7 helpful tips on getting sober | how I stopped drinking alcohol
Thank you so much for watching ✨ I hope these sobriety tips are helpful in getting started and succeeding on your sobriety/sober curious journey! I know it's hard, but quitting alcohol is so worth it. Questions? Leave them in the comments!
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Some resources mentioned in the video:
❃ Find an AA meeting near you: www.aa.org/
❃ Reframe counter/support meetings: www.reframeapp.com/
❃ 'The Alcohol Experiment' (free 30-day challenge): learn.thisnakedmind.com/the-a...
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Timestamps:
00:00 intro
01:20 1. start before you're ready
03:36 2. forget about forever
05:24 3. fill the void
06:42 4. replace booze with alternatives
10:03 5. embrace being a hermit
11:54 bonus tip 🤍
tags: how do I quit drinking,how to get sober,how to quit drinking, 1 year sober,sober transformation,sobriety,sobriety tips,alcohol free,quit drinking,young and sober,why I stopped drinking,am I an alcoholic,do I have a drinking problem,binge drinking,grey area drinking,sober journey,non-alcoholic drinks,why I quit drinking,quit drinking,sober,sober life,sobriety stories,sober girl,sober 20s,sober and happy,love,sober curious, sobriety journey
✨UPDATE: Thank you for all the lovely comments! I'm working on a new Q&A video! Have a sobriety question? Ask anything 👇
I went out for the first time last night. Ordered non alcoholic beer of a NA menu at my local place. The bartender goes "oh the good menu!". Apparently he's been sober for two years+. It's nice to know I have another sober friend at my favorite local place!
I love it when that happens!!
I’m 6 months in, found NA beers to be a big help, though the further I go in this journey, the less I have the desire to have one, but occasionally it’s nice to know they’re available. That and they’re pretty good!!
I find that I drink the NA beers less often and slower. Some of them are really great though. It’s good to know that I can still have one on a hot summer day.
It feels amazing to have sober employees & friends at pubs. I love that part of recovery.
Bartender sees first hand the pure detriment to society
I'm 8 months sober and loving it. I ask God to take my hand, 1 sober day at a time. Every day I'm in the now, not worried about next week but can I get through just today. This has gotten me to my 8th month of sobriety. This is a true miracle from a man who always had a beer in his hand!
Very inspiring. I long to follow your example.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🫡
@@Hot2Trotskyyou can do it! If you can force yourself to make it to 2 weeks, you’ve gotten through the worst part
@@rja9784 28 days today and going strong!
I watched your video just as I started to quit. I am encouraged to stop drinking. I’ve been 7 days sober. The last time I went 7 days without alcohol was 6 years ago. I know is shocking for sober people but for alcoholics like me it’s a fucking milestone. And after watching your video I know I wanna quit for good. Thanks for sharing.
7 days is a huge victory! You can do this - one day at a time to a happier life without alcohol. I believe in you!
Keep going, amigo! You can do it!
Well done. You got this! 💪🏼❤
Coming from someone that can't seem to put together a few days, 7 days is huge! Keep going!
Stay strong, your head will get clearer, your body will come alive. Sleep will be more refreshing. The fog will lift 👍😊
I asked god to save me, and I feel it now, two weeks sobre ia great..feeling great..
7 days ago I dumped $100 worth of whiskey down the sink. I was done. Haven't had a drop since. 2 nights ago I started sleeping. The best sleep in years!!! I feel great. I am not looking back. The first 3 days I took a robax back pain and muscle relaxer. That helped GREATLY with the cravings and anxiety. ❤ Now I don't need anything. 🥰 I had been drinking heavy for the last 5 years.
Good for you making the move to be finally done with alcohol!
@@elizabethkindrew Feeling better day by day!! 🥰
Good sleeps and waking up fresh are a game-changer! Enjoy!
Love this! I'm 58 and on Day 104. Been on the roller coaster of sober stints and going back to it for years. I started my last sober stint on 9/1/23, and I'm still going! The things that have made all the difference for me this time are: play the tape forward - how are you going to feel in an hour, 3 hours, tomorrow? Once I do that in my mind, it's never worth it. I've stopped romanticizing alcohol. It only ever takes, it never does what it promises!! I also LOVE the NA alternatives, mocktails, kombucha, etc. I've now romanticized them!! Congrats to you for realizing at such a young age the dangers & lies of alcohol!! Best to you!
