Why and how I stopped drinking alcohol (6 years sober)

Here's what I've learned during the last 6 (ish) years sober (mostly)... Check out the show links below 👇
0:00 start
0:47 why I went sober
1:17 how I went sober
1:43 how a small mindset tweak helped
2:36 opting for a longer dry run
3:02 trying alcohol again
3:17 a second dry run
4:02 falling out of love with drinking
4:48 the decision to stop for good
5:16 what you can expect if you reduce / stop drinking
5:42 look for opportunities to stop
6:07 change your mindset
7:01 plan for questions
7:25 consider 'quitting'
8:57 no explanation needed
9:44 a different perspective on alcohol
11:15 rude awakenings
12:17 discovering how you really want to spend your time
12:45 living a sober life now
13:30 how you might end up feeling over time
14:23 no need to preach 😉
14:51 closing thoughts
16:02 end
#garethrussell #alcohol #dryjanuary #sobercurious #soberliving
_____
Thank you for watching, hopefully you enjoyed it and if you did then don’t forget to comment, drop a like and subscribe to the channel for more. See you in the next one, Gareth.
_____
Here's what I use to make my videos:
🎶 Music and sound effects: I get music and sound effects for my videos from Epidemic Sound. Sign up for a 30-day FREE trial here:
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
🎥 Camera: Sony ZV-1 with Sony GP-VPT2BT Handgrip
amzn.to/3tpu0t1
📷 Wide angle lens adapter: Ulanzi WL-1
amzn.to/3pxmLy3
🎤 Microphone: RØDE VideoMic NTG
amzn.to/3KbPlg3
🔭 Tripod: Amazon Basics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Neewer Ball Head
amzn.to/3sDIo1F
amzn.to/3vwGK3C
💡 Lighting: Neewer 660 LED Video Light and Stand Kit
amzn.to/3pxGX2A
🚥 Lighting: Govee RGB LED strip lights (under desk top and behind monitor)
amzn.to/36Nr1CO
amzn.to/35ozNa0
📱 Second camera: iPhone 13 Mini
amzn.to/3Mjd684
🤳 Second tripod/grip: Joby GorillaPod Mobile Rig
amzn.to/3KbPEYf
🦾 Magic Arm with super clamp: SmallRig Magic Arm
amzn.to/35r07Au
👨🏻‍💻 Laptop: 2020 Apple MacBook Pro M1 13"
amzn.to/34819AD
🔌 Laptop dock: CalDigit TS3 Plus
amzn.to/3vyDPaB
🖥 Monitor: LG 27UK670 27" UHD 4K WLED
amzn.to/3tsSIZt
💾 Storage: Seagate One Touch Portable External HDD 4TB (x2) and Samsung T5 SSD 1TB (x1)
amzn.to/3Kaeyrk
amzn.to/3MkUV1y
🎬 Editing software: Final Cut Pro X
Mac users, get a free 90 day trial version of Final Cut Pro X here: www.apple.com/uk/final-cut-pr...
_____
How to contact me:
📥 Email: [e-mail]
_____
🐤 Follow me on Twitter: / garethrusselluk
_____

[@markiahendrix60]

I am a 39yr old male. I have been drinking heavily since I was 17. Over those years I developed stage 3 cirrhosis in my Liver. I began to throw up blood on a daily basis. I thought I would die a few of those times. But I would always go back to drinking a fifth of Grey goose per day. (at least) My stomach swelled so big that I finally got scared and went to hospital. They had to put me under a respirator and knock me out while I went through the withdrawals. I woke up 5 days later, and my Dr. sat on the bed and explained to me JUST HOW CLOSE I WAS TO DYING. I had broken varices and vessels everywhere. I thank God that He spared my life and scared me strait. On the 12'th of March 2021' was my last drink. Nearly ten months ago. I made it through Christmas and New Years without drinking!

[@GarethRussellUK]

That’s huge! Super happy for you. Stay strong and keep up the great work! 💪🏻

[@markiahendrix60]

@@GarethRussellUK Thank you for that Mr. Russell ! I really appreciate it sir. Thank you so much for this encouragement. It is always good to hear accolades from your peers. I WILL stay strong and keep on living my best life. I subbed to your channel. Cant wait to hear your take on other issues as well! Thanks again for the reply! Take care!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks for the sub @@markiahendrix60!

[@eagledice2008]

Mark I’m assuming you wanted to say March 2021 was your last drink anyway good luck stay healthy

[@markiahendrix60]

@@eagledice2008 Yes... You are indeed correct. It IS March. March 12th 🤦‍♂ Thanks for that Eagle! 😅 I appreciate you letting me know! You know how it is when you are typing furiously, and you don't feel like proofreading it afterwards? THIS is why you shouldn't do that. LOL Take care. Sending my best wishes to you and yours!

[@elijahdunmore7526]

I SO PROUD OF MYSELF STAYING SOBER FOR 2 YEARS AND 9 MONTHS AS OF DECEMBER 6-2022 I NEVER FELT BETTER NO MORE HANGOVERS AND NOW I HAVE CONTROL OF MY LIFE AGAIN I HOPE AND PRAY THAT MY SOBRIETY JOURNEY WILL HELP SOMEONE ELSE STAY SOBER I REALLY THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS SOBRIETY VIDEO

[@GarethRussellUK]

Yessss! That’s so awesome, keep it up! 🙌🏻

[@organicallyhannah]

Recently i read that sobriety gives you everything alcohol promised. Really resonated with me. After 3 years I’ve finally pulled the plug out of nowhere and am getting my body back back in the process.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Love that, thanks for sharing. To your success!

[@nancyslider645]

I’ve been 9yrs sober but had never heard that one all this time in AA, I thank you for your post- and hope you are well ✌️❤️

[@martinbrodie8507]

Alcohol is way overrated and severely underestimated. It is poison. Sobriety is the best decision I ever made. One was too many and 1000 wasn't enough. I look and feel 20 years younger than when I was drinking.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Wise words 🦉 Great to hear sobriety is treating you so well! 😀

[@joeldavis5815]

"One is too many and a thousand is never enough". Haven't I heard that somewhere before?

[@GarethRussellUK]

It was a new one on me @@joeldavis5815 and I like it! 😊

[@jonwhitehead2102]

@@joeldavis5815 there is a song from Kenny Chesney called "You and tequila". In it he sings: Cause you and Tequila make me crazy Run like poison in my blood One more night could kill me, baby One is one too many, one more is never enough. Perhaps that's where you've heard it. It sure is the truth with most any addiction.

[@Veromoi4]

Me too! I know I can’t have alcohol ever, it starts a cycle of obsession and intoxication that is incredibly hard to stop because I have the disease of addiction. Congrats on being sober! I’m 395 days sober today

[@spw_investing648]

Last drank on 22/12/2021 and told myself I need to give it a break. Managed to resist drinking over Christmas, my 23rd birthday and New Years Eve. Hope I can keep it up, already feeling a lot better, both mentally and physically 😊

[@augtenth]

It's all in the mind. Sugar cravings will be tough but it can be overcome. You can do it.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing effort, well done! You can make it though anything sober now you've made it through those 3 big events. Keep up the great work! 🙌🏻

[@RichRich1955]

Drunks didn't lay the guilt on heavy enough congrats.

