The author discusses the dangers of spell casting, including burning candles, using poisonous berries, and burning toxic plants. They highlight that spell casting involves focusing your intention to bring about desired changes through willpower, visualization, ingredients, and rituals. Some spells require more time to cast than others, such as those cast as rituals.
In an age where personal growth and mindfulness are paramount, spell casting continues to attract practitioners who seek to harness its benefits. Casting spells involves a combination of willpower, visualization, ingredients, and rituals to manifest. For example, freezing cider and freezing it can be used to create applejack or sweet apple alcohol.
Sending positive vibes is another way to cast spells without harm, while making cocktails with medicinal ingredients can bring positive benefits. To stay protected while working with magic, surround yourself with good energy and avoid spiritual powers that do more harm than good. Candle spells are great for quick, impactful results, but combining methods for long-lasting outcomes is essential.
The author also discusses the physiological effects of drinking alcohol on the brain and body at different levels of consumption. Some spells that would work for characters who are always drinking mead or ale include Spirit Guardians, which can place a mental strain upon the individual.
Dangerous effects come forth when the character continues to add magic while taking their medications and drinks afterward. The author suggests that when going out, the character doesn’t take their evening dosage to be able to drink.
In conclusion, spell casting is a complex process that requires careful consideration of potential dangers and the use of protective spells. By following these rules and practicing caution, practitioners can ensure their safety and success in the world of magic.
📹 STOP DRINKING ALCOHOL NOW – One of The Most Eye Opening Motivational Videos Ever
Countless people including Jordan Peterson, Theo Von, Dr. Andrew Huberman, Mike Thurston, Tom Bilyeu, Andrew Kim, and …
📹 Why Alcohol is Called ‘Spirits’! : Archae-Facts
Welcome to Archae-Facts, the place to find bite-sized chunks of Archaeological Trivia! Today we hear of how the obsessions of …
I’m 43 years old and was a heavy drinker up until just over a year ago when I quit. I felt my body falling apart starting around 30 – knee problems, aches, pains, etc. All GONE about 3 months after I quit drinking. I also had scabs that wouldn’t heal for months on my shins – doctor said not to worry about it and that there wasn’t much blood flow on the shins. GONE 3 months after quitting drinking and now heal in a week. Indigestion and hearburn – GONE, chronic diarrhea – GONE, Brain fog – improving, Lost 40 pounds without changing my diet, Sleep issues – GONE, Night sweats – GONE, heart palpitations – GONE. Oh, lets not forget about no more hangovers! The fountain of youth is NOT DRINKING ALCOHOL!!!
I started drinking since my teenage, got addicted to alcohol. Spent my whole life fighting alcohol addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Alcohol addiction actually destroyed my life. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.
I’m trying to quit and I went two days without it but the withdrawals got to hard for me. Couldn’t sleep or sweating in my sleep. I needed to have something to drink this morning to calm my nerves. I want better for myself, I’ve been drinking alcohol for over have my life and I’m only 28 years old. It’s all I know. If you’re reading this, please pray for me and ask to give me the strength to overcome this horrible disease
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.
You’re probably scrolling through the comments, like I am. If you are reading this at night, you should get some sleep, and don’t stress about everything going on in the world, or what you are going through. Don’t dwell on things from the past, don’t stress thinking about the future. Where focus goes energy flows, you only get one shot at this. Do whatever makes you happy, not what makes other people happy. Be consistent in upgrading your personal skills!
Being the first person in my family to NOT have a serious alcohol addiction is one of the things i’m most proud of. Seeing what this shit does to people firsthand was all the motivation i needed to put alcohol down. I hope anyone struggling with this addiction finds the support and strength they need to put it down.
I’m 3 weeks sober today, after years of being an alcoholic, I’ve gone this far and I do not intend to go back to it now, I’m not even a month sober yet and already I’ve noticed some positive changes, I no longer have gout, I’m no longer tired all the time, I now have more energy, and with this energy I can do more things and be more productive during the day, I love waking up in the early hours of the morning and hearing the birds singing and being able to wake up fresh with no hangovers and not worrying about the amount of money I’ve spent or worrying if I embarrassed myself last night. But what sobriety has also taught me is this, it’s taught me who my friends truly are and that is I have no friends, I no longer have a social life, I am alone and lonely, but it’s still better to remain sober and I wouldn’t trade that for the world, my sobriety means everything to me. “I bad day sober is still better than a good day drunk.” ~ Craig J. Davies.
Alcohol only ever gave me 2 things: a hangover and an empty wallet. I was an extremely bad alcoholic for 16 years. I’ve been sober for 9 years and feel so much better physically and mentally. I smoked for 16 years, too. I tried a million times to quit cold turkey, but I kept trying and even though it was very hard, I succeeded in the end. It’s especially hard to quit drinking in Australia because alcohol is a part of most social activities and there’s a lot of pressure. If you don’t drink – or refuse a drink when offered one – you’re seen as “Soft.” Well, I disagree: I think that the people who cave in to the pressure to drink are the “soft” ones. It takes far more courage to say “NO” to alcohol in the face of societal disapproval.
I’m 69 and gave up just before my birthday after drinking since my teens, often heavily. So far I’ve found it easy as I was no longer enjoying it due to a number of health issues but mostly chronic acid reflux regardless of what I drank. This has now gone completely, am sleeping way better, losing weight and generally feel much better overall. Additionally, I’m better off financially and now put that money to better use. Was surprised to hear it can take 12 months to get over long term drinking completely so if there are more benefits to come that’s great news. Wish I’d done it years ago !
