Matt Pike (High on Fire/Sleep): How I Stay Sober

#MattPike of #HighOnFire + #Sleep has struggled with alcohol abuse. Here, he discusses his keys to staying away from booze, including what works for him and what doesn't.
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[@carsonhorne7302]

Recently drank myself to the lowest point in my life. Month into the recovery game now. Matt is a huge inspiration to my guitar playing. Seeing him do it really makes me feel less alone.

[@dickvalentinesillegitimate1059]

Good luck. It’s tough but very worth it.

[@jeremyscout3464]

Don't look back. Always forward. I'm 14 months without a drop. I know where you were. Wish you the best friend.

[@blkPhillip]

20 years sober, here. Alcohol ruined so much of my life, and there are still ex-friends out there who want to stomp me for the effed-up things I said and did while blacked-out drunk. The toughest part of sobriety for me has been realizing that some people want to keep us in our "box" as drunken bafoons forever and refuse to believe that some people can truly change. Best of luck to you, and remember that you will still face hard times, but you don't have to take a drink to get through them.👍

[@neroignatiusrosewater]

Hang in there, man 💪

[@99problemsbutafishaintone35]

Strong work. After a while you won't look back!

[@Wagoo]

"How I stay sober... don't go on tour with Abbath"

[@petermoes1668]

Wagoo not a good de idea no 😂

[@MIZORAM_mafaka_hnamte]

haha... good one

[@killbeers6890]

ABOTH

[@Flux799]

Wagoo He needs a bath 🛀

[@bradsullivan2298]

HAHAHA!

[@rickarnett8758]

He actually looks healthy. Wish him the best of luck in his sobriety.

[@r.edward5701]

Ya man. Good colour to him. My dude was called Ron. 3.5 years booze free. I use tokes to maintain

[@MultiWalrus1]

Unbelievable turnaround. Dude was getting really unhealthy-looking and this is a massive difference.

[@Cosmic_Cretin]

@@imstillsinging6557 Thats called age, otherwise he looks healthy, which he hasn't for a very long time.

[@petrospoutsa9270]

you think this guy looks healthy???

[@Cosmic_Cretin]

@@petrospoutsa9270 compared to where he was just a couple years ago, very much so yes.

[@arnavdhankar3577]

5 months sober today from heroin let's go

[@ruleinblood]

Well done !!! It’s such a hard one to beat ! Everyday seems to be a struggle in some way but better than being hooked and sick ! Keep going mate !!!

[@MattyRox]

38 days sober. 280 no weed. Wish me good vibes.

[@bondoneill9606]

Matthew Kennedy one year sober, 8 months weed free, best decision ever. Sending you positive vibes from Ireland ☘

[@TheAmazingSnarf]

You are. so. strong. I don't know you. But i'm proud of you.

[@MattyRox]

Thanks y’all.

[@sloggothband]

1.5 years on antabuse - cause its the only thing that works. But fuck man, sober is sober regardless how you get there. Keep it up!

[@GodsNode]

I hear ya man. Some people can smoke weed and take breaks no problem. With me it's hard to not smoke it if I have it. And things fall by the wayside. Time to grow up. At least until things are stable. Put it off for when life is better and your life is stable.

[@a.a.pedersen8675]

Celebrate your heroes when they find a way to stay alive longer to continue being your heroes. Bless this man.

[@markwalker8589]

The days I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations I have really good days

[@jamesschmidt3437]

I really like this man. Thanks for this

[@bloodredcrown]

RWH👌🏽💪🏽

[@teresathomley3703]

Right on- amen

[@j.maxsering3728]

Sober since oct 2007. Little nuggets like what you said I keep in my tool chest. Thank you

[@bigdaddypiggy]

Him saying “I was just over it” accurately describes how I stopped drinking after being a practicing alcoholic for 25+ years,I didn’t go to rehab or AA & nothing bad happened I guess I was just done with it....I do still partake in the marijuana but that’s never caused me an ounce of the problems that booze did

[@riseabove2008]

i’ve been straight edge for 27 years but before then i was an alcoholic, been tempted more times then i care to remember but even with depression, i’ve survived thus far.

