Should I Quit Drinking Alcohol Completely or Just Cut Back?

[@enigmathegrayman2953]

It’s been 4 years since I last touched a drink 🥃 it happened overnight for me. The last time I drank it was the Denver Broncos Super Bowl parade and I was drunk as can be, the very next day I said I’m done drinking for good....and four years later here I am still holding my sobriety proudly.

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

man I need to reach this point. maybe my problem is I drink JUUUUSSST enough to be a problem but not enough to make me so sick that I just say screw this I am done. I find it crazy and hard to understand that I really do not want to drink and wish I didn't at all but i keep doing it, something is wrong with me. it is just an easy way to not feel anxious and make me feel like I am "happy" for a little while. I hate it and hate that I am so weak that I cant stop.

[@teetrav]

Good for you!!!!!!🙂

[@izzymart2966]

Amen

[@monharris28]

i also had a night like that and had the worse hangover the next day. i literally felt like my body was dying, i said"im quitting" and haven't had a drink since, it's been a decade

[@LowKeyDee1620]

Awesome. My hangover drinking shots of tequila in Mexico was so brutal I quit also.

[@sacredvedicastrology]

I needed this video today! there's always a part of me that is like "maybe I can drink casually" then I end up drinking 7 beers and doing something dumb lmao. sober is the best route

[@TimothyWard]

I feel you sammy, I was exactly the same way lol. Sobriety was the only way for me.

[@rustyshackleford6477]

I wish it was just 7 beers

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Honestly harder to cut back than go sober.

[@jimobrienacoustic]

Truth truth truth. I’ve “cut back”’plenty of times and it always slowly progresses back to a problem area. Quitting is the way to go. 3 months in. Love the videos Tim

[@observeandanalyze4591]

Where are u now?

[@jimobrienacoustic]

@@observeandanalyze4591 15+ months at this point… feeling like this is the one where it’s done for good

[@Astral_Dusk]

Yes same, it seems to work those first attempts but it spirals and leaves a sense of just wanting to plain quit again. Quit > Cut Back > Over Do it > Repeat... OR Quit

[@erichesse2959]

Agree...I am an ex drinker...tried quiting 4 or 5 times...sober no drinking since may 2011...

[@jannorris4140]

tried qutting 4 or 5 times lol

[@HALee-]

If it’s evident that you are addicted to alcohol (or any substance) the best course of action is to completely stop and get help to stay sober. You’re right on about this, Tim! 💟☮️🕉🙏🏻🤩

[@man_arky]

The worst thing about my drinking is the countless stupid shit I’ve said and done. I’ve also hurt people and in some cases with lasting damage to my relationships. I know I need to quit but I’ve been afraid.

[@emmac7880]

The last time I said "I'll just cut back" then went out for "just a few beers" I woke up in a friends bath dressed as wonder woman holding a magic wand 😶 with no clue how I got there. Cutting it out completly is 100% the only option for me, If I don't make it an option it makes it so much easier. I feel so much safer now, its a relief. Still no clue how I ended up in that outfit 😳

[@Andrew66632]

😂😂😂

[@ajh757]

I hate the “cut back” rationale. I can’t do it. Props to people who can, but I can’t. It’s all or nothing for me. Drinking for me was always about going all in and getting drunk - not just having a glass of wine with dinner or just 2 beers at a cookout. Nope. Whatever buzz I was chasing wasn’t satisfied at 1 glass of wine or 2-3 beers. 2-3 beers inevitably led to 8-10 beers and blacking out. Something shuts off inside my brain that says “stop, enough”. The “cut back” strategy is the worst thing for someone like me to get ahold of.

[@RandalfElVikingo]

I have your exact mindset, but I can cut back at times. I'm getting scared because I'm having a lot of blackouts this year so maybe I should just stop drinking totally.

[@monharris28]

agree, that's why i had to quit all together--i could never understand people who could just have one glass of wine, i actually think many of them have a lot more

[@Andrew66632]

I was able to cut back many times and limit my consumption to a red wine with a steak, a beer or two, or an Irish coffee. Quite successfully I may add. After a while though that fades and the drunkenness becomes the norm. Especially hanging around friends who think that not drinking a lot is a sin and you must become weaker so that god can work in you.

[@downsjmmyjones101]

It makes the most sense to just quit. The more you interact with the problem you have, the more times you have to gather the willpower to say "No". I believe official programs operate off of this understanding. Addicts are told to separate themselves from the situations that lead to them having to say "No" to their addiction.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

It might make the most sense but that don't mean it's the easiest route.