I’m sober for 10months and 3 weeks. It was the best decision of my life to stop drinking. While it was hard to deal with the sort of depressive feelings when I first stopped and then self-identify challenges when doing things that I typically associated with drinking that I enjoyed, overall it was significantly worth it to stop. I am so much alert, much more even-tempered, motivated, and have much better relationships. Just about every goal I set I am disciplined enough to follow through now. I also was able to focus enough to land the job of my dreams. Alcohol is not the answer. A clear mind creates limitless possibilities.
I am sober 2 years now. Yes, it was like losing an old friend and I grieved, but now I see those memories on FB and the things I said whilst drunk, I am so embarrassed and I can just imagine what my friends and family must have thought of me. I live a very quiet life now. I don’t have as much fun as I did with alcohol, but I also don’t have the depression caused by the things I said and did. Wish I had stopped years ago.
When the pandemic hit and sent everyone home to work, I was one of those people. I would drink so much even when working all day and night until I went to sleep. Fast forward to 3 years later and my liver was functioning at just 5% and given just 3 months to live. I haven’t had a drink since November 9, 2023 and feel so much better even tho I have cirrhosis. I would implore anyone reading this to quit. Your life is worth more than a drink.
Both of my parents lost their lives to alcohol abuse. I’m 33. My children have no grandparents. People who don’t grow up in an abusive, dysfunctional alcoholic environment cannot even fathom the volatility, fear, destruction we dealt with on a daily basis; the depression, and the desperation that follows us long into our own adulthood. Alcohol abuse is abhorrent. One minute your parents are laughing and the next they’re crying; one minute they’re passed out snoring, and the next they’re actually trying to kill each other or even YOU. The range of emotions black out drunk people go through is terrifying and totally unpredictable. As a child you were cooking for them or your siblings, while later on you might be cleaning up your parents own shit or vomit off the floor. If one or both smoked, you had to constantly make sure they didn’t burn the house down while passing out with a lit cigarette. As a male I couldn’t bring any friends over anymore, especially my girlfriends in high school. My dad would get so drunk he’d try to cop a feel on my high school girlfriends or accuse my friends and I of having gay sex in his house while we were just playing xbox or something, and pull out a weapon and try to start a fight. It was awful. I had to learn martial arts to stop him from causing me physical harm. The physical harm did eventually stop, but alcoholics are the world’s supreme narcissists and so he endeavored to give me lifelong emotional/mental/spiritual scars, instead. Alcoholism not only destroys the lives of the individuals that become dependent, but also entire families on a generational scale.
Three months without a drink now, but I was forced into this due to near liver failure.. I really enjoyed the bottle everyday. Never got hangovers. I could easily have a bunch of drinks right now but I don’t want to go through again what I went through three months ago……….. I applaud those who can give up not because they are sick, but because they have the willpower to change. I couldn’t…. I’m 65 and had been drinking for 50 years.. Losing an old friend is definitely the feeling. But my new friend is protein shakes/carbs and exercise.. Muscles are starting to return.
Well after quitting for 3 years I fell off the wagon and binged drank for 6 days straight. Something personal happened in my life and I thought I needed to drink to cope with it. I also thought I could do it in moderation and that turned out to be a lie. It’s quite obvious the problem was going to still be there and I needed to just face it head on. Now 24 hours sober again I’ve come to realize it wasn’t worth it and am kicking myself for it. But hearing these comments and seeing this article is giving me the strength I need to get back on track and remember the positive things that come from not drinking and that I’m not missing out on anything. Best wishes to everyone struggling with this battle everyday but coming out stronger on the other side 💪🏽
I started drinking whiskey 22 years ago because of night duty. In order to sleep after night duty, colleagues asked me to drink whiskey before going to bed. So I drank whiskey daily until I became alcoholic. I stopped drinking alcohol in december 2022. It was hard. Thank goodness. I made it. I am sober till now.
Started drinking at 15 like most of my friends in Ireland. Binged every single weekend since I started until I got in trouble with the law. The signs were always there from day one. I was a black out drinker and could never remember what I had done the night before. 32 now and got myself to some meetings and now almost 18 months sober. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could do this but it’s possible. And the people you meet in the rooms are often some of the best because they never judge you and you can tell them anything. If I can do it so can you. Wishing everyone the best ❤
It’s so true what Mark Manson said. The less you drink, the less you seem to tolerate. When you are used to drinking often, two glasses of wine are nothing, but when you drink twice a month, you can feel a drop in energy levels just from one glass. Over the years my alcohol consumption dropped gradually until one day I thought: why even! So it’s been two years now. Yes, you have to be prepared for questions at every party, people will ask why you are not drinking. However, so often people add how they should drink less, how they’d like to do the same, how admirable it is etc. Just stick to your conviction and you will find that life is so much better without alcohol. I hope that one day the common question to ask will be “why ARE YOU drinking?” That’s how it should be.
I’ve been sober for a little over 5 years, thank God. I almost died from alcohol consumption and it’s affect on my liver, stomach, and brain. My daughter tells me things that I said to her, and I have no memory of ever speaking to anyone that way. Im so thankful that she understood and still understands addiction.
