I'm absolutely overwhelmed with the responses and lovely comments. I'm not alone and thank you all for sharing your stories. Respect to you 🙏

I'm 60 , been an alcoholic for 40 years, been off the booze for 6 days, can't believe this video just came on at random, I'm indoors as I speak scared to go outdoors, wish me luck anybody. 😢. God give me strength. If I can get by another 6 days i think I might just make it.

Takes a man to put his wife and kids above it all. My respect to you

The first step to change is realizing there is a problem. Bravo!

I clicked on the video because of the thumbnail, you have wounds I recognise so well from looking in the mirror. Although I did lose everything, my first marriage, my business and my career as a chef. Then the doctor told me with a straight face that I wasn’t going to live to be forty. That was Monday 23/01/95 and the day after was my first sober day of 29.5years. If I can do this you can, it doesn’t matter if you’re a 24/7 drinker like I was or a binge drinker like it sounds you could be, when it’s messing up your life quit. There’s lots of support out there, I did it with AA but there’s many other methods like AVRT. I've a brilliant relationship with my daughters, my now wife and adult grandchildren have never seen me drink, I got a law degree, an amazing career in welfare and disabilities and I’m still alive at 64. You got this, you’ve took the toughest step and you’ve bravely done it publicly. I wish you well.

It takes a real man to make this public. Total respect mate.

"I didn't get into trouble every time I was drinking but every time I did get into trouble it was because of my drinking." Stay strong man.

You got this Brother! I drank a gallon of whiskey a day for almost 15 years. Thats when I was an Executive Chef. I quit in 2011, and soon after got a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and now help others for a living. Go with the Flow. You will end up somewhere Beautiful!!!

I've been sober 15 years... best thing I ever did.❤❤❤

11. ‘I’m not telling you it is going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it’ ...Respect x

im 27 and you still said all the right words, ive been 2 weeks sober and feel amazing but as you mentioned its extremely hard not to relapse, finally getting treatment because i cant control it either. keep up the good work and stay strong mate your kids will be proud

What a message to people struggling with alcohol!! I too was a beer drinker all of the things you said were what I was!! I am free from it thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ he can and will change your life if you ask! I did ask and I am free from the chains and bondage of alcohol. I am 60 years old and drank for many years and I am struggling with the consequences of my actions. Please remember everyone out there that even when you change you still have the consequences!! That was a choice I made and there are consequences to OUR choices!

I wise man once said “ if drinking ever starts to cost you more then just the price of the drink then its time to stop “

It took a lot of courage and humility to put this out, confronting your demons in public. Hats off to you on your sobriety journey.

Strange the algorithm suggested this video. 47 and at my own 'event horizon" right now. Godspeed brother.

This is a huge step up. The accountability that comes with your open honesty means to me that these steps are real steps. I want to say your choice of action helps inspires me to take accountability in struggles of mine. Be good, be well, and love thyself.

You can do it mate. Been there myself. Lost my wife, my job and my home. Been dry now for nearly 5 years. Life's so much better sober.

That took guts to stand in front of everyone and bare your soul, use the same strength and fortitude of your character to see yourself through the breakup of your relationship with booze and always remember you have myself and 95.4K subscribers watching you very very closely. Mr BFG you a a legend.

Stay strong man, everyone has his own demons, keep fighting!

You’re a brave man for putting this out there. I’m so glad you’ve gotten so many words of encouragement. I kicked a pill habit. It was painful, and awful, but I got my life back. You can do it! This stranger from Philadelphia Pennsylvania believes in you!

Only true men admit their weaknesses so much respect to you.🙏

Best review you've done Gareth. An honest review of yourself. Very brave & upmost respect back at you. You've got this

I've been alcohol free since 1986. They say you always want a drink. That's just not true. Make it 5 or 6 years and it gets a lot easier. You're a brave man or you wouldn't have made this video. One day after the other, just don't drink. You've a reason to be optimistic. I'm following you right now. Teach me how to cook.

