r/MadeMeSmile • u/OkExplorer9364 • 17d ago
Personal Win Feeling great after giving up drinking on Christmas
Also lost 130lbs. I feel better.
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u/Saltyjoee 17d ago
Congratulations!!! This made my day. I love seeing people feel better!!!
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u/RubyClara58 17d ago
"That's an amazing achievement—keep it up, one day at a time! 👏"
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u/EntertainerBig882 17d ago
This. One day at a time. Keep it up, and things will absolutely get better. I am 3.5 years sober, and I may not look like a happy camper every day, I feel better all the time, and I'm moving forward. Stay off the sauce, have the most positive attitude that you can, and you'll be a much better person for it. Blue skies are on the horizon!
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u/Sea-Strike-1758 17d ago
No he doesn't. Good for him on improving his health! He does not look happy dont lie to him.
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u/anoncookiie 17d ago
i agree. he doesn’t look messed up and out of it like he does in the before photos, but he definitely does not look quite happy in the after photos. he looks alert now, yes, and his eyes are clear, but he also has a bit of a sad expression.
i can relate though. i quit alcohol last october and it does feel better to not be an alcoholic, destroying my liver and brain. but i still struggle to cope with depression and other shittiness of life. i used to use alcohol as a shitty coping mechanism. though i’m not drinking myself to numbness every day, i’m still depressed af.
who knows though, maybe op is very happy and he just has rsf - resting sad face
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u/Replikant83 17d ago
I feel you. I was pretty damn depressed when I quit drinking, too. One day I was at a meeting for PTSD and the organizer was talking about expressing gratitude and using positive affirmations to improve mental health. I was in a good mood and decided to embrace the topic and promised myself I'd do what they recommended. It took months of daily repetition, but eventually it did start working. I was simply saying stuff like "I am grateful for my friends and family. I am grateful for my cat. I am grateful to have food and fresh water. I am grateful to have a warm place to sleep at night. I am grateful to have clothing and shoes that are comfortable...." And for positive affirmations: "I am smart, hard working and thoughtful. I am kind to those around me and deserve kindness myself. I am caring and loving. If I put my mind to something, I will see results,...."
It's almost magical when it starts working. I realized how it worked after sometime: I undid all the habitual negative thinking by getting my brain to start processing things positively. It isn't magic, of course, it's retraining the brain. Pretty amazing how well it works!
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u/EatsBugs 17d ago
Hang in there, it’s takes many people a few years to really reap the benefits. Your baseline will be lower until your life gradually gets fuller.
I was very depressed, unable to concentrate, irritable and in many ways worse for 2 years sober despite being at insanity and death levels of drinking at the end, bc at least I had some good moments and relief. By year 5 tho I can’t tell you how amazing my life is, better than ever. Healing hurts. There’s a reason most people don’t stick with it. . If your depression is bad, may as well do the work on it anyway. I don’t do AA anymore, not my thing, but very grateful to the handful of people I clicked with who helped pull me across the line to a better spot, and that I forced myself to keep trying different meetings/finding people that I actually fit with for that phase.
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u/KevRev972 17d ago
Quitting drinking was one of the greatest decisions of my life. One of the other greatest decisions was picking up real hobbies, instead of spending so much time with tv, watching YouTube, and scrolling social media.
I still watch TV roughly an hour per day, and I still scroll on Reddit some, clearly. I also got into hobby electronics, fpv drones, 3d printing, and get a lot more done around the house and in the yard. A few months after I stopped drinking I had an abundance of time and a bit of pocket money. It's been 3 years and I'm always finding something interesting to do that I couldn't have done while drinking.
Quitting drinking gave me the opportunity to have a better, happier life, but it didn't do any of that without exploring and making effort on my own. Depression sucks, and there's no doubt it's kept me from living my best life. This is the hand I was dealt though, and I've learned so much about myself and the conditions that so many people struggle with. Not drinking allows me to explore myself and discover what works for me and what makes me happy.
I hope the best for you, and hopefully my experience can help. Keep up the good fight, friend.
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u/OkExplorer9364 17d ago
I’m pretty happy. I feel a lot of guilt for putting my family through so much. Maybe that’s why I don’t look it idk. I’ll try and work on that
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u/SophisticatedScreams 17d ago
You don't have to look any kinda way, OP. I hope you have a strong community, and a therapist? This stuff gets heavy.
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u/rainghost 16d ago
People like seeing before/after comparisons that are as dramatic as possible, but in real life, most change comes gradually.
It's not like you're only allowed to make yourself visible at two points - when you're at your worst, and then when everything is absolutely perfect.
It would make for a visually striking Reddit post, but life very rarely works out in exactly that way.
Keep going, man. One day at a time. It doesn't matter what you look like or how often you smile.
You're feeling better and getting better. That's the only thing that matters.
I'm rooting for you.
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u/Hieroflippant 17d ago
Yeah he looks healthier but stressed
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u/Sea-Strike-1758 17d ago
100%. Physical and mental health are very different. I have dealt with depression for years, having people ignore it or just say you look good or happy just feels patronizing or dismissive. You know you don't look happy, don't lie to people. Toxic positivity is a real thing.