Exactly 1 year without alcohol now. Gotta say I dont miss it even one second. I wish i did this YEARS before. Luckily I very gradually stopped drinking since I was 19 with each year a little more. I crept forward against all the social pressure. And I still get invitations by work colleagues etc and they always try to make it sound cool and make me sound boring for not drinking. I found that the social pressure was what lead to it being a 10 year long process of slow incremental progress instead of being cut out when I was 20. And I can say now that its not even comparable if you drink once every month to never drinking. Its so much more eliberating. In my case the social pressure to do stuff I just knew was hurting me was what made me feel deeply bad about myself even though I enjoyed the moment of drinking. I felt unauthentic to myself and as if I was lying to myself. How can I reach my dream or goal or whatever I desire, if I can not even stop drinking even though I dont even want to drink? That to me was the ultimate sign of not being in control of my own life. Of being maximally controled by external forces. And I detested that feeling. Once I stopped it completely and declared it as if I was going into battle. I told everyone. And I had a few VERY hard moments with some people in my life who wouldnt take no for an answer. After I managed to stay consistent in these few crucial moments (where I ALLLLMOST gave in), I gotta say it only made my conviction stronger. I will never ever give in to these people anymore.
I quit drinking at 23 and lost all of my friends. Fast forward 44 years I’m still sober and most of my friends back then,well it didn’t go well for a lot of them. I thank God and my new friends for all the support I had in the early years and now it’s something that I never even consider. I quit smoking at the same time and it was a lot harder……..
My hubby has terminal liver cancer attributed to drinking alcohol daily for decades. Ironically he quit cold turkey 2 years prior, however too late, the damage was done. It’s a nasty substance when abused. It changes a person’s personality. I have tried to convince some of my family that are unhealthy drinkers and they have seen 1st hand what we have been through and they still think that they are bullet proof and they won’t get cancer, liver failure or a diseased liver. One visit at the liver clinic would be a wake up call. I’ve been there numerous times with hubby to see the specialists and it’s very confronting and heartbreaking to see so many because of alcohol abuse. So many are young and in there 30,s and nearing the end of life. This can also be a horrible slow painful death which also greatly impacts the carers. One lady I know who is a medical receptionist told me she was so relieved for herself and 30 yr old son when he finally passed from liver cancer. He was finally in no pain and she could function again after a brutal 12 months of unexpected emergency hospital visits where her son had vomited blood and had to get his stomach drained amongst other side effects such as the brain being poisoned as the liver can’t filter properly the toxins. The patient can then get violent and psychotic. Horrible events for everyone involved. I don’t think there’s enough education for teenagers and folk in their early 20’s when many start their relationship with alcohol.
I’ve been sober for 9+ yrs. Alcohol is a BEAST, and what makes it so bad is that it’s legal. The stigma isn’t as bad. You tell someone that you stopped smoking crack or stopped shooting up heroine. Everyone is so happy for you 👏🏾 👏🏾 but if you say that you quit drinking, everyone looks at you like you’re crazy. I was an alcoholic for about 30+ years and very functional. Sadly, though, it took me killing someone while drinking and driving, not to mention 8 yrs in prison to realize this had to stop. At least once a day, I think about the person I killed and the family I affected. Among other things, that will keep me away from alcohol.
I’m 28 going on 29 and when I turned 25 I vowed to limit my alcohol intake. I drank a ton from 15-25 give or take. Now that I’m entering my last year of my 20’s and into my 30’s. I’d be okay with never drinking ever again. I quit a lot of things. Alcohol, social media, eating trash, etc. As far as partying, going out. I feel that time has expired for me. I’d much rather focus on me, eating healthy, maintaining mental positivity, practicing better habits, staying youthful, staying active, working out, hiking, even appearing youthful and joyful. And you cannot accomplish any of that with alcohol. I am glad I came to the conclusion now before I enter my 30’s. I can more the make up for all the bad choices I’ve made thus far.
I stopped drinking and smoking many years ago and that is by far the best thing I have ever done. EVERYTHING is better afterwards. If it was up to me those two things would be completely banned in the whole world. The amount of damage these two things do the person and the society is staggering. And if you dont do it for your self than do it for your family.
I grew up adopted by my great grandma and one of my uncles was an alcoholic and beat me up on a weekly basis. When I was just under 18 my great grandma died and I got out of there fast. It was hard, but I finished school and got a good job and played drums professionally. I drink on occasion and have a serious spinal cord injury. My spinal cord is pushing into my heart. I am 59 now and what I am trying to say is, being beaten for no reason is enough to keep my alcohol consumption low level. I have no addictions, never did drugs or smoked. Music kept me sane. Back in the day my uncle would beat me and go to jail, only to get out a few days later to do it again. I moved out of Canada to South America and at least I have a better quality of life here due to my spinal cord. I am number 171 in the world with this exact injury and it’s non operable. I did get depressed to the point of wanting to take my life but Dr’s. Helped me through it all. Whatever you go through there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Take care my friends.
4 months sober and no cravings, Sometimes I think of the times I drank and my brain wants to think of it as something I really enjoyed. That’s when I have to think of the time I woke up after a blackout with a black eye, busted lip and broken tooth. I thought alcohol was my longest and best friend when it was just a self sabotage of my life and I was trying to use it to ignore reality. I have less friends now but the ones that stuck around say I’m more content now. I felt such dread when I first tried to give up, Change is hard and means we need to find new ways of dealing with our life and the ups and downs. I sleep better, My body is slimmer and tighter, I don’t get aches or anxiety.or have wasted days. I got a bad cold and it reminded me of the day after a drink binge and how I felt rotten, Wasted a day and no energy. I don’t want to go back to that feeling again. Everywhere alcohol is promoted as the thing to do when we are celebrating or sad, Stressed and for me tired. Alcohol would give me energy to push myself when I really needed to rest and not put up with people I didn’t want to be around. Good luck to anyone just at the beginning of giving up, You might not succeed the first time and drink after stopping but that first try is what primes you to stop again and eventually succeed. It’s not easy but you will eventually be the best you and will be free from alcohol.