I’m 57 words have power!! Beer and booze sucks. Yes it was a blast at 27 but not now. I quit drinking because it costs money it’s not worth the consequences too many to mention. If you’re having trouble reach out get help. I’ll be rooting for you. You’re now wearing it in on your face. We’re half way in life you will love it just give it time ok. I love being sober. It’s the best feeling more energy more love more joy and More peace. Again therapy AA rehab prayers. You’ve got this!!! God bless you

This is coming from a 38 year old Arabic female and I can relate to everything you said. From not being able to stop when I start (I drink spirits), missing days at work and wasted days sleeping off hangovers, not to mention my energy levels and health. Hope you share your journey with us if you feel comfortable doing so. It'll be inspiring! Wish you a speedy recovery! "The origins of the word "alcohol" come from the Arabic term "al-ghoul," which means "body-eating spirit" - I think they're right

13 years ago I admitted to myself that my life had become unmanageable and quit the drink. I’m truly happy at last. Your kidneys and liver will thank you.

Congratulations one step at a time,you have all the love and support for you, I am 58 and a recovering alcoholic just gone 9 years sober

When you said that a lot of bad things that happened in your life revolved around alcohol, that really hit home for me. I've had a lot of good times drinking too, but every stupid thing I've ever done, I was drunk and or high. You got this man, I'm a new subscriber btw.

Admitting it is the first step to beating it. I was drinking the equivalent of THREE bottles of spirits a DAY until I ended up in hospital having been given months to live. In December I hope to celebrate thirty one years of total sobriety. Proud of your admission, good sir. Keep up and never refuse any offers of genuine help. Drink robs you of your dignity. Asking for help is you taking back that dignity.

You're on the right path, sir. I'm the son of a long line of hardcore alcoholics & I promise you your kids may rememeber some of the chaos but they'll rememeber you getting sober much more clearly. You're doing the right thing & I'll be praying for you.

I’m 77…. I haven’t had a drink since 40yrs ago. I prayed every day for Gods help because the drink had me rather than I had a drink. The way out is to pray, be afraid of where you might wind up and know your family deserves better. God love and help you.

The hardest part is saying all this out loud to yourself, even harder saying it to the world. We're here now, and we have your back. Stay strong, there is a much better life on the other side of this.

I quit alcohol 17 months ago after drinking heavily on a daily basis .... Life has been amazing ever since , you got this mate 👍👍

It takes guts to open up to people, especially to your followers like this. I'm proud of you and wish you luck for the future.

OMG sir.... U Got This!! ❤ Been thru this myself. I personally... went to meetings everyday pretty much until my brain changed the habits. I was RELIEVED to walk into meetings. I could breath for the 1st time. No judgment, and everyone was there for the same purpose.... to stop drinking. I wasnt too terribly involved in meetings except going everyday & having relief for that hour. No pressures, no judgements. You got this Mr Foodie Guy. Cheers

Alcohol is such a difficult addiction to be free from. It almost cost me my life when I was a young man. I was lucky to quit at a young age 4/3/90. Doing it alone is very hard. Go to meetings, open up at them and change your life. You still have many years left. Good luck brother.

This is the sign of a man. To publically confess and make the pledge to quit is commendable. There is help. Take it. You can do it. Well done.

I've never seen your channel before but I admire your strength. I'm an alcoholic in my 20's. i might be young but I call a spade a spade. Havent had a drink since October.

I am glad that you were able to figure this out. One day at a time. Sometimes... One hour at a time. You got this, Brother.

Best of luck to you mate, it took guts to talk about this on KZfaq. Your family should be proud of you, and I wish your the most heartfelt best.

Any man that bears their soul and has the strength to stand up to their demons has my respect. You’ve shown you’re a man of principle you can do this. All the best

Anyone who has the strength to make a video like that is a force to be reckoned with. You've got this. 👍

lost my dad to alcoholism in 2011. Your kids need you! great work man

42 years old (Dutch guy, Iraq and Afghanistan vet) here and within the first few sentences I knew this was about alcohol. Been struggling a lot the past 2 decades but almost 3 weeks sober now. Stay strong brother, I also have a 7 year old and I know what you're talking about.

I really appreciate your Down to Earth and from the heart approach to talking about this. I wish you all the very best with the hurdles and challenges to come. You can do it 100% God bless you mate.

The one word that best describes this video is courage. With that you can conquer whatever want. You got this brother. God bless 🙏.

