Why Jordan Peterson Does Not Drink Alcohol

[@murphyjones100]

My grandpa was an alcoholic, my Dad is an alcoholic, and I was an alcoholic. My drinking slowed down quite a bit in my thirties (only drinking on the weekends) but stopped for good coming up on two years now. It feels great! If I can do it, you can too!

[@am3818]

The fact that your dad doesn’t have cirrosis is low key a miracle. He should get his liver checked. If that goes it’s over for him. I’m talking from experience. Act before it’s too late. Props on being sober btw keep it going.

[@spencerc1423]

Im about to turn 24 and its hard to stop, I get bored and cant seem to find a hobby to keep my mind busy

[@marcelb6214]

@@am3818 I have a step grandpa and he is an alcoholic and has been his entire life. We were concerned about his health and had him check his liver. It was shocking news to us, when the doctor said his liver looked like one from a teenager. Absolutely healthy. The bad part of this story is, now he justifies his drinking. I rarely see him sober.

[@marcelb6214]

@@spencerc1423 I know you will hear this a lot from people. But for me sports works the best to tire me out for the day and studying something new will keep me occupied. You have to get over your inner beast. Which is not easy by any means. I hope you will figure it out, but to recognize the problem is the first step in the right direction.

[@tetsuwasabi2546]

I think it's outstanding that you finally broke the chain of alcoholism in your family! Makes me very happy to hear and it's also motivational in general.

[@AAS1-kp9cs]

I stopped drinking six years ago. Best decision I ever made other than asking my wife to marry me. I wasn’t a heavy drinker but I still found myself healthier and happier for having stopped.

[@Pumpkinshire]

Plus it’s pure sugar isn’t it? Would be the equivalent of stopping eating a dozen cupcakes a day. Sort of.

[@DistinctiveBlend]

@@Pumpkinshire It's not pure sugar, most beers I drink are 99% sugar free, plus what type of beer tastes sweet? The calories in beer comes from alcohol and carbohydrates, those carbs are starches and sugar from unfermented grain.

[@JUDALIONNN]

Bravo. Top G🔥

[@xAudiolith]

@@Pumpkinshire Not really, no. Context matters with sugar and it's perfectly fine even in high dosages depending on when and how it's consumed. Alcohol is just pure poison. Also cupcakes have a much higher fat content than sugar in relation to your daily macronutrient needs.

[@mynona2491]

Have you stopped drinking even a drop of beer or just the excessive part? Congrats brother this feels so far away for me.

[@chaceracing580]

I was pretty much always drunk for 20 years. I'm now 40 and been sober since Christmas.

[@unidaspandemia9936]

stil sober¿?

[@larryyoder4861]

Nice 👍

[@Grudgie]

I've stopped drinking alcohol for almost 2 years and it's the best thing I've done for myself. No more hangovers or bad decisions. If anyone is ready and considering giving up drinking and becoming sober, just do it! If you need help, get help and do it you can get control of your life and prosperity!

[@Ghetto-toaster22]

Almost 12 months sober myself! The absolute #1 BEST decision I have ever made for myself, and I hold breaking up with my ex gf high on the list lol. I say without any doubt whatsoever, I have no desire to ever drink again. Ppl that drink in general dont bother me but I 100% can not stand to be around a drunk. And to think I used to be like that on the weekends. There are just no positives with alcohol. Wasted 15 years of my life on it tho. Wished I would’ve quit a long ass time ago. If only ppl knew how much better sober life was, a lot more wouldnt be drinking it. Pure poison 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@justsomeguywithagoatee8337]

No one cares

[@HaloLvl43Legit]

@@justsomeguywithagoatee8337 well said

[@Purple_skies9633]

​@@justsomeguywithagoatee8337a lot of people care about sobriety stories. If you enjoy drinking, you don't need to be here.

[@Lieutenant-Dan]

​@@justsomeguywithagoatee8337 you cared enough to leave an asshole comment.

[@BjornSummer]

To anyone reading this: It will get better! I've been sober for a long time now and yes, it has its ups and downs, but your future self will thank you for the decisions you made today! You got this!

[@brunosales7854]

🎉🎉sro

[@Mashfan6507]

It’s never going to get better. My life was ruined in 2020 and I have no hope. Drinking is the only way I can cope with my meaningless life

[@nolangietzen4668]

@@Mashfan6507sounds like you need to get checked out by a doctor maby get like klodipin or something affects same part of the brain as alcohol i had no urge to drink when i was taking them but instead of escaping reality its makes it more enjoyable

[@nolangietzen4668]

@@Mashfan6507i never went to a doctor thats just my only opinion rn i was getting them off the st back then

[@JordanCarlin-qy5ed]

We can't go back and change the past but we can start today to create a new ending

[@RedStickLouisiana]

I was raised in a Baptist home with no drinking and as a consequence, I never started. I owe my parents a debt of gratitude.

[@cspace1234nz]

....I was brought up in a home where alcohol was taken in moderation. I never saw my parents drinking much, let alone drunk. Having a cold beer on a hot day or a glass of wine with a meal seems perfectly normal. My view is that if you have no control over how much you drink and certainly if you have an addictive personality, then it's best to avoid alcohol altogether.

[@RedStickLouisiana]

@@cspace1234nz What is normal in one house isn't necessarily normal in another. To each his own.

[@cspace1234nz]

@@RedStickLouisiana ...yes absolutely and that is my point also. I too owe my parents a debt of gratitude that was tempered by what we saw and experienced of who we called our 'drunkles' who were just awful when drinking.

[@oftin_wong]

Everyone has some type of vice

[@Jamy528]

I was taught not to drink but my Dad was and still is an alcoholic. It helped destroy our family so to this day I've never drank alcohol. Jordan has helped encourage me that I've made the right decision. 💜💪

[@dasottonator1363]

From 16 to 24 I used to drink a lot . Started to get more anxiety , so had to drink more , then found myself becoming more reckless and blacking out more often. Took a break for about a month just to recompose myself . Told myself , if I do this I need to take it easy . That night I landed right back to my old habits, responsibility went right out the window. Next day, having a bad hangover , resenting the night before. I pulled my head out the toilet , looked at myself in the mirror, wiped the tears from my eyes and never touched another drink or cigarette again. That was 3 years ago and I will never become that person again

[@stevenaxtell7643]

Well done 👏

[@j_freed]

It takes a man to realize the demons that own you, face up and look them in the eye.

[@mathieuvart]

Great achievement! As for me I quitted drinking since 3 and more years ago.

[@markascaray8403]

I have a very similar story to yours. I made the same decision at about 25 or 26. That was more than 30 years ago. There were many times when I felt peer pressure to drink but I just told them that alcohol didn't agree with me so I didn't drink it. Any friend who does not understand that is not a true friend. Congratualtions on your decision. You will not regret it. I didn't.

[@zionpope9491]

That’s similar to my story. I quit at 22 years old. I’m not almost 3 years sober and I thank god I got out of it. Congrats man

[@charlescharliecharlotte]

246 days sober today! Alcohol helped me destroy my own life and while faking myself out that I “enjoyed” it. I’ve never felt better being rid of it!

[@justsomeguywithagoatee8337]

No one cares

[@HaloLvl43Legit]

@@justsomeguywithagoatee8337 well said

[@larryyoder4861]

Yeah we do care

[@Futtic]

​@@justsomeguywithagoatee8337we care!

[@Iamathelstan]

Are you still sober ?

[@TomThumb8345]

I started drinking on a regular basis when I was 35. It slowly turned into alcoholism. I put on a bunch of weight and felt miserable most of the time. It also made me extremely irritable and irrational at times. I don’t know how anyone tolerated me. Putting down the bottle gave me my old self back.

[@justsomeguywithagoatee8337]

No one cares

[@HaloLvl43Legit]

@@justsomeguywithagoatee8337 well said

[@themetalhead1463]

@@justsomeguywithagoatee8337Agreed

[@Continuous_mind]

I'm 17 and thankful for videos like this because they discourage me from taking this dangerous path, thank you from the bottom of my heart🍃🌱

[@Pichuuh]

Yeah, I'm 21 and regret all the drinking I had between 17-20, thankfully I stoped completely

[@lawrencefrost9063]

Yes, trust me and everyone in the comments who tell you; it's not worth it. Fuck, i'm 30 and even thought I haven't drank insane amounts (just the "normal" amount people do) and I can already see the degenerative effects that alcohol has had on my a) memory b) cognitive speed and ability c) clarity of mind d) skin health condition. - It's pretty scary coz it's permanent. I'm really fucking trying to stop this shit I don't want to become a stupid old ugly idiot that is inferior myself from before. We should strive to become better versions of ourselves. This is the opposite direction.