[@marshymiyagi2915]

Well done mate 🤠

[@marshymiyagi2915]

@Conor Sullivan all I can say is I spent Christmas, New Year's Eve this year completely sober and I loved it and I'll always remember it. I did go to aa meetings which I actually enjoy, which made it easier. There's still plenty of other ways to relax as well though 🙂

[@steveparish4209]

Drank socially, and sometimes to excess from age 18 to 49. Found that the older I got, the less I liked the person I became when I drank to excess. Knowing I was only a few months from the big 5-0, my daughter was about to make us grandparents shortly after that, and looking back on some of my behaviors and how I treated people when I'd had too much to drink, I told myself on Jan 1, 2021 that I was going to do a dry January. The first two weeks were challenging, not because I craved alcohol but because I had to change how I socialized with people. Once I got past the first two weeks it was easy . . and I haven't had a drink since. I really didn't want to be that person any longer. One year+ under my belt and really see myself never drinking again.

[@GarethRussellUK]

That’s awesome Steve! Well done and keep up the great work! 🙌🏻

[@danielokane3408]

@@GarethRussellUK @Steve Parish well done. Stopped on 6th June 2021 as a break before my birthday on 30th ........ 38 weeks dry and counting ........ going to be dry in 2022. Great video.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Congrats on 38 weeks @@danielokane3408! Awesome achievement! Keep up the great work 🙌🏻

[@refineme]

My last drink was 10-15-2019. I was drinking everyday, 5-6 beers every evening, alone in the garage or basement. I gave up drinking for my kids, 3 and 7 at the time. I quit cold turkey. I didn’t want their memories of me…. Just being a drunk while they were growing up. Best decision I could have ever make. Now I can think more clearly, have better sleep, lost a lot of weight, more sex with my wife, lower blood pressure. I don’t miss drinking… and I still go out and get together with friends. Even on work trips I don’t have alcohol anymore. When people ask or offer a drink, I just say “oh I’m good. I gave up drinking”, and like you said, they leave it at that.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing achievement! Yes, kids can be a big motivator for a decision like this. They’re always watching what we do, good or bad. To your success! 🙌🏻

[@ccc369]

Same exact date for me - haven't missed it once. Stopped eating carbs a month later. Life changed a lot for the better - including a new wardrobe😆

[@chrishandsome4267]

Dang only 5-6 & you realized you needed to quit? Respect man I started working from home and was drinking at least 20-25 beers all day, or at least every other day. It was brutal. Today was the day I decided to quit cold turkey, I think I can do it. I just have to find another hobby

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing decision @@chrishandsome4267! Welcome to the club 😉 FWIW, the simplest way to reduce temptation initially is to prime your environment. So, get rid of any alcohol you may still have at home (and don't introduce any new alcohol (either by yourself or via - say - gifts from others). And don't meet up with friends / family in bars any longer - coffee shops , restaurants, a walk and talk outdoors in nature, etc are all safer options. There might also be some subtle hacks that help break the association between your acts and drinking. So, for eg, if you usually drank whilst watching TV in the evening, changing where you watch TV might serve as a pattern interrupt. Or sitting in a different chair, drinking from a different cup, watching a documentary instead of your usual program. You get the idea. Sounds like it wouldn't make a difference, but these small tweaks can help lesses the association we can make between something we do and drinking. Let me know how you get on! 🙌🏻

[@chrishandsome4267]

@@GarethRussellUK day one and I can already tell I can do this. I had an epiphany this morning & got some things done I’d been putting off. I just came to the realization that all of my issues have stemmed from drinking, and I don’t want my son to see me like this forever. Life is too short & I feel like looking at alcohol like the poison it really is helps my mind deal with it. Edit; also thank you for the reply, you’re a good man and you seem to genuinely be invested into helping others, thank you sir

[@johnblyth9787]

I found this of great interest. I speak as a chronic alcoholic who should have died, drinking as I did for 17 years. Today 32 years sober. Thank you for doing what you chose and posting about your experience. I wish you well for the future. Kind regards from Australia John.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks, John, that means a lot. 32 years is a *massive* achievement 👏🏻

[@Ced_GT]

I have been sober since the 3rd January 2017 and it has been the best decision I have ever made. The first year was challenging, but the journey has been worth every minute. Looking back there have been far more positives than negatives. Give it a go and embrace the challenge, you'll learn just how strong and disciplined you can be.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Congrats on over 5 years! Amazing achievement 🙌🏻

[@rameshbhosale8440]

Excellent Sir ! I am 10 days sober after 23 years of regular and excess drinking !

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks 🙏 So happy to hear you're now 10 days sober. Just keep taking it one day at at time 👊🏻

[@Danuxsy]

I haven't drinked once in my life, 24 yrs old. 😎

[@GarethRussellUK]

That's great@@Danuxsy After extensive 'research' in my 20s and 30s, I'm not sure you're missing much... 😂

[@BRIANDER100]

how much did you drink ? any health problems ?

[@josiahgold]

And how is it going Ramesh?

[@j.rivera6402]

Been about a year for me. I don’t miss the hangovers, the withdrawals, or the imbalance in my emotions.

[@GarethRussellUK]

That’s a great achievement. Keep it up! 🙌🏻

[@darink5216]

Fair play to you I’m over 4yrs sober now and wish I had of done it sooner. As the years go on I think of alcohol less and less. For everyone starting out it does get easier with time.

[@GarethRussellUK]

That’s awesome, congrats! 🙌🏻 I wouldn’t go back now. I love not drinking 😁

[@KatieKamala]

Spot on video, blessings to all of us who are focusing on health & sobriety.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks a lot, Katie! To your success! 🙌🏻

[@Sr19769p]

It's a hard habit to snap out of. Gave up for 3mnths 3yrs ago due to liver 'issues' and I'd never felt better in my life; sadly I dropped off the wagon. This vid has inspired me to try again, sir, and has reminded me of how much happier I was after just 2weeks booze free and eating healthily i.e lots of green veg, garlic, ginger, tumeric, fibre etc. I miss proper sleep! Cheers 😊

[@GarethRussellUK]

Ah man, getting this comment made my day! So glad you're going to try again. To your success! 🙌🏻

[@mileshamblen9982]

What he says about alcohol giving people the ability to tolerate others in a different manner is very true. I noticed after I stopped drinking for a month or so that people around me I usually spent time with started to annoy me with their behavior.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Yep! Funny the amount of perspective not drinking can give us! 😯

[@himawari4166]

same here

[@daviddimbleby6725]

23 days sober , I now carry a subtle sense of well being with me , before it was a subtle sense of dread , best way I can describe sobriety

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing! That’s 6% of a year already. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@daviddimbleby6725]

@@GarethRussellUK that's very specific but il take it sir , thank you for the nice words mate 👍

[@ellleigh1216]

I’m just about to go on this journey… doing dry Jan, but in my head it’s much longer. I just feel my time is valuable and filling it with things other than being hungover and going to the same places over and over, is better for me.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing decision! Good things are coming your way…. 😇

[@gwillis01]

I agree with you Ell Leigh that life is short. Since we are on earth for only a limited time, we should not waste time on things like hangovers. There are so many things a person could do and accomplish that are just slowed down or stunted by being a habitual drinker.

