The great British booze problem: how a few glasses a day has led to an epidemic for the NHS

[@gwillis01]

I do not give a long speech about why I don't drink alcohol. I just say very plainly and bluntly "I do not drink. I have made a choice not to drink." If all your friends are teasing you because you do not drink alcohol you need new friends. You change the peer pressure when you change your peers.

[@ellie-ui6py]

T to

[@danjc5434]

If you're serious about not drinking you wouldn't put yourself in a position where you need to have that answer.

[@danjc5434]

@Billy Shaw you've missed the point brains

[@TinaML]

happens to be aswell all the time

[@stephen1340c]

That's well said, Gwin Willis.

[@fencius]

I really appreciated how they gave a non-drinker’s perspective on just how alienating it can be not to drink, especially as a man. The stigma of sobriety is often overlooked or minimized.

[@alaskahudson]

I just returned to Canada from a trip to Denmark with my girlfriend to visit her cousin. We were out to dinner one night and he asked me why we didn't drink (me: sober 9 years, her: sober 23 years). After telling him my story, he replied that it was becoming more socially acceptable not to drink in Denmark. I thought that was funny.

[@carlgrove8793]

I spent most of my life not drinking any alcohol at all, and I can't say that I ever encountered any criticism or negative comments. Certainly no stigma. Having seen at close range the effects of alcohol during my childhood I had no desire to start, and was never a very social person anyway. I would tend to avoid people who drink a lot anyway. And I have seen the effects of drink on many young people that I worked with. When a woman whom I guessed was about 35 admitted that she was drinking so much that she was already having blackouts at age 22(!) I realised just how bad things were getting.

[@Pvm_enthuasist]

I'm teetotal not by choice, I don't have the enzyme to digest alcohol properly. Kind of a double edged sword, can count how many times I've stepped into a pub on one hand and it hasn't helped me socially because I don't like to hang around inebriated people when I'm sober. However health wise it's massive.

[@deang5622]

That stigma I experienced in my days at university. I never experienced it in professional life. But then might be down to the kind of profession a person is in. Labour type professions such as brickies, scaffolders and possibly educated investment bankers might experience the pressure.

[@josephwanjiku6853]

Alchemy, alcohol ,al kuhl ,spirits, jihn.. Alcohol opens up the veil between the the spirit dimension and this dimension.

[@fentcrease]

The problem with this culture is that we “need” a drink to have fun or socialise..

[@ZahdShah]

Yeah you're right. Don't conform to society cos society is actually dumb

[@jessicacole8404]

You get treated like an outcast or a looser if you don't drink....like what's normal about that?

[@cherellewhyte9546]

I'd rather not have fun. 4 months no alcohol and i've never felt better!

[@mattsniper362]

No one actually needs it at all. People just conned themselves into thinking they need it.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

There are countless ways to have fun without drinking alcohol

[@southwestxnorthwest]

For about 12 years I drank a bottle of wine every night, and then after years of wanting to quit, I decided to finally stop drinking July of 2020. It's been almost a year now since I last drank, December 30th will be one year of sobriety and I'm glad I quit

[@enemywithin1295]

Hope it's going well!

[@Dennis_Reynolds]

Great work, 1 bottle a night is a lot and it can’t have been easy to quit.

[@Erinba]

Amazing 🎉

[@moyrawoodward2291]

Well done! You deserve a pat on the back.

[@southwestxnorthwest]

@@enemywithin1295 2.5 years sober now!

[@Carefreeblues]

The hard truth is, that the only way to succesfully abstain from alcohol is to sever some of your relationships. Especially when many of those are built around alcohol.

[@stephen579]

I am trying so hard to stay sober after my wife died I hit the booze very hard and now I see the damage it was doing to me, its an uphill battle and I'm suffering but so far I'm sticking to it.

[@katherinejay3219]

Keep going Stephen you can do it. One day at a time.

[@lepermessiah2608]

I'm sorry for your loss but I hope you are doing well. Drinking can be so tempting when life gets hard. You have to remind yourself that life without alcohol is worth living.

[@otmargreb6110]

So sorry. It's hard, but you can do it. Your loss, so sorry! Prayers, friend!

[@LG-gj9mz]

Keep going !!!! Rainbows are around the corner .

[@destinydarrling9276]

I’m so sorry for your devastating loss

[@version736ha2]

Went dry for weeks this year. Taught me that pubs and other people are pretty unbearable without booze

[@melvmunson366]

Jimmy N13 absolutely

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

some are unbearable WITH booze, but only sober people notice it.

[@Jk-oz5qn]

How did your sober year go?

[@unpluggedbug6744]

Thats what kratom is for, less damaging to the liver.

[@Leaptab]

I just can't get my head around paying 5x for the same product only for the difference being that someone opens the bottle for me. Drink at the pub is way too expensive. Edit: Just bought two cases of beer that will work out to $1.15 AUD per bottle of stella artois. Any restraunt or pub/club would charge me $9-$12 for the same thing. I drank 5 already and would have wasted $40 or nearly 2 hours of my life at work for no difference. Do this for a life time and it really saves up to more interesting things like travel and eat authentic cultural food rather than sitting around in a dirty unkept pub around by pissheads and annoying drunks. Do you remember that time at the pub 2321 days ago? I wouldn't but if I visited Japan or Chile with the money I saved I would. Food for thought.

[@mhalbe1984]

There's a guy in our group who doesn't drink. He just orders ice tea at bars. Most of the time I forget he's not even drinking with us. He's just as much fun as my friends who drink. He gives me inspiration that you don't have to drink to have fun. New year and I haven't had a drink yet. Goal is to limit to 5 or less drinks a week.

[@Somedudeguywhat]

Pretty sweet but bless him for handling being around drunks

[@pjf2193]

Many people have said, and I kind of agree with this - if you need to drink to have fun then you must be a very boring person.

[@joaor3357]

I mean, if he doesn't drink why is he even going to bars. The event at the bar is drinking.

[@cllk115]

​@@joaor3357 To socialise with his friends that do drink? Why shouldn't he go?

[@SomeGuy-mu9mt]

I honestly doubt that Derek was only drinking two cans a night.

[@ibobeko4309]

He wrecked his liver in his 20s and started to drink daily in his 30s, he is 43.

[@leannewilliams9400]

I think Derek had a serious alcohol problem

[@Hudsonrulez]

Canadian guidelines state that more than 2 drinks a week puts you at risk for cancer and liver disease.

[@Mike--Oxmall]

He was probably smashing those cheap cans of kestrel/tenants or that white star cider which is about 9% or something, because of the sheer volume of the can, it will mess you up badly. Its cheap as well, I think you can get a couple of cans for about 2/3 pounds. That cider is actually like drinking paint thinner, that will destroy you if you keep drinking that regularly.

