What Alcohol Does to Your Body: Harvard’s Dr. Sarah Wakeman With the Medical Facts You Need to Know
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Today you’re getting a masterclass from one of the most renowned and respected experts on alcohol.
She’s here to give you the latest research and science of how alcohol impacts your body, brain, and mind. She’s going to give you facts, dispel myths, and help you be informed about the decisions you are making when it comes to your mental, physical, and emotional health when it comes to alcohol consumption.
Dr. Sarah Wakeman is Senior Medical Director of Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham, home to nationally recognized hospitals and cutting-edge research. She's also an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Program Director of Mass General Substance Use Addiction Services.
How much is TOO much alcohol?
Is some alcohol healthy?
What happens to your brain when you drink?
And how do you help someone you love who drinks too much?
Get the latest research so that you make the most informed decisions about the role alcohol plays in your life.
For lots more resources, click here for the podcast episode page: www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/e...
In this episode:
00:00 Intro
05:05: What is alcohol and what does it do when we drink it?
05:45: How is alcohol formed in the first place?
06:18: Wait. Alcohol that we drink is the same as WHAT?
07:50: Are there negative impacts to having a drink every night?
09:58: Know THIS about alcohol, especially if cancer runs in your family.
10:40: What alcohol does to your liver, and how you can change that.
12:50: This recent event increased alcohol use in the U.S.
12:45: How does alcohol impact your kidneys?
13:50: Does alcohol damage your gut microbiome and does it matter?
15:15: Ask yourself these 3 questions to assess the role alcohol plays in your life.
18:15: How much drinking is too much, from a medical perspective?
19:15: Here’s why many people don’t share their alcohol habits with doctors.
20:45: 7 questions to ask if you or someone you love has a problem.
25:20: Physical symptoms of alcohol overuse.
26:10: 7 benefits you’ll see pretty quickly once you stop drinking.
27:05: How does drinking make menopause worse?
28:50: Think alcohol makes you sleep better? This is what actually happens.
29:00: What’s a hangover and what happens in your body?
32:15: This is how alcohol increases anxiety and depression.
33:30: Keep forgetting names and important information?
37:45: What to do and NOT do when talking to someone about alcohol.
38:50: Why a tough love approach doesn’t work for alcoholics.
42:00: Why most people avoid seeking help with their relationship to alcohol.
44:25: What’s the most effective way to talk to your kids about drug use?
45:40: The 5 most important things to communicate to someone you love.
47:00: The 3 important first steps when you’re the one who wants to quit.
49:40: How can you get the support you need?
51:40: What to know if you have an alcohol use disorder.
#health #healthylifestyle #drinking #alcohol #healthadvice #podcast
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Quit alcohol on July 1, 2021. Hardest thing I’ve ever conquered and still conquering. Every day is a new day. One day at a time.
great job sticking with it
Congratulations.
Amazing!!! Soooo proud of you!! My little brother lost his battle with addiction last year at age 44. NOBODY understands what this disease is unless they are living with it. Sending continued strength and prayers to you!
What's it got to do with me? I don't care about your little "journey".
I often go dry when I find myself relying on alcohol.
I am a single momma and I was struggling with alcohol for a couple years. I quit cold turkey for 60 days and on day 60 I had a beer...then another...then went into drinking at least one beer or glass of wine every night. This time I was quickly able to see the negative effects (thank you Jesus). Now almost 30 days sober again and I'm so grateful to be able to see the results. The results are enough to make me say never again
Keep going!! The benefits of quitting FAR outweigh the benefits of not quitting!
Mommy juice is becoming a world wide crutch for Moms. Stick to it well done. Join tribe sober if you are struggling. Best decision i made 9 months sober..
Been there.
Go to “Stop Drinking Expert” on KZhead. It’s ADDICTIVE! It’s POISON! Read “Alcohol Explained”. But BEST… is “Stop Drinking Expert”. I went to Italy and started drinking wine again. After five weeks of wine and Aperol Spritz everyday, I am having a heck of a time doing 14 days without, in order to stop the cravings.
Please listen to Allen carr’s “easy way to control alcohol” audiobook. It is simple.
I started drinking when I was 9 years old. By the time that I was 24, Alcohol along with other stuff, had almost taken my life!! Praise God I was delivered and have been clean and sober for 33 years, 4 months and 3 days🙏🏽
Eat daily raw green vegetables, to make the cravings very manageable
Geez your family had money…
@@kevywilliams3304 I don’t understand your question or comment?
I am 2 years sober as of the 13th March 2024. People need to encourage people who change their lives. Thank you Mel. 😊 Alcohol does ruin lives.
Congratulations! ❤
Encouragement is fine, but it's a recipe for disaster if you're relying on that to stay on the path. People need to find their own motivation to keep going and celebrate their own successes. Looking for anything from an external source isn't sustainable
@@awalker127 I had zero emotional support or help. I relied on no one but myself and God. The best way to stay sober is relying on yourself. Stopping any addiction for any other reason, but yourself will lead to a recipe of disaster. Concentrating on yourself means when other people fall, you don't get taken with them, you will have a steady foundation to build on. Also, it means you either associate with people who support you, or you go it alone. It's the "tall poppy syndrome", people hate it when other people succeed (at anything). There are not many people who encourage someone who wants to lead a life free from addiction. There's always growth with addiction, people spend their whole life trying to break free from addiction which is why people say to "never start in the first place".
At age 82 I was falling down a lot, bruises all over, nothing broken, but hurt. Quit alcohol now.
Have you now stopped falling?