[@coleman318]

You start a habit in your 13-25 age range you better buckle up for dependency.

[@coleman318]

The brain develops with this crutch in mind and makes it real hard emotionally to get through.

[@sarpsays]

@@coleman318 Damn..

[@navigatorofthevalley]

Bartended for 12yrs, cured me of thinking alcohol was ever a good idea.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Hehehehe yeah, like being a BMW salesman and riding the bus to work! "Not worth the aggravation! I'm takin' the fuckin' bus, it's cheaper AND more reliable!" :)

[@ivorfaulkner4768]

It has kept you in a job!

[@carpenoctem775]

I know bartenders who don’t drink. When I go to a bar I drink NA’s and mocktails.

[@jr5993]

One of the worst drink experiences I ever had was after working 12 hours at a bar/restaurant. Free drinks after a 12hr shift at 18 was a recipe for disaster. I had like 9 shots of a Hungarian drink called unicum, some red wine and 3 rum and cokes. That was before I built up a tolerance too and I hadn't eaten in many hours.

[@carpenoctem775]

@@jr5993 Sounds like Armageddon.

[@marshallstrong462]

July 31st, 2003 at 7am I took my last drink. I finally realized that whenever I took just one drink, everything…everything.. became negotiable. I have recovered from the hopeless state of mind and body. One year in, I became aware that there was way more happening with me than just the alcohol. To thine own self be true. If you’re struggling, just know that you are always welcome in Alcoholics Anonymous.

[@KingThommy]

20 years dude, ride on! congrats!

[@Jerid58]

Congrats on 20 years here in a few days. Go get that chip!!

[@johnpyles3575]

"I finally realized that whenever I took just one drink, everything…everything.. became negotiable." Well said. Yes, alcohol is a drug that allows you to violate your own boundaries. I used to drink and alcohol made me lie to myself. Drove me bunkers. So glad I got away from that shit.

[@Golfdad8356]

🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@johncosta8538]

I drank till comatose on my first experience with alcohol. 30 years of abuse followed. 220 days sober.

[@mark31995]

How’s it going

[@justsomeguywithagoatee8337]

no one cares

[@HaloLvl43Legit]

@@justsomeguywithagoatee8337 well said

[@ramspeedmusic]

Almost 7 years sober from booze. Alcohol was ruining my life. I admire Jordan for his views on this, and for frequently discussing this topic. It can be a long and tough journey for those seeking salvation from the harsh reality of of alcoholism.

[@semhd585]

Did you only drink on the weekends, or did you drink daily? Was it difficult for you to quit alcohol?

[@krazyjey]

Well done, i am 3 years sober after heavy drinking and smoking weed. I am impressed how beautiful life is without poisoning myself daily . The hardest part is seeing my friends not be able to found the switch to start the recovery journey . Keep it up, i smile for you.

[@keep-your-hope]

Just say no to family functions. Opt for small gatherings with company you enjoy or atleast maintains an acceptable level of respect for one another, or don't go.

[@gibbethoskins8621]

I've noticed that alcohol brings up people's trauma personality, meaning the personality they've developed to protect themselve from past traumatic experiences

[@sellingsunshine]

Wow, I’ve never seen it written that way but I totally agree. Thanks for your comment.

[@tony_n316]

I quit 7 years ago and I was a very heavy drinker, but I hid it well. (Or so I thought) and I was finishing up work one day shortly after I quit drinking and as we were leaving for the company Christmas party I was talking to a coworker (and very good friend) and I said to him.. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do tonight, I relied on alcohol to be the life of the party” and he then said the hardest thing I had hear during my recovery… He said… “You know, maybe only you ever thought that, the rest of us always viewed you as a nuisance.” I appreciated his honesty, but man… It hit me hard to think I was “that guy” and never knew it.

[@AJ-ri7tb]

That's a good man right there. I wish I had some honesty like that in my life. Congrats man. Coming up on a year myself. Feeling hopeful finally.

[@tony_n316]

@@AJ-ri7tb Congrats on the year man. When I was in recovery, I had met a lot of alcoholics and I came to the conclusion that 6 months is the magic number. If you can get past 6 months without slipping or falling back into it, then you’re gonna have a much rate of success, and you’ve already hit a year, so I’d say you’re doing pretty good. 👍

[@gimmemycash3418]

Whoa

[@Free2LoveDorks]

That’s a good friend. I’m glad you have that.

[@aciuschristophores7789]

What a respectful conversation between the 2 gentleman, each sharing their valuable personal experiences and none interrupting the other and politely listening.

[@Nr1Suchti]

Its my 215th day sober. For me the reason why I did drink heavily was the numbness that it provided. The need for numbness in my case is a consequence of developemental childhood trauma. I came to an understanding of this through therapy and the work of Gabor Mate, whose books "The Myth of Normal" and "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" I highly recommend for people with an addiction problem who want to understand themselves and what their addiction is doing FOR them. Go on a journey to discover the underlying pain and shed light on it, let it breathe and heal over time. I wish everyone who is struggling all the best. ❤

[@GlennMarshallnz]

Awesome effort. Well done. 👍

[@captaincrunch394]

I’m 21 in college (with too much homework to even sleep, let alone drink) and I’ve been hard set on not drinking at all. Something I’ve learned is that for a while, people will say “why don’t you drink, it’s fun”, “loosen up”, “you need a break”, or whatever other way there is to put it. And after a while, maybe years or maybe weeks, friends will eventually tell you “you’ve been onto something”. They REALLY respect you blatantly saying no, because they realize it’s not that you’re scared of it. It’s that you know EXACTLY what you want in life and you take it, you know EXACTLY what you don’t want, and you’re sturdy enough to say no every single time.

[@hokeywolf3416]

It will accelerate you past your peers if you stick to it. I have a close relative who quit everything at age 19 and he's incredibly successful.

[@hughwheaton2705]

As someone who quite happily stopped drinking around 19, it's quite interesting to see how many socially-accepted behaviours of adults that you grow up with turn out to be entirely because of our societal dependence on alcohol. Things like sleeping in on the weekends, struggling to maintain a healthy bodyweight, struggling to keep fit, being demotivated at work, struggling in relationships - so many of these things that tend to be taken as the norm in society seem to almost all be directly influenced by alcohol.

[@nomarxistspls90]

Yeah I’m 23 and barely ever drink. I haven’t had alcohol in maybe 18months and that was only 1 pint at Christmas haha. I don’t like the taste of alcohol or throwing up, so that was a big reason not to drink for me but it’s also such a waste of money.

[@MegaDixen]

@@joeyaldente8858 i remember everything i do does not matter how shit faced i get.

[@utah_koidragon7117]

Alcohol *can* contribute to all of those things, but it certainly isn't the only or even primary cause of any of them. People are fat today because they eat more, not because they drink more. (Notice the skyrocketing childhood obesity rate.) People are not fit because they don't ever exercise or do any physical labor- they sit on the couch and stare at one screen or another for literally hours and hours. etc

[@SpecOpsCM]

Or indirectly. Interesting way to view behavior normalization.

[@Sercil00]

I can't even remember my last drink, but I can definitely still relate to all those other things. To varying degrees.

[@travisjanz4738]

I grew up in extreme alcoholism in central Wisconsin, dad, grandfather, uncle’s all professional bar goers. I too found the strength to quit at 27 what a journey within. God bless you for your service to humanity Mr Peterson.

[@joshnashofficial]

This interview should be shared in classrooms and workplaces across Canada and the US. It’s time people woke up to the reality and truth about alcohol.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

I haven’t had a drink in 15 years. I was a heavy drinker in my twenties, slowed down in my thirties, and just quit altogether. Sometimes I miss the social aspects of it, but I still haven’t fell off the wagon.😊

[@joedeluca9415]

Thanks!

[@She_McGee]

it's probably mentioned in the full version of this, but it also retards emotional and mental development. and like the guest's uncle, makes people who are already small-minded and mean-spirited, even more so, with fewer inhibitions. i stopped drinking in my early 30's out of necessity, but am so glad i did. the people i know in their 50's who still drink to drunkenness and "party" are children in adult bodies, which in your 50's and 60's, is pathetic.