[@_biggaz]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@Hudsonrulezcanadian guidelines are frankly pathetic bollox then if what youve said is just true😂. Some of u believe anything❄️. Even the actual nhs-recommeneded isnt that low. Using the word “Drinks” like thats even a term professionals use, shows the misquoting and lack of truth in what ur saying. “Drinks” isnt a quantity, that could be anything. Its measured in units

[@Gavinfunk69]

I stopped drinking 3 years ago. I really struggle to socialise with people who are drinking now. Was also not expecting peer pressure in my 30's

[@dz94040]

Non alcoholic beers have been a life saver for me at pubs.

[@Pammellam]

I have found non alcoholic whiskey, gin and tequila that I am interested in. I like cocktails but I don’t want to drink much alcohol…

[@ewanmcclintock2186]

this man is incredibly jaundice thats crazy

[@truthfactmysteryfictionfan7138]

Because he is an alcoholic yet the narrator said he isn't. Such denial over problematic drinking in UK.

[@lisamorris7491]

It’s his liver packing in from the alcohol abuse

[@1madaboutguitar]

@@lisamorris7491 You think?

[@lisamorris7491]

@@1madaboutguitar yes a bad liver make you look yellow

[@r_unner_G]

@@lisamorris7491 Yes, it's called jaundice.

[@gwillis01]

I am totally shocked at how yellow the first man's eyes are. That is obvious jaundice.

[@lelobster8935]

His skin is very yellow as well I’d say too

[@shaunaghroberts3226]

I lost my partner 3 month's ago from liver cirrhosis, he was the same colour yellow.

[@lelobster8935]

@@shaunaghroberts3226 I am very sorry for your loss, I hope you are doing okay

[@casteretpollux]

Liver failure.

[@casteretpollux]

@@shaunaghroberts3226 I'm so sorry.

[@nickbishop7838]

6 years sober. Hoping I never drink again. Nearly killed me. I’m so much happier being sober.

[@yourhusbandismyboyfriend1714]

Congrats!!! Keep it up.

[@Ergo8152]

Right on. I missed so much of life when i drank

[@Strange9952]

The ignorance surrounding this substance is truly astounding

[@angeliqueowen5153]

Is it 9 years now ?

[@jordyramos4923]

Didn’t ask happy for you 8 yrs myself

[@paulallen2919]

I developed a drinking problem at university as the college I was in had activities centered around drinking. I spent the whole summer binging and feeling so ill. I quit drinking at 21 and I'm never looking back

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

You’re looking back thinking about it now.

[@beadmecreative9485]

I have a theory that society’s’ drinking problem starts at university. That’s where people learn to drink. I didn’t drink during uni and missed out on many social activities.

[@arpanmadrecha3013]

@@beadmecreative9485 yes many people start smoking and drinking from university so there should be a board at the universities all around the world anyone seen smoking and drinking inside or outside university will not be granted admission or admission cancelled mid way in the term then in no way the students will even think of drinking and smoking

[@MrJ2theC]

That’s called being a student, not a drinking problem.

[@c12onnor]

same I stopped drinking alcohol at 20, IMO cannabis is a far better drug and healthier when consumed safely.

[@eleanorjgwilt]

I've never been a really big drinker. But after losing my mom nearly 4 years ago to cirrhosis I haven't touched alcohol in about 4 years. It put me off.

[@neiljohnson2197]

Eleanor Gwilt bless u

[@gunsmokegaloreyt6840]

What was it like to witness?

[@BRIANDER100]

how much and how long did she drink ?

[@lesleymetthews4590]

Hope he made it,my son didn't. He died 6th January 2016 aged 41.He was a really lovely man,kind and sensitive and a talented musician.

[@kirstm.2215]

I'm so sorry for your loss and pain. Alcohol is a poison. It should be banned completely. It kills people in the most horrific way. I dont drink at all I've never liked the effect. Again I'm really sorry that you lost your son x

[@QEnKA1989]

Kirsty m. I agree! It's everywhere and I can only imagine how hard it must be to stop when it take a hold of your life! I lost my best friend at 42 to liver disease😢

[@lesleymetthews4590]

It should be a class a drug

[@briggsfartblender788]

So sorry to hear that. Alcoholism is a terrible thing, everybody close to the drinker suffers, along with the person themselves. I put my family through hell yet they stood by me when I needed help. 29 years sober now. I hope you are well.

[@QEnKA1989]

Briggs Fartblender that's true but well done for beating it! Shows others that there is hope!

[@caligula3006]

This genuinely looked a lot like my dad before he passed, the complexion, the hair, it is truly terrible disease. Some of these comments are just disgraceful. Liver disease is a truly horrible disease that you would never wish on anyone

[@Nate-Turner23]

My father just passed from it as well. Terrible experience

[@caligula3006]

@@Nate-Turner23 It’s a horrific disease and I’m deeply sorry to hear your father passed away from it too, it’ll get a little easier with time but I don’t think you’ll ever be able to truly move on or forget. I hope you’ll be ok ❤️

[@roaldruss4211]

You can see it in the whites of his eyes... All yellow. Not sure if he's still alive (surely not without a new liver).

[@1man1bike1road]

a work friend drank himself to death, and a mate lost his dad who had less than 10 percent of his liver being healthy he was a heavy drinker ofcourse. I have a couple pints when i have a chess match but never over the 7 pints a week i think

[@caligula3006]

@@1man1bike1road The alcohol is still damaging your liver, even if you drink tiny amounts every drop is like poison to your whole body. I hope you won’t ever have to go through liver failure or disease.

[@gathoni123]

I really hope Derek is doing ok. So scary what alcohol can do

[@79treefrog]

Me too, I wonder how he is/an update to what’s going on.

[@RedSoxBowHunter]

He passed Today

[@m4ssee]

When you have jaundice (aka your skin turns yellow) you're gone.

[@StofStuiver]

@@m4ssee Dont have to be so. It can be a reversible disease or condition. Jaundice though does point to a liver problem. And it is urgent and usually not going to fix itself. If it can be fixed at all.

[@CaptainGrimes1]

​@@RedSoxBowHunterno he didn't

[@tinman8972]

Derek's claims of drinking regularly but moderately may not be completely accurate. Vomiting large amounts of blood in drinkers is usually related to esophageal varices, and it takes years of heavy drinking for those to form as an alternate pathway to supply the liver with blood after scarring and cirrhosis damages its natural supply.

[@SamWilkinsonn]

Yeah I didn’t believe him for a second, he blatantly drinks way more than he’s claiming

[@pussygalore731]

Yes I was going to say same thing even before hearing that, drinkers are never honest about their drinking

[@kevycanavan]

Yeah if you believe he’s drinking as little as he says you’d believe anything

[@noeraldinkabam]

Derek probably is death by now.

[@Larkful_Dodger]

Yes, however this is caused by liver cirrhosis as you said and Derek has end stage liver failure. Some people are genetically at risk of liver disease at much lower levels of alcohol consumption than most of the population. He did admit to drinking 35 units a week and binging sessions when young.