Just to clarify, I personally don’t watch your videos for your ‘food reviews’ I watch to see your reactions, your mannerisms, an ordinary bloke being very open and honest. In short I think many of your subscribers are like me, we watch because of you. We are all rooting for you xx

I'm 70 years old I've been sober for 30. I had to go to rehab for a month and I followed with AA for just over a year. I went to an AA meeting every day in the beginning and as I started getting my feet under me not as often. It's been a couple of decades since I've needed to go to an AA meeting but it's good to know it's always there and welcoming if needed. Wishing you the best.

Huge respect and admiration for you to open up about this. I'm not even a subscriber, but it couldn't have come up in my feed at a better time! I've also decided not to be a slave/prisoner to my escape mechanism (alcohol). Only done 8 days now, but I'm inspired to know others are facing the same. We can do this!!

God bless you, man! Addictions are the most human thing there is. Most people dont realise that this is just another way to cope with trauma, insecurities or a feeling of "not being good enough or not doing enough or not meeting expectations, your own or from the outside".

The culture: celebrating? Have a drink. Feeling Low? Have a drink. Part of it is culture. I pray for your PEACE and RECOVERY. Sending LOVE to YOU. ❤️🙏

I'm a 51 year old male. Been drinking for 30 years. A bottle of red wine every night for the last ten years. Got a fatty liver and desperate to quit. Today is 15th June. I have managed 7 dry days in June so far. Not perfect, no. But a step in the right direction. It's difficult. Good luck to everyone fighting this fight.

May the Lord bless you with the strength you need. May He bless all those you hold near and dear in your heart!

'Only God can make a drunk sober' I heard this after suffering for 14 yrs. I finally met Jesus in 1987 at a condemned building. Straitgate Church rented rooms here for services having no main base. A big blue bus brought us there. It was myself, spouse and two children. I was fresh brought back from a hospice bed , and did not die. Univesity of Minn Hospital gave up on me and sent me home to die. Anyway after some time we arrived at this condemned building and I did not want to go in there. It was all boarded up with broken doors and windows. I said God wouldn't be here. Then I heard a small prompting and it said 'Wasn't you condemned when I found you?' Yet I visited you, come'. So I changed my mind and we went in. I found my Savior at this place. I was never so glad in all my life! Sober since 1987! Thank you brother,

Quick story. When my 2 girls were about 5 and 7 my wife told me I would eventually regret all the time I spent in the pub instead of being with the girls. Boy was she right. Although I now have a great bond with my daughters, when I'm with the grand kids and bursting my sides laughing at their antics I sadly reflect on what I should have been doing 25 years ago. All the best Gareth. You have made a life changing great choice.

Gareth, everyone will be behind you. I have a son in his 40s who was exactly the same, 4 children at home, but once he started, he couldn't stop till he was drunk. I'm glad to say he got help and has been free from drinking for 10 years. Good luck, and don't stop reviewing food. We are all behind you. X

I just have one year under my belt July 4th. I heard this saying once that helps me stay on track..”One drink is too many, and 10 is not enough”. Best to you on your new journey. You can do it!

I turned 50 on a gurney at the hospital, hallucinating, with a doctor explaining that the reason I hadn’t been able to shit without standing up in the shower was that my liver stopped returning blood to the heart, and fluid was filling my abdomen. 7 years on, 110 lbs lighter, and the doc said I now have only a 1% chance of dying from my cirrhosis. Be ware: when you decide to get clean, the Devil becomes your constant companion, with all his best tricks and devices. My advice is to locate God, whatever that means to you, and hang the eff on. Your story is someone else’s inspiration. Thank you. 🙏🏻🌻

I love that saying (don’t know the origin) - “First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man”. Giving up is hard, but definitely, definitely worth it.