[@jeffthompson5601]

Another great video Tim. I struggle with alcohol too. I totally agree, going sober is much smarter then "cutting back" because eventually you will drink till you pass out or do stuff you regret, drive when you shouldn't etc...

[@TimothyWard]

All it takes is just that 'one drink too many' and you can erase days, months, or even years of responsible drinking. It's definitely better to try and quit.

[@mellowray561]

People who weren’t the heaviest drinkers to begin with have it hard. I’m one of them. Drinking was harming my life, messing me Because you aren’t blacking out, you think you can cut back over and over again but your old ways creep back on you and it’s hang over city. I finally just quit drinking and embraced life. You don’t have to be blacking out and drinking in the morning to be messing up yourself.

[@mellowray561]

Tired. Please excuse the writing.

[@SuperTerminator50]

Absolutely BRILLIANT video, Totally correct in every way, Almost 4 YEARS Alcohol free for me , best decision I EVER made....

[@ezryder111]

You may not have the fancy degrees but your advice is just as good! Like you said, "just 3" becomes 7 or more. Bear with my long comment but I wanted to share an experience about having less stress due to being sober. Often in the evening I'd be driving home from (wherever) and have some beers in me, not hammered but probably in the "illegal" range. Last night I had a police car pull up behind me...normally I'd be in a panic "please don't pull me over!!!". But cold sober it's not an issue. Worst they could do would be to issue a ticket. DUI on the other hand is thousands of dollars, among other restrictions. So everyone should keep that in mind...your "cutting back" can still get you in trouble.

[@TimothyWard]

Great story Eric! Life is definitely less stressful in so many areas when you no longer have to worry about your level of sobriety or 'how many you've had'.

[@unelectedbureaucrat2003]

He''s better than these "experts" as they've never been there

[@CaptPicard81]

Decided to quit today. During the pandemic I started drinking every weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Luckily I don't crave it every day or anything so I think now is a good time to pull the plug before it gets too hard. Wish me luck 🤞!

[@raslalique]

👍

[@GreenSmog17]

100% agree with this, now I'm going for full sobriety it feels like a weight off my shoulder i had with that 'ill just cut back' feeling.

[@TheSoberWebb]

Good for you! How goes it so far?

[@jdssurf]

Cutting back works but I think only for ppl that always just drank occasionally, not those who have always drank too much. Plenty of light drinkers get carried away at times so they wanna get back to their normal selves. Others though yes, you will likely just relapse over and over unless you fully cut it. Good luck to everyone.

[@Righhhhhtttt]

This is me. The light drinker but then it slowly increased to moderate which did so much damage for me personally. So the cut back method is working for me. I know a few people that are heavy/ binge drinkers where the cutback method doesn’t work for them because 1 leads to 10 which was never my drinking style because I only like to feel slightly tipsy and not drunk.

[@benfoster5387]

I can't cut back. It's like there is a switch in my head that goes off with even one drink. I can have the best intentions but as soon as I have one beer that switch will shut down all common sense and the demon takes over. I become possessed and nothing will stop me from drinking until I pass out.

[@Investinyourselfdarling]

Drink +problems=ALWAYS ...cause and effect. All I got from it,facts

[@tchesley01]

I have had that nagging feeling when thinking about quitting completely. When you said it is fear based it clicked for me. You the man keep up the good work!

[@brendapolar8506]

Tim! GREAT video!!! 100% on point! You cannot vacillate~ you must go 100% sober it’s all or nothing!! Your life Literally depends on it. I thought I had seen all of your sobriety videos. Very interesting the algorithm just now offered it to me. Keep them coming! You help so many. Myself included.❤️

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

you make sense to me more than anyone,I hear you through all the noise that makes me do the things I hate.

[@TimothyWard]

Hey, I'm just sharing my truth. I'm glad you could get something out of this video.Good luck with your struggles and just know there are a whole lot of us out here just like you, and we are all rooting for you and each other!

[@whitneyhammock6610]

I know right!

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

The way our brain fundamentally handles habit development is proof that quitting is psychologically easier than cutting back.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

"Just cut back" is the no.1 reason people fail being sober.

[@7iKs]

I hope that listening to this I’m having the last beer of my life - God bless you man 👊

[@TheSoberWebb]

If you feel out of control when you drink or cannot stop. It's okay you. You are not weak. There is not grey area though. Stop drinking for good and your life will change in so many amazing ways!