[@final_mile_music9713]

I was a regular, not heavy, drinker. I did binge a bit occasionally in my early 20’s playing rugby, but being a slim guy couldn’t really take a ton of beer. From there I just drank socially and wine with meals. In my 40’s, I started to travel a lot and felt that drinking alone, even if it was just a glass or two, was pointless. Plus I put a bit of weight on. Not much, but definitely a little beer gut and middle aged spread. I wasn’t having that. I love food too much so if I needed to shave off some calories, two things were going to happen. The first, more exercise. The second, ditching booze. I gave up completely nearly three years ago. It was hard. Not because of addiction, but because of the social pressure, however subtle. The guy in the film says it well. The burden of proof is on the person not drinking. I felt like I had to explain. And to tell people I wasn’t alcoholic (although that’s the default assumption). In my case, I took up running. Pretty seriously. I now run 2500 miles a year, race regularly and ran the Boston marathon this Monday having qualified through pace. I’ve done 5 marathons now and a few half marathons in the last 2 years. I look back now and wish I’d done it years ago. Better late than never.

[@gbuddah]

wow thats amazing! Great job!

[@paxundpeace9970]

Congratulations.

[@smooth_pursuit]

I have an Oura ring which tells me even two drinks raises my overnight heart rate by about ten beats, and I just point to it and tell people that 🤷‍♀️

[@final_mile_music9713]

@@gbuddah Thanks!

[@Char-Williams]

Congratulations 💫

[@mcsuibhne005]

"In England alone" - shows stock footage of Temple Bar in Dublin. Come on lads.

[@bird6691]

We own Ireland.

[@sm7baller435]

@@bird6691 up the ra

[@jamie8032]

@@bird6691 correction. *used* to.

[@saddamhussein8489]

@@jamie8032 do

[@petercdowney]

I mean, Dublin isn't even in the United Kingdom, for feck's sake!

[@hencakk]

You don't turn the colour of custard off 2 cans a night

[@paulstyle007]

Hahhahahaha

[@Exsugarbabe1]

We're all different, maybe he has a bad reaction to it.

[@ianwoodrow78]

One of the best comments ever

[@petercdowney]

Except he was also drinking a whole bottle of wine as well. That's an awful lot of wine for one person to be drinking.

[@karencahill9782]

Hahaha

[@Williamk492]

I still cannot understand that alcohol is legal and cannabis isn’t.

[@franciscopineda2594]

Not only that. We normalised the consume of alcohol by selling it next to food

[@justbreakingballs]

It's easy to understand

[@rufiorufioo]

Its all about the political sway. It's about lobbying... we can also thank Ronald Reagan and his wife.. they really pushed the war on drugs like never before.

[@Williamk492]

@@rufiorufioo and also Nixon.

[@derp195]

The short answer is racism. It goes straight back to Mexicans and African Americans taking a liking to it, which scared the people in power who didn't understand it.

[@andrewcairnsmrkiplin]

been sober for 10 months and stopped smoking best thing ive ever done

[@nicky8385]

Well done xx

[@andrewcairnsmrkiplin]

@@nicky8385 thanks :)

[@nicky8385]

I decided today that I want to quit alcohol wish me luck x

[@esmith989]

He's not an alcoholic, he just drank like one.

[@JJDean976]

haha

[@westindiesgalfruits2335]

🙄🤭

[@TallSilentGuy]

"I can stop any time I want to. I just don't want to."

[@truthfactmysteryfictionfan7138]

They are not an alcoholics in UK? If you have liver disease then you are an alcoholic.

[@r_unner_G]

@@truthfactmysteryfictionfan7138 There is NAFLD too.

[@ericjencson9489]

As a recovered alcoholic I can tell you that what we admit to drinking is rarely what we are actually consuming. If you have alcoholic liver disease guess what? You drink way too much.

[@maymayrays]

I was thinking this - but there are also people genetically predisposed to liver issues, and if you also drink moderately perhaps the diagnosis gets confounded? Either way, doesn’t seem like the doctors are having a complete conversation with the patient here 😒

[@paulflint6254]

12 pints a day, never had liver issues. But now I have quit. Better staying sober.

[@rjlchristie]

"As a recovered alcoholic I can tell you that ..." I'd prefer the expert opinion of doctors, thanks all the same.

[@jsquire5pa]

@@rjlchristiescience creep .. just cos we can land rockets in the mooon doesn’t mean we know nearly half as much as medics claim to know about health issues

[@PeaceOfMake]

@@rjlchristie Well doctors use someone who "regularly drinks more than 14 units of alcohol a week" as diagnostic criteria for alcoholism. So the OP is right.

[@Paul-010]

People who can’t enjoy life without alcohol or have to “unwind” in the evening with a bottle of wine, really do have a problem.

[@paulbradynsno8513]

I agree I only ever go out every 2onths and then get hammered

[@davidberry8808]

Wow ! Your naivety is breathtaking .

[@rolandsmith7758]

What a naive statement....

[@quagmillious9627]

What do you do in the evening Paul. I'm curious.

[@Jezza_One]

Almost all alcoholics I have met are mentally ill. Including me.

[@Dessan01]

I am both a former binge drinker / boarder- line alcoholic and work for the NHS. From the age of 16-31 I was totally hooked on booze, towards the end I was going out 4-5 times a week and sinking 10 pints easy, the rest of the week was just a blur of exhaustion and hangover. It was in the back of my mind that I needed to stop, but what gave me that push was that, at the time I worked in the Hepatology (Liver) clinic and I met 1 or 2 very poorly people, who had caused their illnesses with drinking. It suddenly clicked “your over 30 now, your body can’t do this, carry on and this is your future” and after a few failed tries I just stopped - I found I had to totally avoid the pub and certain people, and in truth I’ve never really gone back there unless for a meal (I just find it boring now) so yes I’ve lost friends and had to find new hobbies (got back into gaming for one thing). However what I have got in the trade,is a wonderful partner, my own place not rented and I’ve been promoted 3 times at work. I’m nearly 7 years sober and as I knock the door of 40 never been happier - I honestly believe I’d have been seriously Ill by now if I’d carried on.

[@sammymoore2430]

Well done you 😊 the mates you lost were not your real mates 😊

[@cdub5033]

A childhood friend died a week ago because of his drinking, he was younger than me. Near death, he looked at least 20 years my senior. It's frightening what effect's booze has. RIP Paul.

[@colingibson1998]

im sorry for your loss

[@BRIANDER100]

how much and how long did he drink ?

[@gamtngirl3655]

I am absolutely gobsmacked at the level of drinking mentioned here that is considered “normal”. Why does anyone want to drink like this day in and day out? It reeks of inner emptiness.

[@sstills951]

Drinking is an addiction. Some addictions are hard to understand for those that don't live with it or live with someone with the addiction.

