Why I started drinking alcohol after quitting and what I learned

[@allencrider]

I'm 70 now and can tell you all that most people who are my age and still drink have health problems. From bad arthritic joints to liver cancer to neuropathy, they're sitting and are too sedentary to live an active life. People my age who are active simply aren't drinkers. I'm grateful I simply lost interest in alcohol when I was in my 40s. Now I'm 70 and can do whatever I want.

[@zach9676]

Alcohol is the only hard drug where people argue for moderation. Despite it being social norm, not even one drink is good for you. Every reason why people drink is a myth. There is no benefit at all to even having a sip. You don't moderate fentanyl or meth that would be obviously ridiculous to try and argue. Society doesn't even argue to smoke a cigarette now and then anymore. Its known that just one is bad for you. Alcohol is a poisonous, addictive, hard drug and recognized as the second most addictive behind heroin.

[@joannsmith3589]

💯

[@timanderson5723]

I work with people who do moderation well. I can't do moderation so I actually avoid going to any social event where drinking is the norm. I drank for 35 years. I am 9 years sober. I was missing several days of work per month to waking up smelling like alcohol in the months leading up to me quitting. I like Phillip Seymore Hoffman's reply to the question about missing alcohol at social occasions. He was asked "Wouldn't it be nice to have a glass of wine with your dinner at a nice restaurant?". He said "I am not interested in having one glass of wine."

[@rodb66]

Yes, a little poison is supposed to be good for us but we can't just do a little crack, heroin or meth. The promotion for alcohol is powerful

[@LisaLou4sho]

Ppl that can do moderation are probably not alcoholics. Or they are lying about how much they drink.

[@jeremiahleasure4301]

🫀🔥❤️‍🔥❤️🙏🤙 Awesome Zach. Yeah, it's true. I feel like I'm in a different dimension when I see others drink. I remember how I was. And I'm sad for them, like, embarrassed for them. But I used to do it so I can't judge it, like im stuck in a total Jesus moment.

[@CMoore8539]

I have a good friend who is suffering from liver disease and it’s the most painful thing I’ve ever witnessed. It made me take a good long look at alcohol again and I quit. He has a Utube Channel named Liver Disease.

[@scottjackson163]

Why I stopped drink is different from why I stay sober. I quit because I needed to help look after my then infant granddaughter. I stay sober - at least I have for nearly 3 years - because I need the energy and mental clarity to do creative work (novel writing and painting).

[@snu3877]

There are so many benefits to not drinking, it's insane. Yet.. when I think about the reasons to drink, they are very weak and flimsy. Is 20 or so minutes of pleasant fuzziness worth blowing a lot of $, being overweight/puffy/ruddy, having poor sleep, becoming surly and saying things I will regret the next day, setting a poor example for my 2 daughters etc.? Nope. Not even close. Do I really WANT to drink just so I fit in or don't get made fun of by drunks? Again. No, that is not a good enough reason for me to compromise my principles.

[@JanineHyslop]

Love how natural you are no pretense

[@Christine_Lawson]

Thank you! 🤓

[@noneofyourbusiness2092]

I'm four months sober after a 'normal' drinking life that I just thought was getting too common and too often. I feel so much clearer and clearly I am a better version if myself with no alcohol. I so enjoyed your thoughtful, accessible and kind manner of communicating. I don't imagine ever drinking again, in spite of the allure of a romantic reintroduction of a 30 year old scotch after defeating a Bond villain or a glass of champagne while bedding a Bond girl. I went deep into the chemistry of alcohol and now see the romance of alcohol as a clear trick we play on ourselves. Once again I appreciated your style of sharing- it was so refreshingly without guile and clearly heartfelt.

[@Christine_Lawson]

That's really amazing 👏 4 months 🤓 Thank you so much for taking the time to write a lovely comment

[@richardtorpy7881]

I was sober for about 20 years (93-2012). Decided one day I could probably handle a drink or two, can't even remember why. Two years later I was pretty miserable, just drinking to try to feel normal again. When I was drinking before, I was on a budget, but in 2012 I had a lot more disposable income. Luckily I was able to quit again before it destroyed my marriage or got me into trouble at work. What I learned about drinking after quitting was that hangovers were a lot worse and quitting again was a lot worse. Took quite a while before I truly felt normal again. Took even longer to feel trusted by my wife again. One thing that scares me a little is that if my wife were to ever die, the drinker in me might try to use it as an excuse to start drinking drink again. Luckily she is a bit younger than me and so will probably outlive me.

[@utahboxergirl11]

Thanks for sharing it's stories like that that keep me sober

[@CMoore8539]

@@utahboxergirl11me too.

[@maryquinn6661]

It’s definitely a benefit not to drink! We all know our limits and weaknesses! I find absolutes extreme but if you are truly an alcoholic that would not be an option! Thank you for sharing your story! 🙏❤️

[@snu3877]

My motto is, "everything in moderation---- including moderation." Some things should be abstained from, full stop. Alcohol is on that list for me. Moderation is a siren song to a heavy drinker, but it is a false tune.