[@CamelJam]

keep going man

[@Jacob_the_Dabbler]

Keep up the good work soldier 👊

[@Jacob_the_Dabbler]

@Ben Rosteski is having an issue with alcohol and then cleaning yourself up and staying sober unheard of for you?

[@Jacob_the_Dabbler]

@Ben Rosteski bahahaha strange but ok

[@Xenysys]

Tomorrow will be Day 1.....again. Wish me luck. Love Sleep. Stay sober.

[@dingdongism]

Hey tomorrow for me is day 51, I'm still in sober infancy. Wanna join me?

[@snapdeus]

i quit drinking in 2017 by walking 5 miles every day in a cemetery, listening to wayon jennings. i advise this method!

[@aitkinresident314]

This man is a total badass, is always willing to bare who he is in front of everyone and just be real. It's awesome. Much love, Pike.

[@Payduro]

Hope Matt stays healthy. He’s really important for the metal scene rn, and a hell of a musician

[@nyupnyuup455]

As a recovering alcoholic, I normally hate listening to people talk about their sobriety because it usually sounds so fucking lame. But Matt Pike is the shit 🤘

[@sosospacesheep2344]

816 days sober here! Well done mate!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@franciscodiaz3028]

Great job on your sobriety!

[@juanc1328]

You should celebrate with a drink! 🎉

[@sosospacesheep2344]

Juan C my drink used to be a 3-4 days (up to a month) 24/7 binges and was taking me to the hospitals or worse. Thanks! I will pass.

[@badtexasbill5261]

11.12.12 Keep doing what you're doing!

[@Phil-kf6lt]

2 years this april

[@keevyhazelton3750]

Love this guy. High on fire is extremely underrated.

[@WeaselFromNorth]

I love Matt Pike so much. Wishing all the wells, man

[@xLazarusEnvy]

Glad to see him so healthy and aware, he's definitely seen some rough times but he looks livelyer than ever.

[@nuccicasa4162]

He looks so great sober! Please keep it that way.

[@RogueDog89]

I’m glad this whole interview was about sobriety. A lot of people in the music scene struggle with this. I think it helps people struggling to see that we are all human and suffer from the same afflictions.

[@bv5980]

Thanks to Matt for the great advice, I'm his age and doing the same thing. Quit drinking two years ago and feel better than ever. It helps to hear others experiences, I especially like the part about getting better at it (not drinking). Its is so true, you also feel a sense of pride when you realize how much you are improving you life and the lives of your loved ones.

[@Noblesavage77]

I dig the honesty in this, he owns it. And he's absolutely right everyone has a different level of sobriety and use. Cheers to you brother🤘

[@DJshooters]

Respect to Matt for sharing and only means more time for slaying the stage.

[@THERATKING69]

I'm a struggling alcoholic and seeing this makes me feel good inside so glad you're doing good Matt I'm trying to do the same but it's hard

[@meltedfro]

im so happy to know matts gunna be around for a while, hes a great dude and an amazing riff master. The lemmy diet is for lemmy

[@Maiden_Warrior_Crone]

Bless you, brother! Well done! All the best from The Netherlands!

[@diggdogg5378]

I can totally relate. Matt is my new favorite rocker. I'm on a very similar path and the same age. Thanks Matt!

[@StephenAndrew777]

"Patt Mike." That's rich.

[@ifyoureinmarketing-killyou3111]

isn't he the singer of NOFX?

[@mola55e5]

My friend Jim Black used to get drunk and become Black Jim. Black Jim was a villain. So Jim Black got sober. Haven’t seen Black Jim in years. That’s good.

[@StephenAndrew777]

@@mola55e5 You're very heroic

[@StefanvanderKlooster]

Matt is an inspiration. Not only musically, but also as a person. Struggeling myself as well atm (not with any substance abuse by the way) and this helped me to go and meditate daily again. It’s all about practice! That also applies to picking up my guitar daily and chomp out some riffs 😎 Matt really should run for president!