My mother fell three days before Easter Sunday. She fell on a Friday night around 7 o’clock. She starts drinking at four when her news program comes on. She fell on Friday night and didn’t tell anybody and didn’t use her life alert. She was able to get up and get to a chair, but she basically fell on her face. By the time she gave in and called my sister, her entire face was black and blue. Her knee was torn open and required 15 stitches. After two rounds of antibiotics the infection is still lingering and now she needs wound care. We’ve talked to her about her alcohol numerous times. We have offered our support, willing to attend meetings with her, but she won’t give it up. She’s on a path that’s not gonna end well. I guess my biggest fear is people are going to think that she was neglected and she is not. She’s just unwilling to face her addiction and give it up. I saw a quote once in a booklet I was reading & it really resonated with me. ‘My recovery has to come first so everything I love doesn’t come last.’ We just really don’t know what else to do. Congratulations on your sobriety. 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻
@@jcszot. How old is she and how can she afford to buy this much alcohol? Does someone bring it to her? I’m sorry for your circumstances.
Love this, 82 !
@@jcszot I'm Sooooo sorry. I understand on many levels. As I'm sure you already know, she has to want the help to change. Almost all of my family wear or are addicts. It's Really frustrating to watch. Have you ever thought of going to Al-Anon to get support for you?... I wish you and your Family peace and healing.
I had a moment of clarity recently. When i metabolize alcohol, it drives me into a depression for weeks. Haven’t touched alcohol since 03/02/2024 and no longer plan to
I wasn’t drinking much but decided to completely stop 8 days ago. I do feel happier and better overall.
I had the same realization in 2013. I’ve had it three times since and regretted it each time. It’s not worth it.
Yeah I have neuropathy and that flares every time I drink etoh. I don’t even know why I drink alcohol I just want to feel better
Good for you. It does the same thing to me. I decided to quit back in November but I’ve had a few occasions of drinking since and I’ve regretted it each time. If you stop, don’t ever forget why you stopped.
I don't disagree with anything the two of drinking in moderation, but I don't think weed is the holy thing the country think it is ,perhaps a show on the affects of weed.
Been a moderate to heavy drinker for the last 15 years straight. I'm six weeks clean I cannot wrap my head around how good I feel. No way am I going back!
Congratulations! I know you feel amazing!
What liquids do you consume?
@@bonsummers2657 water with a product called Concentrace Trace Mineral Drops, all day long
Wine has been a huge part of my life. Growing up in an Italian family …living in the CA wine country and working at a restaurant or winery it’s been a part of my life. Cutting back the habit of drinking wine everyday has not been easy. I started drinking a non- alcoholic beverage in a wine glass every night with dinner rather than wine to break the daily habit. I never drink alcohol at home and only allow myself one glass on a special occasion no more than twice a month. Listening to information like this continues to keep me strong and healthy. THANK YOU MEL ❤️
Thank you for sharing! Good idea to replace daily wine w/a non-alcohol bev in a wine glass! Fantastic🎉
Wine is nice, especially with food. I can do without beer no problem, but giving up the pleasure wine brings is a tall order.
Please listen to Allen carr’s “easy way to control alcohol” audiobook. It is simple and easy to quit and change your life.
I love a glass of white wine. I find it very relaxing. 2 x a week only
Alcohol@@martinrea8548
6 weeks sober, today 😊 In and out of recovery, for 30 yrs! Hope springs eternal, it is NEVER too late, to reclaim your life and joy.
Excellent, and thanks for the inspiring words. Many of us have gone through similar patterns.
I stopped drinking alcohol, all of a sudden I had no friends. Speaks volumes. Some times you have to choose..... it's a mind game. Love you all. 😍 💋
Ditto for different reasons
Yep, im a drinker and really dont want non drinkers around. Too boring, just my preference
For sure, buzzkills ruin a good night out.
I'll be a friend..😊I had the same thing happen. Sad, but it's better that way anyway.
My old auntie Bess who loved to drink explained to me that drinkers don’t have friends, they have cronies. I wondered what this meant. A friend whose father, a big drinker, went to the bar his dad had formerly hung out at and told his drinking cronies that his dad had died and when the funeral would be. No one from the bar showed up to the funeral. I think that’s the difference.
Quit drinking Oct. 2023. Most amazing decision ever. Wish I'd never touched in the first place. My life is at peace.
I quit drinking in 2019...I will never regret this decision...despite losing all my friends because I no longer drank. I feel a much more spiritual clarity since I stopped drinking
Same here stopped in 2019 . And some of my so-called friends were even mad at me for not drinking with them anymore and got mad when I would not even do a shot with them ..😢 I still hung out with most . But I watched them and realized they were mostly only friends because of the drinking .. Which now that I'm not drinking seems really weird and pushes me to not hang out with them anymore .. which is fine, I still have a lot I want to do in life .. but I still feel like I have lost a lot of friends. Which is sad 😢
Exactly, I'm have same issues. It really makes a person socialize differently. I love good company but early in the journey found it difficult. All my socializing revolved around consumption....
Yay!! Me too! I quit pre pandemic. I swear, not even the stress of a pandemic made me want to return to the poison. My life is so much better without it. Congratulations friend! ❤🎉🎆
I'm with you guy's all the way. I don't mind not having the drinking buddies. It's a different fantasy. I mean staying as real as you can. The good times in life when they arrive are accentuated and more intense, true story.....
It's a mindset, stay strong, stay sociable. I know it's not easy or straight forward.
Quit alcohol in 2019. Best decision ever.
