck up my week , diet, everything , I won't go gym or do things that I enjoy doing .

[@ahmedjr9977]

Keep fighting brother. I know exactly what you mean. One day God willingly you will conquer this 💪🏼!

[@emilduda3816]

2,5 years sober. Thank you Andy.

[@LornaDonaldson-tv2id]

Relate 100%- said perfectly, thank you Andy! I've been alcohol free for 15 and a half years, best step I ever took! ❤

[@nextlevelsuki]

THIS INTERVIEW WAS INCREDIBLE!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!! I definitely have to relisten a few more times! So many gems dropped, so much reflection for me! I'm currently on Day 88 alcohol-free and I am so happy about it!🎉🙌🏽

[@anomalyraven]

I decided to go a year without alcohol before I turn 30 this year, because last year I just had the thought: I haven't tried abstaining from it for a longer period ever since I began drinking. So I wanted to try it out during the last year in my 20's - it's been a little over 6 months since I last had a drink now and it's honestly been great. Something I noticed recently when I was under a lot of stress, was that I had a real urge to drink. But the thought of the anxiety, hangover and spending the rest of the weekend recuperating was so off-putting, that staying in the moment was worth more than the brief release I'd get if I had gotten myself a drink.

[@virginial.p.1747]

So true! I like how you call it, middle lane drinking bc that's it.. it is a habit!! Definitely wastes so much life!

[@pauljones5066]

I'm middle lane. Occasionally I overtake in the fast lane at 90! 🙂

[@FleetingMoments-2]

Brillant conversation and helping me after a good few attempts to quit alcohol. I have determination now, but how long it lasts this time.....

[@BT-be8rh]

Approaching 11 months off after 40 years of drinking, feel great, don’t see myself going back!!

[@TheirIAre]

🎉❤

[@fayelawrence6311]

This is soooo good! I really appreciate the work you both are doing to support people in walking a different path! I realized while watching that I’m over 90 days without alcohol!! I had my last drink on Christmas Day in Australia with my son in law. He had brought back a bottle of mezcal from a trip to Mexico and so I shared my last drink with him. It was special as he was totally in support of me and brought out the good stuff, my favorite to end it! lol! Reflecting on these last 90 days I realize how much better I feel. My sleep has greatly improved, I have so much more energy. My mood is great and Im so much more productive. This podcast is really making me consider giving it up for good. Thank you again for the work you do and for bringing this message!

[@pzaruk]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart . I have been an additions Councellor for 25 in Canada. I quit alcohol closer to 30 years and never had the words to explain my own journey. The addiction culture has changed drastically in Canada and I believe there is a place for your movement in our country and hope to share and hear more about your work!

[@kevinandalicia8701]

Listened loved it. With the kids question. A few months ago I thought if a doctor came to me and offered a medication for my kids with the same positives as alcohol, and the same negatives, I would say no way. All the positives they can get on their own, and why would I introduce them to so many negatives. In my mind it is in sane.

[@TheirIAre]

I want to quit. But lately finding the hope and reason to even do so, feels extremely hard.

[@l.stevens1601]

Quitting gives you the hope and soon you'll see and feel the reason. :)

[@Mexicobeanpole]

Do what I did. I told myself I won’t drink for one month. Saying, I’ll never drink again was too much for me to fathom. Then after the 30 days, I just kept extending it. Then I realized at one year that I’d actually kind of put it in my past. Drinking or not drinking wasn’t a daily thought anymore. Now, this coming July will be 10 years that I’ve been zero alcohol. I’m proud that it no longer has a grip on me, but you’ll go through stages of missing it less and less as time goes on.

[@TheirIAre]

​@@l.stevens1601 thank you. I've quit for a few months, half a year ago, but fell back into it. I really want to be free of this darkness.

[@TheirIAre]

​@@Mexicobeanpolethank you for sharing

[@roseadams5362]

I'm almost 1 year sober. As an alcohol dependent I always hoped that i could revert to having 'the odd drink' like i could 15 years ago rather than the 1st drink leading to a 6 week binge which is what it had become. But in 1 year sober I've reversed my moderate liver disease (i had fibrosis), lost 3 stone and gained so much time & self respect. I no longer want the odd drink, why would i risk undoing all the good I've achieved. To people who dont know my history I have to justify why im not drinking. It's just so engrained especially for my age group- 50s.

[@hankscorpio33]

Did 62 days last year and felt the best I'd felt in 20 years at 36years old. It crept back in after one night of peer pressure and am starting again for this year's sober October. I pledge nothing but hope to keep it going longer.