[@CamelJam]

i love this guy. look up to him a lot

[@limozeenjenkins]

Camel Jam he’s the fucking man

[@charmicarmicat2981]

It makes me so happy to see him this healthy now. He’s never looked better

[@jackstaub9221]

It’s not a sober lifestyle smoking weed but still very happy he’s found what works for him and like he said “exercise is crucial” so true, peace and light

[@reneebear3641]

From what he’s said booze is his vice while he functions fine with weed, he’s definitely not 100% sober but if he’s functioning well with the occasional joint I don’t see the problem

[@joshualoepp4258]

Booze is just so much more damaging than weed. It poisons your soul while bloating your insides until the organ's collapse. By all means use any tool possible to quit drinking first.

[@TSE_WOODY]

@@reneebear3641yeah if weed hasnt influenced him towards drinking in any way I can honestly say that i dont think its a problem

[@neroignatiusrosewater]

Yeah, there's no doubt that both booze and weed can do harm. But in my experience, and many others' too, alcohol is far more destructive than weed. Whatever works for the individual.

[@gggallin8279]

@@neroignatiusrosewateryeah booze is definitely more destructive and will completely mess up your life if you lose control. The danger of weed to me is that it slowly creeps into your life without many down sides since you‘re not hungover and rarely feel like shit afterwards. But after some time of smoking a lot of weed it takes a hold of your life and changes parts of your behavior but you only notice it once the damage is already done. But at least it’s not as hard to kick weed since you don’t really experience withdrawal aside from a shitty mood

[@mroc7113]

Good for you Matt I get it , been booze-narcotic free for 8 years, but I too started smoking medical grass within the last year for many of the same reasons you said . Cheers man Keep it up 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@hunterfitch5951]

I didn't smoke weed until I was 41 and even then it was because my doctor recommended it due to chronic pain I have. It has been a life-saver for me! I only smoke one bowl right before bed and it helps me to sleep through the night which has been an amazing change to my normal toss-and-turn routine. The funny thing is, I now hate drinking... it just gives me a headache.

[@Materva-hv6sz]

I used to be an alcoholic but marijuana has also soured my craving for alcohol. Like you say it just seems like a headache in a glass

[@gabet5247]

Thanks for the words of wisdom Matt, I consider you a mentor and a spirit animal.

[@AndreaDelleStelle]

I know Matt from years ago. I used to bartend in Oakland. He's a good dude with the biggest heart. I'm almost 11 months sober myself working on a year it feels great. We lost a lot of very talented people in the scene because of addiction. It's good to see someone like Matt talk about it and just be honest and a real person. Connolly's and the Silver Lion existed many blackouts ago & those were good times but I think the best is yet to come.

[@terrenceharris9035]

Good Luck

[@AndreaDelleStelle]

@@terrenceharris9035 thank you!🙂

[@terrenceharris9035]

You are absolutely Welcome.......TH iz the One (KZbin)

[@Nobody-dl4tm]

I met Matt when he was real haggard. Thanks for this healthy update and inspiration!

[@drphosferrous]

One of my favorite music makers talking about basic selfcare...awesome

[@ianmorton1799]

Today is one week for me and this is exactly what I needed to see!

[@IronSwan-ll5ju]

The 4th this month, December, made me 11 months no alcohol. Matt was one of my influences to try another day and then another day. It gets easier, but harder in ways having the power over yourself. It's intoxicating on its own being a different person. I love it so much more.

[@SidneyTurnerOfficial]

Well done! I have gone a year or two sober many times but never really changed my lifestyle. I hope you stick to it. I always think that giving up alcohol is very simple but that doesn't mean it's easy.

[@greatemeraldgoat5029]

Very inspirational! I get you were just being frank. But your existence is heartening. Your words helped get me back on my meditation practice!

[@MadDogXami]

Wish this was uploaded longer before. So i had shared your story with my late uncle and friend. Alcoholism sucks

[@PETERODZZ]

I wish him the best, and only the best. Great band and Singer 🎸 player.

[@chasewitherell622]

Thank you, Matt. You truly are a blessing.