Quit in 2020. 100% agree
It took like 5 years total. On and off wagon. But with each off the wagon period, it was easier to see how the alcohol was affecting my ability to think and function. 2.5 years in Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) outpatient rehab really helped. It doesn't happen overnight for some people. Stuck with the process and put faith in God and self. God bless you 🙏
Let me guess: You're now boring sods who evangelize your whole frinds circle with your cult beliefs ?
Me as a Muslim alcohol is forbidden in my religion
Poison. To you and all those that have chosen to leave alcohol behind and embrace a healthy life path, congratulations! There's so many damaging affects associated with it. It's not easy to stop and there's lots of influences at play encouraging alcohol use. How very commendable of you.
I was off alcohol for 9 months and started again on a lads holiday. Didn't drink for 3 weeks when I got home, but then started again. I have now been drinking for about 3 weeks. Disgusted with myself after doing so well. Today my sober journey starts again.
You can do this ❤
Hope you are doing well!
I'm doing a similar thing. Let's not give up together. We can start fresh again. Our livers for will certainly appreciate the break, that's for sure!!
one day at a time 👍
June 25, 2024 45 years sober. Grateful.
Wow!!!!!!
You wasted 45 years of your life. Congratulations.
I've been sober for years and enjoy the health benefits of a glass of red wine every day.👍
@nmatthew7469 like what?
@@nmatthew7469 news flash !! Walking a straight line doesn’t mean you’re sober . Did you skip the entire video?
My whole family are alcoholics. 😢I can't reach them as they struggle with Alcoholic dementia. Thanks for speaking about this damaging addiction. 🙏
“Nobody ever regrets doing the right thing”. -grandma
I don't drink. Alcohol has destroyed the majority of my immediate and extended family. Alcohol disgusts me.
What do you drink for liquid? As for beer and wine: Consume when truly desired, for health. Don't consume as a 'habit', or 'social drinking'. Don't drink just to drink. Drink because it's a healthy nutritionally signficant beverage which also gives you some calories to energize, and not be diminished in capacity, but to be boosted. All in moderation. Beer is by far best and healthiest if non-pasteurized.
@@bonsummers2657 from the context of my paragraph, and the subject matter of this video, it is evident that "drink" refers to alcohol. What do I drink? Water. Lots of water.
There was one incorrect statement at the beginning of the piece. The alcohol in our beverages is NOT the same molecule as alcohols in rubbing alcohol for example. They have different chemical formulas and molecular weights. Drinking alcohol is ethanol, a two carbon alcohol, while rubbing alcohol is 2-propanol, a three carbon alcohol with the alcohol functional group on the second, middle, carbon atom. I get the point the doctor was making, and they are in the same functional group class of compounds, but they are 100% not the same molecule. In a wonderful fact based talk, that correction needed to be pointed out. Thank you though, this was an amazing piece and should be shared over and over again.
Not to mention that it is metabolized differently (and more dangerously) after consumption. Unfortunately this diminishes the entire podcast when she can’t even get basic facts right - especially ones that could have major consequences.
Quite alcohol 8 months ago. It was the best decision I ever made for my physical, mental and financial health!
9/13/2023 - 207 days FREE today! Still have difficulty on vacations and holidays but sparkling water with juice and sobriety videos like these help. Blessings to all who have chosen this new way of living! ❤
One day at a time❤
Sober since 1987…every bad decision was a result of drinking…and so thankful to our recovering community and you!
Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.
Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.
Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Australia. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them
YES very sure of Dr.benfungi. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.
100% agree I used to have Psychosis and paranoid thoughts like "people thinking about me talking about me etc. Very odd behavior after getting off Adderall from 7-16. Antidepressants at 18-29. 31 now. I took way to much, but took about 20g of Gold caps (Psilocybin containing mushroom) I analyzed my entire life. The emotions that came out helped me understand behavior etc more. Wont ever need to do it again because I'm happy and contempt forever, but I wish more people did this to alter their perception of reality. Would help with healing much trauma
How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta
5 years sober as of yesterday! Truly, one of the best decisions I have ever made! My nightly wine habit was becoming problematic. It crept up on me so slowly I didn’t really notice until it had gotten to the point where I was drinking a bottle and a half of wine a night.
One night I hit a full bottle of wine. It was a wake-up. It did creep up.
I used The Sinclair Method and it changed my life from being a nightly bottle of wine drinker. Have no desire at all for it now.
I'm there now. I find I'm depending on it too much in order to to be social. You are inspiring for me.
😬
Yes! I’m also part of the “it crept up on me” club. Would still be having my evening wine except that I ended up at 2:00am a few months ago in the ER with afib and ventricular tachycardia. So don’t know cause of onset but certainly alcohol didn’t mix with the diagnosis or the healing. Plus my liver enzyme values were too high. So quit my wine drinking (that I thoroughly enjoyed) cold turkey. Hasn’t been quite as hard as I thought. Sometimes I have pomegranate juice with lemon sparkling water and twist of lime in the evening. Wish I could say I feel so much better but only difference is I do sleep more deeply. But had to listen to my body’s warning signals to take more care of it☺️. Best wishes!
Quit after thankggiving 2023, never felt better, it is like I became a teenager again. I am 62.
same here at age 76..i am not even tempted. health problems stopped me.
that's awesome, and probably the best benefit I've heard for stopping yet!
I am so happy for everyone here who has stopped drinking or is sober curious! I am rooting for y'all!!