[@augtenth]

Found this video randomly. At the time of writing this, I am 2 years sober as of this past September 1st. I was making bad decisions, spending too much money and starting to have health issues. It was time to throttle down and stop. Some people can control it, I couldn't. When I go out now I just get a Coke. No hangover is a huge bonus.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Congrats, that's awesome! I suspect a lot of folks have similar struggles. Usually the first drink is the worst in terms of the decisions that flow from it. Some people decide (or get pressured into) 'just the one', which then lowers willpower enough that more drinks surely follow.... with the associated bad decisions, overspend and hangover. I don't miss that at all! 😁

[@jamiedalrymple3689]

Omg... I have been totally sober for 3 years now and have experienced everything that you have. I had drank alchohol all my life and simply hated hangovers when I got older and have a young family. Good luck to you and thank you for sharing ❤️✌️

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! Glad the video was helpful (and to also know I’m not the only one!) 🙌🏻

[@0kedoke]

This is the first video I've watched of yours, sub'd! I am 30 years old and quit drinking on a whim for dry January 2021. It's been 370 days. I share so many of the same experiences & perspectives you discussed this video in my personal journey, honestly gave me goose bumps. Cheers! :)

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks a lot for the sub! My decision was made pretty much on a whim too, so that really resonates with me. Glad the video was helpful and keep up the great work! 🙌🏻

[@bryanparsons7207]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm going through alot of those feelings and your advice helps

[@GarethRussellUK]

Great to hear, Bryan, thanks! Good luck on your journey 🙌🏻

[@robbie4787]

4 days into my 3rd sober january but deep down i really want to go longer like 3 to 4 months. It was great to hear your journey and how its helped you, so i think i will really go for it this time 😃

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing decision! Glad the video was helpful. Let me know how you get on! 🙌🏻

[@philt1362]

Makes sense and well explained - thanks Gareth !!!!! I'm on it !!!!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks Phil. Let’s GOOOOO! 🙌🏻

[@phillusted7364]

Great video Gareth, I stumbled across it as I'm undertaking my first dry January. I'm 8 days in and already feeling better. The almost immediate improvement in my mental alertness and better sleeping patterns have been most surprising. Thanks for posting the video its helped me on a slow Saturday night here in Perth, Western Australia. The seed of possibly considering extending Dry Jan 22 further has been planted.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful. Enjoy your extended dry spell. Good things are coming your way! 😀

[@andyross8890]

Great video G. I remember those ‘sober curious’ conversations when I started to venture into the sober world. Never really looked back.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Awesome to hear! And thanks 🙏

[@theAdmurl498]

Been thinking along the same lines for some time. In my profession there's a stigma that follows one that chooses not to drink. It's gonna be a tough go, but my last drink was about 12 hours ago. I don't think I'd classify myself as alcoholic, but I can say that it is a HUGE part of my life. I do know what it feels like to be booze free for an extended time, and I like it. I really appreciate your insight Gareth. I'm subbed. Thanks man!

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure, thanks for the sub! 🙏🏻

[@gwillis01]

Keep striving to improve yourself Admurl498. I hope you make it to one month sober.

[@gwillis01]

@Catherine Golden There are different types of peer pressure. Apparently you have not encountered a person who told you that you had to drink to blend in. Has anyone ever told you "Don't be an anti--social weirdo!! Join with us for a drink!!"

[@paulblake1164]

Your journey has been one that I've sat here noodling my head too! It's a big step to reduce or even stop drinking alcohol. So many of the observation that you mentioned for piers yeah I agree with as well! Thanks for sharing!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Pleasure, glad it was helpful. It feels like a big step but it was surprisingly easy to do and the benefits have been huge. Good luck!

[@steevoridgeline]

i share your thoughts, thanks a lot for the wonderful speech Gareth

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful 🙌🏻

[@gwillis01]

My favorite way to brush people off is to say emphatically "I am improving my health." If they express shock, disbelief, or anger, I just turn and walk away.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Nice 👌🏻

[@gerardmartin4718]

Thats a good one i will use that😊

[@RyansSynthwaveGuitar]

I made my decision to quit yesterday. Told family and friends. I've thought about doing this for years because I've only really drunk due to peer pressure. I hate the feeling of losing control, and I always got the worst hangovers. Sometimes, lasting 3 or 4 days. I love the feeling of feeling fit and healthy. Alcohol just ruins everything for me. Great video man!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! And congrats on making an amazing decision! Good things are coming your way.... 😇

[@rodneywalker379]

Great talk, thanks for sharing. Been "sober curious" for too long...gonna give it a go.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks a lot! Awesome decision - let me know how you get on! 🙌🏻

[@basilkgatla6408]

Great video , I like the way in which you do it, its not like the other videos that kind of forces you to stop , your method is truly honest.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! I think it’s best to let people make their own choices. If people like a drink, that’s fine by me ☺️

[@joshtraceysurfing]

Nice video, thank you for sharing. Day 1 for me today 💪 Been 2 years since I had a booze free day.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! Welcome to day 1. I'm excited for you! 😁

[@Unknown-sr8dm]

After over twenty years of drinking, Starting today I’ve decided to take 90 days off! I currently have no intentions of quitting for good all I’m doing is trying to see for myself if abstinence really is worth it. Al keep posting to let people know how I’m getting on

[@GarethRussellUK]

That's great! 😁 90 days is a decent chunk of time to notice the changes from not drinking. Initially, I found I just 'felt better', then I noticed mood and sleep improvements, better skin, a real difference in my bank balance, reduced feelings of anxiety.... and the list went on. Let me know how you get on! 🙌🏻

[@wobblybobengland]

Good luck on your journey! I'm on for 111 days, till the 23rd of April which is St George's day or German beer day, I'm coming off the back of averaging about 3 crates of full strength German beer a week, every week for over a year. Doesn't mean to say I will start drinking on the 23rd but I will have had enough time to reflect on it, moderation is a lot more difficult than quitting for good.

[@lindyhaunschild1091]

Great video. Love it. Thank you so much. I work as a civilian therapist with military members who work overseas. I will share this video with everyone appropriate. Truly helpful.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks so much, Lindy! Glad you found it helpful 😊

[@Newdaynewlifenewme]

Thank you ... good inspiration... real...