[@PaulyWC]

Brad is exactly right!

[@pol1315]

@@bradkohl6283 False.

[@bradkohl6283]

We have a troll giving one word responses 🤣🤣🤣.

[@nonenone9338]

🤣

[@sallydeeperry138]

She's wrong to say he's not an alcoholic. If alcohol is killing him, he IS an alcoholic!! I know what alcoholism is, because I am one.

[@gavinleeburn1]

Only he can say hes an alcoholic, heavy drinkers who die from alcohol dont have to be alcoholic

[@eilissmith8591]

I suppose it’s whether or not there is an addiction, psychological or substance both lead to being diagnosed as an alcoholic

[@truthfactmysteryfictionfan7138]

@@gavinleeburn1 That type of reasoning that you're an alcoholic if you admit you're an alcoholic is rubbish. Heavy drinkers who die from heavy drinking are alcoholics.

[@bernardhughes8598]

Alcoholism is a recognised disease. It takes a medical professional to say if you have crossed the line from a problem drinker to alcoholic. My doctor said I wasn't a real alcoholic but I went to rehab as alcohol was ruining my life. This year I will be 20 years sober. One day at a time. My younger brother didn't give up. He died .

[@leigh7507]

Alcoholism is physical or psch addiction to booze - he said he wasnt addicted - truth is most people will have 2 or 3 drinks three nights a week

[@spiritlevel6901]

I gave up drinking at 19.......best decision I ever made. My grandparents got divorced back in the 60's (relatively rare back then) due to my grandad being an alcoholic. Not only does alcoholism have the potential to ruin individuals lives, but also the lives of their loved ones and friends along the way. As my nana would say "it's the drink of the devil my boy".

[@j.5314]

+Xadem Little keyboard warrior.

[@j.5314]

***** Hahaha. Rofl. Keyboard warrior carry on with your terrible insults and homophobia. Got nothing on me mate. Like you could do anything in life. (By the way Keyboard Warriors/Trolls have the sadist traits. They feed on resilience. So what you comment next however long it is I won't read, therefore I get the last laugh little keyboard warrior.

[@bonsummers2657]

Keep in mind some of us drink alcoholic beverages moderately like any sort of food, not necessarily everyday. Beer is good food, if it's unfiltered, and maybe only about 5% alcohol, and not drinking to tipsyness or drunkenness,… - healthy when prudently desired/used. I never 'drink' just to drink, whether socially or for effect. The benefit is in the dose, if the dose isn't too much, and is desired. The harm is when the dose is too much and too often. And of course take good care with the rest your dietary and lifestyle.

[@luisparga7830]

Spirit Level

[@phoebethegreat6253]

Spirit Level I quit drubbing at 17

[@beautyintheskies]

"He has alcoholic liver disease but he is not an alcoholic" ^The level of denial is strong in this one

[@beautyintheskies]

@M Harris well since there is no standard definition of 'alcoholic' we can all have our different interpretations. I just thought it was ironic- he is about to die due to a medical problem caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol and yet he is not an alcoholic. I know what you mean though- that his brain is not addicted which is why he is able to give it up in the end. Seriously though we need better education about the damage alcohol does to the body so they don't end up like this poor guy.

[@AnimatedBlast]

M Harris alcoholics can quit. They use being an alcoholic as an excuse. This man just decided to take control.

[@benfranklin3638]

Did they say he averaged 35 drinks per week? So, on average 5 drinks per day every day...Umm..am I the only one seeing problem here?

[@anonymousanonymous3707]

@@AnimatedBlast you have personal experience as an addict ?

[@MissSpaz]

A lot of people end up with a diseased liver who aren't alcoholics. You understand that you can regularly use a substance without being an addict right?

[@Samgurney88]

I quit drinking a few years ago, and I don’t miss it at all. I feel so much better physically and mentally.

[@mariacrouch7109]

Late night coffee shops and tea shops decaff should be open later where people can socialize

[@zoidberg444]

Coffee shops were a massive fad for socialising in the 17th century.

[@mariacrouch7109]

@@zoidberg444 so true they should open up tea rooms as well it's a great way of relaxing meeting people if they threw in maybe some book clubs poetry corners live comics bit of music even some laid back dancing on alternative days or nights just to spice things up a bit

[@Christina-sf4py]

@@mariacrouch7109 we really need these..especially as an alternative to night clubs. Different people of all ages don't enjoy nightclubs.

[@mariacrouch7109]

I hope there a buisness idea 💡 where some one will open up none alcoholic places to socialize where people can meet enjoy each others company in an enjoyable sober setting and still enjoy the time spent

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

I do remember there being no cafés when I was long ago in London. Somehow, I thought that was changed. Here in my hometown of San Francisco, lovely cafés are happily open late.

[@landlord5552]

Guy looks like he did a bit more then 2 cans every day.

[@whatshisname3304]

true , people always lie. anyway poor guy.

[@timjirgenson]

Agreed. I reckon a case a night. Listen to his speech.

[@lynette599]

They DID say that he was a binge-drinker in his teens and twenties - THAT IS A LOT OF DRINKING....

[@donnydanger273]

Alcoholics lie as a habit trying to hide their addiction!

[@donnydanger273]

@Fernando Cunha if your liver tests are normal you shouldn't have trouble!

[@Blackflame111]

I used to average a 6pack a day sometimes 12 I'm glad I stopped

[@QEnKA1989]

I buried my best friend since birth today and it was liver disease which killed her and she was only 42! I won't ever touch alcohol as I know first hand the effects!

[@nikosmanganiotis3519]

Emma Hogger Why you kill your friend. Sorty my English is bad

[@paulritchie5868]

Two of my mates died in their 40s,another one realised he had a problem and moved away out of Glasgow and lots of my army mates,me included,drank far too much,don’t now but when I think back I know I was lucky..

[@lisamarieashby2523]

It has been medically shown that the part of the brain that alcohol first affects is in the primal brain stem area. In that region is where your brain's self-evaluation center lies. That is your own ability to self evaluate your own behavior, and to modify it to appropriate and correct. Without that functioning, you are open to acting in ways you otherwise would choose not to. It also clouds your ability to accurately judge anything going on with you or around you. You feel less inhibited because you literally are. However, that leaves you open to all the problems your own behavior causes, as well as allowing others around you to take full advantage of you. And your lack of ability to physically act/react within the physical environment. It is the "devil's drink". It is utterly dangerous.

[@glennoc8585]

So, my grandmother drank a small class of stout everyday and lived to 98. T he devils drink is godly to some it seems.

[@KristiLEvans1]

No argument from me!

[@scrubjay93]

@@glennoc8585 Sounds healthy to me. Not a problem.

