The scruff definitely suits you better than the serial killer 'stache.

It takes a pair of brass cohones to be able to speak so publicly about something so personal and to be so candid about it. Thank you for that. I lost my Dad to alcoholism a few years ago and I'm still not okay about it. There is a lot of work to do and I applaud you to be willing to be so up front about it. I'm optimistic that the assistance will be a great foundation to start on. Congratulations on taking the first step in the right direction. 2020, huh??... What a nutty year! Yano be with you... Much love!!!

As someone who has gone through rehab and is recovering from alcoholism myself, I am very happy for you and proud of you! It's not easy starting recovery, but once you do get on that path it gets better. One day at a time, friend. :) I'm rooting for you, Derek!!

The Beard/Necklace combo makes it look like you went on a spiritual retreat and came back as one of those weird hippy healers.

You took the route of courage, Derek! Let no one get you down! #EndtheStigma

Some people battle demons, oh Derek? He battles aliens. 😏 Seriously though, thank you for sharing this. Ultimately your health comes first.

I’ve been a viewer since the very beginning and I’m extremely proud of you for getting help. I recently got out of a week long voluntary stint in a psych ward for depression and man it was HARD. Getting help is not easy but hopefully it’ll be worth it. For both of us.

I’m really glad you made the decision to go! It is life-changing and difficult but things are going to be better in the long run. My family is full of addicts and their biggest obstacle is that they’re all high functioning. Its harder for them to see that there’s an issue when they can mostly function normally. Any help or advice you need, or even just shoot the shit, you can always call/text.

Welcome back! You got this! Sober 17 years now.

Welcome back...And as long as you say I am not going to drink today and don't, and do that everyday, you will stay away from a drink. I have been without a drink for over 13 years--one day at a time. Looking forward to watching more content by you...Thank you for sharing.

Good for you for taking care of yourself! That’s a courageous decision. You can do it One Day at a Time. I just celebrated 24 years sober on June 26, so I’m an example that it can be done. Much love. ❤️

So proud of you for taking care of your addiction. I grew up in the NA rooms, since my mom is a recovering addict (26 years clean now!). It’s not an easy decision to make, and not an easy realization to come to, but I’m so very proud of you. I wish you so much love and support in your journey. 💖

Any time the work starts to feel like emptying an ocean one teacup at a time, just know there's lots of us right beside you with our own chipped and faded cups, scooping away. ❤️

Welcome back, Derek! It takes a lot of strength to admit you have a problem, but to actually admit you need help and get it? That can be a herculean task. I'm happy you got the help you needed!

YOU SIR are a Beautiful example of perserverance. So glad you are healing long suffered wounds. I will keep you and the fam in my prayers! You GOT THIS. Looking forward to hearing your new chapter in life! Congrats Derek! Your Realness...very cool. Fist pump high fives or is it sober fives?😆 Awww yes the odd humorings of the Wackadoodle WATC crowd. Good ta SEE yer FACE again. Love and strength to you & Heidi💞🐾🐾🏆

Glad you're taking care of your issues, Derek. Keep fighting & we're all here for you! May Father Yano bless you. 🙏

Those poor mosquitos that can no longer get loaded off you! Hahaaaa but for real I’m so happy for you and you look gooooood! Keep doin you!

I’m proud of you Derek- realizing you have a problem and working to fix it is nothing to feel embarrassed, anxious or ashamed about. Stay strong and stay healthy my dude ❤️

"Back among the kitties" you really love those big cats.

As someone else who has dealt with drinking issues both from myself and family members I am proud of you for doing what you did. It is never easy but I can say making the choice yourself vs being forced to do it is a major step and takes a lot of strength. You got this Derek we will be here to continue to support you throughout.

Proud of you for taking the steps to take care of yourself! Good luck as you continue this journey. Welcome back!

Glad to have you back, Derek. Thank you for talking about this, and I'm so glad you've got help and support. I know we're a bunch a peet in mouth weirdos on the internet, but we care about you a lot! Best of luck in the future. Hope you're happy back at the compound and with the kitties.

Mad respect for you Derek. I’m glad you’re doing better.

It’s really nice to read all the comments from people who empathise and have gone through their own struggles with mental health and addiction.

Glad to have you back, Derek ❤️

The fact you feel comfortable to talk about something so personal, and with such humor, is incredibly admirable! From a micro-creator, I relate to that content anxiety a lot. You're definitely not alone!