[@jackedkerouac4414]

Great informative video. As someone who is still doing dry spells and going back I'd like to offer others trying to quit one advice: do NOT get into drinking at home alone. It'll create triggers everywhere you look. Your home should be a sanctuary from alcohol, not a den of debauchery

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! 🙏 Great advice btw. Setting up your environment to support new habits makes them much more likely to stick too. To avoid snacking, I don't buy snacks from the supermarket. That way, there aren't any at home to tempt me. Simple, but effective.

[@BRIANDER100]

drinking alone is the best way to drink.........you don't have to worry about embarassing yourself and running out of liquor

[@jkkennedy8919]

I can’t approve that message it is very true

[@gwillis01]

Hello Jacked Kerouac. I agree that a person's home should be a safe place where you are not tempted to drink alcohol.

[@nancyslider645]

I can confirm as a mom, grandma, and caregiver of elderly in-laws(until their deaths) and a disabled hubby: my entire world was the home… and by the end I was drinking round the clock. After my breakdown and 8days of detox/rehab I had grave concerns about having to walk back into the lions den. I fully immersed myself in AA meetings and restructured my day around getting ready for the next mtg. It was the hardest thing I ever did. I had to learn how to do everything- shower n dressing, meals, laundry etc without drinking. I truly consider this proof of God- a higher power- as of my own Will or strength I couldn’t have done it. In a few weeks it’ll be 9 yrs since then. Life has continued to be very hard, but I’ve been lifted fr the obsession long ago and know that there’s no relief at all in a drink. Or drug. Even during the most horrific circumstances (like this past week) I am grateful and can find positivity. Every persons journey is unique and yet we have so much in common. I am thankful with the isolation of Covid this past 2 1/2yrs- for hubby’s health- that I found so much inspiration and support here. Best wishes to all who seek improving their lives ✌️❤️

[@89zafiro]

It’s very easy to forget how not drinking feels like. I think everyone should try it even if you don’t plan to quit just to feel the difference in energy levels and mental clarity. Thank you very much for sharing that.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Agreed. I drank for around 20 years all told. It wasn't until I stopped that I realised what it was like to not drink and just how much I enjoyed it.

[@eagledice2008]

How do you do it if it was that easy everyone would do it

[@GarethRussellUK]

True @@eagledice2008, though I think it's more helpful to think about 'what' and 'why', rather than how. *What* Well, stopping drinking (of course). But for how long? Completely, or just one now and again? Will there be a transition to gradually wean yourself off? Or cold turkey? *Why* MUCH more important. Why bother? To save money and pay off a debt early? To save yourself from preventable disease and live a long and fulfilling life? Really go nuts with this one. The bigger your 'why' the easier it'll make the 'what'.... *and* you'll 100% find the way *how* to do it by being committed and consistent, in service of your why.

[@olumidekolajo4133]

I haven’t quit completely but I have cut back . I was on a bottle and a half of whisky a day but have now gone down to half a litre . I have noticed a lot of benefits and feel years younger . You inspire me . Thanks for posting .

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! You’ll find way more benefits the more you cutback. To your success! 🙌🏻

[@ZenitHalter17]

Thank you very much to have shared all these things, I can extremely identify myself with all that!!!

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure. Glad you found it helpful! 🙌🏻

[@weekendatbernies2265]

Consciousness Rising! Alcohol has sidelined more of humanity, while telling them they are Living Life. Currently reading This Naked Mind which delves into how much of our actions relative to alcohol in particular, are guided by our unconscious mind. Very empowering information.

[@JoJo-lx1ew]

Blessings to all. Desperately in need of prayer!! Been fighting alc. for 30+ yrs. Still unable to kick the habit. It is truly a hard fight. Thanks for the video.

[@eagledice2008]

Jo Jo you’re not alone it’s hard but Kee trying to quit I’ve been trying to quit for a year been drinking heavily for 5 years and now I’m addicted I’m praying that this year I will quit forever because I don’t even get drunk anymore so you can do this I will pray for you

[@GarethRussellUK]

The fact you're commenting here and sharing your struggle tells me you have a lot of fight left in you yet. I wish you well!

[@JoJo-lx1ew]

@@eagledice2008 Thank you.

[@JoJo-lx1ew]

@@GarethRussellUK Thank you

[@nancyslider645]

Yes it is hard… I also had been hardcore with drinking n drugs from teenage years til 52 yrs old. I completely broke down, instead of jail the police officer offered me ‘help’, brought me to a detox/rehab where for the very first time I felt a tiny glimmer of hope. Everyone’s journey is different but for this alcoholic AA saved my life. I see here on KZbin suggestions and hope, and the very fact of your comment & admission tells me you still want help. Do it, do something, just don’t give up no matter what. Best wishes to you, and yes I’ll pray for the miracle in your life so you can share your strength✌️❤️

[@JEdmund81]

Thank you for this very informative, helpful video!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks for watching! 🙌🏻

[@3000FAst]

Nice work well done. All the discussion here is soo true. Its like living in a different dimension without booze!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! Yes, it's like Fight Club, only we're able to talk about it openly 😉

[@PraveenSrJ01]

My dad completely stopped drinking after he was diagnosed with lung 🫁 cancer in February of 2021 and is now doing a lot better

[@GarethRussellUK]

Sorry to hear about your Dad's diagnosis. Wishing him a healthy 2022!

[@chadm4976]

7:40 Exactly true! I work in an industry where every company meeting is constant drinking. I just fake it (ice tea, no ice etc.) to avoid the critical eye when you openly tell someone you're sober. I had a dating site profile a while back where I declared myself sober....I was amazed how women would judge me! The stigma of, 'if you're sober, it must mean you're an alcoholic' will follow you everywhere!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Ha ha, right?! So weird that drinkers consider us sober folks to be the crazy ones... 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BRIANDER100]

what industry ?

[@BRIANDER100]

don't tell anyone your sober...just say not today

[@ConqueringCaffeine]

Great video Gareth. I've been sober for 8 months. Needed to stop and glad I did.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! And congrats on 8 months! That’s awesome. Keep it up! 🙌🏻

[@chrissharkeyai]

What an excellent video! I love the way you explain this. Definitely pushing me in the direction of continuing to stop drinking!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks, Chris! Keep it up 🙌🏻

[@TheSkite575]

Great video I'm 62 and quit 4 1/2 years ago wish I had done it much sooner

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks 🙏🏻 I know what you mean about wanting to quit sooner. But, still, you quit and that’s what counts 👊🏻

[@TheSkite575]

@@GarethRussellUK I had lost 100 lbs and wanted more control of what I eat and to get healthy again. I feel so good now.