Every credit to you by realising alcohol is a problem in your life. It’s a massive issue for alot of people out there. 💪🏻

Same with me..once I start, I can’t stop. Then one night, August 10, 2017…in Marina del Rey CA, in the middle of a harrowing night out, I got myself home and in the shower by the Grace of God; crying, I prayed out loud that if He got me out of California, I would never touch another drop. I was on my way back to New York with in the week. It’s a very long story…I just know for myself abstinence is best. I cannot just have a little bit, or I won’t stop. Now I am gold. I am safe, and I just can’t see the point anymore. I don’t desire or crave the bourbon, or whiskey. I never want to go back to the dark and twisty place of alcohol. I don’t recommend cold Turkey to everyone. I do recommend to pray…and God will show you the way🙏🏻🤍 peace🕊️

Your honesty is beautiful, and I respect you for it. My father died from a lifetime of drinking alcohol. The acidity had worn away the small veins inside of his throat and causes him to have esophageal varices. The veins in his throat became so weak that one night they burst. He choked to death on his own blood and was bleeding out internally at the same time. Terrible, terrible way to go. That's just one more reason or piece of motivation for everyone to quit alcohol. God bless you Brother, you're making the right decision.

It takes serious conviction to broadcast this to the world in pursuit of a better life for you and your family. Much love from a Kendalian

4 yrs sober gaz its the best I've ever felt, from a 55 year old who's going to keep watching.❤

Mate, you are one proper badass for having the courage to talk about it out loud on the internet. I know you have true intentions, I'm rooting for ya and I know you won't let us, your family and most importantly yourself down! Stay strong!

BEST of HEALTH to you! I've also quit and had struggles but I just wanted to share that it gets a lot easier and after over two years without it now I could go days and days without even thinking about it and I've had so many positive things come into my life that just had no space before.

Was randomly served up this video. I have 290 days without alcohol, and I am down 55 lbs. The first few days sucked, but I was sick and tired of all the lies, deception, money being spent, memory lost, and all the negativity that goes along with being drunk all the time. I was completely unreliable to my loved ones, and I just woke up one day and knew that I had enough. I cannot recommend enough that you take up walking/running/bike riding etc, and do it every day. The change you will see in your body serves as a support in keeping you off the booze and shitty food. There were a couple of times that I have craved a beer and had a 0% Non-alcoholic beer, and it honestly does the job. It tastes like a beer, and that is about it. I've quit drinking many times (often for a month+ at a time), but this last time was completely different for me. There isn't a shred of my being that wants to go back to being a drunk, and I finally feel like there isn't baggage that I am having to carry around. You have to want to quit.

I'm a recovering alcoholic, I recently got into a spot of bother. I've stopped for the same kind of reasons. At my worst I was drinking a litre of vodka a day. I went through a torturous week of withdrawal from 29th April. I had to take a long hard look at my life and say to myself that I can't live like this or I'm going to lose everything. It's now been a month and 20 days without a drink and I intend to keep it that way. That's me done with the drink. I feel better physically and mentally. You can do it too Gareth. It won't be a walk in the park initially but it gets easier. Be strong for yourself and your family. You can do it.

I’m 49. Been sober for over a year. You’re not alone on this new journey. You’ve got support from me across the pond and many others bro.

I've been sober for 6 months now and I can't believe I am actually here and how much better I feel... It's a hard road, but it's worth it.... Stay strong mate.

You got this! I was an alcoholic/drug addiction for 30 years. I'm 52 and have been sober for 8.5 years now. I KNOW you can do it. God help you. 🙏

This post really hit home for me. I’m 65. My amazing dad loved to drink socially or after a hard days work he would sit outside and enjoy a cold beer or two. Then, it turned into every day. He was never abusive…just different when he drank too much. After I had my daughter, his first grandchild…I told him that I would not bring her over if he was drinking. He quit cold turkey that day. For the next 35 years, he was the absolute best husband…father, grandfather and great grandfather ❤ Sadly, we lost him to Dementia in 2015. But, what a beautiful gift he gave us all on the day he quit drinking…we have so many loving and fun memories to hold us close and bring us joy. Not only are you setting a good example, but you are giving your family the best gift ever by making them a priority in your life…YOU! 🤗

your honesty and transparency is admirable bud, be proud you've been able to spot and correct yourself. some people never get there, even after a lifetime.