[@BradleyCoopertest]

Quitting alcohol is the easiest thing I have ever done. I've done it literally 50 times. :P 3 Weeks sober now.

[@Soakinginit]

I'm 70 and have been bedeviled by a similar attraction to alcohol all my life, despite one 15-year stretch of sobriety ... extremely lucky I never got into any serious trouble (workwise etc), also had sufficient robust health to take the bodily punishment mostly in stride ... anyway as of three years ago I finally am done ... like you I had expended endless mental energy around controlling intake, but with age even doing so "successfully" brought less and less pleasure, till the weight gain and absolutely killer post-drinking depressions (both of which also very much worsen with age, esp the latter) combined to sever all my mental attractions to the stuff for good ... absolutely zero interest in it The last years of my drinking were largely solitary, but it seems yours still has a social element ... in any case the fundamental struggle is the same, and I wish you the best in quieting/resolving your own mental hamster-wheel with it ... your honesty is remarkable and can only help in getting you there

[@cjh0751]

Thanks for being very frank and genuine. I've just relapsed over the last week and had to go to the hospital on Monday to get some help. I managed 3 months of sobriety but then fell down the trap of having that one drink. That one drink turned into 9 bottles of rum and vodka. My living room floor was littered with bottles. I'm so ashamed of myself. I've been micro dosing with vodka to keep the withdrawal at bay as the NHS will treat you initially with librium or diazepam only until your out of danger and then they recommend you wean yourself off yourself. I'm not going to give up giving up. Thanks for the video it's helped.

[@Christine_Lawson]

Don't worry about it, I'm glad you're well enough to write a comment and are watching videos on quitting. Well done. You did 3 months. Keep on trying, just speak your future into your present self, if it's never drinking again then say "I don't drink alcohol. I am healthy. I am fitter and better than I've ever been my whole life. I am loved. I am in control. I decide what I do. I control my life. I can't wait to wake up etc." Also, have you seen a psychotherapist or 3? I've had 3. Each one helped to show me a new perspective on things which caused my drinking.

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

American here: Alcohol has been part of my life since 16 yrs old. In 2020, my best friend who also has been drinking alcohol since he was 16 told me that he needed to stop alcohol for 3 months for a prescription he had to take. The prescription wouldn't work properly with alcohol. I wouldn't let him go through that alone as we had similar disposition for alcohol. Hardest 3 months of my life. Surprise: It broke the chain for me wanting to drink daily. I still drink but it's not as much, not daily, not over doing it, maybe 1 time a week. The 3 month break was life changing. Something happened but I'm not sure how to describe it scientifically. Wondering if anyone else had a break, then broke the "had to have a drink"? Like I said, I can drink but not have to keep drinking more.

[@stevendownes7508]

Yeah mate, the break from every day drinking will reset your tolerance nicely. I've done something similar

[@SoFloCo-ne4rk]

Same thing happened to me. I drank almost every day for years, then I had to stop for three months for medical reasons. It was like hitting some kind of mental re-set button. Now I rarely want a drink and if I do it's just one or two. It's no longer a habit, just an occasional treat. Taking a break, even a forced one, can be a very good thing.

[@johnsmith-kc4hw]

Your frankness is very enlightening x thanks for sharing x

[@Christine_Lawson]

Thank you for such a lovely comment x 🥰

[@janisdeitsch2985]

Thanks for the video. You've raised some useful points, thought-provoking.

[@Christine_Lawson]

Thank you

[@CMoore8539]

29 Days Alcohol Free!!

[@Christine_Lawson]

Well done! I hope you feel amazing and that blessings are heading your way 🙏

[@CMoore8539]

@@Christine_Lawson Thank you! I’m feeling better every day. Never going back.

[@KerryHopkins]

Good point about throwing away decent food because you can't be bothered to cook and want a takeaway. I never got smelly feet or greasy hair.

[@andreflavell3453]

my x girlfriend is a alcoholic and now in recovery. i can tell you it’s dangerous as hell especially if you are drinking everyday. it didn’t take 6 years for her to become a chronic alcoholic. with it comes bad decisions and one can lose everything. i supported her but had to sail away in the end .

[@thewolf888]

I'm on the same wavelength. Alcohol has good & bad aspects, but I've understood I can never be teetotal & don't want to be. For me, the word is moderation but never complete abstinence. Life is too short & alcohol does bring enjoyment & a sense of calm & well being. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I'm with you girl!!!