[@GarethRussellUK]

That’s awesome 👏🏻 Not in the same league, but intermittent fasting daily for the last 14 months lost me about 25lbs and I feel great 😊

[@TheSkite575]

@@GarethRussellUK Low carb and fasting, also doing rucking lately for workouts

[@GarethRussellUK]

Nice @@TheSkite575 - keep up the great work!

[@airatvaliullin8420]

Congratulations, sir! I don't drink at all, not a drop in my entire life, and I feel amazing

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! 🙏🏻 Nice work btw. You’re ahead of the game! 🙌🏻

[@nancyslider645]

Good for you: you’re not missing anything good !

[@airatvaliullin8420]

@@nancyslider645 glad to hear :)

[@gregor955]

Thanks for the inspiration!

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure Greg! 🙌🏻

[@curtiscollins2174]

Really appreciate 🙏 your video as trying to stop myself after 48 yrs of drinking. Thks again!

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure, Curtis. Good luck and let me know how you get on! 🙌🏻

[@Hollows1997]

Like yourself I have done dry months in the past, and stopping drinking is something I’ve always considered after more embarrassing episodes than I’d like to admit. I think with today being the first day of a new year, there is no better time than now to stop for good.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Perfect timing 😁 Let me know how you get on! 🙌🏻

[@PunkForever-yu1fg]

My last drink was on new years Eve. It's been a few weeks. Been having stomach issues lately. I have no desire to be permanently sober. But, I do need to be more careful with my body. I always think I can get a safer way to drink .

[@GarethRussellUK]

That’s how it started for me really. I never set out to quit. Every time I had a drink, it gave me motivation to go dry for longer next time. And, we’ll, you know the rest…. 😉

[@thatdudebud6903]

Great vid, strong work.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks a lot 👊🏻

[@liamraine1]

I stopped drinking at the very end of 2022, just after my 30th birthday. I've watched a lot of sobriety videos but yours echoes my experience the most. I wasn't an alcoholic, my drinking wasn't extreme, but I drank to access and binge drank most weekends. Being sober helped make 2023 the best year of my life.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing! Love that. I'm so glad I decided to stop drinking in the end. I've never looked back since. To your success! 🙌🏻

[@TehSeksyManz]

After drinking 1-4 days a week for multiple years now, I noticed that I've been in a cognitive decline. The same goes for sleep quality. It's gotten noticeably worse since Covid. Decided a week ago to try and go sober for a while, and didn't even know about Dry January until after I had already started. I haven't gone an entire weekend without drinks in a long time, so the next couple of days might be rough! Something that I've discussed with my friends (whom I've drank a lot with over the years) is how we associate drinking with almost everything that we do. Game night, drink. Movie night, drink. Swimming, drink. Camping, drink. Basically everything that I do. That puts me in a tough situation, since all of those activities are triggers. ESPECIALLY gaming on my PC. Between games or when I'm waiting to respawn I would take sips off of my beer/wine. Lately I've substituted it with water. I randomly stumbled across this video for some reason. Maybe my phone was listening to my earlier conversation with my coworker about drinking. It appears that recently you've had a lot of people that have ran across this for maybe similar reasons. Anyway, I appreciate the video and wish you well.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Same experience. SO much of our social activity is centred around drinking… I never really realised how much until I stopped. On the plus side, stopping helped me make some different choices about how I wanted to spend my time, and who I wanted to spend time with. Any friends who couldn’t deal with my not drinking haven’t stuck around really. Luckily almost all my friends were supportive / curious / chilled out about it (sometimes all of those things). One close friend even decided to go sober too after seeing how much I changed for the better. Thanks for watching!

[@ghost93700]

Bro, I’m doing through the same thing. Not sitting idle helps. Exercising a lot helps me tire myself out. It’s going to be very hard in the beginning . Take it one day at a time. All the best

[@c.s.s.1723]

Yep. Same here. Starting to finally see the long term effects of my daily drinking, getting drunk every night for years. Now I am 52. This is no game. I have not been in any legal trouble, no trouble at work, but other things are suffering. This is what I am taking notice of now, and I want to quit. I want to wake up and feel good. I want to sleep well. I want to go through the day with no fog. I want to remember how my head felt without this “weight” on it. I want to be more productive, more on top of my life. I can do this but it is harder than I thought it would be. I have cut way back and I am tapering off to nothing, hopefully. Now that I drink so much less, the negative effects are so much more profound, and it really is a good deterrent.

[@GarethRussellUK]

That's a huge shift in mindset, @@c.s.s.1723, well done! To your success 🙌🏻

[@chazlewis8114]

I definitely have that same association of drinking while gaming on my PC. Which is really bad because its easy to spend a lot of hours doing that. Hopefully its not too difficult to create a dissociation.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Wow, almost 3.5k views as I write this, thanks so much! What would you like me to explore as a follow up video to this one? Let me know, below, yo.... 👇🏻

[@itstrbo]

What did you do instead of drinking? I had a similar experience after my first child where I cut way back on drinking and picked up cycling and have found I really enjoy NA beers ...

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks @@itstrbo, great idea! 🙏

[@whoozyyy]

I’ve gone 3 weeks longest.. but I’m trying again, I was a functioning alcoholic where I could work and play video games cook and do anything with drinking. Now when I wanna play video games or I start cooking, I want to grab a drink. I don’t know how to replace that relaxing feeling having a drink gives me.

[@itstrbo]

@@whoozyyy try NA beers or mocktails you'd be surprised how they can have placebo effect on the mind

[@GarethRussellUK]

Great awareness of your own triggers @@whoozyyy. There are definitely activities, locations and people that can prompt us to want to drink. And I totally get you about wanting that relaxing feeling. I found that not drinking forced me to explore why I wasn't relaxed in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I'm not now some super chilled zen master, but I discovered that I was using my smartphone so often to avoid periods of stillness or feelings of boredom that I was creating more stress and anxiety. I was also in the habit of working really hard and overloading myself with projects, meetings and calls. I wasn't meditating regularly either. The point is, all of this stuff was adds up and creates a felt sense of needing to relax or escape from it. Alcohol is so readily available and so quick to consume and feel its effects that it's easy to become reliant on it as a quick way to relax. The problem then becomes that we think we can't feel that same feeling any other way, when the reality is that's just not true. There are plenty of other ways to feel more relaxed, it's just that they are more difficult to confront and to take action on. Regular meditation for instance, is not a quick fix. But it has a remarkable effect, over time. Maybe scale back your ambition and start small. Reducing the times you might drink could be a win. Or one dry week each month. It doesn't have to be 'go dry, or else'. Or 'one dry month or I have failed'. If you haven't already, check out Atomic Habits by James Clear. Not an alcohol book, but hands down the best book I've come across on lasting behaviour change.

[@Pancakes13371]

I’m currently almost 22. And I suffer with alcohol addiction. I feel pathetic, I was given a year of reality and I already messed it up. But your video gives me hope that I can be better, I can do better. Thank you.