Your honesty is powerful mate, it will help others who live a lie to there loved ones realise that there is a path, a difficult path that can lead to hope. Stay strong, one step at a time one day at a time. You are not alone brother 🙏🏼

My Dad died at 47 years old, he was an alcoholic. He left behind three children and a wife he beat every single day. As children we hated our father. Best thing was when my mother decided to eventually divorce him, against the Catholic Church advice, as in their eyes they told my irish mother that in in the eyes of God we’d be seen and known as ba*st@rd children. Our mum was strong, and said that no man would be her judge, only God. Gareth you do what you feel is right for your family. God bless ❤️

I have been drunk since I was 13, I'm 59 now, I have lost my kids, job, car, frindships, respect and self esteem and am about to be kicked out of my home. Your message was truly poignant and timely. I go with you on this difficult journey.

I understand. I battle the same demon and will for my entire life. It’s a hard road to be on. Good for you for calling it out. Remind yourself daily how bad it is and tell your story when you can. Stay strong man. When you fall, get right back up and shake it off. Don’t look back, and make no mistake, it is a demon.

cunning and baffling…you can do this mate! im 34 and have just over 100 days sober..my body is finally healing. this is the hardest thing ive ever dealt with..i understand your pain. thank you for posting this and reminding me of why im staying sober..we can do this together bro. ❤ God bless.

Mad respect for coming clean as raw and direct as this. You’ve got this!

Our 46 y/o son died of alcoholism on 10/30/23. He was 46. He'd been a severe alcoholic for 31 yrs. He drank 2 bottles of vodka a day. He was getting dementia, had 4 heart attacks, had heart, liver failure and kidney failure, and had WET BRAIN and Werneke-Korsakoff syndrome when he died. We tried to intervene 1000's of times. We had him committed dozens of timed. QUIT DRINKING NOW.

Good Luck on your efforts to save your life and those close to you. It is a truly daunting task. I'm 76 and I came to the same situation you have 15 years ago, where I was going to lose everything due to my drinking and specifically driving. I realized the only way I could have any form of a normal life and not be in jail was to QUIT drinking. Luckily, I received some counseling on alcohol abuse and because of my dire situation I actually listened. I finally learned WHY I drank and what the greatest obstacle to quitting is. I learned that the feeling you get when you crack the first beer and you feel the warmth and relaxation enter your body and a personality change of false wellbeing takes place, is what entices us to drink again. I believe this began with me when in high school, I began drinking and the whole purpose was the buzz. Anyway, what I came to understand, was that the only way for me to quit, was to NOT TAKE THE NEXT DRINK. My life TOTALLY changed when I quit alcohol, nothing can be the same. 15 years sober and I plan to stay that way. Yes I do sometimes think that I would be able to take a drink or two, and be fine. NO WAY, because when I think of taking that drink, the first thought that comes to mind is that feeling I got as that alcohol entered my body, that's the hook. As soon as I think about the feeling, I realize that the ONLY reason I am sober, is because I DON"T take that drink.

I used to smoke the mary j to push away the depression, and when i finally drew a line and quit i looked back and realized that the smoke was just a crutch and it was making my depression worse. I am beyond happy for YOU that you have made the decision to stop drinking and make your family your priority. You have a tough road ahead but you, your family and your future will be better for it! Admiration for you and your efforts moving forward. I hope you manage to put it down for good. I know im better off than i was when i smoked. My health is better, my energy levels are better and kudos to you for putting it on the internet where people will eat you alive for any mistake you make. These people will hold you accountable, and thats going to push you through the finish line.

totally get where your coming from. i lost everything. but now been clean and sober over 4 years. every day im tempted. youve got this, you know this road only leads one way. i know its so hard.

I quit nine years ago when I was forty. Best thing I've ever done. Wish you all the luck in the world in your journey.

You can do this. Every single person before me in my family were alcoholics, my mother was an alcoholic, the 'curse' stopped with her. after 30 yrs of drinking, it ended, she did it. She was 53 when she stopped. you can do it. added you to my prayer list. People love you, care for you and want you to succeed. You arent alone, even when you think you are :)

You're a very brave man for making this video sir. I struggle with drinking too and I'm fighting my own demons too, the only difference between us is you have a partner and kids. I'm 34, and have plenty of time to find those things too, but they're really eluding me, and I feel like that is making my struggle more difficult. I'm glad to hear you have people who love you and spur you on, but don't ever fall into the illusion of thinking that they're the "reason" for you to change, no one should ever feel the burden of needing to change someone else. That change has to come from within and nourish not just yourself, but those in your proximity. I really respect you sir x

Thank you for posting this... It takes guts to admit we are no longer in control. I've been on and off booze for 20 years, and I feel everything your saying very strongly. Thanks and good will.