[@dylanmonroe8797]

That was incredible. Thank you

[@MarkKramKarmVI]

Thank you...Interviewer was absolutely point on...Thank you⛑💖🎭

[@theundergroundcompany4349]

This kind of addictions are very related with depressive illnesses.

[@JPVanderbuilt]

Yes, depression can lead to excessive use of booze, but folks should also be aware, booze can cause depression.

[@camdero3294]

JP VanDërBilt very much so. Every time I woke up the day after drinking is. It’s scary. You can really meet dark dark places. If you let it control you. And even then you really look in the mirror and see what happened to yourself. I’d say to anyone with depression that wants to drink, know your limits. And if you can’t control it. Don’t. No second thoughts, ifs ands or buts.

[@grimblegromblethegnome]

@@JPVanderbuilt so true. The biggest benefit when I quit drinking was a more manageable depression.

[@bio-plasmictoad5311]

@@grimblegromblethegnome That goes for any drug or other things as well. It makes you feel better temporally but ultimately makes it worse.

[@bridgetking4553]

The Underground Company back when I really had a problem with both cutting and drinking, the day after I’d binge I’d cut so badly I needed stitches bc it just made those urges so strong. Drinking is just.. not good for you in any way

[@allseeingowl-km3mm]

I started this journey on exercise, meditation and journaling 9 months ago and it works man

[@allseeingowl-km3mm]

And I’m diabetic as well

[@jeremiahbear175]

Love this guy, big influence on my guitar playing.

[@CharlesLRay-sb4zy]

Met this dude after a show in 2007 in Bozeman MT. Very cool dude.

[@swordlessmime2123]

Matt Pike is my hero. Rn I'm struggling. Last night I recognized I have a problem and this video gave me some ideas of how to mitigate it. Youre my favorite Metal God Matt!

[@mattconway2420]

Same. Fuckin Tina. Was sober two months and picked back up and I hate myself for it but I got a day now

[@DEATHMETALCYCLE]

Great interview!!

[@mtmusicgear]

The more I learn about Matt and his bands Sleep and High on Fire, the more I love this guy.

[@soiled]

"Patt Mike", took me a second to figure out what he said... haha. Good interview, I love everything this guy does, stay alive!

[@kevindescoteaux7340]

Thanks so much for taking about this.

[@barclayv8282]

You look great, Matt. Inspiration for an old and practicing alchie, myself

[@Lucait]

watching this drinking X beer and struggling with it every day..i am not a day drinker but i am 41,have a newborn...gonna watch this over and over

[@KamenMinkov]

So good to see him getting better.

[@metalmyke1]

Mad respect Matt. Keep up the work!

[@whiskey101]

Your fans are in your corner, brother.

[@neeltheother2342]

He also seems to be getting in better shape as well. Wish him all the best!

[@graysonchamberlain956]

Just glad that he inspires me in yet another way🤘🏽

[@mrpbody44]

Meditation is a super power. We are with you This is really great advise all around.

[@paulwenzel8439]

Ya hit it on the nose brother keep up the gr8 work...

[@curbsmcgee1175]

It's astonishing how good players like Pike, Hetfield and Wylde say they play better when they get off the sauce. They crushed it live when they were sauced but really dial it in now being clean. Congrats to Matt🤘🏽

[@cafesociety8525]

I Really needed to here this, thank you.

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

What a strong man. You can see his inner strength.

[@voltmandk.h.sherman777]

Happy new year to both of you! Health and happiness be with you guys! Take care dudes, Metally yours, V.K.H.S.

[@mattandison7372]

Thanks so much for sharing Matt

[@leighlimbrick9375]

really inspiring, thanks Matt, better than any guidance from a paid therapist coming out with the usual stuff

[@wormwhittington6229]

Great musician

[@TheSunAndTheTurtleGplus]

The best loudwire interview!

[@hansjavis5854]

I appreciate Matt answering these question. It hard admitting that a substance can get the best of you. I say that Im trying to get sober, but I just go through the same cycle of stopping and hammering the gas as hard as I can. Sam Rivers had to have a Liver transplant.. I cant afford a Liver transplant.