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure. Congrats on a sober year, that’s amazing! A relapse is never an ending. Just a bump in the road. You’re now ready for your next sober stint. See how long you can stretch it out for, and just take it one day at a time 🙌🏻

[@geoffreywheeler8164]

Hi Gareth Really enjoyed your video, I am doing dry January but secretly intend to carry on with a view to stopping drinking alcohol for ever. Everything you said makes perfect sense to me as I have done 12 week stints before and the benefits are all you mention exactly. Your video gave me a good push to achieve my goal. Many thanks mate. Geoff

[@GarethRussellUK]

Hi Geoff 👋🏻 Your comment really made my day! So happy to know you found the video helpful and that it's given you the push to stop drinking for good! 😊

[@stuartferneyhough3005]

Great insight Gareth. Decided to do the same on the 24th July and totally relate to all that you said. Allen Carr easy way to stop is a good book I read to help compound my sober curiosity too. Its a better life sober isn't it dude 😀

[@GarethRussellUK]

Hey Stuart, congrats on nearly 5 months brother! That's awesome 👊🏻 And yes, the sober life is the life for me 😁

[@weekendatbernies2265]

Also, on the line of Carr is “This naked Mind” by A Grace. The Unconscious Mind is the piece to the alcohol puzzle.

[@jackedkerouac4414]

Allen Carr's book changed my life. I admit I'm not 100% sober yet but it lit a fire under my ass and I keep getting back up

[@robincrowflies]

@@jackedkerouac4414 Thank you! I was just able to find Carr's book at my local library.

[@jackedkerouac4414]

​@@robincrowflies No problem. Glad the OP brought it up. I wish you success with it

[@cbrockett6736]

I’ve been sober since 21st of December and plan on going as long as possible without a drink. My thought process now is that I’ve managed to go through the full Xmas period and new year without drinking so I have proved to myself that I can resist alcohol. Thankfully never had a dependence on alcohol but in some aspects I have. I always thought I needed it to enjoy nights out and to feel confident. They are the 2 main things I want to prove to be wrong

[@GarethRussellUK]

Exactly the same experience. And I now know that I can enjoy myself just as much - if not more - without alcohol. I feel more disciplined, confident and healthier than ever before. Let me know how you get on! 🙌🏻

[@alang8243]

Check out the book, “This Naked Mind”. Life without alcohol can be achieved without willpower.

[@tombrownrigg8794]

Thank you Sir. Nice work 👍

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure. And thank YOU 🙏🏻

[@joanavicente5493]

Thank you for this video.

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching 🙌🏻

[@tenettttt]

I also had those thoughts. Kept asking myself why i kept drinking when all it did was give me an hour or so of joy followed by a whole day of hungover misery. It's just self sabotaging. Literally emptied the bottles i had in the sink and haven't had more than a beer or two since. That was 13 months ago and i have no desires to go back. Non stop lucidity is worth much more.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Completely agree! Clear headedness is like a superpower 💪 Keep up the great work!

[@nancyslider645]

@@GarethRussellUK Stumbled upon you here today, thank you for inspiring & encouraging so many people… and I’m going to use that: recovery is my superpower!! ✌️❤️

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing @@nancyslider645! Enjoy your new powers! 💫

[@jonvia]

Booze is EVERYWHERE in the US. You cant go anywhere without seeing aisles of it. I am happy cannabis is becoming more mainstream bc I notice that I have a desire to drink way less when I can just get stoned. Way healthier habit and for me at least, I can get a lot done on pot. Not so much when Im cracking open IPAs. Great video Gareth and thanks for sharing your journey with all of us =)

[@GarethRussellUK]

Interesting to know how it is in the US…. sounds like we’re not the only nation with that culture. Thanks for watching! 🙌🏻

[@andipeters743]

"Sober Curious"! Love that turn of phrase!

[@GarethRussellUK]

So simple yet descriptive! 😊

[@FrancisFurtak]

Great video! I'm down to one drink twice a week but even that little makes me sick the next day! I'm 70 and a cancer survivor and maybe my metabolism is down. Life is short and when I'm trying to recover the next day, I feel like I've lost part of my life! I just need to take that final step. So good for you and keep up the good work!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks so much! And congrats on being a survivor 💪🏻 Be guided by how you feel. The rest will fall into place naturally. That’s how I started and it’s how I’ve ended up fully sober now, something I never thought I’d do but I wouldn’t have it any other way now. To your success!

[@FrancisFurtak]

@@GarethRussellUK Thanks!

[@lauralinden6840]

I haven’t had a drop of wine-my drink of choice-for two weeks . I did so because I want to lose weight. While counting calories, I realized I was reducing food intake to accommodate my usual wine calories, which had climbed to about one-half bottle per day (I’m retired and live alone)-sometimes a full bottle. As a result, I researched the relationship between alcohol and weight-both gaining and losing it. It was clear to me that eliminating alcohol is a healthy decision all the way around given its many destructive impacts on the body-organs, skin, weight, cognitive abilities, etc. I’m also losing weight more rapidly now that I’ve quit drinking. Although I initially thought I’d eliminate wine while dieting, I’m now thinking about quitting altogether. It hasn’t been as hard as I thought and I feel so much better about myself. Finally, as you say, the budgetary benefits are yet another reward. Thank you for the video and congratulations on your achievement.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks, Laura! And congratulations on YOUR achievement. That’s a huge deal. 2 weeks is 4% of a year already. Keep up the great work! 🙌🏻

[@aleethalee9717]

I live alone and have increased my wine intake to 1.5 bottles each night. Its starting to affect my health. I type this hungover again and am afraid I won't be able to stop. I lost my best friend 5 years ago and drink to numb my grief. I am really going to try to stop. Thx for sharing your experience. I just turned 61 and don't want to retire and continue this wine intake.

[@GarethRussellUK]

So sorry for your loss, @@aleethalee9717 I've drunk through grief in the past and it felt like the only way through it. But then I started to feel ready to deal with life again and it felt relatively easy to dial back the drinking, bit by bit. Maybe that's the way to go? Making small steps towards drinking less and a healthier life. You might want to check out 'Atomic Habits' for more on habit formation. And a fair few people here in the comments have highly recommended Allen Carr's books on stopping drinking too. Hope this helps, and good luck!

[@tjacksondolph4026]

“Do or do not, there is no try” This is what got me 10 years sober. When you finally make the decision it’s not a matter of “I hope I can stay sober” you look at having another drink as a life-and-death choice when you come to terms with the fact that one drink will automatically lead to full-blown alcoholism relapse, and drinking again ceases to be a possibility.

[@GarethRussellUK]

'Try' and 'hope' are like giving ourselves the option to fail, imo. Commit fully and intentionally, and then get it done (btw, that one took me about 3 decades to work out and live by!) Congrats on 10 years! 🙌🏻

[@rozzer8290]

The wise words of Yoda🙏

[@rajeshkadam7917]

Mr.Jackson yo nailed it. It's a slap on my face, I am thinking like that and never stop completely. I left booze on 1 Jan 2022 and your Comment is eye opening for me. Thanks for sharing. Never touch alcohol again...