Unfortunately it’s too late. I lost my partner to alcohol addiction a month ago. I do not wish this pain upon anyone and I do not wish the pain he went through upon anyone. Blessed to those who have quit. 🌹
I am so sorry for your loss ❤🌹
Quit alcohol last year and it was the best decision of my life - no more feeling horrible for weeks after
Binge drinking alcohol. 2 yrs of sobriety. Gave up cigarettes and drinking alcohol in 2022. Had to go away for detox and rehab. 30 days to finally get it right. Changed my circle as well.
Last time I drank was in 2020! I've never liked drinking, I was an infrequent drinker- but realized how negatively it impacted my health physically & mentally. I've never felt better. Also stopped smoking medical marijuana almost a year & a half ago & I feel so so much better. I don't drink caffeine anymore, I've cut out eating a lot of sweets (still enjoy them once in a while!) & am beginning to work out. I feel like living without stimulants is a really great thing & it's helped me to heal a lot- physically, mentally, spiritually. I've become a better mom, better friend & human in general since I got on this train!
Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment. I can tell your very positive person, if it's . Okay with you l'd love to be friends❤
Burpee Girl on YT is excellent.
Yes Jack it is weird. This isn't a dating site.
I thought I was witnessing a love match. That’s so cute!
Not only did I experience some amnesia, what made me put the bottle down was realizing alcohol was changing my reward system. When I was drinking, I no longer enjoyed the hobbies that I once did. They didn't feel good. Not even hanging out with friends unless there was alcohol. Once I put the drinking on halt, hobbies like playing guitar became appealing again. I now realize what they mean when they say alcohol will rob you of living. Everything felt dull unless I was drinking while doing it 🙁
Wow, I noticed the same too , but with me it's the piano. I am inspired to give it up again, thanks for sharing and reminding me. Jam on.
@@jeanbeans7926 you lost interest in playing piano while binge drinking or just drinking in general?
Mel, thank you! As a health coach who drank wine every weekend and decided to give it up completely to live my most authentic life and be the best coach, mother, friend, partner and grandmother, I am so happy that this topic is being talked about. It was hard when the weekend would come and I felt like I didn't have anything to kick back and relax to, until I started going deeper into what makes me happy, calm and relaxed. I found giving up alcohol is one of the best decisions of my life. I'm hoping more and more people will find themselves on an alcohol-free journey.
Thank you for sharing this. I need to go deeper into what makes me calm and relaxed.
Wow, your words speak right to my style of using alcohol. I find it hard to trust that I will feel better and not worse if I don't drink at all.
@@jeanbeans7926 give it a try and see how you feel. It doesn't have to be forever. I tell my clients to do an experiment. Use your body as your own beautiful science experiment. See how you feel, physically, mentally and emotionally.
@@taradaehn4569 Is there a type of music that calms you? Do you like to read, journal or meditate? How about a hot bath with essential oils? Relaxation is different for each of us. Find what speaks to you.
I'm currently at Day 79 of no alcohol! I never thought I would be here! It was no longer aligning with my health/elevation journey. I'm excited to check out this episode!
Thank you for this, Mel! Like you, I feel great when I don't drink and go really long stretches without alcohol, but once that door gets opened...habits happen. After listening to this and Andrew Huberman's podcast on alcohol, I think I'm done. It just doesn't do anything for me anymore and it wrecks my sleep.
Kristalhance5932 I am right there with you...let's see how long we can go without. I'm trying
Please listen to Allen carr’s “easy way to control alcohol” audiobook. It is simple and easy to quit and change your life.
stay strong 💪 🤘
I’ve quit for a year and a half and hands down my life and mental health has never been better. Even drinking just once or twice a week was affecting my mental state and causing me to have more anxiety.
My son died of alcohol; he had what was called a tonic/clonic seizure. He was found dead. The grief is so hard his mother and I haven't been the same.
omg
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your sharing is prompting me to talk to my kids. Again.
So sorry😢
Very sorry can’t imagine the pain you feel
I quit alcohol June 25th 2022 and have never looked back. It’s been the best decision I ever made🥰 I was already drinking less and less but decided it wasn’t worth it while raising two toddler boys and needing to be on my A GAME and the best version of myself for these two little boys. They won’t ever remember mom having a glass of wine in her hand and I want to model what I would want for them 💕🙏🏻🥰
Congratulations wish I would have did that my two daughters grew up seeing me drink 4 or six beers everyday been sober now for six months best decision ever wish I would’ve done it years ago god bless
This is why I'm quitting too! I'd love for my baby to grow up in a home without seeing me drinking!
I’m beyond grateful that I grew up in a family and environment that Alcohol consumption was a taboo. I never had a drop of alcohol in my life. I adore and have respect for every single cell of my precious body. ❤
that's amazing, I envy that in a way
That's lucky 💚
I recently saw a young person (30’s) in my clinic who was two years sober. He looked amazing!
Makes a huge difference in your looks .
I always thought alcohol was a way to enjoy life. Once I change my way of thinking, it was easy to quit.
That's a really good way to look at it... and a good point over all... we need to take on a new mindset and find other things in life as a reward mechanism.
Oh boy, at 68 this is really resonating.
I love this!!! Back in Aug of 2023... my goal for my 40th birthday (Dec.) Was to really be serious about my health and well-being. I completely cut alcohol since then. It's been 7 months and I feel soooooo amazing!!! I had my first drink when I was 14 years old. 😢. I started getting depressed, anxiety as I got older. Thank God I didn't become a full on alcoholic but I started seeing I was using work related stress and grabbing a drink to relieve the stress. With no alcohol, your brain makes you shift your thought process. Force you to address the stressor full on. I couldn't be more happier. Prayers to all those who are thinking of cutting alcohol. Their are so many health benefits . Weight loss, muscle gain and a sharper mind. ❤
Mel thank you! We are assaulted by the poison and its up to us to spread the truth. Its about helping the alcoholic and getting freed. I am 5 months free from alcohol! It's one day at a time, working out, healing and restoration. Leads to forgive and love ourselves and others.