You keep relapsing because of the Alcohol Deprivation Effect. Abstinence does nothing to treat cravings, which are the primary cause of relapse. Research The Sinclair Method for a permanent reversal of the addiction, at neurological level in the brain.
The first year is the hardest. Going through all the birthdays, holidays, celebrations, seasons. I will also be sober two years in February and this second year has been sooo much easier. I feel so good, sleep better, look better, have more energy throughout the day and in the gym. Good luck to ever going through this journey.
I totally agree!!
Two minutes in and I am already resonating :) The 'putting it off until' ... ... ... I have been stuck here for years!
I can't tell you how much these videos help me. I am 42 days sober and it feels really isolating. It's so nice to hear these stories and to know I'm not alone
There is a whole world of recovery waiting for you, 24 hours a day, everyday! At this very moment, there are people around the world sharing their stories of sobriety. Find a "Zoom" AA meeting! You don't have to say you're an alcoholic, show your face, or even use your real name. Eventually you will become one of the people helping others. The only one keeping you isolated is YOU!
Videos like this were a huge help to me in early sobriety as well! Keep up the good work - I'm happy to have been any encouragement!
So proud of you!
Feeling isolated? Remember you’ll have fewer but BETTER, CLOSER friends. 👍😉
Check out This Naked Mind for support.
Thank you. Found this extremely helpful. Today I’m 37 days sober- so the timing of finding your channel couldn’t have been more perfect for me 🙏🏾
37 days is incredible!! Keep it up!
30 days here! 👋
Well done to u.👏👏👏
@@elizabethkindrewLiked your video am in the early stage this is the hardest I believe. I tried before and failed but I will tak😂 it one day at a time as many people have said. 🙏💪
Sober for twenty nine years for me! Best decision ever. I have achieved all the goals I had set myself, had wonderful experiences and so grateful I made that commitment to sobriety. One day at a time.
What an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing
Congrats to 29!!! That is amazing.
I'm only on day 4 and just had a pretty strong craving to say F it start again tomorrow. Your video knocked some sense into me thank you. I have to stop this internal dialog that keeps saying "Relax there's always tomorrow" or some variation of that.
These are the hardest days!! And that voice can be so convincing... Take it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time if you have to. Every time you get through a craving and make it another day, that voice will get quieter. You got this!
I’m on day 2 and the thoughts are the hardest but I’m reminding myself I got this
One day at a time, one hour at a time - one minute at a time if you have to! You can do hard things ❤
@@elizabethkindrew thank you so much! Tea has been my saving grace. I’m already starting to feel better
I’m just over a month and I feel so much better!! Day by day but have a good feeling I’m not turning back. My eyes look brighter and my skin looks healthier.
14 days in for me. Congratulations on your success. You are very pretty.
Straight to the point tips. Thank you. I am 2 years sober now. I like to connect with other sober folks on youtube. We are growing in numbers. I love it.
I am about 1 month in. I wouldn't say I was an alcoholic, but I felt the trend to be going in that direction. It never negatively effected my life... I have 9 amazing kids and my husband and I would enjoy drinks now and then, but now and then became more and more frequent. Alcohol greatly effects my sleep, gives me anxiety, and then the next day I'm miserable. Even with little alcohol. I think my guardian angel has helped me. It has been hard, but also not hard. I have struggled to know where I'm going with this. Would I eventually have a drink now and then? Or am I done? Well in Thanksgiving my husband and I had an OF and a another small drink. I did this to try to figure out if I could onoy have drinks on special occasions. Well, the night was HORRIBLE. I was in full blown anxiety and could not relax. That's solidified it. I'm done. I don't count those drinks as back tracking. I needed to do that to know for sure. With all that said, I have moments where I'm sad and feel like fun is gone. But those pass and I'm good. Some of the feelings that come with it are hard. However, I have greatly dove into learning about alcohol and how horrible it is for one's body. That has helped me to be done too. I pray my kids can just never take that first drink. I am terrified foe them. Alcohol is everything in this world it seems. Thanks for your tips! The sleep, mental health improvements, energy levels, and absence of guilt and shame are heavenly.