[@kpt002]

I am Finnish and as a teenager I drank a lot for fun with my friends (also underage without our parents knowing). It was really typical behavior among the teenagers in 1990's Finland. Around my 20's I had lost all the interest in being drunk and since I don't even like the taste of any alcohol, I stopped drinking complitely. Between the ages 20 and 24 I did not drink at all and then around my 24th birthday I drank with an old friend few times - kind of like for the old time's sake - and then that was it. I have not touched alcohol since. I did not decide to be an absolutist, I just do not find myself benefiting of drinking in any ways. So this spring it will be 25 years since I drank alcohol last time and I have never felt that I would have missed anything and not once have I even thought of wanting to crab a drink. Green tea and sparkling mineral water do the trick for me. And I am very happy this way. (Never taken any drugs either. Just not my thing at all..)

[@veydajar]

Watching this while hungover is almost painful - the guy's sheer positivity just rubs you the wrong way. :D Will give it another try when I'm not going through 8-drink days and 30-drink weeks.

[@stepha3003]

It will resonate so much better once you've cut back..

[@justthetruth247]

I get it...I can only stop drinking for a few days, or sometimes a couple weeks

[@joannefleming5290]

Such a great interview. Thank you. One thing which shines through is Andy's kindness and he doesn't judge anyone . I love his story about the Aran islands. I can just picture the scene .

[@kateedwards9892]

Such an insightful podcast, thank you, both. I'm almost at 90 days alcohol-free, having been a middle lane drinker for a few years! The only thing I struggle with is the social pressure - especially when I keep getting asked whether I am pregnant... so draining!

[@karacoconutag]

I feel like people don't talk about the pregnant thing enough. I'm in the age range where a lot of people around me are having kids and I'm deliberately not, but I still get asked if I'm pregnant almost every time I turn down a drink. It's beyond annoying telling them "no, I'm actually alcohol free for xyz reason" and having them say, "Suuuuure. 😉"

[@fbustoz]

40 days sober, after 30 yrs drinking...I feel great

[@charlottehaaberrmoe6393]

All your amazing PodCasts have inspired me. The combination of knowing how harmful alcohol is, poor sleep and side effects, and curiosity to try to stop. Two years ago I started the process. It is a process that takes time to rearrange one's life in a society where all socializing involves alcohol. I am SO grateful for your words that inspire me and make me want to live without alcohol. 7 weeks out and I sense this time it's serious. Why would I take a mouthful of alcohol though? I can't find a single reason! Such! It took me two years to feel that conviction. Thankful greetings Charlotte Denmark

[@justthetruth247]

I'm 42 and on a sober rollercoaster where i go a week or 2 without drinking, then holidays or different weekends make me want to drink for the boost, but mostly feel worse afterwards

[@rickduque5799]

I was never a regular drinker until covid, then found i was drinking out of boredom. Then i was drinking to "help" alleviate stress and take the edge off after some really tough days. Over these past holidays i noticed it became too much of a habit, so i just stopped. Sleep is much better, and better able to handle stress, and its only been a few weeks. I will allow myself an occasional drink going forward, but in social situations and dinner.

[@michelefinizio6520]

Thank you I do agree it's better not to drink but I enjoy drinking once a week but I stop at two drinks

[@jsmorton674]

Absolutely brilliant interview. Thank you ever so much for doing what you are doing. 'nuff said!

[@jorush7690]

I haven't drunk alcohol for over 15 years. Had all the comments. Listening to this I substituted the word sugar for alcohol as the principals of giving up sugar - refined sugar/white carbs eg - seems very similar in terms of principals.

[@drdrew3]

I don’t see any similarities between consuming alcohol and sugar.

[@learningvideosbynikhil8308]

The video that college and high school students need…

[@charlottehaaberrmoe6393]

After a month not drinking I take stress in life with calmness. Alcohol made me stressed and anxious I realize now. Andy Ramage is so right in his words and experience not drinking. Big inspiration to stop drinking thank you 🙏🏻😁

[@VarunVermaMD]

Amazing conversation. Good on you for the work you do to help others Andy. I’m impressed your wife still drinks and you’re able to abstain. Legend! Keep it up.