[@rosetealatte9282]

Well said. Very true. And sad.

[@ryanhumor]

Wow. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MrCmon113]

You sound like a very unfun person. I'd like to be friends with those people you mentioned. With you not so much.

[@victorgadamba5518]

awesome that you got over it. It took me reconnecting with my non-drinking peers that had always been below average performers, yet surprisingly, had now advanced many steps ahead of me due to my drinking. For me it's the inhibitions that attracted me towards a relapse. The inhibitions also made me do regrettable stuff, including unecessary near-death experiences. The first few drinks always felt like heaven, then the inhibitions would take over and I'd take stupid risks, followed by an ugly phase of dying to be as sober as I had been before the first drink, yet when I finally sobered up, I would forget this ugly phase and convince myself that it was all fun. But I have an addictive personality so I just have to maintain my current obsessions with the right stuff and remember that booz is shieet. what works best is to despise the social scene that involves alcohol. Don't let your mind attach ANY value to it whatsoever.

[@She_McGee]

@@victorgadamba5518 helps when you get older that that sort of scene, unless you never got away from it, becomes a lot less appealing regardless and the hangovers a lot more painful...but some people apparently don't get hangovers. i was not one of them, but imagine that not feeling like hell for 1-2 days after indulging, makes it less consequential, and easier to stay addicted. alcohol also is a contributing cause of many kinds of cancer, did you know that? good for you for moving forwards and not looking back!

[@laurenf.6359]

This has helped encourage me. I’m not yet 21 and I haven’t had my first drink yet. I don’t want to and I don’t plan to. But as my 21st birthday comes I’m realizing my excuse of being underaged is leaving me and I was worried of being pressured to drink by friends. But this encourages me to stand firm and not give in.

[@janmccann8081]

Please don't start drinking. If your friends pressurise you to drink, they're not good friends at all. Believe me, you will do the right thing and find real friends.

[@SoldierDrew]

True friends will not pressure you to drink alcohol. In my experience anyone pressuring others to drink is a predator.

[@davidh4374]

my parents offered me a beer on my 21st birthday. I had a sip. They chose a really strong/bitter brand for this occassion, and even today all beer tastes aweful to me. The few times I've accepted a beer since then (countable on one hand) I have never finished a whole serving. Not guaranteed to work every time (this would not have worked for many people that I love) but in my own case, I am thankful that my parents were able to avoid making any über‑hard rules against any & all alcohol. It wasn't a forbidden‑fruit line for me to cross, and I never developed an incentive to delve deeper.

[@didrikmesicek4825]

My advice would be to know where your limits are and stick to them. You might get rejected by some groups of people who just want to use you, essentially, and that might not feel great, but ultimately you'll be a happier person and find other responsible, mature people who'll actually enrich your life and your theirs

[@doraemon402]

Stand your ground, it's not that hard.

[@SomeNerdSomewhere]

It is deeply difficult to find a place of sobriety if you have found yourself broken for personal or social reasons. I would argue that Jordan's volume of work can genuinely be an inspiration for us struggling to get there. I know it has meant the world to me personally and has helped more than I can explain. Thank you, Dr. Peterson for what you continue to provide to the general population.

[@idonthaveaname42]

kratom helped me quit like a light switch

[@kayjr9795]

​@@idonthaveaname42indeed, which is why in Islam drinking , serving and selling alcohol is a great sin

[@gimmemycash3418]

LOL he didn’t mean Koran, Kratom is something different

[@idonthaveaname42]

@@gimmemycash3418 lol

[@brandonh.6956]

Its easy to numb yourself with it when you're completely broken I know the feeling.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

33 years of sobriety after being a drunk for most of my formative years and I wouldn't go back even if someone could convince me I'm not an alcoholic. When I was in rehab a big part of the focus was getting to the root of what you were self-medicating for, what problem you were trying to drink away. To be honest, I had a ton of problems but dealing with pain wasn't my motivation. I just liked getting drunk. Until I didn't, but it took a lot of physical pain from a hospital bed to reach that point. That fella Dr. Peterson is speaking with got the key to living sober when he said he turned it over to God. I tried AA for about nine months and after spending enough time with that bunch I knew it wasn't right for me. I'd be drunk again if I hung out with them much longer. I spoke with a group going through rehab a few years later and told them the same thing, that if you really are addicted to the stuff you need to get God involved. I was asked not to come back because I didn't support 12-step programs. Too much of a cult for me, but that's just my take. Tommy Lee Jones gave the best explanation of how most drunks feel in a movie where his character gets asked "I understand you used to have a problem with your drinking." His response was priceless: "Hell no I liked my drinking just fine, it was other people who had the problem with it." On that note I'll stop. Stay smart kids and as Nancy used to put it, just say no. Oh yeah, and do like Dr. Peterson says and don't be stupid. To borrow from John Wayne: "Life's tough, it's tougher when you're stupid."

[@walktheworld]

I never went to rehab but I did go to meetings for 18 years, though not as often as other members thought I should. Then one night I went to a meeting and it just struck me how full of shit everyone was and I never went back. That was 11 years ago.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

@@walktheworld That's exactly what I told my social worker at that time. I saw a bunch of people there because someone sent them, wife, judge, boss, and heard a bunch of dishonesty. Congrats on your journey. I did take the one day at a time thing to heart. Where that stuff is concerned, that's how I get by. I just stay sober today. That's my part. The rest I turn over to God. I got that concept even when I wasn't religious. To borrow from the program, thanks for sharing. 😁

[@walktheworld]

@@itinerantpatriot1196 My pleasure. Since quitting meetings I've met countless others who stopped going to meetings are are thriving. Jordan P. has taught me so much in the last few years. I wish I'd had access to his wisdom when I was newly sober.

[@leser1music]

I dabbled with alcohol in my younger years but never really liked it, i thought the negatives far outweighed the positives. I took it up again in my 20s to self medicate an undiagnosed mental illness. It worked fantastically, and helped me a lot. Then i ended up with alcoholism. I'm nearly 40 now, still drink and am taking steps towards quitting. For a drug that I never really liked, it has taken over a large portion of my life

[@mpakempake3235]

Imagine the joy of being sober and relating to loved ones in a wholesome manner.Imagine a week, then a month am,then a year of BuZz Free life .Your Bank account would look better.Trust me.Mind got so good and 7 years today :am out

[@leser1music]

@@mpakempake3235 i'm 6 months sober next week 💪😎

[@pjabrony8280]

My grandmother was an alcoholic, and because of it, my uncle never drank anything harder than milk. My cousin's son also died of alcohol poisoning in his 20s. I can say that I've never had more than one drink in a day in my life, and I don't think I've lost anything for it.

[@am3818]

Everyone’s different. Not everyone succumbs to it. In fact most can treat it as simply a social thing. Some of my best moments have been drunk, not intoxicated but under the influence for sure. It makes the moment a lot more fun especially with family and friends but it’s not something you can’t have fun without. If you feel it’s best to stay away from it altogether more power to you. There those though that have found a nice balance without ever coming close to being addicted. Everyone’s different

[@corniel657]

​@@am3818no, everyone's not so different around alcohol, you're probably a minority, Vast majority are prone to alcoholism

[@maxb9315]

@@corniel657 The vast majority of people who drink alcohol don't become alcoholics.

[@bliblablubb0712]

@@maxb9315Is that so? Where we draw the line here? I know a lot of people that drink occasionally and not a lot. But they sure as hell use the alcohol to form their relationships. Their body might no be addicted, but it‘s a necessary tool they use. So yeah, they are dependent on that tool.

[@maxb9315]

@@bliblablubb0712 Quite a lot of people use alcohol as a social lubricant. That doesn't necessarily imply addiction, as alcoholism does.

[@barbranaughton7902]

I’ve quit in the last few months after another horrendous experience and hangover. I’m 37 and this is the first time that I feel resolute in it. I think it took so long to get here because I felt like I nearly needed permission from other people in a way and also fearing I’d lose friends. Now I just accept that this is what I want primarily so that’s important and I need to lead from that place. Surprisingly what I have found is that I tend to go out even a little bit more than before. I had started to get increased anxiety over the last few years at the thoughts of going out and drinking and what might happen. Now i don’t have to think about that but funnily enough after a night out when I wake up in the morning now I do keep getting these few seconds of panic that I’m hungover, it’s honestly like a slight ptsd from all those years of drinking and waking up and trying to piece things together. I think there’s a time in your life when instead of going over it in your head about what you want to change it becomes a whole body experience, like you just don’t want that thing anymore, you don’t need to mull over it, and I think that’s your truth and without sounding too sappy that’s a beautiful place to get to because you are being very real.