Thank you for sharing your story! I am sure only brighter days (and better sleep!!) await you. As for your children, sharing your story and recovery will be the best thing you can do for them to set them up for success!
At exactly 2 months sober I started thinking about it again for some reason. Have to remind myself all the negative effects .
Those thoughts always come up every once in a while! With time they get quieter for sure. You got this!
Battling with it now, I cut down and only buy a 6 pack instead of a 12 pack, that when I hit number 6 I'm done.
Find some videos that show people before and after amazing what happens to your body without the alcohol
If you have time research Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman....He breaks down why alcohol is poisoning our neural circuits. It's easier for me to choose an alternative drink to alcohol once I realize what I was doing to my body. Our body is a gift and just like if you put the wrong gasoline in your engine, car's not going to get far.
In general, there is far too much emphasis on "not drinking", instead of "sobriety". Some might say I'm splitting hairs. Not true! For the vast majority of daily, maintenance, and chronic drinkers, the focus must be on addressing the root problem...SELF. Alcohol "causes" a lot of problems, but "SELF" is the reason why people get caught in the endless cycle of relapse. Unless we become willing to examine our fears, resentments, and day to day behavior, sobriety if any, will be precarious at best. I tried to "quit drinking" so many times I lost count. Then one day, I realized that the guy in the mirror was the cause of my troubles...and he HAD TO GO! No more excuses, no more reasons, no more "tomorrows", no more "I'm sorry's", no if's, ands, or buts! Pack your shyt, and get the phuck out! That is literally what happened to me. From that moment forward, my focus became how I was moving my feet. "Suit up, show up, and shut up" became the catalyst for continuous sobriety, and a life of abundance. I sincerely wish all of you the best!...Mark 5/8/1994
You made a huge impact in my life. I want to thank you for me making my decision. I just lost my mom and she stopped drinking about 20 or so years ago and she drank for like 40+ years. So thank you for talking about it and helping people. You are an inspiration, and I want you to know that. You are helping people be the best selves that they can be.
So sorry about the loss of your mom.
Good catch on the mantra thingy. Mine is "I want to play and look great as I did in my early twenties being sober most of the time" (sounds weird, eh?). And also I would add "I want to be capable of learning new stuff".
Good work! Your suggestions are so solid. Alcohol has always been a huge struggle for me. I was totally sober between ages 24 and 28, and then again through the majority of the last decade. However, for me this has not been a linear path. I want everyone to know that one slipup won't ruin your sober path. I have had many, but the vast majority of my life now has been siber. Indeed,, the last 15 months have been clean, aside from 1 day on a bike ride when I stopped at a brewery. 423 days minus one is how I see it. You radiate beauty in your sobriety, as all sober people do. Keep on keeping on!
Im struggling. I feel so alone. I live alone. Work alone. Im going downhill again and i think im too prideful to actually admit im not doing well to people i know. I do well until friday night when im home all alone, then i just give in and start over again on Monday. I cant keep this up, i KNOW something bad will happen, it always has. Youre inspirational, im proud of you.
And you know what - I am proud of YOU because even this comment is you sharing that you're struggling, and that takes a lot of bravery. If the weekends are too much to get through, try finding a Friday evening meeting near you this week and get out there. Even if you don't share anything, I promise taking that first step into a room with others who have walked this path will help give you courage. You can do hard things and I believe in you. x
Thank you! I took notes on your tips. I'm 48 days clean and these help me stay away from booze
Keep it up!!
Wow, this video came out on my sober day…
Love this!!
The forever part is what does my head in!
I hear you! I take comfort in reminding myself that I have no idea of what 'forever' really looks like for me (for anything, not just sobriety) - so I'll just focus on what I can do today 🤍
This is a perfect summary of everything that helped me in my first year! I’m almost one year into alcohol-free life and I am so happy I decided that my one month off would just continue indefinitely. Life feels so much more manageable and my sense of inner confidence is much more permanent now. As someone who’s gone through a lot of self esteem / social anxiety issues, I can say without hesitation that I couldn’t have made such progress addressing things had I not stopped drinking.