[@tinacox9526]

We just quit alcohol for 8 days thanks for sharing needed to hear this to help me quit

[@tanyasperry5926]

I am 2 days into my alcohol free adventure, coming from what i would believe is more a heavy drinker rather than middle lane. this pod cast is really helpful. I can't wait to see if and how my life is going to change 🎉

[@moirahill6397]

How's it going and how do you feel? I'm 23 days free after weekend drinking for 24 years. I'm having some amazing deep sleeps each night and waking up hangover free is fantastic.

[@tanyasperry5926]

@moirahill6397 hi, that's great, well done!! Its going OK for me so far, I am definitely sleeping much better and feeling pretty great, still a long way to go though. I have to really battle with myself sometimes to not pick up a drink.

[@kingthoy7271]

Gratitude i appreciate this as im in my 2nd day not drinking and learning bow to manage my Neurgifted abilities

[@camilo941]

Thank you for this amazing podcast! today I have decided to start my first 90 days alcohol free ❤

[@carrieraa]

How is it going?

[@camilo941]

Today Its my first week @@carrieraa 🙌

[@carrieraa]

@@camilo941 well done on completing that first week

[@camilo941]

Thank you! And last night was my 4 nights out (like party and being social) being alcohol free 🙌🙌🙌

[@Conner-nd8ph]

Did you make it the 90 days?

[@Bettertogether24-7]

In the last 7 years I dri ked 10000 beers. Now I am 7 months sober and I feel unbelievable good.

[@SoneCantala-j1n]

I used to be heavy drinking on occasions when I was at Laos but I am not alcoholic. Then I came to USA I have seen my cousin, who is the alcoholic. Oh yeah, it was huge changing to me. I completely stopped drinking.

[@richchowns4653]

I have not had an alcoholic drinking since listening to Dr Chatterjee talk to Chris Evans, the Happy Pear twins and Rich Roll at Carfest. I've had spells off of alcohol for long periods before while marathon training etc, but I've never said never again until now. I don't think I'll ever go back to it.

[@eriktred]

Andy Ramage helped change my life.

[@janeeden919]

You nailed the difference between Mediterranean lifestyle drinking and Northern European. When I was younger and even when I was drinking too much I feel that I handled alcohol better. Now that I have young children and I have a lot of stress in my life, even small amounts of alcohol plunge me into a low mood. I’m going to cut it out of my life completely, at least until the kids have grown up and left home!

[@mlouw8218]

Nice conversation 😊👍 I actually think a good way to get your kids to not drink is to be a heavy drinker yourself. It’s very off putting to see the parents you love too intoxicated to connect, making fools of themselves, ruining their health. I was brought up being allowed to to have sips of wine and beer from a very young age, so it never had a ton of misty questions. I guess for me, not drinking is a kind of rebellion.

[@CrystalRivasWelcometomyworld]

I haven't officially quit. After a summer of heavy drinking, i just felt like shiiiii, and I thought to myself, damn, im def hurting myself, do I even know what life is like with out drinking alcohol??? Sooo for the last 30 days Ive refrained from it, and now im curious what life will be like if I refrain from it for the rest of the year. What will the holidays be like? What will the birthday gatherings be like? Will anyone notice ? Will I be better? Its been about 30 days and i feel a sense of clarity I've never felt before ,and learning who I really am in social settings. What will I find out in 2 more months?

[@iantillett7402]

Dr Rangan you really nailed it I must stop doing this......

[@michaelvanmastrigt7591]

Used to drink 3-4 beers every evening (EVERY EVENING) daily for somewhere between 8-10 years I was totally addicted. Had a monkey on my back as they say About 4-5 months ago the desire to drink suddenly left me. Haven’t had it craved any alcohol since then. Odd for sure but I guess it was just my time to quit. I have no intentions of going back and am grateful for the change

[@schanychamemphis1327]

there have been many times I have not been invited to places because I am not a drinker. I can still have a good time. I think it makes others who are drinking a bit uncomfortable at times.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

Those people are not real friends

[@suhubu1]

​@@AndiGomez-yu2dxsounds like they're not real adults 😅

[@dipakrawal1509]

You have to have passion and enthusiasm to quit. I am 3 and half years sober and I enjoy sobriety so much i like to help others to quit. My friends still drink and they accepr me. They drink less now I have noticed.

[@simoncollingridge1992]

Andy's the best!! What an inspiration. He's really helped me :-)

[@AudreyOrourke-n1j]

Resting heart rate dropped, anxiety gone , positives across the board 😊

[@edward_dantonio]

17:40 - Awaken the Giant Within (by Anthony Robbins). I’ll need to look into it!