I'm a 53-year-old alcoholic and drug addict. I showed addictive, compulsive behavior since I was about 12 or 13, a few years before I ever touched drugs or alcohol, or cigarettes. It was like I was born to be an addict. From about age 17-32, I smoked cigarettes and cannabis, snorted cocaine, gobbled MDMA and washed it all back with plenty of booze. At age 32, I realized I was on a bad path. So I quit cigarettes, I quit cannabis, I quit cocaine and MDMA. Alcohol has been a bit trickier, though. I quit for 5 years, then fell off the wagon. Then I quit for 1.5 years, and fell off again. I'm booze-free again now for over 3.5 years, and I'm doing my best. Even though I've fallen off the wagon before, I've given my body windows of recovery. The important thing is to be honest with yourself and always stay in the ring. Even if you slip up, stay in the fight. Give yourself a chance to recover, even for a little while, and see if you can build on it. I stay out of bars and my social life is pretty dull these days, but I'm 53, so who cares, really? Now is the time in my life to be reflective and mindful, and to just slow down and breathe the air. Self-preservation is the key. Concentrate on a few healthy and wholesome things that you enjoy and tune out the tsunami of noise and nonsense that is just waiting to crash on your head, if you let it. I'm not 100%, I haven't figured it all out. But I'm harnessing my pathologies by making a compulsive addiction out of trying to preserve my life.

For some reason, for some people, one drink is too many but 100 is not enough. Fair play for realising this and moving forward. Wish you all the best.

Hi there. Just seen this. My husband and I watch your vids and we enjoy them. This is very different. I want to say how much I admire your bravery in standing up and saying this to the whole world. You're right, it won't b easy but I wish you every chance for success. You are a great dad. Your kids will understand what you've done one day and be proud of you for it. Nothing feels more precious than something won by hard work and sacrifice. Good luck to you.

You deserve a lot of respect for beeing this honest.

I was raised by an alcoholic father and I was terrified of him and so were my brothers and sisters. None of us drink as adults either because of watching our Dad. Your children will really love you for getting off it ❤. I will say that as an adult looking back on it I understand it was his way to cope but it stopped working as a way to cope when he woke up one morning addicted to it. My Dad did stop drinking and it turned out he was a pretty awesome guy when he wasn’t drunk. He’s gone now and I miss him terrible, love him so much.

Brother I'm 51 and 18 . months sober . Sober forever. It happens when you decide. Here for you dude 😎😁😶‍🌫️🙏

You've got this. I joined a reddit group where they say "I won't drink with you today". It helped to have the daily comradery by my side as I fought cravings, 4 years in and best decision I've made. Best of luck to you

You've looked better ! I wish you well Gareth. You're man enough and strong enough to put this behind you. My thoughts will be with you over the coming weeks till you get back to doing what you do best. Cheers Gareth

My dad was an alcoholic and passed in 2011. I loved him so much. He was 92 when he passed. The good news is he had been sober since he was 65. He was in alcoholics anonymous and helped so many people, some people he helped died of alcoholism, they never made it. However, a lot did make it and led decent happy productive lives. The thing is denial of you being dependent on alcohol, 🍷 you must admit to yourself that there is a problem and you can never drink again. No one ever recovers from alcoholism. One drop and you’re back at square one. My dad lived a wonderful life after he stopped drinking. Seek help and if you follow alcoholics anons advice you can too. It isn’t easy. I do wish you and your family all the best in the world. You are a lovely man.

You are NOT alone. There are thousands and thousands of people going through the same painful process that you are right now. We strengthen each other and we support each other. I have been sober for nearly five years and if I can succeed so can you. I wish you all the best and I believe in you! Stay focused my friend.

Thank you for posting this. I’m 49 and will be 9 years sober end of September. I was on your path. Would have lost everything. I stopped and have been successful due to a strong support system. Make sure you have that!!

Best wishes to you. I'm 77 now. I quit drinking alcohol in my 40s. You've got your best years ahead of you.

"Once I start drinking, I can't stop." Yes, that's probably the primary definition "of time to quit". Great choice, mate!