2 things that I read in the Big Book convinced me that I was an alcoholic. #1 If I started drinking, I could not stop. #2 I had tried to give up alcohol for good countless times without success. I quit drinking after 30 years. Over 15 years sober, and the one reward in life–booze–I never miss anymore. AA helped me.
There is not ONE health benefit from drinking alcohol. I became alcohol dependent in 2020, and it lasted 3 years. The Holy Spirit kept nudging at me for a long time and I would ignore all I knew about the harmful effects and I kept “justifying” why I could keep dinking. It was through prayer & fasting that I was finally able to break the chains of addiction. Thank you for sharing this article, I hope it can change someone’s life♥️
When I was in rehab, I saw the damage that long term users put themselves through and it was alcohol not drugs that was the biggest killer, as someone who was in my 20s, that had a big impact on me, seeing these guys and what they put themselves through and knowing if I continued the way I was I’d be in the same place. Made the decision to quit everything, almost 4 years clean and sober, best decision I ever made.
I started drinking in my 40s. By 45 it was every other, sometimes every day and not one or two, try 10 to 15 or sometimes a 750 of Captain Morgan straight in one night by myself. I’m 53 now and the past year I’ve been cutting back to about once a week but still about 10 or 12 drinks. Hungover the entire next day, still planning my life around that one day of drinking. I’ve finally stopped for good, it’s been 3 weeks sober and I still feel like crap most of the time, I’m bored out of my mind and can’t wait to go to bed the moment I wake up in the morning. My sleep sucks and I’m miserable but I’m going to kick this poison!
For a long time now I’ve wanted to give it up completely and this is the first article that has explained nor just the physical effects on the body, but the mental effects. It was like it knew me. I’ve often used alchohol as a coping mechanism, but what I realised was the answer wasn’t at the bottom of the bottle, it just masked everything. My problems or the cause of them would still be there. I feel a lot more focused and positive and less self-contious. I’ve not had a drink for a week now, and after seeing this article which I’m going to save and watch over and over, I hope this past week can eventually turn into a month, a year etc, God willing. 🍒
i never experienced this. i was a year and a half sober, i hurt all over, always sick, doing crazy things worse than when i was drinking…it was hell i cant even tell you.. im so happy now i found a balance to drink and not but i know its not healthy but hey it is what it is .. im not gonna be miserable and when the lord takes me home then he does.. until then i will enjoy my life
5 years without it! Will never drink alcohol again. My life is better in every way. Every single one of us is completely capable of quitting and living our lives very happily without it. And, you don’t need to announce your sobriety at the next party, get a glass full of your fave non-alcoholic drink, and sip away, right alongside the people sipping the poison. Healthier and happier!
Never been an alcoholic or had problems with alcohol, but I would like to tell my story as well. I’m someone who likes to analyze everything that I consume. From food, non-alcoholic drinks and also drugs. I like to meditate and recognize most of the things I feel when I consume anything. I’m 27, and in 2020 I started to drink by myself because “why not?”. I don’t have any friends or anyone who I live with who drink alcohol, so it was purely my choice. At first it felt amazing and wasn’t too bad about the side-effects. But then I started to do get drunk once most weekends (like one or two weekends per month), and after a year of doing that I started to notice all the things I see in this article. I could feel the negative effects on my health all over my body, very unpleasant and uncomfortable. And also it kinda fucked up my mental health, I would feel miserable most of the time after getting drunk, and got panic attacks when I woke up. ONLY sometimes I would get drunk twice a week, and the day after I would feel everything wrong in my body: my heart rate, I felt like I couldn’t move properly, memory issues and also had problems talking properly. I don’t understand how people can feel actually sleepy drinking. When I did, sleeping was the most uncomfortable thing ever, it’s not a pleasant “woooaaah I’m floating and everything is spinning”, but something that feels…wrong. The way you sleep in alcohol is very different, like only your body is actually sleeping, or at least it was that way for me.
I drank most of my life (along with a lot of other drug abuse and addictions), but even after getting clean, never got sober. In my 20’s I was forced into rehab and didn’t drink for close to 4 years. I did meetings daily, but was never really “sober.” At a baseball game I got talked into a beer. That night I left the game, went to a bar and downed enough bourbon that I don’t remember getting home. I was back. I continued drinking (heavily) and smoking until age 58 when I had a massive stroke, that left me paralyzed on my entire right side. Then two heart attacks followed by late stage kidney and liver disease (THAT one), and spent a year in hospital. I learned to walk again (with a cane now) and have fairly good use of my right arm and partial use of my hand. I’m in my 6th year of sober livig and even “broken” . . . even as a cripple, I feel SO much better naturally than I ever did when drunk – and I felt spectacular when drunk. Hell, just not having hangovers alone is worth the price. I had good friends when I drank, most of whom still drink, and I enjoy their company more than words can say. Until they’re drunk. I’m never tempted to drink, but when they’re in that state, it just isn’t fun. It’s actually the opposite of fun, so I leave. They don’t notice I”m no longer there. One of the best parts, in all of this, however is several of my close younger friends who thought I was “the shit” and emulated me, have sought help, all of them now 2-4 years sober. Whoever thought THIS drunk could turn into a good example?