[@beetroot_chutney]

I hope to get there. It's difficult!

[@Qualle80]

Growing up in Germany, the law here allows 16+ year old teenagers to buy and consume (also in public) Beer and Wine up to 22% alcohol per volume. From my 16th birthday on back in 2011, I was 100% hooked to that stuff, which completely spiraled out of control during the pandemic years. On the 17th of September 2021, I woke up hungover as every other morning the last 10 years and met my friends to, let's say experience being induced by a psychedellic substance. While the substance did it's work, I felt more connected to the people around me as empathy skyrocketed through the roof. One of my friends who had troubles in his childhood had a depressed episode so I tried to comfort him. I was able to feel his pain, it was like our two souls somehow merged together. And then it hit me: if my friend suffers, I suffer too, and when I suffer, the people I love suffer too. When I continue drinking myself to death, the pain I hopelessly try to drown will only multiply. I had visions of my loving parents in front of my eyes, how much they've sacrificed so that I can have a good life, just for me to throw it all alway because I like being drunk that much. The shame I felt was so overwhelming that I broke down crying. Since that day I'm sober, and I'm not missing it by a sinlge bit, I'm now a free man.

[@k.s.421]

Gut für Dich. Ich trinke auch fast nichts mehr. Vielleicht 2-3x pro Jahr und dann auch nur ein oder zwei Gläser. Ich habe früher definitiv mehr getrunken, aber irgendwie habe ich den "Geschmack daran verloren". Ich habe mich aber auch nie so richtig zugekippt, eher so ein "social drinking" z.B. Freitag Abend 1-2 Gläser Wein und dann nach Hause. Aber selbst das finde ich im Nachhinein unverständlich, weil mir hat es irgendwie nichts gebracht...

[@xxxthetruthxxx4765]

my dad is an alcoholic. that was actually enough motivation for me to not start drinking. witnessing how my dad deteriorated his own life and health while also destroying our family was so disturbing, that i am staying away from it.

[@neuralismgamingtv4511]

My mother did the same, and I was more loyal than anyone else would have been, then again children in isolation and fear tend to be extremely loyal and unquestioning of their only connection. I'm on the fence about alcohol because at least it brings you closer to death and painlessness, and if you aren't screaming and threatening people all day and consuming water and food more than twice a week it can even be peaceful.

[@EmpathicSoul11]

My grandfather is monster. He drinks vodka everyday. Thinks he's cool by diminishing others, I even was contemplating suicide due to his behaviour. I wish someone reading this comment would abstain from alcohol. I myself didn't drink alcohol almost all my life. By the way I suspect that eating meat or fish leads to aggresion also.

[@xxxthetruthxxx4765]

@@EmpathicSoul11 I eat a lot of meat and I am probably the most introverted, quiet and least aggressive person you could ever meet. I dont really think there is a correlation between meat and aggression... if someone knows of a study, I´d be interested to read that. anyway, it´s heartbreaking that you were contemplating suicide, because of your grandfather being such a douche. Even though it´s hard, because he´s a family member, you have to distance yourself from people like that at some point otherwise they´ll drag you down.

[@fbi1961]

same

[@oilstalker]

I'm you. The exact same story. Holy shit...

[@chekkop]

I have been a heavy drinker. I developed severe social anxiety in 2011 and felt like everything was impossible. Alcohol came into my life and it opened those closed gates again. I drank maybe 700ml vodka and two extra strong beers to get me to that high level where everything social was possible and I was happy. Now just yesterday I tried to drink to get a little buzz but I was so hesitant to take it after I drank that one can, like something blocked me. I think my body have had enough. I’m soon 30.

[@garethsheals7663]

I have social anxiety and blush very badly almost all the time. I used alcohol as a crutch too but eventually the shame and embarrassment over the things I did and said whilst drunk felt worse than the social anxiety. You can’t mask something like anxiety it always has a way of coming back to bite you in the ass. Now I tend to avoid alcohol and social settings. You really can’t win.

[@chekkop]

@@garethsheals7663 Ah yes, the morning after. Where I, some days, had said or did something stupid and apologized. Mostly to old elementary school classmates I said something stupid to and family I mostly did something stupid to. After that hangover pizza I felt okay, I took it as they understood. A drunken victim with all those problems.

[@DX48H9WM]

For me it makes me feel blah the next day, and it also spikes my anxiety like crazy.

[@bonnieleary1197]

Thought I couldn’t respect him more than I already did. Sober 6.5 years!❤

[@wikkiwild1399]

My mother died of alcoholism. I use to be a hard drinker. I just quit one day. I had moved to Alberta Canada from BC. Never touched it for 15 yrs. I had a few with friends. No more the 3-4. But I didn''t like it. I quit soon after. Never looked back. I had made many bad decisions under the influence. It lowers your self control and gives you a false sense of confidence. You don't need it.

[@Jsteelies]

YES!!! We don't need alcohol. In fact alcohol does NOTHING for you... That is absolutely fact!!! Good job my friend at staying sober! Woohoo!

[@chopsmccartney6786]

My dad spent his life in AA after my mom divorced him. He's made every effort to clean himself up, atone for his wrongdoings, and be there for his kids. He used to take me to his meetings while I was growing up, and I got to hear from the other adults how alcohol messed them up. Because of his efforts and seeing all the hell that alcohol wreaks, I've been able to live a clean, safe life. I tell people that I respect my dad and his efforts if they ask me why I don't imbibe. Sometimes I feel left out of the world because of my aversion to alcohol and settings that center around it, but it's kept me away from stupid decision-making of others. I'd rather be healthy with strong cognition than drink their Kool-Aid.

[@Jsteelies]

You, my friend, are on the RIGHT track!!! Keep it up!!! I'm right there with you

[@joelmacinnes2391]

I've had a similar thing but not anywhere near so bad, my dad was sober before he met my mum but there were definitely permanent effects which derailed their marriage, there's been a lot of tension at times but now they're always respectful of each other, we have Christmas dinner as a family, and my dad still comes round to fix toilets and things at my mums - anyway, he was from.the islands and he's very involved with AA, he's made me aware of how many lives alcohol has ruined so I've never been drawn to it at all - I've since seen people close to me develop really distasteful characters because of their drinking and that has confirmed it for me, I don't intend to touch a drink in my life. I've never been a social person anyway, but I've started spending mu free time running, cycling, working out, swimming etc. And I've started to develop a sleep pattern where I can't go out socialising anyway (10-5.30) So I've made my decision, my friends will make theirs, and I know I'm liable to sever connections over time but I'm ready to accept that, stay hard 💪

[@KorriTimigan]

I love a drink, I have a collection of whiskey and I usually have some beer in the fridge in the garage just in case I feel like one, but I have so much respect for those who don't drink. On more than a few occasions I've met people at parties or events who, when I've asked, told me they don't drink and every single time I can see a glint of panic in their eyes, as if they're waiting for some tirade. It always turns to surprise when I compliment that choice, and often delve into why they've come to make it. It makes me sad knowing that so many people WOULD launch into a pro-alcohol interrogation as if it was a personal attack on them or something.

[@GH-om5rp]

Good on you, and you have a great father.

[@drdj2626]

I feel sorry for what your family had to endure, and I, a weekend beer drinker, am perfectly fine with people who don't drink. some of my friends don't drink and we hang out normally. however, I think you should know something: it's not the drink that makes one a bad person. it's the person. most importantly, it's not abstinence that makes one a good person. it's not abstinence that makes one a smart, cognitive developed person. it's the person. I know tons of teetotaler people who are altright conspiracionists, some of them are straight up white supremacists. I also know tons of smart, good, great, great people who enjoy a good wine/beer on special occasions. it's not the substance. it's you, and you are not better than anyone because you don't alcohol.

[@FrLawRE]

My French grandfather used to drink twice a day, with his lunch and with his dinner. He used to drink a glass or two of cider(he was from Normandy) and a small glass of red wine with his cheese course. He never was drunk and he lived until he was 96 years old. It's not the alcohol that kills but the quantity that one drinks.