[@johnpippin2426]

I hate drinking anymore. I don't get hammered but drink more than anyone needs too everyday. Cutting back I feel great but after a few days I broken that cycle. Anxiety is a big issue, and I know in part it's the addiction itself, that probablycauses me to use that as an excuse. 🙃 And of course like in your other video it seems boring being sober. I'm trying though and need to stop making excuses, I like being sober, I'm much more creative and productive. Like many I Appreciate your videos and advice. Thank you.

[@beatrixbrennan1545]

I had 4 years of sobriety when a deeply horrible thing happened in my life. I began to drink a couple here and there to cope with the onset of very disturbing memories. I set strict limits on myself that I wouldn't have more than two. The next week it was 3. The next was 4. We all know what happened. Within a few months, i was back at it in full force. I was drinking up to 21 beers a night and drinking vodka all the next day to quell the detox my body wanted to go through. For the next 6 years, I've had a pattern of drinking for a month, then being sober for a month. I just wasn't ready to completely give it up and i knew it. Well, i know now that life isn't going to wait on me forever so I'm 2 weeks sober and I'm happy about the decision to leave that garbage behind for good. I'm praying for all of those who are still struggling that they may find peace and success in their sobriety.

[@bjh3661]

I quit drinking every morning for good. I make a decision. All day long I am thinking to myself "I will not go back on that decision". It's usually around 7pm that I start thinking I made a mistake. For a couple of hours I try to distract myself with other activities but I cannot concentrate on anything. By 9pm I'm drinking again. So yes, I have quit drinking. About 5 thousand times :)

[@Fatelvis2]

you cant make 1 day ?

[@elijahdunmore7526]

Hi TIM THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO I LOVE THAT YOU DON'T SUGARCOAT THIS ALCOHOL PROBLEM EITHER YOU ARE IN ARE OUT I'M STILL GOING STRONG TIM COMING UP THIS JANUARY 6-2021 WILL BE 22 MONTHS SOBER MAYBE ONE DAY I WILL STOP COUNTING THE MONTHS LIKE YOU DID TIM BUT RIGHT NOW I AM SO PROUD OF MYSELF STAYING SOBER NO MORE HANGOVERS FEELING SICK I JUST LOVE LIFE MORE TIM I HOPE WITH YOUR ENCOURAGING WORDS AND MY ENCOURAGING WORDS HELP SOMEONE ELSE STAY ALCOHOL DRUGS AND GAMBLING FREE AFTER 22 YEARS OF DRINKING GAMBLING AND DRUGS! STAY STRONGTIM YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND KZbin FOLLOWERS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS MY FRIEND MY BROTHER YOU HAVE BEEN A BIG PART OF ME STAYING SOBER I GIVE YOU 1 MILLION THUMBS UP🎉🎉🎉🙏🙏🙏

[@ItsBellum]

I use to drink everyday,,,then I moved to Florida by the ocean and I can go weeks without drinking but when I do drink for just a little, it becomes a 2 day binge and I feel horrible after so I think its just best to not at all.

[@nightcruisin]

Listening to your videos each time I go for a run keeps me on track. Tim voice sounds like my inner thoughts

[@casi_addictiveamour]

Thanks Tim, thats what I needed today 😊

[@Fatelvis2]

I agree with some of the things you say in your videos 1. it only takes 1 drunken night too ruin you life 2. to me a 'relapse' doesnt start you back to zero ever hear of beer muscle well I think there are sober muscles where if you make it thru today it might make tomorrow easier everday I dont drink I kick the consequence can down the road

[@tonisuades7654]

Thank you Timothy for this awesome job Absolutely agree with you

[@Mike...01]

Agreed. Cutting back doesn't work long term if you have had a problem.

[@casper1240]

Moderation is Hell on earth

[@rebecca5233]

I love what you do Tim, inspiring and supplying information to change our views about alcohol.

[@TimothyWard]

Thank you! Did you get your tapestry from Amazon too?

[@feralandroid]

This past year has been me realizing I can no longer Cut Back.

[@cathleensmith4717]

Three is a lot! There are those who become addicted the very first time they drink, it's chemical they can't help it.

[@rubywannabe8600]

True Tim, that's how I did it just stopped. 2005🚫🍾

[@TimothyWard]

15 years! Thanks awesome Ruby!

[@fadeaway8976]

I'm somewhere between quitting completely or just having 3 beers when I go out, I'm purely a social drinker so drinking alone has never been a problem.

[@libo6368]

You are a great speaker..need to hear this and going to listen to it when i want to drink..more power to your ..great channel

[@greenbeans575]

There isn't a "one size fits all" solution. Everybody is different and what is the best solution for one may not be best all. Some people can manage their alcohol use and some people cannot. I believe it is up to each individual person to do what is right for themselves.