Welcome back Derek, I thought maybe you’d been arrested for all the nasty things you say about the Teegees! All joking aside, really really happy for you at taking that massive step, must’ve been really daunting, but it will make such a huge difference to your life and the life of your family in the long run. Always remember that the Pride is right behind you ❤️

It takes a lot of guts to admit to yourself that you have a problem, and even more to actually seek help for it. Honestly, this kind of content needs to be normalized to help end the stigma of seeking mental treatment. I'm proud of you for stepping up to the plate and taking the steps to help you with alcoholism!

times are strange right now, and most of us know that you have a 'day job', and with the travelling and the quarantine and so on, you being away wasn't a shock to most of us. the actual reason is a surprise. i know i am happy you were able to see this in yourself and were able to take care of it. i myself am just over 3 years without a drink, not to say it isn't difficult, and there are several times a day where i think 'i need a drink', but, one day at a time i move on. this is on top of PTSD and depression, amidst a variety of other things. you look well, you sound well, and i know i am grateful that you were able to 'dig out'. welcome back Derek *hugs from a hazmat suit* (stupid covid)

Stay strong, Derek! These big kitties need their dad safe and sound so they can squeak and spook him

I am so proud of you Derek that you were able to see the need to take care of yourself. That’s incredible! Glad you’re back! ☺️

Glad to see you back! We all have mountains to climb and it's never easy climbing them. Glad that you are conquering yours ❤😁

🎉 Welcome back!!!! 🐢 We missed you! We *UNDERSTAND* the struggle. SO glad that you're taking care of yourself. Your bravery with honestly sharing your struggles and experiences WILL help others. And is it wrong that I pictured the group sessions at rehab ending with a rousing singalong of Monkeys Buttered Toast??? 🎶

I'm glad you were able to get the help that you needed, and that you have such an amazing support network. We've missed you, and are glad you're back.

We love you...... plz be ok...... no pressure......

Two thumbs up to you, Derek! That's a hard thing to kick and I'm glad you have a great support system.

Welcome Back Derek! Super proud of you for taking care of yourself ❤

My uncle struggled with alcoholism for years before getting help. Very proud of him and very proud of you.

So proud! It's a culture in Wisconsin and a hard one to break away from, as it's a norm we grew up with.

Welcome back Mr. Derek! I'm glad you had to strength to go through what you needed to do. Much love, and we're all here for you! I don't have for you Derek, but if there is anything the ol' Andy can do to help, hit me up anytime!

Welcome back Derek, and congrats on your brave start to recovery! 27 years ago, my step father decided that he wanted to be sober to raise my little brother. It was tough for him at first, but he's done it. You can do it too! We've got your back. P.s. You kinda look like Travis Fimmel with beard. Very nice. 😉

It’s great to see you back wonderful you have support behind you please don’t feel you have to share everything with us... share as little or much as you want look after yourself.

Good for you! Keep on chuckin Also... Writing things down would not have been Derek style, ramble away

It's awesome that you got the help you needed. I recently lost a 28 yr old friend to alcoholism, her body just gave out/up. I'm glad you're getting a fresh start 💕

As someone who was in a relationship with an (aggressive) alcoholic, i'm happy to hear that you went on your own before it got too bad ♥ Happy to see you back and don't worry too much about content. :) I love the WATC's but video dumps are great too and they can include videos, that other care members took. And maybe we will see a compilation of Derek vs. Jeremy soon? xD

Love ya Derk. Many props and things. Glad to have you back!

Nice that you are back, and especially nice that you are able to recognise your problem, do something about it and that you can talk about it. I wish you the best

Damn, I had no idea Derek. We've all got our struggles and I'm glad that you've taken the step to help yourself.

Well done fella!! It's a brave step to admit there is a problem, and even braver to do something about it! 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐅🐅🐅🐅🐅

Glad you did what was best for you and your family! I have a hard enough time staying away from sugar and caffeine, I can't imagine going up against alcohol or drugs. But glad you're back and stay away from the booze bug from here on out!! Also low key loving the beard

Admit it, you just wanted time to grow in that beard. Kudos, it's fucking *hawt*. 😍🔥 Seriously though, I've been watching you for years and I'd never have guessed. Good for you for recognizing that there was a problem and taking the steps to rectify it. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to take that first one. I'm proud of you and it's so awesome that you have such a great support system around you. Sending you my whole heart. Stay strong and stay safe. Really glad to have you back. 💙 Edit - since you're cool with questions, I'm just curious as to what your tipping point was. The straw that broke the camel's back and made you finally make the decision. If it was a single thing or a conglomeration of small things. As someone who hardly ever drinks (it gives me migraines), it's hard to understand the flip side of the coin.