I was drinking too much missing work, worrying my family, binge drinking. I went to my doctor to get a note for my work because I missed a few days. He asked me if i was ready to stop that’s when had mentioned before the Sinclair Method again, this time I said yes. You take Naltrexone when you drink and continue to drink. It was amazing I just stopped, it’s been well over a year with no drinking maybe 2 and I have no desire to drink any longer. My Dr was amazing for suggesting this method to me, not all Dr’s will…
I drank for decades till it ruined my life. Never occurred to me I was “alcoholic” I just knew I needed help. I was being controlled by an inanimate substance. I got help, got sober, and have a few true friends who love me for me, and tons of woman who get me and will be there for me so I don’t have to pick up for any reason. It’s a depressant. And when the hangovers turn into heart palpitations and severe anxiety that only the next drink will calm down. Now it’s a necessity. And that anxiety you drank for, comes back 100 times worse. Glad I’m not in that hell anymore
I picked up drinking when my father passed and it escalated over 2.5 years. Finally 2 weeks ago I broke the cycle when I confessed my problem to friends and family. I can finally think again, work, sleep properly, anxietal thoughts are diminishing. I’m regaining my life, brain and control. Everyday is better than the last, not looking back, looking forward for what’s ahead.
I never drank all that much – nearly 69 years old now – but the older I get, the more I appreciate that there is really nothing good about alcohol. I still have the odd beer on a hot, sunny day, but not much else. Alcohol is a drug – it is a poison – and the more you take, the worse it is for you. My brother-in-law was a raging alcoholic and died from it. His life turned into a hell and nothing was ever his fault … never could hold a job, lived at home with his parents (in his 60s) who were enablers and did nothing but manipulate and take advantage of them … my advice, drink very little and the moment you even sense you are having an issue – stop.
I’m drinking everyday 10 beers, two or three bottles of wine!I don’t feel the hangover anymore, also take me three bottles of wine to get drank a little bit!I totally change personality and become mad and Start to insulting people talking bad words always! I decided to quit drinking starting from today! nothing good from Alcohol only waste of money and health! The best thing is the water! thats all
You’ve got to have a program or regimen if your going to stop drinking. It’s not just drinking, it’s your thinking. Why do we take the drinks, what things do we not deal with and just drink instead of thinking or dealing with something. It’s our thinking, drinking is just a symptom of that thinking in many cases. We can find any reason to drink and the doctor makes a good point, we do it to come into a better place from a mental place we don’t like.
My blood lipids/ tests were all out of range, for years, then a cat bite infection, hospitalized me (thank God) I had to lay off beer & wine for a few weeks, I lost 10 LBS, felt much better in the morning & all day, so I dumped my alcohol addiction, after a year my blood tests were all normal, I lost 40+ LBS, went from a 37″ waste to 34″ X large shirt to medium! That lasted 8 years, then I started with a glass of wine then whisky, in moderation, then the “moderation” increased reminding me of the “good old daze.” So I quit, all over again! (Like Deja Vu.) Wish me luck!
Sober for 2 months after being a heavy binge drinker the past 19 years. It’s been a challenge with my self identity and the urges to drink to calm my anxiety. I refuse to give in and I am up for the challenge to reprogram my mind for the better. I am slowly seeing progress for the better which gives me hope. If you are trying as well I hope this gives you hope and the fact that you are trying make you strong because it takes a strong mind to make such a difficult change. Wish success and happiness.👍
I can really relate to Mark Mansons perspective. When I reduced drinking I really noticed the negative impact. I finally had enough almost two years ago and quit entirely. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my mental clarity and energy. I still think about alcohol but the appeal has greatly diminished. Its difficult as many social situations are lubricated with booze, so I generally don’t engage in activities that revolve around drinking.
My Dad was an alcoholic and my mum a heavy drinker. After mum passed from pancreatic cancer, dad was in a terrible state. But somehow with help from family and friends he stopped drinking for around 3 years. My children got to know their grandad and they now have some happy memories as do I. Unfortunately he relapsed and sometime later passed away after the death of another close relative. He was a kind man but unfortunately lived his life in the grip of this terrible drug. He was never nasty but it was just pitiful really how it affected him. Not only physically and emotionally, but likely affected his decision making as well, as financially things were very tough. What it did do however was serve as a big warning to myself, my brother and my children (who are now grown up) at how devastating the affects of alcohol can be and why it should be avoided if you can.
I started drinking at age 15. By age 20 I wanted to live in Utah because no one drank. By age 50 I had been sober in AA for five years. I live in Israel now and drinking is not part of anyone’s culture. I finally had no more urges to binge alone at home after I married at age 61. Now, at age 68, I notice that I only sip a glass of wine, maybe, once a week. Marriage is also very healthy I think.
I haven’t touched alcohol in any shape or form since 2013 (a lot of things drastically changed for me during that year) and I can honestly say, it was the best decision of my life. I see how my friends are after they hit it hard on a night out and it’s a great motivation to stay sober. No one really NEEDS alcohol anyway!
I absolutely HATE Alcohol with a PASSION, the smell of it alone makes me want to run from it, ….I Never seriously date guys who drink, or do any type of mind altering drugs EVER…just can’t trust them and I am not into weaklings, its as simple as that… I grew up perusal my parents get drunk at least every weekend and seeing all their fights, their aggression and how very embarrassing they looked when wasted,… it was like perusal two 6 year old crazy but very weak Zombies wasting their health, bodies and life away and that motivated me from very early age to stay far far away from it…
I haven’t been drinking heavily for decades, but was having 6 or 7 drinks a week. I’m 60 and even this was enough to cause significant inflammation. I found out a few weeks ago that L-Glutamine helps w/ anxiety and decreases alcohol cravings. I started taking it and it really works. It also seems to help w/ sugar cravings.