[@alexandermacdonald7547]

Congratulations,you summed up exactly what alcohol was doing for me. I got rid of it out of my life,it’s fabulous to be in control

[@ozzyg82]

I genuinely don’t understand how Dereck is “not an alcoholic” when his weekly unit consumption is in excess of 43 when the recommended maximum for a week is 14? What?!

[@thebkstank2095]

I think the thing is habitual consumption vs excessive desire to consume booze/where you get the shakes if yiu don't drink it

[@casteretpollux]

35 units a week. Completely agree. Very brave man. This is patronising and manipulative reporting.

[@sarafstop32]

I have known people in AA who drank less than Derek who consider themselves alcoholics. I wonder if it's different cultural views between the UK and USA of what alcoholism is.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

I drink north of a hundred

[@nikkij4873]

Miras Khakimzhan :( Wishing you luck! I had an aunt and uncle die in the past few years from alcoholic liver

[@peterbr3736]

I don’t believe for one second he drank less than 35 units a week. He’s not being honest with himself.

[@carolineholmes4524]

The first symptom of alcoholism is denial.

[@notlikely4468]

There's a medical maximum that is applied when asking about a patients history of drug and alcohol use Double the stated alcohol use and half the stated drug use And...that will usually be confirmed by the lab values

[@version736ha2]

He left a zero off

[@oscargrainger2962]

I agree.

[@nathanielovaughn2145]

Define a unit. Lol, bet his were huge.

[@Moledmc]

When you look like a Simpsons character, it's time to give up the sauce my dude.

[@marianfrances4959]

At least he was not rude and judgemental...

[@stephenhunt2701]

@@marianfrances4959 maybe people need to be more judgmental and say what they really think. Then maybe society wouldn't be going down the pan.

[@waulie_palnuts]

did you even watch the video? he gave up as soon as he got ill. plus he was only a casual drinker beforehand

[@Crinklidge]

@@waulie_palnuts odds are he noticed the jaundice and ignored it

[@leocossham]

The point is that it's too late. He gave up as soon as he found out about the liver disease

[@alexforce9]

People drink coz they are unhappy. Like literaly - drinking hits the dopamine receptors in the brain.

[@georgeveli8033]

Very correct

[@badactor3440]

says the guy who never had a drink.

[@johngoldsworthy7135]

Projection much?

[@samjohns3227]

Not necessarily.

[@ianstewartorr8455]

It was acute pancreatitis that stopped me drinking thanks to the NHS and my determination to get better I’ve been 9 years sober now greetings from scotland 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 I drank at home.And I still do my job that I’ve done before i became an alcoholic

[@5thdimension625]

Glad you stopped in time, my friend. Sending prayers for continued recovery

[@emmaw944]

strength and courage to you. You got this ☺️

[@jeffreymorris11]

Congratulations! Going forward continue to be very well.

[@ianstewartorr8455]

@@jeffreymorris11 thanks I will continue the way I’m doing

[@minidwarfdude9230]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@aryder151]

I have been in both sides.. The healthcare professional, looking after these patients. After covid started, I went on in those habits, and now I am the patient... still figuring a way out.

[@whisperingleaves4157]

“… the reason Brits drink so much is because there’s very little alternative means of pleasure.” This is so true! If you listen to the reasons people are giving in the interviews at the pub as to why they drink, it’s as if they can’t imagine doing anything other than the things they already do. Total lack of creativity.

[@ariefraiser140]

My family is from west Africa...It's a poor country. There's literally nothing to do really there except work and visit family. Maybe watch a football match. There's no movie theaters to speak of. Hardly any festivals. Regardless beer is almost treated like water there and if you refuse people get insulted. Britain is one of the wealthiest countries in the world though. Surely there's something to do besides drinking there. Plenty actually.

[@chrisamies2141]

@@ariefraiser140 There is provided you don't mind being physically active, but a lot of people would rather be couch or barstool potatoes.

[@Quietriot1970]

It's escapism and it gives som e people the confidence they lack.

[@moshedayan2810]

Take hikes in the astonishingly beautiful countryside.. The moors the Glens

[@mundoglory7071]

During the day there are many things you can do so you can distract yourself from alcohol. In the evening it's a different story. Everything is closed and the only entertainment option is the pub

[@xrpfuture4381]

He’s got severe jaundice and looks in his late 50s, yet is only 43. Are we to believe a few cans a night made him look like this gradually over the years, or is he lying about his alcohol intake? It’s also exasperating they don’t talk about his diet. Food can either help heal or damage your liver depending on what you eat.

[@inkerikavantera]

Yeah he has totally brought this onto himself.

[@matthewbevan3606]

@@inkerikavantera Have you heard of empathy?

[@scratchy1704]

Self inflicted. Also a strain on the NHS.

[@moosehead1183]

@@matthewbevan3606 you can have empathy and be honest as well!

[@kole1ful]

There is a level of damage that NOTHING can help. Not food, not meditation, nothing except a transplant or a miracle. He has gotten to that level and it’s called cirrhosis

[@paxundpeace9970]

Drinking everyday multiple units of alcohol doesn't qualify him as an alcoholic?

[@jeancater1388]

Sounds like an alcoholic.

[@justbreakingballs]

Not really..... Maybe. There can be a bit more to it than that. If he enjoyed a few beers and wine most nights unaware of the damage and could simply stop when told he wasn't really an alcoholic. Just a habitual drinker. T be honest the term alcoholic isn't really that helpful. It doesn't really mean anything. Terms like functioning alcoholic etc etc. It's almost better just to say alcohol user then the level and type of use can be evaluated.

[@caintorre8477]

I am a 39 year old man with liver disease and I have never had a single beer in my life, some people are just unlucky, my point is that if a person gets sick just from drinking a few beers a day, that does not make him an alcoholic , it just accelerates the symptoms.

[@janesawyer3495]

@@caintorre8477 A lot of it comes down to genetics, but people ignore that fact because they want to think they have total control of their health. Most drinkers never get liver issues, just as most smokers don't get lung cancer. Prayers Cain.

[@yivmaiden]

@@caintorre8477 was soda involved? Unfortunately NAFLD is increasing because of high fructose corn syrup.

[@thedeadman8361]

Presenter: Derek is not an alcoholic. Derek: drinks everyday.

[@byebyebadman2313]

Having been unlucky enough to get hepatitis E and waking up one morning jaundiced, I can safely say that seeing yourself 'yellow' in the mirror is a very sobering scene indeed.

[@Quagmirian]

​@@dontamba4919lol

[@ingeborgwood8057]

As a German working in London I was shocked at this habit of lunchtime drinking in pups, after that there was not much more work possible in the afternoon. Very ,very bad for the economy . I was not surprised about Boris Johnsons drinking habits ,its normal for Londoners

[@diablo666541]

And your German? Like your people never drank

[@moshedayan2810]

@@diablo666541 i have met a German who doesn't drink

[@kashu7691]

@@diablo666541 they are much more professional than us

[@matthewsewell2845]

Incredible comment. I see Germans drinking alcohol in cafes in the morning and walking about in the street regularly with beer bottles in their hand! I'm a brit living in Berlin

[@moshedayan2810]

May be Germany has lesser percentage of habitual drinkers

[@nicolapayne8669]

The best thing that ever happened to me was being set free from the addiction of alcohol... I never thought I had a drink problem either, but actually I was blind to it, I am so thankful my eyes were opened... I am very confident and happy to say I don't drink alcohol and I simply don't care what others think about that either, I only have one body and I will choose to look after it!