[@thomashugus5686]

I absolutely agree with you! Alcohol can be a very pleasant addition to life and celebration! But it must be enjoyed in moderation with great responsibility. If an individual cannot do that better to just abstain!😊

[@Catlady52000]

I quit for a year the longest I’ve ever quit before and it was great! On my birthday, which is Christmas Day. I thought I would treat myself to just a few drinks and that would be it. Well was I wrong!!! I was up to the amount I was drinking Before I quit within a week. I was so upset with myself, but I did learn a good lesson which I know. I am not a normal drinker and never will be. Im all or nothing kind of girl. Alcohol won….again. #startingover

[@Christine_Lawson]

That's amazing. So brilliant 👏 I don't know anyone who can do more than 3 or 4 days without drinking not that I judge them I mean it as a compliment to you that even did that even if you started again

[@johns.mcnamara9529]

I appreciate your thoughts on this subject. I'm a bit concerned because what I was hearing is that you've crossed a line away from social drinking, and may be suffering from alcoholism. Simply put, a mental obsession, followed by a physical compulsion, where one drink will never be enough. When a person decides he/she will only drink in a certain situation, and only one, that most often that does not hold. I say this as somebody who is a sober alcoholic for the past 47 years, one day at a time. I had my last drink when I was 26, and am now 74. Alcoholism is the most powerful drug on the planet, and it's a disease that tells you that you don't have a disease. More people die from alcoholism each year, than by all other drugs combined.

[@CMoore8539]

Exactly Right.

[@gerry2345]

I like this vid. and I agree that sippiing one glass is enough.

[@pigknickers2975]

Alcohol is a very slippy slope indeed. Never was in issue to me but then lockdown came and I got a habit basically out of boredom. I'm in my 50s and need to sort this out.

[@Christine_Lawson]

Best of luck with sorting it out! 🙌

[@pigknickers2975]

@@Christine_Lawson Thank you. Day one of not drinking and craving it quite hard. Just trying to get through one day.

[@CMoore8539]

@@pigknickers2975You can do it! I have 29 days alcohol free. Don’t give up on yourself. Life gets better than that.❤

[@Artsyca]

Moderation is the world’s greatest self con. You’re simultaneously telling yourself that you’re missing out on a great thing and trying to avoid that great thing. Just get used to the fact that alcohol is the worst way to get high and go find some other way like eat a mushroom or anything you have to do except drink that shit.

[@Christine_Lawson]

Haha 😂😭🤧

[@whosaidthat4299]

My skin would break out as well.

[@Christine_Lawson]

😨It's just one thing after another of bad consequences 🤷‍♀️😂

[@PatrickA474]

Alcohol was my best friend until it became my worst enemy. I became medically allergic to beer . I suffered rashes from it. However i still drank it. My consequences were severe. It gave me comfort while it was killing me. As a result i now have many more food allergies and im on medication for life. I didn't believe that it all would get worse either. I was a time bomb . Alcohol fooled me. And i loved it till death .

[@Christine_Lawson]

Crikey! You poor thing you've really been through it. I've never heard of alcohol causing allergies. I hope you're OK now and on the way up and that blessings are coming your way 🙏

[@user-kl4bh4lq6r]

You wouldn't any good as a pub landlord 😂

[@willnash568]

your sweet face really brighten up the video

[@Christine_Lawson]

Aww thank you! 🥰

[@willnash568]

@@Christine_Lawson your voice as well so tender and sweet. I'm sure when you had smelly feet it was like smelly roses 🌹

[@willnash568]

Id Say my feet get very smell, normally I wear loafers without socks, my feet just reek of soggy loafers and Doritos, I reckon could be to do with Alcohol, or foot I eat, but not wearing socks, I had a girl over once, we sat on the sofa watching a series, I took off my shoes, I could hear her little nose, sniffing a lot, she didn;t say she could smell my feet, but I knew she could smell them...

[@user-kl4bh4lq6r]

I have Never been scared of alcohol there's great sides to drinking and getting drunk But also bad side's to drinking and getting drunk. Wealthy people are some of the worst piss head's and Coke up the hooter them posho types,

[@Christine_Lawson]

Haha, yes they are!

[@Jack-il3qv]

It was no fun vomiting into a toilet bowl and trying to enjoy myself at the same time. Can't get anybody drunk, cant get get anybody sober.

[@rubenhayk5514]

Vomiting and thinking: did i just spend my whole day salary to feel like that 😂

[@Jack-il3qv]

@@rubenhayk5514 At the time, I concluded I wasn't ill or insane. Got that one wrong. We all make mistakes.. It was no fun trying to be, 'Like other people,' either.

[@user-kl4bh4lq6r]

Don't think being a pub landlady would be a good gig for you 😅,👍🌠🥃😱

[@Christine_Lawson]

Haha!

[@JJ-vy2rh]

Just have a few

[@Catlady52000]

I wish! For some people (me) 1 is too many and 1,000 is not enough.

[@ivana6141]

This is so hard to listen to. Maybe try scripting your videos

[@Christine_Lawson]

OK, sorry about this