Wish I knew this information when I was 20. It was not discussed in high school or even college coursework, (mid 60’s and early 70’s). I hope it is more available to young people today. Could have prevented years of extreme substance abuse and the detrimental impact on so many other areas of life. Fortunately, a diagnosis of depression in my mid 40’s and prescription for meds that should not be mixed with alcohol led me to stop drinking completely. One of the best things that has happened in my life. I still regret what I did to myself even though it is now decades in the past and life has turned out pretty well. So grateful to the Dr who diagnosed the underlying problem.
I was pretty heavy drinker till 3-4 years ago, now I have a sensible relationship with the booze, beer only (no spirits) and in moderation, usually a couple on a Friday/Saturday night. Noticed a massive difference within a few weeks, no longer wake up feeling like shit physically and/or mentally. Even when I do drink a bit more on special occasions I’ve been fine as long as I avoid spirits. Thankful I never abused it to a point where I can’t enjoy a few beers in moderation but I totally get how easy I could have ended up at rock bottom
For me stopping was actually pretty easy. I wasn’t drinking socially, just alone at home after work and I wasn’t really drinking to get any effect on my brain, I did it solely for taste – I was a huge fan of craft beers and I drank them every day. My decision to quit was driven by me understanding how badly alcohol influences my body and mind in the long run, as well as the financial aspect of buing alcohol daily. After I realized it has no benefits apart from tasting good, I simply stopped drinking. I haven’t experienced any cravings or withdrawal symptoms. I also didn’t have to change my social circle. It was more like a change in my diet – cutting away something that was toxic. Actually, I’m not convinced by the social circle change aspect. I think it’s more empowering and beneficial to stay in the same circle but be an example of a person who quit booze, because it’s bad for you, than to look for people who also don’t drink because then you make not drinking into something that defines you. And it shouldn’t. There’s nothing special about not drinking, it’s a normal, rational decision. It shouldn’t be the focus of your life.
Working on my sobriety now. I was a binge drinker every night after work. I would drink at least a 5th of vodka or rum every night. Most nights more. I started moving into drinking during the day as well. Thank you for this article. I thought i wasn’t normal because its been 4.5 months. But its still a struggle day to day staying sober.
Born and raised in Wisconsin. It’s part of the culture there. I wasn’t a heavy drinker, but “looked forward” to the weekends when I would have several glasses of wine or beer at night. Didn’t think I could give it up completely and didn’t want to. But after skipping one weekend, the next weekend was easier. Then, when I actually DID drink, I woke up disappointed in myself. For me, the healthy fresh feeling of waking up from a good night’s sleep is better than the several hours of relaxation. I was so pleased to discover that I CAN enjoy life and that after a few months dry, I didn’t even WANT to drink. You can do it too!
It’s so hard to give up in social celebrations. It’s so hard to give up to endure pain and anxiety. It will make you fat, it will make you fataly over share your personal story, it will destroy your body, mind, soul and your sense of self. So hard to give up, but so worth it . Take a picture of yourself the day you stop and once a month after that. You will be amazed by the change in your presenration of self. You’ll see who you are and where you want to be. Alcohol is not worth stealing who you are.
Saturday 7/8/2023 was my 38th bday, and after having to do a sobriety test with my kids in the backseat I want to be DONE. Abusing alcohol for over 20 years has left me with nothing positive. Hearing my daughter say “Mommy, why did you drink the beer knowing you would have to drive?” was a slap in the face. I promised her never again. Getting in a car wreck the next day was like a backhanded slap. Hydroplaned. I was sober… but after the night prior I was terrified the cop who came to the scene would take my kids away, my husband would leave & I would end up alone in a cell. But it’s not too late, and I know now that moderation is just not an option for me.
been sober for 6 weeks now, weirdly it just seems to get harder and harder but I’ve learned that maybe the reason I was so bad was because I didn’t just have a drinking problem, but also a “thinking” problem. I’ve been trying to work on that also and its helping me push through the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I feel like other tee-totalers will understand. I’m going to keep going 🙂 stay strong guys
I’m 40 this year I’ve been 9 months sober never felt better. My blood pressure was staying 180 over 120 all the time could not get it down and figure out what was causing it finally I figured out it was the alcohol I bought a bp machine from Walmart and I would check it right when I started drinking it would sky rocket from 130 over 85 to 180 over 120 it was the drinking the whole time thank God I’m a free man from that poison 😊
I drink to relieve social anxiety and depression. Now I realise that it only exacerbates the issue and I’m determined to stop altogether as it’s killing me. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I need some zest back in my life and I won’t find it at the bottom of a bottle of wine that’s for certain. Good luck on your journeys everyone ❤❤
My stepdad started drinking when he was 12, he died at 36 from liver failure. The men’s club he went to knew how drunk he was and let him leave, he then crashed into another vehicle. Luckily the other people involved were not hurt badly. At the hospital, the doctor said 1 more drink he would have died instantly. It is a horrible way to go he was in ICU for two weeks. You could not touch him because his skin was toxic, his eyeballs were taped down to keep them in his skull. Finally, a day before he passed the doctor told my mom she needed to pull the plug because the suffering he was going through was inhumane. He died the next day before they pulled the plug. DO NOT JUST QUIT COLD TURKEY. THE WITHDRAWS CAN KILL YOU. GO TO A HOSPITAL AND GET TREATMENT. There is always time to change your ways. I am 37 now and because of him I never touch that stuff.