Let’s be honest here. Alcohol IS a poison, period. I gave it up and now ALL the things I’ve been trying to attain for my health are coming to be. I would never tell someone drinking is a GOOD idea.
I loved drinking for many years but finally made the decision to completely quit last july. Like others have said, best decision ever!
Just celebrated my 3 year soberversary!! 🎉❤
Quit this year after 40 years of nightly wine, which could be 3 generous glasses. I never got drunk and only indulged after 5. I was disciplined. My 24 year old daughter confronted me as she observed me pouring another drink, and that woke me up! I want to be a mom that my daughter looks up to and can count on. Not to mention, I dont want my health to suffer from something I can prevent. I can make a good mocktail, even seltzer in a wine glass at happy hour works.
Dr. Wakeman is very nuanced, smooth, subtle in her approach to the subject of alcohol use & addiction.
I lived my life sober, divorce , layoff, covid, deaths in the family, newly single social life... I found everything revolved around alchohol. It was scary.. very little focus on non alchohol activities. Friend would only call when they wanted to party. I found myself changing and allowing all if these achohol focused people and activities in my life. It had such a negative effect on my life. It has become clear to me that I WANT to return to my original resolve. I have quit alchohol a few times. I am breaking up with it again. It doesn't serve my life, my brain, my waistline, my WHY for life, my goals, my hydration, my body, my face, my wrinkles, my judgement, my headaches, my relationships, my energy, my longevity, my self esteem, and most of all ME... SO I AM CHOOSING ME.... NOT ALCHOHOL
I gave up for dry Janary 5 years ago, and enjoyed the benifits so much, I kept going. A few months ago I was accidentally given a bottle of alcoholic beer as opposed to the alcohol-frei I ordered. Jesus, I felt drunk after 1/2 a bottle. I stopped, but the next day, was hungover, depressed and slept like shit!! After half a bottle! It really made me aware of how potent alcohol is.
Congratulations on quitting in 2019 Mel. Day 4 for me off alcohol and cannabis. Thank you for your authenticity, your show and the conversation with Dr. Sarah Wakeman.
I've been quit for 102 days and over the past week or so been seriously tempted to revert back to alcohol, but I have to thank Mel and Sarah, this has really helped to put me back on track.
I struggled with alcohol for a long time, the majority of my early twenties. The last 2 years I’ve remained alcohol free with the exception of 2 vacations, I choose to drink on vacation and that works for ME. Realizing that I’m not completely giving it up forever is kind of what helped me finally stop drinking every single day. I strongly agree with the thought process that it doesn’t have to be something you completely give up, and I also strongly agree with informing people that there is basically no benefit to drinking, at all!
Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment. I can tell your very positive person, if it's . Okay with you l'd love to be friends❤
I stopped drinking 5 years ago. The clarity, happiness and just being able to feel great everyday is immense. I would drink beers but one to many. It was like there was something in them that made me want more. I broke my wrist and couldn't drink and after few weeks I realized that I didn't need it anymore. I went cold turkey and stayed that way. Never messed with the just one couldn't hurt deal. Back running again and on top. Sarah is very good and love her approach. New to this show and subscribed. Good video.
The comments section is phenomenal! So amazed at the recovery and strength in here.
I absolutely love this episode !! ❤ I stopped drinking April 20, 2023 and have never been happier with a decision!! I was never a huge drinker, and would go weeks to months in between. But when I did drink, I would either have just two, or end up blacked out! Sleep was always horrible, the hangovers were brutal and took so many days to get back to normal. I come from a family of alcoholics and was always very aware and in check. But as I approach 50, it’s just no longer appealing to me at all!!
Well done you, I know how that is: there are alcoholics in my family. Stay strong. ❤️❤️❤️
Stopped drinking completely in 1987 as a college sophomore. Best decision ever! Never liked it anyway, the taste or how it made me feel. Great video!
Fabulous content! Should be shown in every high school, college, nursing program and medical school. TY!
I quit drinking any kind of alcohol 13 months ago. I am so happy about that . Thank you for this program which has HUGE load of information and I hope that many people will stop using alcohol to improve their health style. Thank you 🙏.
I stopped drinking alcohol 5 years ago-no issues, just chose to stop alcohol and meat. I do however have a good friend who drinks daily- heavily (IMO) on the weekends, and he’s an intelligent, highly functioning engineer and athlete. It amazes me to see alcohol NOT phase him, his weight or health (he’s 51). He’s from Ireland 🍀
Until it does…
Lol, good for him enjoying life on his terms! Had a cousin born blind and 6:40 deaf... We have a minute on this planet, everybody gets a turn
It will catch up to him
faze
My grandpa died of liver cirrhosis from hard alcohol, my dad developed dementia from beer before he died and after losing many loved ones, I find myself leaning more and more on alcohol to cope. This was truly an eye opener for me and I thank you for this discussion.
I quit in 2022, one of the best decisions I ever made.
I'm not tech savvy and I don't know how I was able to see KZhead on my computer but there was a good reason your channel/episode appeared. This one episode absolutely changed my relationship with alcohol. Thank you so very much for the eye opening information!
I stopped drinking alcohol nearly 20 years ago. I was on antidepressants and stopped them too. Alcohol depressed me more. I don’t miss alcohol, and don’t think there is any benefit to drinking. No net benefit to drinking.