[@Sdamgude24]

Yes..u r absolutely right..giving up booze is very beneficial...IAM 100 DAYS SOBER...THANK YOU...KEEP MOTIVATED THROUGH VIDEOS...UPLOAD MANY MORE LIKE THIS ....God bless you...& HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022.....THANK YOU

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks, Satish 🙏🏻 And congratulations on 100 days sober! To your success 🙌🏻

[@jlr194]

Thank you Dorothy

[@finhyland4270]

I have maybe 3 or 4 beers a week,I have 2 beers every Friday night after I'm finished my work week,it's like a treat after eating clean and training all week.I might have 1 beer with my dinner on a Saturday and that's pretty much it,I have no interest in getting drunk anymore.

[@GarethRussellUK]

That's pretty how I was before I decided to stretch out Dry January a little longer that first year. I never decided to quit completely, it just ended up going that way as the benefits of not drinking were huge. Thanks for watching!

[@Tonysoprano497]

Four years sober and since stopping I’ve never looked back . In my fifties I felt I wanted to enter a new chapter of my life . I think I was just ready and don’t miss pubs or heavy duty social gatherings . You take alcohol out of the pub experience and for me it’s all a bit futile . I never was a guy who took one beer so the idea of the occasional drink has never appealed As you say as a Brit drinking is very much ingrained in culture . If you had said to my younger self you will decided to stop drinking I would have laughed . Yes I feel so much better and can’t ever see me indulging again .

[@GarethRussellUK]

Congrats on 4 years! So glad it’s worked out so well for you too 🙌🏻

[@wishfulthinking8699]

It’s definitely something I need to be quitting. I’m a social drinker, don’t drink much anymore, had drinks on my birthday and realized I don’t wanna be drunk anymore, even if just sometimes. Don’t like the feeling anymore of being buzzed. Also, I don’t like hangovers, stomach issues, body aches, and feeling bad about myself after drinking. No issues just feel as if I shouldn’t be doing it anymore. Glad this popped up cuz I’m going sober. Too many reasons to actually quit. So thank you. All of you here. Opened my eyes.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Nice! Sounds like you're in the same place I was when I decided to start my first dry spell. Good things are coming your way! 😊

[@deanwhenman4292]

Good work, when l first scrolled past, l thought another preacher, glad l took the time to watch & listen, l'm currently sober curious and can relate to your journey.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks, Dean! Glad the video was helpful 🙌🏻

[@konkeydonged]

I'm getting to this point with alcohol myself, having suffered a brutal break up followed by transition to the industries of brewing and distillation. I don't even have to pay for alcohol, which makes the habit very difficult to resist. Plus, I've suffered from lifelong anxiety disorders. It's a culmination of shit that has led me to smoke weed and cannabis for well 10-15 years each. However, I have quit cigs and cannabis both separately and cold turkey - but I was only able to do break the habits when I was trying sick of them and realized how habitual I was, and in fact counter-active to why I was sell-medicating: smoking was making my anxiety worse the whole time, especially as soon as I was deprived of either for even hours or a day. I'm thinking alcohol has been similarly problematic. I've reduced my intake a lot, but still consume a couple beers daily. Also, the only ways I've forced myself to socialize have been through drug and illicit activities. I don't know how to hang out with straight-edge folks. It's just been such a fucking struggle. I hope I can find the final push to quit, and am seeking to leave the alcoholic beverage industry. Anyway, it's a daily struggle. Good luck to all you, whether you're suffering, thriving, succeeding, sober or not. Cheers!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Looking back on my 20s and 30s, I now realise that I used alcohol to escape. I didn't feel ready or able to deal with myself. Nowadays, I LOVE feeling clear headed without booze and I'm much better at understanding and dealing with myself. I'll never go back to alcohol now (in fact, I've just done the last year completely dry and it was a cinch). Good luck on your journey! 🙌🏻

[@konkeydonged]

@@GarethRussellUK I appreciate your encouraging response. Escapism has always been a huge reason I've used alcohol and other things. I'll definitely check out your other videos :)

[@GarethRussellUK]

Pleasure. I have some really exciting new episodes lined up for 2022 - watch this space! 👀

[@konkeydonged]

@@GarethRussellUK I'll just subscribe, then, so I don't miss out.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks for the sub @@konkeydonged!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Feeling 'sober curious'? Sober already? Happy to continue drinking as is?

[@melissamontes5410]

Thank you for this ! On the sober journey as of a week ago ! 35 years old here and was using it as a crutch . No more of doing that ❤️❤️❤️

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amazing decision! Good things are coming your way… 😊 Let me know how you get on 🙌🏻

[@melissamontes5410]

@@GarethRussellUK thank you so much ! Will do . Can’t wait to see all the benefits ❤️your video really helped me in knowing what to expect . Thanks again 😊

[@GarethRussellUK]

My pleasure @@melissamontes5410! Really glad it was helpful! 😊

[@billdewrell8436]

Great video and info Gareth! It's good to hear someone say out loud that they may occasionally have a drink - don't usually hear that in a "stopped drinking" video on KZbin..and I have watched a lot of them! Your talk was very refreshing! Will keep watching!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks, Bill! Yep, I thought it was best to share how it really was for me. Pleased to say the last 13 months have been 100% dry and I'd never go back now - the benefits are just too big 😊

[@jeffhommel7403]

@@GarethRussellUK Keep up the good work

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks @@jeffhommel7403 🙌🏻

[@YOUAREMOVINGUP]

I stopped drinking about 4 years ago with the occasional drink, having an occasional drink never met my expectations. Now I just don’t bother with alcohol. It has taken me enough years to realise. When you stop your whole thinking process change and you have so much more time and energy. Would recommend.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Amen to that! 🙏🏻

[@GarethRussellUK]

I prefer 'sobriety is a blessing' @@BrianHealy666 😉

[@dojufitz]

Yes it’s all mental. It’s best to think of what your gaining and not think about the loss of alcohol. Booze does very little for you and after the first booze free month I too noticed I was sleeping like a baby, my skin was getting better and I would actually wake up smiling. I loved my Vino but now I drink Ribena Cordial out of a wine bottle. 🍷

[@GarethRussellUK]

It's all mindset in the end 😉 Nice strategy to ditch the vino btw. Over time, I found the need for any reminders of booze just seemed to fade away.... and that feels good 😁

[@stevebednarchik9390]

Thanks for the video! 1.5 years dry and don’t miss it. I’m a better father of 5, husband, always clear minded and way less migraines. 💪💪

[@GarethRussellUK]

Nice! Keep up the great work! 💪🏻

[@tomyoung3391]

Great video! I am seriously considering going completely sober. Spent my 20s heavily drinking, got back into sport, sick of hangovers etc leads to a really good perspective

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks Tom! I love being sober and wouldn’t go back now - the benefits are just too big 🙌🏻

[@tomyoung3391]

@@GarethRussellUK definitely, particularly over the last year, I've realised there are more reasons not to drink than to drink, so I guess it's a no brainer

[@GarethRussellUK]

Well FWIW, I never set out to become sober. I just found myself going dry for longer and longer spells. And then the switch was easy. Enjoy! 😊

[@endakerrane4816]

Great story, thank you for sharing

[@GarethRussellUK]

Pleasure, Enda, glad you enjoyed it!