I’ve been sober for over 38 years. I’ve been studying a bit about how fungus is fed by alcohol, grains, sugar, and other fungal-feeding food. My totally unscientific theory is that the withdrawal symptoms are the fungus (which is a parasite), going crazy, telling you to take in more to feed it. One needs to starve the fungus and kill it to get it out of your body. That feels bad. Lots of healthy saturated oils seem to help. I have not had sugar for 15 years, no grains for 13, and no dairy (except Ghee and sometimes butter) in 12 years. I feel so freaking amazing. Thanks for making this.
Thank you for delivering such a thought-provoking and motivational message. This article has ignited a desire within me to prioritize my well-being and make positive changes in my life. I am grateful for the wake-up call and the inspiration to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. Hats off to the creators for creating a masterpiece that has the potential to change lives.
14 days sober here.. 23 years old and have been heavily drinking since 18. I’ve really been enjoying the physical benefits but when the weekends come around, I get fomo and don’t feel like I can go to big social gatherings with my friends who are all drinking. I’m seen as the life of the party and I’m extroverted, nice, and funny when I drink. It makes me sad and bored to miss out on the weekend activities, but I know I will get over it and will be able to have fun without drinking some day
I am LDS. Joined when I was a teenager. I was ready to jump in the baptismal font when I was taught the Word of Wisdom. I was living in a home of drugs and alcohol and the thought of marrying someone someday who also was LDS who believed in the word of wisdom gave me so much hope for a better life. Now, nearly 50 years later I am so grateful that alcohol and drugs have never been a part of our family life. We have raised 4 children and now have 13 grandchildren. We have had so much fun over the years! Being free from substance abuse is so liberating and freeing. In my Healthcare career I have seen the bonds of addiction and the prison of these poor souls. My heart aches for them. My family has teased me over the years about it, but now, as we have all aged, they see the wisdom in it all, not to mention the money we have saved! My sweet nephew has just been diagnosed with stage 4 liver failure from alcohol and his days are now numbered. Heartbreaking.
I’ve battled drinking from the age of 25 to 45 because I found myself living for the weekends and not happy with my choice of work carrier. I would drink through the week to cope with life and binge drink with friends on weekends when possible. At 45 I emotionally knew I was failing in life by my choices and actions from alcohol. At 47 I found my passion for the outdoors to be more true to myself and started a tube website for fishing and camping. I am happy to say I found myself before loosing everything I had embracing me like my wife and kids to true friends that were not abusers. I can stay sober for weeks now and choose when and how much I want to drink if I choose to with friends. Life really begins when you understand!
When I was around 17, I recognized in myself as having an obsessive personality. I also knew there were uncles on both my mother’s side and father’s side that were alcoholics. Even then I put together if I started drinking I would be an alcoholic and chose then not to drink. That was in 1974 and I still know I can’t drink.
I quit drinking in 2016 after a lifetime of heavy / binge drinking, escalating to a stage that is was having a grave negative effect on my life and everyone I was in contact. Life started again not long after, there are a lot of changes to get accustomed to, but life is out there on the other side, and things will get better and better as time goes on. Wishing you strength, it will be worth it…
It’s the hardest thing to quit because it’s everywhere it’s legal and everyone’s doing it please choose your friends wisely don’t hang with alcoholics if you have a drinking problem I lost my sweet heart at 43 to chorrois it effects everyone differently genectics and diet are a big factor it’s a very painful death and they make it look fun but it’s all about contorl and how they keep people at a low vibrational level
i’m 20. I was a heavy drinker. Three days ago i decide to go sober mainly because alochol cost a lot of money. I told about it to few friends and they started laughing at me that i’m not strong enough to do it, and when they put a bottle on the table and invite me for a drink i will fall and drink with them.
Started at 11 years old in 1957 with my Father and his mate. That was the done thing in Yorkshire in those days. Drank to excess for the rest of my life, every day. Still worked, paid my bills, just kept functioning. Married, 2 kids. Five years ago, my wife said shewas giving up, so I offered to stop in support for a few months. Never re-started, oh! how I wish I’d done it decades ago. I never dreamed it would be so easy. All I can say to anyone who wants to stop, just give it a try. Worked for me, might work for you, good luck.
from the UK here i started drinking at thirteen heavy every weekend im now twenty and a couple weeks ago i got a brain infection through a low immune system, low sleep, alcohol abuse, and cocaine use i haven’t smoked a cigarette, drank or used any drugs in two weeks holy sh/t i didn’t understand how awful i felt daily no motivation, no concentration, bad relationships, and no money its crazy how these two weeks I’ve had off (which is the longest time I’ve spent without alcohol) might have just changed the course of my life.
I’m really happy not drinking any more. I used to drink everyday for about 10 years. facing hard times without using alcohol as an escape really made me take on and work through my traumas. I also think there should be more attention to the Alcohol/Caffeine cycle many people are dependent on. Caffeine also dis-regulates a lot of normal brain functionalities. Anyway great article
My mother was a health fanatic, and would have been lucky to have one glass of wine a month. She passed from cancer at the age of 62. My father started most days with a nip of whiskey, and most evenings had a nip or two before bed. I never saw him lose a day from illness, and he lived to a healthy age of 88.
Gosh when I quit cold turkey I had several seizures ever night for six days and my partner helped me through it. Literally fighting to survive the withdrawals Then it was just anxiety, aggression, cravings, boredom, and sorrow. After a month I was worried when I relapsed for teo days that I wouldn’t get back to sobriety. But I’m fighting again for it and articles like this help so much.