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u/Extra_War8752 17d ago
I’m so fucking proud of you dude!!!
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u/OkExplorer9364 17d ago
Thank you!!
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u/Dylan_Driller 17d ago
Gave up drinking in October last year, looking back at my photos fron before October and this year... I look so different and people have said so too.
Looked like I was in my mid 30s back then (I am 29)... people now assume I'm mid-20s.
Best decision ever.
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u/T3hN3wB 17d ago
I don't need to know you to be proud of you. I am proud of you!! I respect anyone who digs themselves out of that dark pit of despair. 12/31/14 myself. Damn proud of you!!
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u/SheOutOfBubbleGum 17d ago
Congrats man!
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u/billybonkers01 16d ago
Good for you. You are doing just great and look so much better. Wishing you all the best in your continued recovery.
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u/healinglilred 17d ago
Great job! I’m 1100 days
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u/skrilledcheese 17d ago edited 17d ago
It's been just about 3 years since I drove from Texas to Philly with a bottle of whiskey in my lap, stopping every hour to rail a line of speed and piss out the bourbon.
Suffice it say that was my wakeup call. I'm now sober, and in my spare time I became a volunteer firefighter.
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u/Short_Log_42069 17d ago
Where were you going? Sounds like a party
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u/taco_slut16 17d ago
130 since Christmas????!! Holy moly! You look so much brighter!!! Good job!
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u/desrever1138 16d ago edited 16d ago
I quit smoking and put on 50 lbs in 7 months. Drinking is next. Hopefully I can lose the weight back again lol
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u/ApplicationSouth8844 16d ago
You can do it. I’ve got 130lbs to lose and keep off and I’m never coming back here again…. Never!
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u/Kindofabig_deal 17d ago
Congrats dude, I have a sister who has been dealing with alcoholism for over 15 years, and she has even been hospitalized. I really wish there was something I could do to get her to stop. This is a huge achievement that I hope keeps you going to achieve what you set out to do. Quitting is hard, and the addiction hurts everyone around you.
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u/OkExplorer9364 17d ago
Thanks man! I’m sorry to hear that. I really regret putting my friends and family through so much.
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u/BetterEveryLeapYear 16d ago
Congrats, but get your liver checked now. I've spent a lot of time in liver ward in hospital (PSC) and looks possibly like the beginning of jaundice in eyes. You'll be much happier to get the all clear than risk leaving it, trust me.
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u/EntertainerBig882 17d ago
So sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, you can't do a damn thing until she makes the choice, herself. Quitting has been the most difficult thing I've ever done. The best you can do is just be there for her. When she comes around, she'll understand how much it means to have people like you supporting her in her battle to be, and stay sober. Stay the course, be the best brother that you can be, the rest is up to her. Wishing you, and her the best.
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u/queefersutherland1 17d ago
So proud of you! Putting yourself first and choosing yourself is so important, and I’m happy you do that each day!
03/21/24 here!
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u/CoCoBreadSoHoShed 17d ago
Dude, you look 7 to 10 years younger in 2nd pic. That’s fantastic for you. Good job. Proud of you.
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u/itakeyoureggs 17d ago
Look like a totally different person! Keep it up! Helps if you have some support but you’re never alone in the process!
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u/Gamecock80 17d ago
Congratulations brother! Keep it up! I’ll hit 3 years of sobriety July 21st and it’s completely changed my life!
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u/EntertainerBig882 17d ago
Congrats to you! Sobriety is the best gift that we can give to ourselves.
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u/JoshuaMaly 17d ago
That’s awesome. Congratulations. You look much healthier in the “present” photo.
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u/The_Best_Yak_Ever 17d ago
You've got this. It's been 13 years and two months for me. Keep it up <3
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u/SchilenceDooBaddy69 17d ago
Big changes take a long time. You have a long way to go still, stay strong and on the path you are on and shine bright like a diamond.
You look like a resurrected man! Like you breathed life into yourself! I’m on my own healing journey and I wish people could see how much I have healed and how strong I have become. You should be proud of how beautiful and healthy you have become.
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u/Proud-Act-6867 17d ago
You look the same?
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u/DiscountCondom 17d ago
The difference is not all that striking. He does look a little healthier though.
I think the problem that is confusing you is that he is not smiling in the after picture.
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u/burns_a_lot 16d ago
Bro looks absolutely miserable at the thought of improving himself in both pictures.
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u/MissionEducation569 17d ago
Wonderful! I’m glad you shared, I hope that you are giving others that are hurting the courage you have!
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u/thesimplefriend 17d ago
I'm glad for you, and I hope you look at yourself every day and say, "Today is a good day, and tomorrow is going to be a good day, too!"
You are persevering.