[@thejtd21]

Really needed this advice today. I love hof and sleep

[@mikec2685]

He looks great here, best of luck to you Matt!!

[@bishopm4401]

Just glad he found what’s worked for him so far

[@kennethpogue718]

Been in a rut again lately with the drinking. Slowly crawling back out of that hole.... again. I definitely need to quit the alcohol if i want to be the best bandmate i can be. Starting a new band finally after moving to NYC 5 years ago... its giving me the drive and inspiration i need.

[@petedupuy7271]

Good for you brother. It's a battle, but one worth winning. Peace.

[@garyboldwater9066]

This man is a gem

[@MetalHeadHippie]

7/3/94 25yrs clean and sober.

[@enriconolastname3471]

Congrats for what? he is still addicted, smokes pot

[@MetalHeadHippie]

@@enriconolastname3471 And your point is?

[@enriconolastname3471]

@@MetalHeadHippie nothing, forget about it i misread your statement, i thought you wrote "congrats for being sober"

[@MetalHeadHippie]

@@enriconolastname3471 NP. Anybody off alcohol is okay in my book....

[@johnnichols8553]

He looks 20 years younger than when I saw them in Oct 2016, and that was 6 years ago. Good job, Matt.

[@tkx86]

Great bloke, I am 10 days sober now off alcohol and usually dont like to count my days sober every day because I start freaking and wanting to drink, where as if I focus on other things and dont even think about booze or days sober time starts to fly and the longer you last the better you feel. Much love Matt Pike for being real.

[@lauragarrard919]

You got this,brother.Stay trying,it pays off!

[@tkx86]

@@lauragarrard919 I am back drinking again but i keep telling myself only occassional binges...I think I am doomed. I am drinking now.

[@lauragarrard919]

@@tkx86 You'll be alright,buddy-when you sober up,forgive yourself,and keep it moving.You're not doomed at all,that's ridiculous.Just keep trying.And drink alot of water!

[@dingdongism]

@@tkx86 Hey buddy, never quit quitting. Doesn't matter if you're drinking now. If you recognize your life would be better not drinking, you can start any time. Tomorrow, even. Wanna join me being sober tomorrow?

[@ascendtranscend3812]

this is awesome!

[@emmaphilo4049]

I love Matt Pike. Good looking guy. Hope he' ll stay well

[@turinhorse]

saw him live recently.. plays SOOO MUCH Harder and better than when he was wasted.

[@cucknorris6497]

Love you Matt. Your playing and livin. 👍🛸

[@bigdbigooo7829]

About time. I live his Kalas album. Why don't they ever say that in his intro. I think it's some of his best stuff

[@derekwhite9828]

Matt Pike continues to inspire me! I made the decision to quit drinking many times before it finally became the norm. Hang in there if you know it's the right decision for yourself. I'm at almost 7 years after a solid decade of black out binge drinking.

[@northeastslingshot1664]

Awesome. Almost 3 yrs sober...

[@CesarHuescaMusic]

I totally identified myself with this.

[@zacharymcmillan2788]

Matt Pike is a boss,been sober for a little over a year and I definitely feel him;I'm an all or nothing kind of guy myself,but that shit gets old when your in your mid-to-late 40s.

[@Mammutidae]

Really good point that practice makes perfect also applies to not drinking.

[@digitaldistancerecords736]

Such an eloquent man.

[@theophany1770]

Like his honesty

[@TheBlister69]

Theres some very valuable information here.

[@humanoid7932]

Thanks Matt

[@apolamperouge6013]

he's right about the alter ego; mine's name is Late Night Larry, he's the life of the party. At least that's what I'm told.

[@jasonolinger6967]

i've got shit bird jay and he sucks, i'm told.

[@matthewleichter7184]

I wish Matt the absolute best. I know its hard as I too have struggled with it. I destroyed my stomach lining and that was time for me to turn things around. I'm not sober as I still drink beer but he's right about weed it takes away the need to drink. However, every day is a battle but things get better when you get your head out of your ass. All the best Matt!

[@gabrielherrin]

Day 1 here! Let's do this.

[@anechoicmedia]

stay sober Matt - we need you :)