I went sober for 10 amd a half weeks then i had 6 beers on a. Night out at a friends birthday party..I managed to stop at 6 and we all wemt for an Idian meal, i was home to bed at modnight..I woke up at 3AM dehydrated , my heart fluttering and i felt awful....Back in the sobrierty wagon now , one week in..I spent 35 years plus drinking most weekends , plus holidays, vacations etc...Im glad i felt like that tbh it reminded me why ive finally quit...
WOW! Such great info with no judgement ❤️. My mom was an alcoholic, crossed addicted and took her own life at age 43. We have family and friends that are truly abusing alcohol. One is one of my sons. I’m not communicating with him at this time to just cope with how he is treating me. I need to find a way to get him this content. I’m not a big drinker. I haven’t drank for over 60 days and find I’m feeling so much better. This was so informative and I will watch it again. Thank You so much for sharing. I ❤️ watching you Mel. Thanks for keeping it all real.
I work as a CNA on the neurology floor in a large hospital. It seems at least half of our patients with serious or life-ending illnesses have an alcohol issue that’s damaged their kidneys, livers, and brains.
Wait really? Can you talk more about it by the way? I’m a little bit curious!
I believe it
@@learningvideosbynikhil8308 I will gather my thoughts into an organized blip and get back to you soon :)
Thanks for this...also a CNA
This is a comment I needed to read! Thank you!
Thank you so much Mel and what an amazing Doctor. I have been binge drinking since I have been 16. I am now nearly 60. This is just what I needed to hear. So many goals and life to live. Iam going to take every bit of advise the Doctor recommended. I do not every want to drink again, so day one for me. Thank you so much. I also burst out crying when you said at the end that you love and care about me, so I'm pretty fucked up I guess. So thank you, so very much. I will watch this video many times. Love you too, Robbie, Australia xx❤
Excellent show Mel! I’m a Counselor who works with clients who are challenging alcohol use/dependence or perhaps questioning its use. This is a fantastic resource I can share with them. I’ve been listening to you off and on for years and always live your shows!
Hi Mel, love all your podcasts and share them with my tribe all the time. Was disappointed when you asked the question about getting help for the family that Sarah did not say go to Al-Anon, Alateen and AA. These proven 12-step programs have helped millions of people, and they are free. She addressed the scientific and physical truths of alcohol wonderfully, but she did not address the emotional and spiritual components that cause people to drink in the first place. I believe you need a part two on this one. Yes, treatment centers work to detox the physical part of the body, but the root cause of alcohol abuse is more than physical. It's emotional and spiritual. Support is needed for people to live their best life free of alcohol and its effects. Removing the alcohol from the body and not addressing the emotional and spiritual damage left behind means the person is left sober, but not healthy, happy, or whole. And the family has been greatly affected and needs help too. Just because one person is sober what about the rest of the loved ones? Where do they get help? Al-Anon and Alateen is for the families to heal. Abstinence is not healing. It's one small part and the entire family has been affected. A treatment center is only the beginning not the complete answer. Would be wonderful if Sarah would go to meetings and hear the pain children and spouse are trying to heal from even after a parent got sober in her hospital. She seemed very compassionate, kind, and an unconditionally loving person. Which is why she really needs to learn about AA, Al-Anon and Alateen for the families of those she treats. There is so much more than just removing alcohol from the physical body. Thanks for reading and considering a part two.
A well considered and constructive piece, which raised questions for me. I abandoned alcohol some 11 months ago after almost a lifetime of drinking from the age of 14 to 72. I stopped because my youngest daughter, a capable and competent professional woman of 32 with whom I was staying at the time, asked me about my swollen ankles. I explained that this was an aspect of heart disease. My daughter spontaneously burst into tears and said, “I don’t want you to die”. I crossly retorted that I have no control over the time or place of my death. On later reflection I later realised that this was not entirely true. I’d given up going to the doctor and hospital and had quietly made a pact with myself to quietly depart this life whilst embracing the fact that continuing to drink would probably kill me sooner rather than later. My daughter’s tears made me realise that this selfish policy would cause pain for a number of people (I have a wife, 5 children and 8 grandchildren). This realisation made me resume my medical appointments and stop drinking alcohol. My first appointment with the heart hospital (for an MRI) revealed that I had a growth on my adrenal gland, which was removed last November. My diabetic medication has been reduced and luckily I didn’t need any hormone replacement therapy since my remaining adrenal gland kicked in and compensated for the removed one. Many would say I’m a fortunate man whose sense of proportion has been restored and they would be right. It sometimes takes an approaching catastrophe to make one realise what is important. I still have heart disease and diabetes but the scales of selfishness that had blinded me for so long have fallen. I better understand what I have and I’m better able to look after it, though I still have to die one day. I admire everyone that tries to alert their fellow humans to the dreadful dangers of alcohol, and give them help with changing their mindset towards it. It is hard work getting out of the alcohol habit, but try to remember it won’t make you richer, more attractive, or resolve your social difficulties; they’ll be there in the morning. It doesn’t give you membership of the Diplomatic Core or give you more than a very temporary sense of well being. It can make you obnoxious and insufferable and make you ill sometimes for days at a time. If you need fair weather friends and like apologising for words and actions you only half remember please take no notice of what I’ve written. Good luck to everyone trying to stop alcohol: it’s difficult but so worthwhile.
While AA and Al-Anon have helped many people, they are patriarchal programs that do not resonate with nor offer help to everyone who struggles with alcohol use disorder.