[@martlowe913]

Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@djpauldakutt]

Great video... Thanks 👌

[@marycollins8215]

Thank you.

[@Peepers2]

Great chat!

[@Galaxie500IN]

I quit drinking six weeks ago, but it has not helped. I’m just terribly nervous and sad to the point of near disability even with taking a total of 5 antidepressants and anti anxiety meds. I don’t understand what anyone could like about this version of me. I didn’t have any trouble stopping. It just felt like it helped since Dad died. I’m in therapy, all that. It isn’t just grief, but that was the asteroid that killed my planet.

[@l.stevens1601]

To the idea that young people feel like they have to drink to fit in: I think that academics especially feel like they have to drink to fit in - at least in the US. So we have this huge problem in the universities. Great to hear that a shift is happening.

[@mikepeacock2470]

Interesting. I came to the conclusion this new year that I didn't enjoy alcohol anymore and haven't had any since. Much of this podcast rings true with me and the thoughts I've had since. I'm done with alcohol. Permanently.

[@sandtoy11510]

Before I quit drinking, I drank alcohol to get drunk….why else would you drink it?

[@Barkeroni]

I can speak for an hour on reasons to quit. It would take me about 30 seconds to talk about reasons to drink

[@rjflores438]

I am a son of alcoholics. Both my parents are alcoholics but my father is really on the path to end up in an early grave if he continues for another 2 or 3 years. The thing is, I actually prefer being around him when he drinks because without a drink he can be very distant and not in a good mood at all and I feel more connected to him when he drinks even as I usually dont drink when im around him.

[@ChatterboxAleman]

not possible for me too many problems well done to those who can

[@allardvanderstarre]

well i am currently tapering off; wanting to get rid of alcohol for a few years....

[@Cdbd4]

0:05 You mention drinking alcool not because you like it but because: 1/ of social expectation 2/ to numb internal discomfort You forgot to mention because … you need it

[@Sacrosanctglobal]

How is it possible to have a healthy relationship with a solvent?

[@markstephenson9280]

I’ll be honest I stopped Drinking for 6 months to correct a “fatty liver” diagnosis. I didn’t feel any different. Sleep was the same never lost weight, anxiety still lurking. It was just normal life but without drink. 90 days may be a promised land of total life regeneration for some but it did. Nothing for me.

[@kurtzy54]

Do you have a healthy diet? Fatty liver is caused by lots of things but mainly poor diet or overconsumption of alcohol. Also, any update on the fatty liver after 6 months no drinking? Curious to hear your feedback

[@markstephenson9280]

@@kurtzy54 I also had to eliminate most dairy and I also stopped eating meat. It was a full reset. After 6 months I had halved my ALT readings and had normal levels. I’ve been tested since and remain at normal levels. I eat meat again and also drink, the Dairy is still eliminated and cholesterol levels have been reduced also.

[@kurtzy54]

@@markstephenson9280 that’s good to hear, glad to see your health improved. I haven’t done any testing, but would like to out of curiosity. At 28 days no drinking and haven’t really noticed a difference either

[@E_GIBSON]

Consuming Ethanol , Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Cocaine, Heroin because you like it, are suffering or for any other supposed reason makes no difference the effects on your body are the same. It doesn't take watching a video of 2 middle aged men rambling on and talking gibberish for 2 hours to figure that out.

[@jamesbutler5908]

Thanks for video. ANY ONE CAN GIVE IT UP,THE SECRET IS STAYING OFF IT,ONCE IT HAS A HOLD OF YOU AND YOU KNOW IT ,IT GETS WORSE,NEVER BETER .OTHER PEOPLE CHANE THEN TO CANNABIS OR MEDS. YOU ARE THE ANSWER NOT OUTSIDE FORCES 😮

[@KarlaandZac]

One question not answered. Why do you drink alcohol, it’s because I enjoy the flavour particularly a good red wine, just one glass with my meal at night or a hunk of cheese. There is NO non alcoholic drink that approaches the flavour. I hate soft drinks too sweet so for me a glass of red wine is great on cold winter’s night. I’ll drink non alcoholic beer on a hot summers day. So what’s the option?

[@Joelstarr]

I stopped drinking because I was too broke 🤣 but then I found out all the good sides of not drinking every week. I am having lot more fun with my kids now. Still can drink wine or beer on some family reunion but really try to avoid it because I know I will get more tired in the next morning. Best way to stop is really to get the habit of not drinking (not going out, not buying wine for home). Now I spend the money to buy sushis for my kids or make nice activities, I still live with my wife (because I am still broke) that left me and she is now the depressed alchoolic with sleep problems🤣

[@Protogorius]

I saw yesterday at my withdrawal a humanoid creature with red glowing eyes dressed like a medieval monks!!!!!!