AMAZING! I'm so happy for you, what an inspiring story of your sobriety ❤
I have been 8 months sober and the "forget about forever" tip is the first thing I tell people who approach me wanting to talk about sobriety. Another one that I have noticed is realizing that drinking just isn't worth it - everytime I think 'oh I could just have a little glass of wine with my girlies tonight' I immediately think 'I could also just have a bit of sparkling water and that would make me feel phisically and mentally way better so lol'
THISSS! I have more fun with my NA drinkies AND I'll get to enjoy a hangover-free day tomorrow. It's a win-win-win!
Great video, thank you! I once achieved 11 mos. of sobriety and then went off track when I had an emotionally bad relationship get to me. I'm once again making the choice to NOT drink, and the best part in these very early days is sleeping better, dreaming again, REMEMBERING the entire previous night, and NOT waking up with that agonizing feeling of regret and failure on TOP of a miserable hangover! It's coming up on a year since my mother died, and yes, she was 87, but she was literally suffering with dementia that went on for almost a decade! My enabling father (also a drinker) told everybody she had Alzheimer's, which was a flat out lie. She NEVER would have lasted 10 years with Alzheimer's and maintained her ability to walk, which she did. It was a fall and broken ribs that led to morphine and death within two weeks. He's drinking still. I'm certain that she was suffering from alcohol induced brain damage from a lifetime of "social" drinking, fist to fist with him. I am TERRIFIED of putting my three children through that. ALL of my older siblings drink, and frankly I have to just focus on myself and getting healthy again so I can keep my BRAIN functioning. NONE of my three adult children drink, and they were SO proud of me when I stopped, so I feel like I failed them and screw that. I want their respect again and mostly, I want my self-respect back. Yes, This Naked Mind is on my nightstand and I'm reading it AGAIN! BLESS YOU AND EVERYONE TRYING. WE CAN DO THIS! HAPPY DECEMBER!💓💓💓💓💓
That's one of my biggest fears, the brain damage I'm causing. I have zero support from my spouse, it is so hard.
Thank you so so much! Please keep sharing! I'm trying to stay sober, I'm about to hit the one month marked and I'm so scared to be sober during Christmas dinner !! Watching this videos help not feel alone and that I'm nor wired for wanting to quit drinking! Thankyou so much ! You inspired and helped me so so much!
Comments like this make me want to keep sharing, so thank YOU! I have a holiday sobriety tip video to upload this evening! Check back for it or subscribe so you get notified when it's up 🫶
New Years Eve always hard for me ;/
I am a recovering addict alcoholic with ten years clean. Now I’m also a working Professional in addiction. I Couldn’t have made a better video .Great insights! Keep going!!!!!! Ps. If you’re thinking about a career in recovery. You will do great!
Thank you so much!! That means a great deal to me ❤
I found that keeping a daily journal helped me remain aware of the changes in me that were good. I had pains in my back and abdomen when I started, I also wasn't able to concentrate as I used to. My journal let's me take a daily checkup of what pains I feel and how my thinking is improving. It also helped keep me on-track not drinking because I looked forward to documenting the improvements I'd notice on each tomorrow...
Here’s to being two days sober wish me luck guys, doing this for myself and all the people I love around me, my addiction got the best of me and eventually caused me and my boyfriend to break up about a week ago, here’s to sobriety and mending bonds.
I am nearly a week into quitting. I haven’t ’not drank’ for more than a week for years. At least 2 nights a week, a bottle of red each time (easy). Habit. ‘Reward’ and all that. I feel great already not drinking alcohol. I’ve got this and you’ve got this. Really looking forward to the health and financial benefits.