[@TwattyWankers]

And the quality

[@cockroachv]

I’ve been doing diet similar to Peterson and stop alcohol because of it. But also there are social and psychological benefits from not drinking. You realize you don’t need booze to be your best social self and you have more respect for yourself

[@doctorlefthandthread]

I Stopped drinking at 25 it made things better at that time. It was positively life changing. I live in Ireland so there is quite the drinking culture here like you describe where you grew up.

[@pdexBigTeacher]

4 years ago my urologist, after prostate surgery, said, "Lay off the alcohol." I thought a glass of wine or beer with a meal was ok, but I stopped that then. Lost more weight in 2 years than I had in 25-30. Now that I know alcohol elevates heart rate if a have a drink it's 4-5 hours before going to sleep, because night drinking wreaks havoc on your heart rate when you sleep.

[@acornsucks2111]

Have a coke and a smile.

[@Trahzy]

That's a bit dramatic for 1 drink, I feel like it was more than that lol.

[@pdexBigTeacher]

@@Trahzy Nah, it wasn’t. Two beers with a meal was tipsy town 🤪 so that was negatory.

[@joea.9969]

I find especially if i have coffee and alcohol the same day it can mess w my anxiety, heartrate, sleep etc,

[@hamdoolam]

I quit end of last summer. Praise God. Partially due to the Dr.'s preaching

[@ng-marc]

100% correct. Very self-destructive method to numb the pain of the absence of love; as it only creates an addiction that leads to more pain and suffering. Horrible Painful Cycle... everyone struggling deserves unconditional love, compassion, and grace. Love is the answer.

[@ng-marc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/epfYh5iFoM-qoc0

[@ng-marc]

Many other addictions lead to the same outcome. Drugs, Porn, Toxic manipulative social media, Toxic advertising, etc... Just one mans opinion

[@zozyb1]

I used to drink and smoke cigarettes but my nervous system started to reject them in my early 40s so it was easy to stop both altogether.

[@ngls]

How was drinking cigarettes?

[@denno445]

@@ngls you ever boof cigarettes? thats how you get the real rush

[@thedukeofchutney468]

I was never an alcoholic, but I already decided when I was 21 that I was only going to drink once a month, and not get drunk. I'm 25 now and after seeing how some of my friends are doing I'm more than pleased with my decision.

[@MrCmon113]

That's like building a bridge, but not all the way across the river.

[@thebetterend7404]

@@MrCmon113might not understand your comment but pretty good mindset at that age to not be influenced to drink every weekend which most would have and or still do at that age. Good personal accomplishment…

[@ONCEuponAtime999]

i see no point for you to drink at all

[@thedukeofchutney468]

@@ONCEuponAtime999 Personally I do like the occasional bit of rum, or wine, but I see it like cake or any other unhealthy food. Everything in moderation.

[@diemes5463]

@@ONCEuponAtime999 Not all alcohol is equal, there's a big difference between enjoying well-crafted alcoholic drinks with complex flavors and drinking cheap alcohol with the objective of feeling buzzed or getting drunk. I only do the former once every few months, as it can be quite expensive. The same reasoning can be applied to unhealthy food and unnecessary products, everything in moderation and of the highest quality one can reasonably afford.

[@ad3781]

the two hours of buzzing doesn't outweigh the next two days of feeling like crap after drinking. it feels good to wake up sober.

[@livingwell5892]

I've been alcohol free for 3-4 years, and I give all the glory to God. I never could have kept it goi g with out His love 🙏☦️

[@haliec496]

I stopped 2 years ago because i connected the dots between my highs & lows. Hyper to depressed. Also the people i drank with were even more toxic, i thought they could handle it better than me but looking back they couldnt they were just addicts. The climax was when i was assaulted by my ex with a beer bottle to the face. I never want to be in that situation again with anyone. To be sober is a pathway to help me not be be involved with drunks also.

[@Nonsense116]

I've never drank. Not even a single sip. I've been called a killjoy or whatever but I've stuck to it. I've witnessed firsthand how drinking was one of the root causes to do a lot of damage to someone who was otherwise very hardworking and intelligent. I don't want to ever put myself or my loved ones through something like that.

[@thegreatjacksby7904]

I'm in the same boat! Often when I tell people, the first question is why? And then labelled as strange. I'm 28 never drank and never felt the need to also. I'm proud of it to be honest.

[@johnbenedetto3096]

I mean, it’s not an inherent catastrophe. I think you ultimately are coming from a place of ignorance if you’ve never had a single sip. It’s definitely better that way, but not everybody who drinks abuses it and turns into alcoholics

[@Nonsense116]

@@johnbenedetto3096 Totally agree, plenty of my friends drink without a problem. And you are absolutely right it makes me ignorant on the topic from a personal standpoint. I will never know what it's like to fight alcoholism and that is something I am totally fine being ignorant on after seeing what it did to my family.

[@djdoolittle1315]

Respect. You are not missing anything good! 😊

[@SonyaPuskas]

dont worry....those who call you a killjoy now....will have no joy themselves later in life.

[@Falkon303]

Quitting drinking definitely helped my life. I also managed to ditch caffeine and all other substances, life is entirely different and clear now for me.

[@Jsteelies]

GOOD FOR YOU MAN!!! Keep that up! You got his bro!!!

[@DeejayRach0]

People don't understand how bad caffeine is

[@LukeSly91]

Thats amazing dude

[@HaloLvl43Legit]

No one cares

[@Falkon303]

@@HaloLvl43Legit You're not picking it up that some people did enough to respond or click the like button I take it.

[@jimbanda]

I have a saying, bit of a joke but a lot of truth. "I can't stay long in Bars anymore because I can no longer listen to people talk the kinda shite I used to talk when I was drinking". Thankfully, gratefully 14yrs sober 🙏🙏

[@Beezmilk]

I started drinking heavily at 18 for fun started drinking everyday and that turned into 13 years everyday it almost killed me via liver failure mixed with all the codeine i started taking as well and it destroyed my life. Almost 3 years since i got the proper help to quit and still have a ton of work and growing up to do.

[@bradysiaczka6258]

Quit drinking for almost 2 years and i feel miserable, wish i never stopped.

[@alitabattlebot013]

My mother was a heavy smoker growing up (not that she's stopped), and seeing the effects of an addiction like that has on someone caused me to revile all forms of substance abuse. Alcohol included.

[@brucewayne2255]

I’ve been cutting out the binge drinking and replacing it with 1 glass of wine every night. Loving it so far. It is a nice stress reliever.

[@greyreigns]

Even a glass of wine each night is wrecking havoc on your body at a cellular level. Maybe see what you feel like a week without drinking.

[@brucewayne2255]

@@greyreigns thanks, I do not want to wreck havoc on my body. I also don’t want to quit alcohol all together maybe 1 drink to a few per week would be better. I have quit alcohol for months at a time in the past and for me it wasn’t fun. There is a lot of information out there on the pros and cons of 1 glass of wine a night. Again thanks for the input .

[@mosheridan7016]

Good don't listen to the blubberer

[@Jsteelies]

​@@yourgooglemeister6745not drinking is not boring whatsoever I have no idea what you're talking about. Plenty of things to do when you're sober.

[@Jsteelies]

​@@brucewayne2255I second what the previous poster said. No amount of alcohol is good for you. Even small amounts as previous articles have tried to suggest. It's all a myth!!! We're discovering, simply, that alcohol is NOT good for you. But to each their own. You do you man!!! As for me, I will NEVER drink again hahahaha and I'm LOVING it!

[@rattleballs1414]

I live in SE Kentucky, where (until about 3 years ago) was a dry county. Coming here from the outside (drinking) world, it's amazing to me see the far reaching the detrimental effects of alcohol on lifestyle, crime, and priorities. Even though now alcohol is available, it's not popular; there is no drinking culture. No calling in sick with hangovers, no drunk drivers, not much violent crime....even with the extreme poverty and meth/drug issues that are common in Appalachia

[@bonsummers2657]

Beer is great for me as a fundamental food beverage. Less often wine. Extremelyh rarely in tiny amounts, some liquor, if quality. Fundamental alcoholic beverages are for prudent consumption, for great healthy effect for total body. Moderation as with anything. And it's not necessarily every day that they would be consumed. Case by case context. It's not about being non-sober or sober,…. you are sober, because you consume prudently, not to excess…. it's about healthy effect, as with anything consumed prudently.

[@stevie1234]

Hit the gym people,,, you don't need to be a bodybuilder or an athlete but going to the gym or working out wherever you can, be it walking, jogging, cycling etc it really is a game changer. Coming from someone who has drank on and off over 25 years all I can say is the good life has always been accompanied by workouts.