[@toughr1506]

Time codes?

[@ChristineMcLaughlin-j6q]

What’s driving the cultural shift in Ireland? Erm not a drive for performance as he said. It’s the complete ban on drinking and driving.

[@goosieschills8218]

Drinking Sat and Sun, a bit of recovery by Thursday, then it’s weekend again. No life

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

When you stop drinking and eat properly, you soon realize how quickly you’ll lose unwanted body fat.

[@JamesP44]

Before you drink alcohol, don't.

[@Zeal808]

Exactly

[@CC-bm2uc]

I don’t get alcohol free beers etc - they taste like crud and still cost the same. I’d rather a lime and soda for example. I’m 10 months sober and not craved the taste of alcohol beverages once…

[@christopherjon1245]

Don’t need an hour plus video to tell me that lol

[@lukebillingham1946]

2 things from yours truly. 1- Andy isn’t an introvert. He’s doing a podcast and is all over social media. He may be more introverted without alcohol, but not an introvert. Proper introverts that I’ve met could never give up alcohol. They need it to socialise. 2- Most people would not be with their partners if it wasn’t for alcohol. People lie to me all the time about how their husband would have approached them at the bar sober. Absolute bullshit lol. He stumbled over fuck eyed and tried it on. Think about how many more virgins/lower body counts there would be without alcohol. Most of us want to meet someone, have sex, have fun etc and alcohol is the answer. It then becomes a crutch for too many people. I treated alcohol like a module at the University of life. 17 years my module lasted. Got some great memories and stories and didn’t kill anyone. Result. Cheers.

[@CalvinMorris-cf8jk]

if you drink over 2 drinks more than 2 times a week you have a problem with alcohol and are putting your health at great risks.

[@allier.9193]

I don’t want to feel my panic attacks

[@justthetruth247]

The drinking is less fun now

[@Minisynapse]

Sounds like he spontaneously lost cravings and desire to drink. That's great, but not replicable with contemplation. Even if people lose everything, they might remain in addiction. It's not because people want to lose everything or don't think. Often there's shame due to awareness of one's addiction, but it doesn't help.

[@chiefstain]

Alcohol is great in moderation. This guy, like many, have no discipline, hit low points then start preaching about how alcohol is terrible and everyone should stop drinking

[@etmontbelloj1855]

I think people drinking because they like alcohol I try alcohol wos horrible then never had again If someone one is alcoholic is because they like it .i spoke with lots alcohol people they love alcohol .

[@Nedmar]

I could never understand why people are so drawn to alcoholic beverages. I tried several times in the past to "get used to" things like beer or wine, but I never succeeded, so that now I think I may be downright intolerant to alcohol. And they taste awful, BTW. I mean, beer is usually nauseatingly bitter, and red wine is full of kinda abrasive tannins that make me shudder when consuming them. I tried gin once, and it may have been the most awfully disgusting experience in my entire life, honest. Whenever I drank some alcohol, lethargy and drowsiness arose in a matter of minutes. No euphoria, no cheerfulness, nothing but an imperious need to go to bed. In fact, there was a time when I had no other option but to swallow some alcohol in order to fall asleep quickly 'cause of life problems not allowing me to sleep. Just like when drinking coffee, which makes me sleep, too, 😅 Matcha tea is perhaps the very best drink one could ever wish for, better than regular tea, for when drinking matcha, one consumes the entire ground leaves without leaving anything to throw away. And there is the plus of performing the Japanese tea ritual with the chasen (matcha bamboo broom) and making that whitish-greenish foam appear on the surface of the tea. That is a meditation in itself, and there is no need to drink it by the gallon in enormous mugs, a yunomi (Japanese tea cup) is just enough.

[@TacticalStrudel]

It’s addictive

[@static_perspective]

lol im on day2 , drinking is making me anemic and too much estrogen making dht onmy damn hair line and lack of mag n iron bc now hair shed / thinning. only happen swhen i bingde for 6mo . I had 2 yrs free . i wanna get it back u know

[@nicksavvas4948]

You live once enjoy it ..ruel of thumb dont let the devil take control of you .

[@etmontbelloj1855]

Pepoll turn to alcoholic because family back ground parents teach them yong age drink in