I drank from my teens well into my late twenties. I was at work one day and felt like i needed a little hair of the dog at lunchtime.. it's something i would do occasionally when the hangovers were extreme. I ordered a mixed drink along with my lunch and realized i hadnt had a drink in 3 days....that hit me hard...realizing i was in detox from NOT drinking. So i quit cold turkey that very day but my problems were only beginning. I really needed professional help but i was too ashamed to reach out for it and plus I thought i had it until control which i sadly did not. No drinking at all for 6 long months. A lot of pacing the floors, anxiety, depression, etc. Long story even longer, I fell off the wagon on my bday after not drinking alcohol for half a year and drank enough tequila that night to send the bartender home early (of course he was drinking shot for shot right along with me). My friends brought me home where i didnt sleep for a week and was in a daze.... Still working every day but my behavior became more and more bizarre. I ended up under a 72 hr watch at the state mental facility which turned into a month long stay. My reason for sharing this is to help someone else. If my story reaches one person and helps them i would be over the moon. I was 28 years old freshly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and felt like my life was over. Healing was a long process and in some ways im still healing. I am 55 years old and um fortunate to still be alive. If you feel like you have a drinking problem then please talk to someone, please have the courage i didnt have back then. It didnt have to be that hard on me, so please for yourself and for the sake of your loved ones, get professional help. In short alcohol is poisoning your body, your spirit and your mind. Sending love and encouragement because I know first hand you can beat drinking.
Fascinating video, Let's stop taking relationship and family for granted. I have battled depression since my wife left me. I have tried all I can to make her see that I love her with everything I am made of but she has insisted on leaving. This has made me so empty, and I do not know what to do. I can barely function properly at work. I am frustrated and miserable. I really miss her.
Your pain resonates with me. Letting go of someone dear to your heart is an immense challenge. I found myself in a comparable situation when my 12-year-long relationship ended, and I struggled to accept it. Despite my efforts to reconcile, I eventually turned to a spiritual counsellor for guidance, which eventually led to a reunion. I'm now filled with joy
I'm keen on meeting the counsellor you're talking about. What steps should I take?
Online, you'll find shelly renee white, revered for her expertise as a spiritual counsellor. She has the ability to reunite couples and promote holistic well-being
Thank you for this information. I have just looked her up on Google. impressive.
Aww sorry.
My last drink was September 30th 2017. Always been a bigger and bigger drinker and it’s helped me get over a few really bad times. It helped me cope and get through without jumping off a bridge I tell ya. I come from a family that drinks. Mid 50’s now and I just had a wake up call. Was totally wasted that last night and knew that I had to stop, and I did. This is such a terrific podcast and I only say my past to explain that this is coming from someone that’s been there. I so appreciate the way the approach to drinkers has changed to one of wanting to help rather than attacking them. Seriously so a wonderful helpful podcast. Thank you 🙏.
Every bit of this happened to my little sister, especially the brain damage. She died at the age of 49. 💔😢
I’m so sorry, may she rest in peace. I hope you’re ok and taking care of yourself. I just lost my brother, age 37
Sorry for your loss. Stay strong. ❤️❤️❤️
Mine is on the way there and is very demonstrative about her drinking.
Lost my best friend after 30 yrs. He was an intelligent Engineer who lost jobs finally drove a cab until Covid and the disease won. In a nursing home with Alcohol Dementia. I hate alcohol.
So sorry😢
I love this Dr’s compassion for humanity. Beautiful person.
I personally don’t care for it nor do I care to be around people who drink more than they can handle or get drunk. I am absolutely against drunk drivers, become one after a drunk driver killed 3 of my cousin and paralyzed the 4th one all in one accident. I was a bartender for 10 years and my customers fought me when I refused to serve them. The addiction is horrible, it can destroy families and lives yet it is legal and socially acceptable.
I’ve chosen to create healthy habits, exercising more and taking care of my brain too … I’ve just started a 30 day challenge. Listening to this; and reading the below comments, I’m in it for the long run. 1 day at a time. ❤ I pray for anyone who is struggling with this, and any form of addiction ❤
Now 5 months of abstaining. I feel so in charge of my world these days. Working is easier, no down days. More in control of my weight. I weigh lass than I have in decades. Yahoo. Lots of benefits and Imam reluctant to break my 5 month record to even have a glass of wine when out with friends. My relationships have changed, cuz I don’t like being around drunk people. lol. I used to be one of them. I live in a big drinking community. So now I am doing my hobby painting and art. Yes happy I proved I could totally abstain. Loving all health benefits.
Gossip is the worst around drunk or drugging people.
I’m 19 years sober and I have never looked back. Getting sober was the key to loving and respecting myself. Don’t worry about the friends you may lose when you quit drinking, if they don’t support your sobriety you don’t need them. You will find your tribe. 🥰
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This was fantastic and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And whenever you say, I love you and I believe in you at the end, I start to cry. So thank you for that.❤
I love her professionalism and delivery. Content A+
I am here because of s bad experience with a family member who is an alcoholic. I am no longer want to have anything to do with him, he is provoking, ugly and insulting. He will not stop drinking, he drinks and gets drunk everyday. His behaviors is shocking. The first step to recovery to admit that you have a problem. Congratulations to all who could stop and got back the full control over your life. I am a lucky person. I don't drink nor smoke, my parents didn't do it either. I thank God everyday that i never had these addictions.