[@azrock235]

Really good video Tim, thank you. I like your background wall hanging. I hope work is going good now that you are back. Stay well.

[@TimothyWard]

Work is going good Dale. Thank you for asking.

[@coolbreez773]

I can place a bet on something, win or lose I just forget about it. But as an alcoholic I can NEVER just have a few drinks and forget about it. Tried to just 'cut down' and here I am drinking gin every night :(

[@zackweston501]

You drink more than just the night.. quit playn

[@mikeyj.3605]

Quitting drinking is devastating, but its what needs to be done.

[@1dantown]

Keep trying to quit. Brilliant advice.

[@doyoumind.atall.stopspying5572]

I have been drinking since four years old.

[@cyber_alias9633]

I agree with what you said. Just gotta stop all together.

[@TheSoberWebb]

Right? There is no in between.

[@jdion79]

haha i can't go from drinking half a bottle of tequila a night to a few beers after dinner. gotta make real changes... which is actually the most noble thing to do.

[@raykarkoff499]

Cutting back never works try it a hundred times

[@suzannebolt7949]

You are awesome thank you x

[@Rasheeda81]

Thanks Tim🙏🏽

[@jessiesheppard6735]

I 've been thinking about everything you saying and it"s true

[@stevetwilling1499]

Tim I’m on vacation but in every day life I don’t drink Monday- Thursday . Could waking up twice because I’m not drinking like I was 29 durning first 4 days a wk I was drinking 3 out of 4 days . But past 6 month I’m only waking up one time when I’m not drinking first 4 wk days of the wk . I understand these are you opinion

[@RachelGetirana]

Great tips! I love your Chanel!

[@Haristoteles]

If you are asking yourself this question you already know the answer.

[@rich8381]

You don't need to listen to this guy just because he doesn't have control and his life in balance. There's nothing wrong with you. You just have no self control. Your car doesn't just automatically drive where booze is. You need to balance the 7 F's and alcohol just seems to fade away and you can decide when you can have a drink. Because when you balance these things, there just isn't the time. Family, friends, fitness, finances, future, faith, freedom.

[@rowanfrancis9011]

The idea that we can drink as other people had to be Smashed day 5 sober 😇

[@donsaxon1948]

The idea of just having a few beers and then the dreary coming down effect seems just as bleak as drinking 12 beers to keep from having the coming down effect

[@lexingtonlad5745]

I’m on day 2, it’s terrifying 😢

[@helpfulcommenter]

good advice

[@RitaRose-cp4gu]

OK, these are some good reminders, there’s no question that increasing your mental clarity and boosting your drive, comes with quitting. Yes, there are many ways to kick the habit, Steffon Barkload's Quit Drinking Forever is what worked for me, best shortcut I go’ogled that took days without withdrawal.

[@douglaswilliams6834]

For problem drinkers (like you, I don't like the term "alcoholic"), cutting back or "moderating" DOES NOT WORK. Don't even bother trying. You must quit completely.

[@basilkgatla6408]

Thanks great video!

[@z-mane1438]

I’ve been cutting back for almost 2 yrs and its been cool I jus gotta stay busy

[@finn3102]

What is your cutting back like?

[@allenstokes1178]

This is a great video im usually going in breaks for 3/4months and start back but now i think im done bro

[@baldersn4474]

Im 51 bern binge dtinking for 35 yesrs, weekends nainly, joludayd etc...Have up miultiple times beforr but awys went back to it, 'cut down' too etc. Scares i cant do as keep relapsing .Ut really us making fel awful esp as i get older..

[@inca3370]

Ive seen the "cut back" thing. Its all fine until it isn't.

[@tierrapetersen4651]

Truth!

[@N4N0808]

Thanks man

[@maryhammer6204]

Dam you’re good!

[@joshuabear7735]

I'm wearing the same shirt bro.

[@stevetwilling1499]

Tim I feel better cutting back

[@TheRealJaded]

Cool background

[@smartypants1980]

Did you stop cold Turkey?

[@TimothyWard]

No, I had a number of starts and stops. And then after being sober for over a year I had a bad relapse for about three months. But that was 2018 and I haven't had a drink since!

[@smartypants1980]

What is that behind you, Tim?

[@muccia7328]

100% 👍

[@robstarski201]

We dont wear 2 shirts here

[@zackweston501]

Think about ot like this folks.. when you drink alcohol your essentially drinking 💩