[@jameswatkins1844]

love the way you nailed the focus on the background.

[@Razear]

I've been a teetotaler my entire life, never had the desire to drink, never took a single sip of booze and never intend to. The college I went to was a big party school where the majority of freshmen were chronic drunkards. Was a bit of a culture shock to me since I never had any interest in experimenting with recreational drugs. If you're ever stuck with a floor full of inebriated students, it's like watching a circus of drunk uncles, a domino effect of unfortunate events.

[@AR-rg2en]

Always stay this way bro

[@CHSCxp]

nothing can be done to change such destructive culture???

[@MrCmon113]

@@CHSCxp Everyone is having fun but you. Clearly everyone should imitate you.

[@Jsteelies]

NEVER drink EVER!! ITS NOT GOOD FOR YOU NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS!

[@darrylpatterson1091]

Why do we hear so few conversations about the negative effects of alcohol? Society seems to kind of dance around the edges without the full on conversation. Thanks for a great video, very good.

[@runswithraptors]

I think most people generally avoid hard conversations 🤷‍♂️

[@darrylpatterson1091]

@@runswithraptors agreed

[@Trahzy]

Since when? There's always stuff about the negative affects of alcohol, fast food, soda, social media and so on.

[@SJ9001]

I had my first drinks at 18 just because it was the done thing. Never a lot at once, primarily because it all tasted vile. I stopped within the year. That was nearly a decade ago. I dipped into it again last year to give it another shot in the hopes it would help me socialise, but I ran into the same obstacle and promptly stopped, and will never look back. I utterly hate the kind of social environment it creates, where those around me find a pleasure that I will never understand or experience. It always brings with it the feeling of missing someone dearly, even though that person is right there in front of you.

[@MKxxonduty]

Can relate to this 61 year old psychologist. I remember when a female looked at me one time when I kept saying no to someone who kept offering me to drink 3 times in a row. The near by female looked at me like it was an insult and I was not normal. I had a long conversation with a 60 year old Veteran when I was working at the Icon theater in Chicago. Would tell me I talk and speak like a wise 50 year old man. I am 30 now. Makes people definitely stupid & obnoxious to be around them. All the effects and dangers you see it effect people. You have more success and a future if you care about yourself and choose a path that involves no substance intake at all.

[@jhgkgcjgf]

I’m sober for three years now! I won back control over my life! 🙏

[@aussiefarmer8741]

Giving up was 1 of the best decisions I ever made. Stopped in 1993. It's funny , you go to a party [ rarely for me ] and there is a point when everyone else starts to merge into "That behavior" Then it's time for me to leave. Right on brother you hit the issue on the head.

[@Trrippy_Shades]

needed this, great clip...stay sober defeat the demons

[@bonsummers2657]

Beer is great for me as a fundamental food beverage. Less often wine. Extremelyh rarely in tiny amounts, some liquor, if quality. Fundamental alcoholic beverages are for prudent consumption, for great healthy effect for total body. Moderation as with anything. And it's not necessarily every day that they would be consumed. Case by case context. It's not about being non-sober or sober,…. you are sober, because you consume prudently, not to excess…. it's about healthy effect, as with anything consumed prudently.

[@4403323]

We live in a society where not drinking alcohol is considered anti social behavior. I have been told that I was not drinking enough at parties because I was acting sober.

[@Golfdad8356]

My grandpa was a terrible alcoholic and I saw what it did to my mother and aunts. I vowed to never drink.. haven’t in all my 44 years

[@Panicscroll69]

7 years clean this thanksgiving! I’m thankful

[@kristinrichmond8185]

I decided in my youth to never drink alcohol , smoke cigarettes and remain a virgin until marriage. I’m 48 now and am so pleased that I have been able to keep all those promises to myself. Now I teach my children how to do the same. However, I recognize the choice is theirs.

[@ianbuick8946]

You're on point with this. The reap and sow principle. Galatians 6:7 Teaching children from very young age can set straight path for their lives.

[@MrCmon113]

To marry someone you barely know gotta be the dumbest idea ever.

[@kristinrichmond8185]

@@MrCmon113 what do you mean?

[@hgkwbsx7]

I love drinking, and I had sex many many times before marriage. I also smoked from time to time. I would be feeling regret hadn't I had those amazing times/experiences in my youth.

[@kristinrichmond8185]

@@hgkwbsx7 I’m so glad you don’t feel regret. I don’t regret from abstaining from drugs, alcohol and premarital sex. I view it as a gift to myself, a gift that keeps giving. I too have had many wonderful experiences in my life that have shaped and taught me. I’ve made good choices in my life. I’ve also made mistakes. All have been for me to grow from. It’s ok if we disagree.

[@JoeMac1983]

Just a couple months shy of 10 years without both alcohol and caffeine. Best decision I ever made.

[@austin7037]

How have you benefitted from going without caffeine?

[@MrCmon113]

Now do without toothpaste.

[@cohort6159]

Im in my 60s and decided as a teen that I never needed to be drunk and never have been. I might have had a dozen beers in my life and tasted a handful of other people's cocktails but thats all. I found that a single beer made my head swim and often made my stomach burn uncomfortably. Why would I want to do this then? The main reason I didnt take up drinking was because my father was an embarassing drunk. He drank maybe twice a year at Christmas and New Years. He always overdid it and acted stupid. His two brothers were alcoholics. One died in a drunk driving crash, the other was forced into rehab by the state licensing board of his profession. I think the cards would have been stacked against me, genetically speaking. I like to always think clearly. Why would I ever not?

[@AR-rg2en]

You are right

[@Jsteelies]

You are ABSOLUTELY right and have made MANY good decisions in regards to alcohol and drinking!!! I give you props!!!

[@dubosephotography7698]

Quit drinking 14 years ago and it is the best decision I have ever made. Alcohol is a real beast. Sobriety is the best way to live your life to its fullest

[@jrcolonial98]

That story at the end described my experience perfectly. I felt I could only get my words out and say what I wanted to say if I was drinking. In a sense it’s true. Alcohol gives you confidence, but it’s fake, unearned confidence.

[@jackedkerouac4414]

That same inner dialog that tells you to go ahead and say it will also tell you to do it. I gotten into so much trouble because of alcohol it really means never taking that first drink.

[@nashgeorgiev8758]

I have been sober for 5 years and it has been one of the best decisions Ive made in my life. I have more energy, I feel healthier, my mind is clearer and I save money. My mood feels more stable and I feel more consistent on everything else. I never had a problem with drinking but removing even the 2-3 social drinking a week makes a huge difference. Also contributing to my closer friends drinking less (or going sober too) is also a good feeling as they see the difference within a month.

[@bonsummers2657]

Beer is great for me as a fundamental food beverage. Less often wine. Extremelyh rarely in tiny amounts, some liquor, if quality. Fundamental alcoholic beverages are for prudent consumption, for great healthy effect for total body. Moderation as with anything. And it's not necessarily every day that they would be consumed. Case by case context. It's not about being non-sober or sober,…. you are sober, because you consume prudently, not to excess…. it's about healthy effect, as with anything consumed prudently.

[@trev5.566]

My grandfather used to say, “If you never start drinking, then you’ll never have to stop.” The Bible discourages alcohol numerous times, in one instance in Proverbs calling “strong drink a mocker.”

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

Wine is all over the Bible!

[@trev5.566]

@@NoLefTurnUnStoned. So are cautions against it numerous. And not all references of wine are alcoholic necessarily, nor were they as concentrated as beverages now I would assume. It also used to be one of the only forms of painkillers. Just some things to keep in mind. Every time someone gets drunk in the Bible something bad happens….just like now. Job and Noah to name a few. 😂

[@markusdegenhardt8678]

As a german who grew up on the country site i was exposed in my early teenager years to alcohol. Since it was such a normal thing my friends and i lost interest in alcohol between the age of 16 and 18. I do drink rarely and only small amounts of alcohol and its great. In my entire life i only drank once more alcohol than i should have. And even the one time was an accident. In contrast to that i see my friends who grew up in citys. They have been exposed to drinking much later and many of them havent developed a healthy relationship towards alcohol at all. It seems to me that the normalization of a limited alcohol consum is key to avoid alcohol abuse.

[@solaveritas2]

Swiss here, and yes, we were able to order beer at 16, it was never a big deal. In my Province here in Canada drinking age was set at 21 and teens were binge drinking all the time with whatever alcohol they could get their hands on, many got killed driving drunk. I've never seen this to the same degree in my home country, it was just recreational drinking.