Thank you Mel for this video, literally perfect timing for me to hear the information for myself and a loved one!!!! Thank you for saving lives 🙏🥰
The most eloquent and informative professional I have heard to help shed light on a dangerous substance. Anyone should also be made aware about the use of antidepressants and alcohol. Antidepressants magnify the effects of alcohol use. It may be the trigger that tips one over ( no pun) the line into alcohol use disorder. This doctor has an amazing, powerful, and effective speaker that is ideal for the patient as well as for family/friends! Mel, you found a gem of an interviewee! Fabulous as always Mel!! Mel from Mel❤
Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment. I can tell your very positive person, if it's . Okay with you l'd love to be friends❤
Quit nov 2020. No regrets. So thankful. Best advice I have for people is don’t wait to chill out with drinking for something in your health to hit the fan. If you have the knowledge you can use it before your body breaks down. Proactive vs. reactive is best.
Quit drinking alcohol in 2018. Lost 25lbs over 2 years without doing any diets, no more pain in my joints, insomnia is completely gone, my skin glows, my brain fog is gone….I can keep going - the list of benefits is long.
I stopped drinking cause it was a trigger fire migraines and I can’t tell you HOW much it has clarified dating…like men who find out you don’t drink and are immediately uninterested are either current alcoholics, drink more than they should, want to take advantage of you, or are not interested in building a healthy relationship while sober and only want a party partner
💯
Thank you My friend Mel Robbins❤ Brilliant conversation Dr.Wakeman❤
Thank you Mel. You hit the target again!!!😊 I just turned 65. And just knowing about this is very rewarding to know.
Wow so informative!!! I’m not a drinker and never have been. I have NEVER seen any benefit or positive effects from consuming it on high or low levels❤we play with fire we get burned sadly. I’ve witnessed and been caretaker first hand to my precious brother and Dad who drank heavily until their 40s then quit but sadly the damage was done. I lost my Dad on 9/29/19 to a valiantly fought stomach cancer, and my precious brother 9/30/19 to also valiantly fought liver cancer. 😇😇 As a marriage family counselor the wake of needless destruction and loss that happens when alcohol is prevalent in family life. So I implore you to live your life alcohol free, treasure your life, loved ones , your mind, body and spirit!!! I’ll be saying prayers this podcast is an ALL IN decision and wake up call to truly live alcohol free!!! You got this ❤💪👏🙌🙏🦋
This was amazing timing! ❤❤❤ Thank you for this. I needed it. I am a boomer who works around a lot of younger people and for some reason, I thought it made me appear like a "cool and hip" person to comment when it was a particularly bad day, "Im definitely having a bourbon tonight!" which always caused my co-workers to giggle. What a mindset change now!
YES! ughghgh
Please listen to Allen carr’s “easy way to control alcohol” audiobook. It is simple and easy to quit and change your life.
Alcohol is not all the same molecule. The type of alcohol in wine, beer, and liquor is called ethanol. The type of alcohol used in rubbing alcohol and household cleaners is called isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is more intoxicating and a lot more dangerous to the body than ethanol is. I think Dr. Sarah Wakeman said they were the same, because she wants to help scare people off drinking alcoholic beverages. But it is concerning, in this political climate, for me to hear a representative of the medical community saying something untrue about substances and the human body, in a podcast with a large listenership. Public distrust in medical professionals is already a serious and deadly social issue.
I did some research and you are right. Is crazy that this doctor is saying that they are the same.
Totally agree, people might consider drinking the isopropyl alcohol in hand sanitiser for example because it's cheaper and a medical professional said it's the same.
This undermines every word she says. Cannot get something this basic wrong.
Playing to the ignorance in a society to create a deterrent to a substance does not work. See "Say No To Drugs." Sure, she's making valid points on the negative effects of alcohol on the mind and body... but, I lost all reliance on her level of acuity as a researcher. However, her vernacular coincides more to the mindset of how to inform an addict than it does to expressing scientific knowledge.
I can't believe the "expert" was so mistaken on a basic point like this. I mean, I do believe it, but it's so bizarre. A seventh grader would probably have known this if they were going to do a presentation on alcohol.
I love that you are learning this at the same time as we are. I always appreciate the information you share with us.
What a great guest! Intelligent, clear, concise, and well-spoken. Thank you both!
Nothing can motivate a person to stop drinking, if they don't themselves think that they have a problem.
Thank you Mel Robbins this could not have come along at a better time.
You are a fantastic speaker, Dr. Wakeman! Your humbleness and genuine kindness sharing such a difficult topic. Thank you!
wow, I love how caring and sincere Dr. Wakeman is! This was a great episode, Mel, Thanks!
This is an important conversation… but I think it is important to stress that for many people moderation is not an option. If you can’t consistently control how much you drink or what happens when you drink, then you likely have a problem and will need help. For me 12 step work was the magic potion I needed. Changed my life 100% for the better. I wish I had taken the leap sooner.
Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment. I can tell your very positive person, if it's . Okay with you l'd love to be friends❤
Please listen to Allen carr’s “easy way to control alcohol” audiobook. It is simple and easy to quit and change your life.
Moderation is a myth for most people.
I forgot to mention that I'm swimming and walking and eating healthy. That's really important. Hopefully these severely compressed nerve roots will calm down. Please pray for me 🙏💕
It's like smoking, we all know it's not good for us yet we continue with the behaviour. We're such a complicated organism. Thank for this very comprehensive interview, thoughtful questions and applicable solutions. My first step is to cut down on my consumption with the end goal to quite entirely. You've helped me see the path and the consequences of not taking this seriously. Love you Mel, you're an amazing person who puts herself out there.
Steady as she goes,, For so many in all age groups the last few years has been a horrible stress inducing experience compounding all manner of health issues and accelerating the damage. Thank you for these messages and the effort it took to bring them to the public.