@@melaniesheppard778 so proud of your sobriety!!! And yes we got this🫶🏽
Realizing that alcohol isn't a positive part of your life is a HUGE first step! Now just take it a day at a time. You SO got this and I can't wait for you to grow into someone you can really be proud of 🫶
One day at a time,and stick to it,dont consume alc.if you want to stay sober,easy as water instead of ..... i ve bern sober35 yrs and liken it alot
Thanks for sharing, I've been sober for almost a year now and I agree with you on every word! ❤
That's amazing!!! So happy for oyu
Thanks for sharing! ❤
So appreciate this!
Great job I'm a 64 yo male quit 6 years ago and Am still watching these videos lol keep it up
Rock on! I love to see it haha
20 days in and that's a big change in itself , so determined to push on , and as you said so well, ONE Day at a time. 🙏Subbed from Scotland . Much love
Loved your video! Thank you!🙏🏽❤️
Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you you have nailed it
Thanks for doing this. Very helpful
Thank you for sharing your stories. 🙏🏻
Amazing, you hit it on the nail!
This is amazing, this Vicks is gold!
Well done,you have shared so well!
Thank you so much for this video.
This was Beautiful ❤️
Thank you. I really needed to hear these tips, you are a ⭐️
What a beautiful video! Great job being real. You definitely made my day! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Great information and video!
Thank you for this video. So very helpful!
So glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the tips!
Thank you for being here!
Many thanks-you’re inspiring!!
Thanks for watching!
Thank You!
Great video! Props to you for giving such an authentic account of your journey and helping/encouraging others!
Thanks so much for this. Love from the UK.
Thank you for this content
I have honestly been practicing quitting, taking a break, etc for FOREVER… at least 5-6 years this video makes so much sense, celebrating your small victories and not thinking about “NEVER” again is eye opening, start with 30 days and then carry on , FOREVER IS JUST sooooo daunting, thank you for shedding light on this approach, congratulations 🎉 your so young when you figured this out! AMEN. I’m 58 and going to embark on this journey today, bless you 💕
Thank you for the kind comment!! Forever is so abstract, but making a decision right now for today is much more real. I think taking it one day at a time is a game-changer!
Thank you for sharing!! So many good tips and suggestions! You ARE helping people with these videos so keep them coming! 🙂
That means so much to me thank you ❤️
I’m so glad you did post this because I found it one of the best I’ve ever watched, honestly. Thank you!!!
I'm so glad!!
Thank you for creating this! I definitely found that the "just for today" approach is so key and applicable to any addiction or toxic habit. The two extended periods of sobriety that I had I also couldn't tell you what or when my last drink was and I look forward to it again.
Thank you! ♡
Great tips, thanks for sharing what has been helpful for you. Congratulations on your success in sobriety. Merry Christmas!
❤❤❤ loved this video! So much of it resonated me, and it’s early for me, so I’m so grateful for the inspiration!!!!!
Thank you!
I can totally relate with never really feeling proud of yourself. Thank you so much for sharing your story ❤️
It's a tough one! It's crazy how much things can change when you start showing up for yourself 😊
Thank you so much for sharing your story. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I have been trying to listen, read, or watch information about alcohol cessation daily. You had a lot of good suggestions. I wish you the best!
You are awesome! Thank you so much for this information! Gods grace is available for us all!
WOW. I did not expect to love this video like i did. Thank you for the vulnerable pics of your breakdown, and all of your great tips.
Thank you for the kind comment! I'm glad the breakdown gets to be part of my success story. 😂
Oh, thanks for this content. You sharing can help me and others hoping to get sobere.
Thanks for sharing. I'm struggling
I have 1 month now. I feel great and will continue... You look great btw❤ One day at a time sometimes one hour really does work!🎉
Good for you! One minute at a time works for the hardest bits too 🤣
@@elizabethkindrew agreed 💯👍 😂 I look forward to future videos. Congrats on your sobriety ✨🎉
Thank you so much I am struggling but videos like this help me
They helped me too x
I am on day 3 again.Thank you so much for those useful tips ❤
You got this! One day at a time ✨
Starting again today…I keep trying and falling back but I’m going again. Thank you for the tips ❤️
Every time to get back up, you're learning something new that will set you up for success in the long run! Keep at it, sending you all the love ❤️
Thank you Thank you very much, Elizabeth Keep up the crucial work. -Johnnie
Thanks so much for sharing. I’m in the process of being challenged to change my habits. Your video was inspiring in helping me make that first decision. Good bless you.