[@panpanpanpan4631]

Cons! Great video. Motivating a lot

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks a lot 🙏

[@TheUzume32]

Great video, Same here...stopped drinking when my daughter was born and haven't looked back. Surely all the problems that would arise out of drinking...and am not only alcoholfree but more problemfree and like you said I feel a lot better all the time.

[@GarethRussellUK]

I feel the same way. Wish I’d done it sooner!

[@ashishjoshi.8894]

Thanks for making this video ...

[@GarethRussellUK]

Pleasure! Hope it helped you 🙌🏻

[@gazzalad8901]

hello gareth I'm also a gareth and I'm currently doing dry January and I'm definitely looking to stop drinking.i did 6 months off during the first covid lockdown and its always at the back of my mind to give it up for good so I'm definitely going to try it this year...thanks for the video I enjoyed it and I'm definitely going to try to see if I can do this...all the best Gareth 👍

[@GarethRussellUK]

Yesss Gareth! Glad the video was helpful! See you at Gareth Club soon I hope (think I just broke the first rule though.... 😜)

[@gazzalad8901]

@@GarethRussellUK thanks for the reply all the best mate ok

[@J_Stamps86]

I'm 35 and planning on doing Dry January this year and hoping to just allow that to continue . I stopped drinking for 6 months in 2020, lost a lot of weight and just had a huge improvement in physical and mental well being. Returning to drinking felt good at first, but then the weight started to go back on and my mood dropped. I've always found it difficult as I'm active in two bands in the heavy metal scene and drinking seems to be a big part of that subculture, so I've always been surrounded by it. Alcohol has been a bit of a burden to me from my mid twenties onwards and now I'm older and a bit more mature I just feel I have more perspective and a better mentality to just stop for good as I just can't see any benefit to it. Thank you for this video, if anything it just helps to reinforce my own mindset and commitment to change for the better.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Glad the video was helpful! Great to know other people are thinking along the same lines I was a few years back. I found every time I had a drink during those 6 years, I usually wished I hadn't. It meant each dry spell got progressively longer though and, well, you know the rest 😉

[@likearock225]

🧐you are so right about peer pressure as your family and friends are seeking to understand what's going on with you etc... Thanks for that answer, I don't drink! Brilliant 🙌 I have stopped and feel much better 6 days in.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Glad it was helpful! Congrats on an amazing decision - good things are coming your way! 😁

[@sammylloyd6411]

Well done mate, wise words, very interesting. I’m just starting the journey, day 13 😂👍

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! And nice work btw. That’s almost 4% of a year already! 😉

[@rawkinrich]

This a great video, thank-you.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@josiahgold]

Great video. 830 days for me. Things have gotten really good.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Nice! Super happy for you, keep it up! 🙌🏻

[@prettyboypros]

Gareth, really awesome video! You did an excellent job of mentioning the peer pressure of friends, colleagues, and family when hopping on the sober wagon for good! Almost 8 years sober, I really struggled with this, especially trying to DATE! Even today, when dates realize you don't drink they need to know exactly why, often asking, "Did you have a problem with alcohol?" Immediately, it feels as if your character is in question, which is a strange place to be when just meeting someone you might want to date. Feels like you're starting off a wrestling match with you shoulders against the mat. You come to realize that certain people just will not date a SOBER person. Secondly, a friend's sobriety can't help but shine a light on your own drinking. For example, I used to hang at the bar with Steve. Now Steve quit drinking. He seemed normal to me. Am I drinking too much? No one tells you this when you get sober, but you're gonna be a bit of an outcast to old friends, colleagues, and even family members because of the way your sobriety makes them feel when around you. In the end, you have to be extremely strong to stay sober, realizing the new life far outweighs the old. Happy New Year 2022 Brian NYC

[@GarethRussellUK]

Hey Brian! Happy New Year and thanks for your kind words 😊 I totally get where you're coming from. I've felt like a complete outcast at times, but now I'm completely cool with being sober. Having started CrossFit classes a couple of months back, no one bats an eyelid at my being sober as it turns out quite a few people ditch alcohol to support their fitness / body goals. So, I guess there are ways of positioning being sober to others without needing further explanation. Keep up the great work - 8 years is impressive!

[@prettyboyproducts]

@@GarethRussellUK Thanks my brother! Sage advice!!! Mine is yoga

[@madman12377]

Congratulations mate, I'm doing dry January and I also have the secret will to go at least 2 or 3 months, did 3 months in the first covid lockdown as I only drink at the pub anyways and felt much better for it. Looking forward to stopping and getting my health and fitness back 💪

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks! I'm all for the sneaky extended Dry January option 😁 Watch out for some health and fitness challenge episodes, coming soon.... 👀

[@madman12377]

@@GarethRussellUK I'll look forward to them seen as how I've just subbed

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks for the sub @@madman12377!

[@TICKFORDNZ]

Great vid !

[@GarethRussellUK]

Thanks a lot! 🙏

[@ericlarousse1149]

This method is working for me as well. After six beers a day for 10 years I usually go 2 to 3 weeks without beer and then gradually reducing drinking on my days off. The longer I stop drinking the more it smells weird and tastes weird and gives me a headache sooner.

[@GarethRussellUK]

Nice! Those things only get weirder with time… 😉

[@GarethRussellUK]

############### UPDATE: 8 July 2023 Over 2.5 years fully sober now, not one drink and loving life. I'll never drink again. Also, you may have noticed the other videos on the channel are pretty different to this one. That's because I started posting animated whiteboard explainer videos under a new channel name from 22 December 2022 onwards. Here on the channel, I create content about the simplest and most effective ways to live a happier, healthier and more purposeful life. I opted to keep this video publicly listed because as I type this, it's been viewed around 127,000 times and received some really great comments about how helpful it has been to people considering reducing or quitting alcohol like me. So, whilst this video no longer reflects the current direction and content of the channel, I'm leaving it up for as long as it remains helpful and relevant. Once I've built the Learning on Purpose channel some more, I plan on delisting this video over a freshly brewed black coffee, pretty much my last remaining vice. That and my phone, obvs... 🫢 I'd consider it a personal favour if you subscribe to the channel if you haven't already. And if you like my current content please demolish the like button and comment for the algo - it really helps smaller channels like mine reach more people. Peace ✌ Gareth

[@soberisbetter6904]

Right on

[@GarethRussellUK]

🙌🏻