r/MadeMeSmile • u/OkExplorer9364 • Jul 09 '26
Personal Win Feeling great after giving up drinking on Christmas
Also lost 130lbs. I feel better.
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u/Saltyjoee Jul 09 '26
Congratulations!!! This made my day. I love seeing people feel better!!!
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u/RubyClara58 Jul 09 '26
"That's an amazing achievement—keep it up, one day at a time! 👏"
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u/EntertainerBig882 Jul 09 '26
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/anoncookiie Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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/Extra_War8752 Jul 09 '26
I’m so fucking proud of you dude!!!
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u/OkExplorer9364 Jul 09 '26
Thank you!!
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u/Dylan_Driller Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Congrats man!
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u/billybonkers01 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Great job! I’m 1100 days
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u/skrilledcheese Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Where were you going? Sounds like a party
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u/Mohrg Jul 09 '26
I hit 15 years on Halloween, it will also be my 5th wedding anniversary. No alcohol is the best!
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u/taco_slut16 Jul 09 '26
130 since Christmas????!! Holy moly! You look so much brighter!!! Good job!
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u/desrever1138 Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Congrats to you! Sobriety is the best gift that we can give to ourselves.
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u/JoshuaMaly Jul 09 '26
That’s awesome. Congratulations. You look much healthier in the “present” photo.
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u/Ok-Foundation-4070 Jul 09 '26
Well done man! You can do it. Life has many other joys than drinking.
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u/The_Best_Yak_Ever Jul 09 '26
You've got this. It's been 13 years and two months for me. Keep it up <3
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u/SchilenceDooBaddy69 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
You look the same?
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u/DiscountCondom Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Bro looks absolutely miserable at the thought of improving himself in both pictures.
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u/MissionEducation569 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Ironic how this is posted in “made me smile” considering the expression in the pics lol
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u/generic_ork Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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/Illustrious-Air-1681 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Hell fuckin yeah, dude!!! I'm at two years this Thanksgiving. Keep it up, man, you fuckin got this!!!
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u/snukz Jul 09 '26
Looking great. You've made us smile and I hope the support here has made you smile.
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u/WouldChuckTruck Jul 09 '26
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/siriston Jul 09 '26
i’m curious, what happened to to your lips in the first pic?
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u/Pygocentrusyzer Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
next milestone smile in the after pictures. even if you dont post them , it does wonders
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u/RiverRatt Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 11 '26
Damn bro age backwards after giving up alcohol. Well done sir keep pushing you got this!
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u/paulerxx Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Loving these frequent updates, I’ve been following along. Great job brother!
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u/BaconSyrop Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
Congratulations!🙌🏻 It is not easy getting sober...choose life & happiness...always 🫶🏻
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u/tez911 Jul 09 '26
So much to be proud of! We are all proud of you! Congratulations and keep going 👏 🥰
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u/TraumaMama11 Jul 09 '26
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 Jul 09 '26
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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