[@JohnBoyJoy]

I had a short addiction of alcohol for maybe 1 year. It had a lot to do with my job. Then I was fired, and the addiction suddenly dropped. I believe it's not the alcohol, but the environment around you. I drank after that job on and off for maybe 5 years, then recently gave it up. I've been 3 years sober and 5 years cigarette free. It's one of the most greatest feelings on earth losing that urge.

[@jonvia]

I live in the midwest and its rare to find people that dont drink on a regular basis. There are so many breweries around the city I live near and its just so ingrained in the culture. Its crazy how people say "drugs and alcohol" when in reality, alcohol is a drug too. It should be classified as a Schedule 1 drug as well. But since it gets taxed and law makers make money off of it, its legal and looked at normally to consume in western society. Meanwhile many natural plants are still condemned for their use.

[@jamjon85]

Alcoholism is the worst part of it. I seen it to much in my family. I till this day still wont touch it. To many people have died. To many great minds ended up wasted. I refuse to go down that road. God help anyone here bound by that spirit of alcoholism! May God set you free from it! He can help you if you let him just ask and you have to want to really be set free it's up to you.

[@kakyoin3856]

Im glad that I have seen alcohol as bad since childhood. Many factors taken into consideration, I think the biggest against it was an early understanding or discovery how powerless people becone over their mind and body in an alcoholic state. I am not drinking any spirits, but I remember my first time tasting it. I was quite young, maybe 8 or so with a very bad illness. My entire throat was swollen and I could barely breath, tonsils were also swollen like hell. So my father, who was at a loss what to do, decided to give me some strong spirit to gargle. I can't remember why and neither does he, but I do remember him saying "do not gulp it down, gargle and spit it out". So, of course it didn't work out. As I sipped in about a shot, I burned myself and reflexively swallowed everything. This is beyond dumb, but what makes it even more hilarious is that it actually helped! Nevertheless, I hope I will never resort to the same method. Very interesting video at last)

[@victorhopper6774]

definitly kills germs at 40%

[@Adrian-yi8fl]

It has antiseptic properties and numbing, so I see why it helped. But that's all it's good for.

[@stevenaxtell7643]

I was having a relapse after doing rehab in 2006. I abstained for 4yrs but in 2010 I had a relapse and was drinking heavy again up until Monday May 1st 2023 where I have now been alcohol free for 10weeks and 4days so now my life's changed again and I am doing things differently to the bad habit that was me being an alcoholic. I was drinking heavily strongbow cider 20-30cans a day and it was destroying me inside and out until that Monday May 1st when I did some serious thinking about the situation I was in once again and It just clicked in my head STOP and the inspiration was from inside me when I'd read a quote sayings that of you want things in your life to change you got to change things in your life and bang it registered deep within me that I'd be able to kick this situation into touch and give it up once again and I've also given up smoking bacco cos I was an heavily addicted smoker who smoked three 50g pouches a week thats a pouch of tobacco in 2days so now I'm an ex smoker and ex drinker and my life's in a good place right now cos I'm a very strong minded person cos I also have a mental health issue that's so severe that I have to take strong antipsychotic depot injections 💉 of zuclopenthixol deconate 500ml to help me with my drug Induced psychosis and I also take Olanzopine 20mg to help me with my Schizophrenia and I also take Atamoxitine 120mg for my ADHD plus I have to take Procyclodine 15mg to control all this medications side effects especially the zuclopenthixol deconate 500ml this gives me slower movements and shakes and tiredness lethargy and I've fractured my skull 3times that's left me with a bad short term memory loss slurred speech and bad eyes that I have to wear glasses now cos of the fracture hemorrhaged behind my eye's. It's a really long story so I'll get back to the point that I'm now alcohol free plus I'm now an ex smoker. Happy days thanks for your time. I'm now saving the money I use to spend on these bad habits so onwards and upwards as I am reborn

[@CapibaraWinter]

Well, I think you clearly illustrated that for us alcis, the only decent solution is sobriety. I got sober in 2019, fell off the wagon after several deaths in the family and I will be in rehab for 2 months, for the first time in my life now that I have fallen back into it. Just dropping a note here that if you are struggeling, do whatever is necessary. I feel the shame and apprehension of having to go to a facility, for sure, but its a hell of a lot better than just drinking for years and years until it finally kills me.

[@stevenaxtell7643]

@@stickiestring thanks really much for your reply 😀

[@stevenaxtell7643]

@@CapibaraWinter respect

[@docholliday.]

After a period of sobriety it’s a good idea to get another mental health assessment. Some patients find a change in medications can eliminate many side effects.

[@grimace4257]

You’ve been through the tumble dryer and just stepped out like it was a day at the spa, good for you pal 💜

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

I started drinking in my mid teens. Having a few beers made me feel comfortable in own skin. It made me comfortable in social situations. I consumed booze for another thirty years. I was convinced i couldn't do without. One morning i got up with a hangover and at that point decided to stop drinking. I haven't had a alcoholic beverage since 2004. I guess i grew out of it. And i no longer experience anxiety. I think thats why i started to drink in the first place, anxiety.

[@emperorpingusmathchannel5365]

I'm 21 and never drank. I hope I can continue. I live in Sweden which is a major alcoholic culture. If you want to make new connections and contacts you're obliged to drink or go to drinking events. It is pretty frustrating. If you're unable to relax and be chill without being intoxicated that is a problem. Especially if you live in a modern society with higher quality of life. We aren't russian potato farmers who have to drown their misery. Its all irrational social pressure.

[@unidaspandemia9936]

bro U are too intelligent for being 21. Wish you the best, come to live to Spain and be happy

[@Golfdad8356]

You are a strong and amazing person

[@matthewhenry8008]

Mr Peterson, you and the guest hit the nail on the head with alcohol. It very easily makes the "illusion" of confidence/ skill. Drank for about 15 yrs. Didn't stop until the illusion that everything was ok was overwhelmed by the intoxication driven rage and physical symptoms of all that alcohol use started catching up. Best choice ever to go sober. 3yrs and counting.

[@om617yota8]

I grew up with alcoholic parents, my bro is an alcoholic, and as a result I've never touched the stuff. Not a drop. I got shown the hell it can cause all too clearly. In my late 30's now, and several people have said I'm very strong for having resisted alcohol my whole life. It's not strength, it's disgust, just no clue why anyone would do that to themselves.

[@laalaa4303]

Do you also find it a bit irritating when people praise your strength for not drinking? "Gosh I don't know how you do it! Must be so hard!". No it's not. Alcohol is literally a poison

[@om617yota8]

@@laalaa4303 100%. I'm not resisting having fun or a good time, I'm wondering why people willingly drink liquid stupidity.

[@joea.9969]

Honestly, it becomes a compulsion. A demon even. We know it causes bad things, we hate ourselves for doing it but we want it anyway.

[@jtee5957]

Harmless in light to moderate quantities for 90 percent of people, for whom it can enhance sociability and cheerfulness.

[@bonsummers2657]

Beer is great for me as a fundamental food beverage. Less often wine. Extremelyh rarely in tiny amounts, some liquor, if quality. Fundamental alcoholic beverages are for prudent consumption, for great healthy effect for total body. Moderation as with anything. And it's not necessarily every day that they would be consumed. Case by case context. It's not about being non-sober or sober,…. you are sober, because you consume prudently, not to excess…. it's about healthy effect, as with anything consumed prudently.

[@mulfie4749]

The worst thing is trying to compromise when pissed or think straight.. getting hammered should onky be done around people you trust and respect... or atleast laugh about at a later date!!!

[@BB-fo5mr]

Haven’t drank in 7.5 years. You come to a realization about alcohol, and why you are using it to excess. It is far more eye-opening, and far more intricate than the onset. It also tells you what you need to fix in your life, and how far back in the chain of events in your life - you will need to go, to get to the root of the problem. It is mind blowing (as cliche and trite as that may sound)

[@sarpsays]

How do you do that? It's easier said than done I feel.. sometimes you look back and back but can't see anything.