I joined Alcoholics anonymous 50 days ago after many years of trying to “white knuckle” it on my own. I didnt think i was an Alcoholic until i went to a meeting. The spectrum of alcoholism is massive but the one thing all alcoholics share is step 1.. admit you are powerless over alcohol. I always thought it was a christian cult for people who were completely hopeless and had lost everything but the reality is that you’ll find new friends who dont drink, youll be inspired by people who were way worse than you and have turned their life around. And its free therapy.
When I was 18 I used to enjoy alcohol and I used to buy it weekly. But now I barely touch it because i I don’t get the same joy or excitement out of it. And I barely drink anymore. Another reason I barely drink is because it makes me feel terrible. I’m almost 20 years old. But, I’ve thought about giving it up completely. And I think that from now on I won’t touch it. this article also give me some good reasons to give it up.
When you’re 24/7 – it’s not so simple to quit. I’m just going through a reversal that includes drinking everyday… with professional support and it’s measured and has purpose. The most dangerous thing is the detox symptoms…those dark places! If you’re serious and conscience about your condition, this seems the best method. Reach out.
I’m starting day one I’ve been drinking for a long time to get a hit to make me feel better either it being fun drinking while playing slots or drinking with friends it always caused troubles I would get into fights with people and feel like shit afterwards it’s destroyed my careers my livelihood my mindset! Today I say no and I start my lengthy recovery By the grace of God Amen
Its really encouraging to see these comments. Its funny cause you feel so weird saying you dont drink anymore. I was a really bad binge drinker for 25 years. So glad ive stopped. My memory is coming back, and my intelligence. I Grew up in family that glorified alcohol, parents drank every night. Absolutely ruined their lives. Been heartbreaking perusal it. Scary how such a product is so available and acceptable. Better late than never. There will be a lonely period, thats a fact. You will lose some friends and family more than likely. Thats what im going through. They dont get it and they dont have to. Your on your way to your new life and your new friends arent in it yet but give it time. Remember your why! Your worth it!
I feel bad reading many comments here about how others have managed to stop drinking. I keep on trying, but the longest period I have gone sober so far was just 3 weeks. Today I have decided to try again. I’m determined more than ever before. I hope one day I will also be able to count months and years
I stopped drinking young and not drinking any alcohol is an advantage. I can’t explain why, but AA had me reading out loud in public and I went to a good college and kept that AA attitude going. It worked like a charm. My brain really developed in those years. I’m so thankful because the drinking freshman year effected my grades. Any amount of alcohol is not good for you. There is science on this. When you stop drinking, you should get in the gym because your body wants to workout and get healthy dieting well. A huge comeback will happen if you stop drinking for more than 3 years. You’ll be better at your job, relationships and on and on.
It’s bulloni, I gave up drinking and the withdrawal symptoms lasted for months and months, I got 20 minutes sleep the 1st night and 22 the 2nd and so on, and after a year I was getting my 5.5 hours sleep, even 18 months after I quit I could feel my body letting lose of the drug and replacing it with nutrients and new fluids flushing in, I could feel nerve endings connecting and so on, almost 4 years now and it really comes to mind most every day, and when life gets tough I start wanting to drink. I don’t look for excuses or reasons but there are many, I just don’t give in.
I always drank and went to Partys until a friend of me died and allot of other things happened and I didn’t quite know how I should deal with it and that’s when I started drinking to forget I drank very often alone till i didn’t even knew what was happening around me 18 days ago I was so hurt I drank so much alone I started vomiting on myself in the bathtub wich was the wake up call I joined the anonymous alcoholics and I’m clean since 18 days now it’s a tough battle but I hope I can stay sober stay strong out there guys alcohol is a dangerous drug
Came here because I’m struggling immensely with Alcoholism rn. Really torn between whether or not I wanna give it up or not for good. I know it’s one day at a time but I’m having a difficult time with the concept. I’m not looking for attention whatsoever just by posting this but I just simply want some advice or help. I feel like a lost cause rn but I don’t know if I hit my rock bottom
So I have been drinking beer since I was a teenager. In my early 20’s to late 40’s I would drink 3 cases of Budweiser and a 1/5 of teq ever2 days. When I turned 50, I slowed down to maybe 6 beers a day and maybe 8 shots of tequila a day and 1 12 oz screwdriver. What is considered a heavy drinker? I stopped cold turkey 7 days now. What can I learn or need to know?
For me, alcohol had become the to-go-substance when I had no goals or anything going on in life. It makes you less motivated. Your 24 hour day would turn into just recover and drink routine…. Most of this would just be avoidable by not being alone. But for those people who do not choose to be alone, I would absolutely stay away from alcohol because it is the worst and the society in large doesn’t know it. Please reach out and stay connected!
I quit for seven years after the doctor lied about my BP pills killing me if I drank on them. Never felt a bit better, never had anything heal, never felt good again. Found out my pill was safe to drink on and had a couple that weekend. Now I drink and I actually feel good while I’m doing so. Sober through the week and feel like shit the whole time like always. 🤷
Nearly all of the comments are of people who used to be alcoholics, and who stopped drinking and are in a better place. Which is incredible. But as an occasional drinker, I feel that alcohol is not a problem. It is a substance. People’s choices are where the issue lies. No offense. I don’t drink alcohol to forget about stress or to relieve anxiety. I would usually enjoy a beer with my wife. If you’re sober from alcohol abuse, fantastic, keep going!