Awareness is the first step!! Good luck on your journey.
Inspiring for sure. I find holidays are a little more difficult but the one day at a time mentality is very key. Also the serenity prayer or any simple prayer helps me in those moments when a compulsion creeps in my mind. Good video.
Thank you for watching! I am going to make a dedicated video for celebrating the holidays sober - definitely a heavy drinking season that can be difficult.
Awesome video and advice Elizabeth. Very down to earth and practical advice. Also very inspiring. Go you! Great achievements 🎉🎉
Your first tip is what I needed to hear most right now. With the holidays coming up, the devil on my shoulder is saying to wait until after new years.
I've been there! But the holidays sober have a whole other special sparkle to them. You can do hard things!
great video from a young woman, good to see.
5 months and counting 💪🏼 Drinking alcohol is like being on an all organic diet and then eating McDonalds - it’s tempting, tastes good at first, but the aftermath leaves you fat, ugly feeling disgusting and sick. 😅 I wish I had stopped 10 years ago but am so happy I finally did, it’s been amazing. I switched to Humm kombucha, lots of coffee and energy drinks if I go out.
This video is very helpful my drinking is getting out of control due to stress at work I quit yesterday as you say take it day at a time
All great points! My last drink was a small glass of red wine with dinner at a nice restaurant. I didn’t think it would be my last one (and maybe it’s not) but it was nice to end on that note.
Thanks for the tips🙏 the prayer is great. Greetings from Finland
It's my favorite too!
Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️ I've been struggling for years and have tried many times to quit. Everything keeps getting worse and worse... I can feel it's time. I've seen a few sober videos but resonated a lot with you. Thank you. I needed this
Thank you so much - comments like this make me feel like it's worthwhile the effort to share my own journey 🫶
Great vid, I'm 7 months sober now. A big part of alcoholism is diet. More and more studies show that ppl on a ketogenic/low carb diet have a greater success rate than ppl on the standard American diet (SAD). I was a frequent (5-6days a/week) drinker then completely stopped when i started on the carnivore diet. Zero gravings whatsoever just after a few days.
Happy that worked for you! I do think it's important to note that successful lifestyle changes are often best made one at a time, so cutting out alcohol while drastically changing diet might not be the most sustainable option for many people. Keep it up!
Your awesome!! Thank you!! I plan to start my New Years Resolution Dec. 1st (2 days from now) instead of waiting for the New Year! Wish me luck! Gonna need it. lol. Nice to hear about the NA’s. They do help with the cravings I feel
You got this!! A sober holiday season is EXTRA magical!
Great video Elizabeth. I don't know you and but I'm proud of what you're doing every day.
Thank you so much. 🥹
Thanks for the great tips Elizabeth. Always learn new stuff from other alcoholics that help keep me sober☺️🙏 Living Sober is another great resource. Super thin reference book w a page at most per suggestion. 1 day at a time y'all.
I stopped two weeks ago, beer was always part of my life, 21 years in the military another 20 plus in private sector, motto was , work hard party hard. I’m feeling like a new man, one day at a time.
Work hard, live GOOD is the new motto! Congrats on this new lifestyle x
Good pointers
Thank you
Great tips. 2 weeks so far. Content like this does help a lot. Ty. Need to cut down on the sugary snacks I have more cravings for now 😊
The sugar cravings are REAL in the beginning! Give yourself some slack with that though - if a sugary treat helps you make it through the day without drinking, that can be a win for now. x
So happy I stumbled across your content. Day 1 (again) for me today, keep thinking that I can moderate, its incredible the alcohol creep, it happens so quickly. Its also so hard to let go of my perceived identity (party girl / champagne supanova :) ) realising that is not actually the real me, its how I thought I needed to be. That's hitting hard.
Day 1 is the most important one! I definitely understand the struggle of letting go of the identity you related to for a long time - but you get to discover a whole new version of yourself in sobriety! That's such an exciting thing to look forward too. Sending you lots of love ❤
Thanks 😊
Thanks ❤