[@BB-fo5mr]

I would end up asking myself, why do I drink? Why do I get this drunk? (And I wasn’t a belligerent drunk and looking to fight, but rather HAPPIER and more enjoyable as a person). But I would ask myself why. And the only way to answer that, is being brutally honest to yourself. And one small answer to the question “why”, leads to another “why” ...which provides an another answer. Which then insights another question of “well, why” that? ... and it is a domino effect of asking “why”, and brutally answering your own questions, provoking your fears and insecurities and masking techniques and root causes etc, in the smallest increments...until you get all the way back to the source. The source could be from 30 years ago, childhood. And then you try to figure out how far back you can actually go in this timeline, to re-route yourself, in order to avoid the instigation of relying on alcohol. Its very difficult p, obviously, because You have to do all this, while quitting drinking at the same time. So until those issues are organically fixed (making it easier to not drink)..it will be difficult to not drink while rerouting your life and mental schemas and issues, simultaneously. Your entire life may need to be rerouted. But you can find the answers, in small incremental steps, looking backwards (with the utmost honesty to yourself), starting with “why” do I drink/why does life feel more palatable and enjoyable while intoxicated vs. sober. If you can be brutally honest with yourself, and take small incremental steps backward - you can find the source, the domino effect..and when you started substituting alcohol as a blocking mechanism, mask, or as a relief from trauma. And be honest with yourself about where your life will be in the future, if you DON’T stop drinking alcohol, and reroute the source of the problem. It may be the most difficult thing you have ever done, life altering in so many ways - and I mean that, the world will seem a different place and it will take a lot of time...but it will be the most valuable thing you’ll ever do.

[@sarpsays]

@@BB-fo5mr Thank you for the elaborate answer. I've been seeking answers all my life, went to therapy more times than I can count, it was all useless. I guess it's time to take it to my own hands and seriously. Just with simple brutal honesty, I don't think there's a "special trick" or "key" to the problem, it's just asking Why?

[@BB-fo5mr]

Well, that is what did it for me. I think it can work for others. (And I think most therapy is total BS, most therapist are bad at what they do...or at least, getting a therapist that is legitimate, is a long shot, which can just exacerbate the problems) Without being too redundant... I would honestly ask yourself - why...does alcohol make me better than when I am sober (what “edge” is it taking off from my sober life, immediately after I feel the buzz) And keep working your way backwards, asking yourself that questions. You will eventually get to a point where you can’t ask yourself “well then, WHY do I do ‘this’ “ anymore. You will actually be at the starting point of it all. That will likely be your source or biggest contributing factor as to how you started relying on alcohol to function. You CAN get this done. Make a DEFINITIVE decision that you will figure out why you are doing it, the source of it all - you are going to fix that source or reason, and you are going to reroute and reorient your life every way possible to keep yourself from EVER looking back to alcohol as a solution. It will be very difficult, but Your life WILL change. Your entire view of life will be different. Drop anything and anyone who makes you want to drink or encourages you to drink. You actually DON’T control everything in life and you DIDN’T choose everything that happened in your life and (regardless of what some people say) in many ways you DIDN’T choose how you got to a certain point in your life (especially if you had a tumultuous and sadistic childhood...that domino effect is unfathomable, even looking back as an adult) ...but you DO CHOOSE to do something about it. DECIDE you will get this figured out, and no matter how hard it is.

[@sarpsays]

@@BB-fo5mr In terms of the why questions, can you give a short example of how it might lead to one another question? Just want to get a sense of how the flow goes, because I tried this a few days ago and I was getting to some places but it didn't seem like I felt directed exactly to a source. Can there be multiple sources also? So for example you said "why.. does alcohol make me feel better than sober", how MIGHT the next few questions go after that?

[@jamesbrickner5159]

"impulsive and dimwitted monsters" I want any young person that drinks alcohol to remembers that. One night, drinking with friends I got into an altercation with a friend of a friend. It got very bad, and I blacked out. Instead of fighting him, my gf ( i was about to propose to her within the next 2 weeks) and I went home ( I drove). When we got home an argument ensued and I nearly killed her, I nearly choked the love of my life to death. What snapped me out of it was her screaming that she loved me and didnt know why I was choking her. We always tended to argue while drinking but had a good relationship. Im not sure what she thinks of me now the only time Ive seen her since was in court, but the whole situation ruined me as a person. We lived together, had animals and I had just gotten a very lucrative life altering career job that could support a household and children. I still havent recovered 7 years later, but Im happy she moved on and has children and hopefully is happy. Give the alcohol up, please.

[@unidaspandemia9936]

bro you are a violent person, thanks god she left you

[@LordOfHam]

I quit drinking back when I was 25. I won't pretend I'm in the best situation in my life right now, but I'm pretty sure I would've been way worse if I didn't quit back then.

[@Justin-eq7yu]

I am an alcoholic and drank to increase comfort and decrease pain. It starts well but definitely decreases comfort and increase pain. Great video

[@hovhadovah]

I was fortunate to have grown up in a household where alcohol was never present. Only relatives would drink a glass to one's health at holidays or events. But my single mother never cracked open a beer or poured herself a glass of wine after work. So much of it is environment. I also don't drink alcohol because I have an addictive personality, so I know it won't end well.

[@TheSUPERHAPPY1]

I don't drink. At social functions it makes some people uncomfortable - I am guessing because people feel like I am judging them *for* drinking. I sometimes wonder if I wouldn't have dropped out of college because of drinking. Also spent most of my student loan at the bar. So stupid. Glad I learned and changed.

[@lawrencefrost9063]

I wish no one drank. The hardest part about not drinking is that other people do it and since we are social animals, it's hard to go against the grain.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Hehehe I'm telling you, the HARDEST part about being young and not drinking is all the losers that think you "owe" them your damn paychecks because you aren't fucking drinking it all away! They're always broke and you're not if you're working but not always getting wasted at clubs & bars, and the loser ass fucks think you OWE them and it's "not fair that you have money and they don't." People can really, really suck!

[@krisyallowega5487]

I have been sober for about 10+ years now. Oh do I miss my former persona, I have even had dreams of getting staggering drunk. The tipping point for me was every moment was a celebratory experience, 6-7 beers or 10 other hard shots per day after work. Weekends were just a blur. Alcohol was my jet fuel I could be up for hours on end pounding them back. Now, I am a mere shadow of my former self, I see no sense in going out at all. But there is still that temptation to go out and chance it one last time.

[@inseparablesmusicvideoscha4256]

I stopped drinking at 22, all of a sudden I started get splitting headaches halfway thru my first beer. It wasn't until I was in my 40's that I found out why that was happening. What a blessing it turned out to be, my current, wife while dating, when learning that I never drink was ... SOLD !!! Twenty five years later I have a trophy bride, my very successful kid brother died some years back from cirrhosis

[@newwavepop]

i just turned 51 and i have never drank or had any desire to, and i really never understood why people do have a desire to. i spent the second half of my teens playing in Thrash metal bands and going to concerts and parties and clubs and then my entire 20s hanging around in various punk and goth scenes, so i was ALWAYS surrounded by it and EVERYONE i knew did it and yeah it was years, decades even watching people i know and like constantly doing or saying really stupid things while buzzed or drunk. and going home being so thankful i didn't do anything that cringe or embarrassing. it all started really as a child and my father did not really drink much but he smoked pot and cigarettes my whole life, and first of all he was 40 and sick as hell from the decades of smoking when i was born. so i spent my childhood taking care of him rather than the other way around, and by the time i hit puberty he had to pull a little oxygen tank around with him everywhere he went. then in the evening his toothless rail thin friends would come over and burn a few with him and i just grew up looking at them all and thinking i don't want to be like this! all my friends growing up also had parents that smoked and drank and got high and sure as hell just like every cliché and stereotype in the books ALL my friends followed suit. and to this day i still do not understand why i am the only one out of all these people that looked at the drunk stoned and effed up adults around me and thought no i don't want to end up like them.

[@iss8504]

I never understand why anyone would drink or do drugs to have fun. They are essentially admitting that they are doing lame stuff and need to alter reality so it's perceived as better. Why not just have real fun and enjoy reality with all senses working? Drunk people think they're the life of the party. You have to be drunk to find these people amusing.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I always remember mum telling me about my alcoholic Irish ancestors and relatives. I drink alcohol free beer. It's pretty good nowadays.

[@sandinthehourglass6568]

If i even attempt to have a beer, i start to have a panic attack. It gives me anxiety. So, alcohol isnt even a temptation for me because it doesnt make me relax. It makes me feel like im dying. God's gift to me that my brain cant handle alcohol. Im actually thankful that I cant drink. It makes me never want to do drugs ever again. Im a sober man always.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

All the better reason not to do it!