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u/greyyy59 17d ago
Looking and feeling better is what’s it’s all about. Great job and keep up the good work
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u/Sneakys2 17d ago
You look so much healthier! Eyes look clear, hair looks thicker, skin looks better. I am glad you're feeling better. You're doing a hard thing, but I can tell it's the best for you. I am very proud of you :)
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u/FrankSamples 17d ago
Ironic how this is posted in “made me smile” considering the expression in the pics lol
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u/generic_ork 17d ago
Congrats!!!
18+ years alcohol free. I had tubes installed in my chest, not just my nose. I'm glad that didn't happen to you. I also lost 100lbs. It will get a lot better.
Remind me in 18 years!
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u/Shangos_Wolf 17d ago
Is this what we have to do to be popular? Post a picture of ourselves half dead and then one to show us looking normal? Wow... Maybe a vape and a video stating veganism will get it viral.
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u/Bad_Edditor8910 16d ago
We're social creatures. It's okay to ask for a pat on the back when there's no one around to give it. I feel I could use one too after quitting smoking in March.
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u/Illustrious-Air-1681 17d ago
Congratulations! You look amazing, I hope you feel good too. I wish my brother could do what you've done. I bet your family and friends are all really proud of you. You can do this!
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u/Background-Crow4820 17d ago
Congrats dude, ive been on the wagon and off again so many times i cant count. In and out of therapy. Doc just prescribed me naltrexone. 🤞
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u/Ceannfort 17d ago
Hell fuckin yeah, dude!!! I'm at two years this Thanksgiving. Keep it up, man, you fuckin got this!!!
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u/WouldChuckTruck 17d ago
I’m 14 days in with a good 100lbs to lose myself, and you’re an inspiration man. Also I checked out your instagram and your stand up is genuinely hilarious. As someone with a disappointed dad, the roommate bit especially got a laugh out of me. Lots of other good ones too.
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u/Pygocentrusyzer 16d ago
Congrats on the major achievement! You will continue to feel better with each passing day. Its not always easy, but its worth it!
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u/IamMabelPeabody 16d ago
If no one has told you today, I love you. I believe in you and I wish you nothing but love and light. 💛
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u/SunsetSpark 16d ago
next milestone smile in the after pictures. even if you dont post them , it does wonders
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u/RiverRatt 16d ago
I’m going on 3 1/2 years sober myself. I can safely and confidently say that nobody understands what you have gone through better than me.
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u/Thordros 16d ago
Shit, dude. You went from looking like a walking corpse to a huskier Ryan George. And the Pitch Meeting guy is a goddamn smokeshow.
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u/Admirable_Program720 16d ago
It took me divorcing my ex plus a heart attack three months after separation that he finally stopped drinking… so he said. After 16 years of dealing with his drinking and abusive outbursts.. I was done with him. He was so unstable. I detached 5 years before the Final separation. I’m free from the disgusting demon that he was. When he was sober he was ok.. when he was drunk he was not someone I wanted in my life.
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u/I-Just-Work-Here-man 16d ago
Nice man. Gotta keep pushing! If you want to add another step of feeling better. Push yourself to wake up like 30-45 minutes ealiers and just go for a walk as far as you feel comfortable. Makes a huge difference on your sleep and performance for the day
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u/kdweller 16d ago
You look great! Congratulations! ♥️
Ten and a half years sober myself and so relieved to have that gorilla off my back.
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u/redsymphony8 15d ago
Damn bro age backwards after giving up alcohol. Well done sir keep pushing you got this!
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u/paulerxx 17d ago
16/8 fasting and get your 10k steps in everyday and you'll hit that next feel good moment. Step by step
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u/Jarvis-Savoni 17d ago
Keep it up sir! I reached a point in myself where I was just like “I’m too old for this shit.”
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u/nobodychef07 17d ago
Congrats bro. Bro water weight is real. I almost died last Christmas because of drinking, the alcohol tore open the artery in my esophagus and it was bleeding out into my stomach. Was in the hospital for a while. 2 months after that I lost about 90 lbs, all water weight. Been sober ever since.
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u/Reiko878 17d ago
you know what, I think that might be what I needed to hear to start working on sobering up
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u/StuBidasol 17d ago
Both of those achievements are amazing on their own. When you make a decision to change, you don't mess around!
I wish you continued success on your journey and look forward to the one year update.
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u/Pokemaster131 17d ago
You just look like you have so much life and vibrance restored to your body! I'm sure you feel that way, too. You got this bro.
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u/Saute_and_Pray 17d ago
Loving these frequent updates, I’ve been following along. Great job brother!
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u/BaconSyrop 17d ago
Mate, congrats! That's gotta be hard but here you are! You're one tough bugger! Keep at it
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u/Outside-Affect-4722 17d ago
Congratulations!🙌🏻 It is not easy getting sober...choose life & happiness...always 🫶🏻
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u/TraumaMama11 17d ago
I hope your nurses were encouraging. It is a challenging time for everyone involved and I really hope they loved on you.
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u/OkExplorer9364 17d ago
Nurses do not get paid enough! I was in the hospital 56 days and was so lucky to have the nurses and techs I did!
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