[@JJSolitude]

i'm curious what finally opened your eyes? My son has been heavily drinking for 12 years and keeps his family at a distance. I always wonder if there's something I can say or do where the light will come on.

[@karolina8841]

My brother died two days ago because his liver was so damaged. Came in to the hospital 10 days ago sick and during these days his kidneys stopped working, blood in his lung, heart problem and after the doctors did everything they could his body was unrepairable. Alcohol did this to him/us. 37 years old.

[@entx8491]

I'm sorry to learn of your loss.

[@myyoutubechannel3161]

My condolences 🙏 he was having symptoms?

[@karolina8841]

@@myyoutubechannel3161 he lost some weight and said he felt weak. We told him to go to the hospital but he refused and kept on saying he will be fine. After a week he called for help, unable to walk for himself and eyes and skin had turned yellow. I dont know if it had made any difference if he would have gone to the hospital a week earlier. We will never know.

[@karolina8841]

@@entx8491 thank you ❤

[@daisymay271]

My daughter is currently in the hospital with cirrhosis. She just turned yellow. Not sure how long she has.

[@SuperTalleyho]

My grandfather drank 24/7 and lived to 91. He also smoked pall mall non filter cigs. However he walked everywhere he went. I think that made a difference. To this day I'm amazed.

[@MrJintensive]

My father passed of heart failure at 92 November 28,2020 he drank for years and smoked and quit tobacco in the 1980s but he drank at a wedding in 2011, but I think that was the last time? So yeah it depends.

[@marolatv618]

Some people have strong genetics. Some people do not. A lot of members of my family have died from cirrhosis of the liver. All of these people were alcoholics. But their livers couldn't withstand the beating. What I took from those examples was that I cannot be an alcoholic. Genetically I am not made for it.

[@lilbigg3581]

My great aunt who drank a lot lived to 102

[@Trogdor1365]

He had a genetically based resilience to damage. His repair mechanisms were stronger (or had no defects). But that is not the case for most people. It's best to assume you are _not_ the exception.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

Interesting. Was he thin? overweight? Yeah I think exercise can ward off many diseases one would otherwise get.

[@briandavenport8971]

That dude drinks more a week than I do in a year.

[@theworldofjuniperthecat1307]

A day.

[@thealcoholicentrepreneur6942]

Heart breaking story, I am from Australia and our culture is very similar, it doesn't seem to matter what the event Alcohol is included and accepted and non-drinkers are the outsiders, more education in needed to explain and warn people just how dangerous Alcohol can be.

[@Arc_Luena]

The UK is horrendous for alcohol abuse, every weekend town centres become no go zones and its seen as an achievement among many young people how wasted you can get. There's also a big issue (like in the video) of so called high functioning alcoholics, people with a family often in their middle ages who consume well above the weekly limit but don't drink to get drunk, they just consume far too much and it adds up. A very sad state of affairs when you go to A&E (ER is the US equivalent) and most of the people in there are due to alcohol.

[@catatonicable]

Aussies drinking alot..???..well I never..

[@kaypaton3263]

I'm from Australia too So true our culture here is to drink.and drink.

[@aileenmoore7503]

@@Arc_Luena , I wish you were lying but unfortunately your telling the truth. A&E would be nearly empty it it wasn’t for alcohol.

[@leonismyrtil1592]

@@Arc_Luena I HAD a british roommate in college and boy his drinking habits horrify me like uhhh i dont think you should that much volume daily nights partying bro.

[@Oldfogey2014]

It isn’t just alcoholic liver disease you should highlight, but also non-alcoholic caused by excess sugar.

[@kaszapnagypeter]

I think there is misinformation about who is an alcoholic person or not. In my opinion, everyone who drinks alcohol daily is an alcoholic person, even if it's just a single beer.

[@gareth2736]

Interesting perspective. I was literally that person who drank one beer every day. I don't think i was close to being an alcoholic but have tried to make it every other day instead.

[@MonkoK14]

@@gareth2736 I suppose its habitual at that point, but habitual is not far from addiction

[@gareth2736]

@@MonkoK14 well I have a lot of addictions on that basis, fruit, swimming, cycling, video games, reading etc. I think the gap between habit and physical addiction is massive but habits are hard to change so have some of the features of an addiction.

[@MonkoK14]

@@gareth2736 yeah for sure, there's definitely nuance to it like consistency, quantity, health etc

[@mrsose1872]

That's right and anyone who eats something daily has an eating disorder.

[@Rydonittelo]

Strange how this happens to some people. I went 6 months as a chronic alcoholic drinking a 70cl of vodka straight every day and stopped drinking completely years ago and luckily came out of it with no lasting health problems ( apart from life long mental health problems that are manageable). I feel for this guy.

[@desudesu5283]

they call him a binge drinker in his 20s... he had to be drinking way more than he said.

[@franbois88]

​@@desudesu5283he drank more than what he said that's for sure

[@zentriffid]

I have been drinking over a litre of wine a day for 40 years and Im as fit as a fiddle.

[@danmorley6517]

You have no idea what state your liver is in.

[@zentriffid]

@@danmorley6517 I do, my liver tests are great. My Doctor thinks Im a non drinker.

[@hotelmario510]

Had my last drink on St Patrick's Day 2023. Suffered a mental health spiral in the week after, and decided, right, I'm not going to touch that again. Already had friends say "Go onnn, just have one." This video has reminded me why it is so important not to give in to peer pressure. Teetotal and proud.

[@abhishekpalled4214]

Take inner engineering program it will definitely help you.

[@patrickmckenna1334]

You will stop whinging and be back boozing soon.

[@ITALCOLLIEDAN]

He's been drinking regularly since his teens and would probably have progressed to more than 2 cans a night, I feel sorry for him, hope he gets sorted.

[@thesteadfastangler6724]

My life got dramatically better when I stepped away from the bottle. I got my power back.

[@seekonlytruth512]

Me too🥰

[@brisvegas859]

I don't drink, much happier without alcohol. Let my liver relax and enjoy life :)

[@rufiorufioo]

I drank a lot in my teens and early 20s but stopped around 25 and I'm 36 now. Feel great!

[@Neo2012100]

Clayton bigsby 2024

[@HdHd-cg4nz]

Its du du baby

[@dadmoo12]

8 months free for me. I was close to liver problems.

[@bhud1972]

This happened to my grandfather, but he was 80 before he figured out the damage. He drank a firm 8 to 10 beers every day and died from liver cancer right before his 81st birthday.

[@badactor3440]

81? Lucky guy. He got to enjoy his drink and live a long life doing it. Can't ask for more.

[@Hazara26]

After 55 life gets boring so living is not fun anymore because of aging.

[@dac545j]

@@Hazara26 Uh...

[@UKViking]

@@Hazara26 speak for yourself

[@KristiLEvans1]

He was incredibly fortunate and an outlier.

[@Crouchy232323]

Wait, are you trying to say that drinking alcohol leads to issues relating to alcohol use?

[@Dizzyfatpigeon]

+Crouchy232323 NEWSFLASH. It might just do so....

[@PMMagro]

Illuminati confirmed!

[@Henilegasp]

Wait.... WHAT?! 😱

[@lynette599]

@@Henilegasp Hahahaha

[@hollykost155]

It's just not that simple.

[@casper1240]

tWO CANS OF LAGER A NIGHT YOU MUST BE JOKING MORE LIKE 20 CANS A NIGHT

[@lynette599]

They DID say he was a binge-drinker in his teens and twenties...

[@bartstarr2371]

Right. You can drink 2 cans for life and not end up jaundice yellow like him

[@HPPalmtopTube]

@@bartstarr2371 I guess it depends on the person. Some people's livers are much more prone to cirrhosis than others (most people). Just like smoking/lung cancer, there's quite a few people who develop lung cancer who never smoked, or who smoked very little tobacco for a relatively short time... I do kinda agree that he probably drank more than what he's willing to admit. Maybe he thinks he will get access to a new liver quicker if he can convince the doctors he's just unlucky and did'nt drink that much... People who drink a lot tend to get placed on the bottom of transplant lists...

[@megalodon8473]

Maybe he meant trash cans of lager? lol

[@kevinhardy8263]

@@megalodon8473 more like two party 8 cans

[@ceasarsalad119]

If you can't enjoy a football game without a can of lager then the problem is with the football (its boring) and not the drink.

[@Longtack55]

I'm 69 now, and 12 months ago I decided not to be a victim of the mantra of always drink for sociability and to "relax." I rarely drink booze but 0.25% alcohol beer when I can't get the 0.0% for a cheap price. No loss, and my partner admires my resolve.

[@markanon5581]

The idea that not drinking requires 'resolve' is ridiculous really. That is, if alcohol hasn't become problematic for the person of course.

[@Mistwalker67]

2 years in April teetotal from 23 years of drinking, Diabetic now with Chronic pancreatitis no looking back, to those of you giving or wishing to give up YOU CAN DO IT!!! It's very very worth it, peace and Love to you all you are NOT hopeless cases, I'm 54 and starting a new life.

[@juliah.1403]

I have nash or nonalcoholic fatty liver. I have never drank in my life. Very scary and sad.

[@Cbd_7ohm]

You probably eat too much junk

[@johnspinelli9396]

Geez I hope you're doing better

[@lightspeed4448]

Nobody turns yellow after a couple of drinks on the evening. As a drinker myself I guarantee a couple of drinks means 4 or 5 pints. I reckon he was drinking about 5 to 8 pints a night to end up like this

[@Manos-de-Piedra]

Easily more

[@thomo74]

I’m an Alcoholic . I had to almost drink myself to death to realise I had a problem. 12 years ago, AA saved my life. If you’re an alcoholic like me, AA is the only way to lead a happy sober life. I’m so grateful to be free of the bondage of the bottle. I have rebuilt my life one day at a time and don’t miss the misery alcohol brought to me.🙏

[@donnymcgahan1158]

Different strokes for every person. I use my left hand

[@trippymchippy8586]

Congrats but AA is just one way. You are now subject to the bondage of AA, i.e. a religion. There is SMART recovery and many other services out there that do not rely on the 12 steps, that route isn't for everyone.

[@ayndie38]

​@@trippymchippy8586he didn't say it was for everyone. But it seems to be working for him. And it's more spiritual than religion based. You don't have to convert to any religious standards.

[@trippymchippy8586]

@@ayndie38 No offence but he literally said "AA is the only way to lead a happy sober life" ... AA is all about "surrendering to a higher [supernatural] power", which let's be honest, is smuggling religion in through the back door. I'm not knocking it entirely but I prefer the SMART program - i.e. less of the spiritual, more of the practical. Anyhoo, I wish you all the very best friend.

[@scottmckay9535]

AA isn't religion. It's spiritual, but that's not the same thing. @@trippymchippy8586

[@TheLaly37]

I am French, and I agree while playing rugby I felt pressured to drink, I rarely drink on other occasions. I had to drive all the time to justify not drinking. I do not have this issue in the Netherlands.

[@Acheron666]

Rugby is the worst sport to play if you’re not a drinker 😂

[@micahcraven6576]

3 yrs sober in july. I used to drink a bottle plus of whiskey every night. 9 drinks 4 fingers deep every time i went to the bar. Last night i drank was almost a full gallon of whiskey by myself in four hrs. I shouldnt be alive. Im thankful for my sobriety and will never go back to who he was. If youre out there struggling and wanna get sober- it is possible. You can do it. You can beat it. Its hard. And youre gonna have to practically put your soul back together into something greater than the where of why you drink this way in the first place. Its work. But omg the view is so much better from here.

[@alyssaextraordinair]

I’m tiny and I’ve drank that and overdosed foaming at the mouth many times. I should be dead times 10 but I get sober then relapse. I am praying for you, progressive alcoholism is so sickening. It literally ate my brain.

[@micahcraven6576]

@@alyssaextraordinair recovery is possible. Its not easy. Find why you drink work to resolve it. Only way i know how. Confident to say ive never relapsed since i quit. Maybe the shame too. Idk. But prayers with you.

[@leifhall2289]

How about Non Alcoholic Liver Decease? Many people have it from too much sugar and carbohydrates. Can it be a combined effect of alcohol and elevated insulin?

[@be5952]

I completely sympathize with those who feel excluded by their friends when they go out if they're a non-drinker. But as another teatotaller (who's rarely been to a British pub) couldn't one *order a coffee or tea* and feel more like they're also 'nursing a drink' and not so obviously not participating? Do they serve coffee & tea in pubs in the U.K.?

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

When I was a student in London, I regularly joined friends at the pub. I drank Rose’s Lime Juice and soda. It was so cheap that I was regularly told that I could skip my round (I generally got the first or second round for the table, but I rarely had to pay for a second round). Having the drink in front of me made me part of the group.

[@B6kmd]

They do, yes.

[@Waiting4Him111]

When I'm around drinkers I always have orange juice. People think it's a screwdriver. They are always shocked when I say I don't drink.

[@typicalhog]

Alcohol is an AWFUL drug in SO many ways.

[@Barbarian646]

There is no way that dude with liver disease got it by drinking that little......

[@lounolastname4477]

I thought that too. Alcoholics always minimise their intake estimation, same as morbidly obese people minimise their caloric intake estimation

[@davidblissett5315]

This should be on prime time TV in the UK twice a day. What's wrong with this highly educated people? Life can be great without Alcohol!!!

[@cinnamon-spice]

One year alcohol free after deciding to see how long I could go without a drink. There was alcoholism in my family and it concerned me that my weekend wine had progressed to weekday evenings too. It creeps up over time. So glad I stopped. Haven't missed it at all.

[@oddities-whatnot]

I think its something that probably gets easier the longer you go without alcohol. Ive only managed a month or two at most but got bored and ended up down the local pub again. I tried to order a soft drink but a bloke said you cant drink that in here, its a pub ! This is half the problem, too much pressure to fit in. I know that no excuse but sometimes easier.

[@cinnamon-spice]

@@oddities-whatnot I went about 15 months in total. Didn't really miss it, then surprisingly bought a bottle of red wine. Decided, being keto vegetarian and losing 95lbs, there were few treats I had left to enjoy. Gave up again a couple of months ago, then last week I watched a doctor on a video extolling the health benefits of a glass or two of red wine. I posted that it wasn't going to tempt me... and guess what, it did! 🤣 Going to try to stick to just enjoying a bottle at the weekend. But don't let my experience stop you trying, if you want to give it up. I actually found it surprisingly easy, and never missed it. I just really enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine. At least I've proved to myself that it's not a problem. It had just been worrying me because of the family history.

[@freespirit4706]

9 years sober thanks to AA.

[@foreverpop2542]

17 days no alcohol or drugs! I feel great!

[@roseadams5362]

Fantastic! How are you doing now? It's so tough, I know from personal experience

[@jcldiesel1]

Well done!!!

[@sratus]

"In England alone.." - Footage of Dublin on screen.

[@kezisthename]

I'm sorry but I outright refuse to believe two cans of beer a night can cause this, that just can't be true or I would be dead by now.

[@horrortackleharry]

Allow me to translate into Truth: when he said he binge-drank 'in his teens and twenties', he means until his late thirties. In the past few years, he's had 3-4 cans a night (not 2)- for maybe three nights of the week. The rest, he's got smashed.

[@randomcomputer7248]

if he was binge drinking from his teens to 30 every night, he likely already had cirrhosis at that point but it was "compensated" as they say.

[@FinbarPatrickMcGrath]

You can see by his face at only 44 that he drank a lot more than a few beers to relax.

[@TheFelltimber]

Unless he was more susceptible as they said

[@Lorraine-p4r]

We do not need it!!! Do not tell people this untruth! I never drink any alcohol.

[@tonimarx6405]

I was a chronic alcoholic for 25 years and it's nothing short of a miracle that I survived without much damage. I think the one thing that saved me was that after a massive drinking session I would always drink a huge amount of water and take a gallon of water to bed with me. During the night I would wake up and drink and entire litre at a time. If it wasn't for the water I doubt I would have survived. Alcoholism is a vile, hellish thing to go through. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone.

[@TheREDMANC7]

For a Brit who never really been a drinker l get treated like a lepper sometimes. I don't like the taste and I'm not a big fan of the feeling of being pissed. I'd like to meet a woman who doesn't need to get pissed every weekend.

[@cromac3319]

So Derek imbibed alcohol on a regular basis during his teens, 20s, 30s and early 40s and is now surprised he has liver disease? Give me strength 🙄 at least he's not an alcoholic! Has the reporter been drinking too?

[@philbecker4676]

That's how a lot of people drink. Go to Spoons on a Saturday night, the average person has downed 14 units before they even left their house.

[@wellsbenjy]

That doesn't mean he's addicted, as it said in the video he gave up easily when he needed to. Which suggests he was a recreational user like most people.

[@valeria-militiamessalina5672]

@@wellsbenjy😂 lol, people would delude themselves into believing anything rather than face facts

[@jeffbanks9955]

18 months teetotal now. Theres ocassional times I miss it but nowhere near what I thought I would when I quit. You CAN live without booze and not lose your quality of life.

[@Mogojoegotube]

"a few glasses a day" says enough.

[@GamingRobioto]

I was never a big drinker outside of university days and into my mid 20s, but it always affected me way more than my friends after a night out. Now I've cut right back to the odd drink here and there, I'm now considering cutting it out completely.

[@ZSmith-em1nz]

0:47 Wait a minute - is this segment saying that drinking out of habit is different than drinking due to alcoholism? They both sound like dependency to me.

[@nicolafigini784]

Not necessarily. I used to be a journalist, and drinking was part of the culture; it was a habit, so to speak. Then I became a teacher, and had to spend evenings preparing lessons and marking essays, so I fell out of the habit. If you can just stop like that, due to a change in circumstance, you're obviously not dependent.

[@ncfo20]

Alcoholism is when your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol, so going without will cause withdrawal symptoms (e.g. shakes, sweating, nausea etc), and if it's bad enough, withdrawal from alcohol can even be fatal if done cold turkey. So it is different to drinking out of habit, as the drinking may be part of your lifestyle even though you're not physically dependent. However, just because you're not an alcoholic does not means that you can't abuse alcohol or be a problem drinker.

[@octopusfood5643]

Z. Smith There’s abuse and addiction the same as habit and alcholism The are similar but very different I use to drink when I was sad but I never became dependant in it

[@jcreed09]

I'm like Andy- grew up with a domineering alcoholic father and stayed away from alcohol, because of this I've had friends fade away from me.

[@ladyjane8855]

Ditto. To be fair, making excuses to leave parties after a couple of hours was getting hard, so I'm happier.

[@MyChilepepper]

My father in law died of liver cancer from drinking a bottle of wine a day not including, brandy, beer, Guinness and ales in between. He never thought he had a drinking problem.

[@Marvin-dg8vj]

It is sometimes hard to tell. There seems to be a big grey area where liver disease is caused in people who are not alcohol dependent. Binge drinking seems very damaging though even if it is occasional. All in all I am more confused about this than I was.

[@conorwhite2066]

@@Marvin-dg8vj would argue that a lot of people have different levels of dependency that they either don't know or will or acknowledge

[@conorwhite2066]

This approach to alcohol seems specific to the anglophone world - Uk, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand etc

[@johnfish837]

Maybe moderate alcohol use wasn't what caused it?

[@Marvin-dg8vj]

@@conorwhite2066 what does dependent mean though? Is it just a feeling?

[@Pan472]

One other aspect, as a Greek, are British tourists... They come here and they get WASTED. Like, hospitalisation-level wasted. That's not normal.

[@IZn0g0uDatAll]

I lived in england for 6 years. People there are totally unable to imagine having fun without alcohol. You meet your friends in the evening, you drink, period. It’s kind of sad.