Thank you for sharing this with us. I appreciate your honesty. Proud of you Derek. The Pride are proud of you. We're here for you Derek. So glad you are back. Xx.

So proud of you derek!

I'm so glad that you got help, Derek! I've been watching your videos since 2013 and they make me so happy. I was so confused /worried when I didn't hear you on the channel for a while. It's so wonderful to share your story with others and show that you can get better and heal!! I hope you continue to heal ❤️❤️❤️❤️

so you ARE from Wisconsin! All kidding aside- one day at a time buddy!

You look great! Your eyes are shiny and bright! It's so good to have you back! It shows a real strength of character to do what you did.

Thanks for sharing this, Derek. Sobriety is super important. You're not alone in your problems and I hope it makes you understand that you're not a passenger on the road to contentment; you have your hand on the wheel.

Return of the Dadstache. 😊 Yay, good to see you again, Derek! Melissa and Jan provided some great content while you were gone, so if you ever have to disappear again, we’re ready. (Watching this on mute at work, so will comment to actual content later.)

Sending a virtual hug to you Derek and the Care Family💗🐯🦁💗

Welcome back Derek, so proud of you! My marriage ended because he chose the bottle over me...congratulations on taking care of yourself and your family... Glad to see your grey bearded face. #teambeebees

We understand Derek. Glad you're doing better and you have a good sense of humor about it. Stay strong!

Welcome back Derek, you look so much better, healthier even. The biggest step is admitting you had a problem so well done. Respect and love 👏🏻👍🏻💖

Hey Derek props to you man! I've been through rehab as well and learned some amazing things about myself, it totally is a journey and not one for the faint of heart.....it's not always easy or pleasant to take a look at ourselves, and it takes courage to face our short comings head on. Congratulations man!!!

Thank you for your honesty Derek. I can't imagine that it was easy to face your demons head on but I really hope that it gave you the help you wanted & needed. You should be proud of yourself that you took this step and so many people will be able to relate or even find to strength to face their own issues after hearing your story.

Welcome back! We missed you, and we’re proud of you for taking the steps to improve yourself!! 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

Good to have you back derek :)

I was wondering why i have not heard from you Derek, just remember Derek, you got to stay strong mentally. Im really glad to hear from you Derek, stay focused.

Welcome back!

Glad to have you back Derek & to hear you’re in the process of defeating those aliens. I appreciate you being so open and I’m really interested to hear how you had a system, etc. One of my best friends ended up in the ICU a few years ago due to alcoholism that he hid so well from everyone. He’s thankfully on the mend and 3 years sober now but he doesn’t really like to talk about the past with anyone other than his therapist so I’m left with a lot of questions. While I know everyone is different, hearing your story may help me understand his past thinking more. Any who, glad you recognized your need for help and that you are now hooked on the gravity bong of life.

We're proud of you Derek!❤ 😁I've been seeing during this time we've all had time of reflection and getting real with ourselves...working out our demons and discovering our purpose.😁

ZOMGAAAAH!!! 🐢 Welcome back!!! 🎉 Dude, I am SO HECKIN’ PROUD of you for taking the initiative to go on this journey! 🙌🙌🙌 We’re all here to support you. 🦁💪🐯

Phew! Glad it was completely voluntary. Those aliens better stay on guard tho! 😜

This is your journey, but thank you for sharing. Sharing your story helps decrease the stigma around substance use disorders, and hearing that your work was so understanding really is amazing. It's an incredibly complex disease. But that teeth cleaning analogy was so good! 😄 I'm so glad you took this time for your health. Seriously thank you for sharing.

I missed you so much & I am so glad you took the time. Thank you for your honesty, appreciate it. I look forward to hearing more on this, I think it will be helpful to many, including myself. I wish you strength.❤

Hope your brought your nun-chuck to battle those aliens. Glad you got yourself to feeling better, regardless of nun-chuckage!

Way to go buddy! I am so proud and happy you found help and got better. So glad to see you back doing what you love. *hugs* You know all your friends at Furry Fiesta love you and the kitties. We have your back. :)

Derek! We are so proud of you for speaking out about this! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! Sending you hugs and prayers! ❤❤ P.s. Keep the facial hair. Looks good! 👍

I had the dumbs and realized I could watch muted with captions. 😅 Congrats on your renewed headspace. Your honesty about mental health is admirable and helps eliminate any stigma; it’s one of the reasons I first subscribed. 🌟 Whether it was CBT or DBT, I’m happy you found better coping skills and channels for negative energy. Glad to know your support system is so solid. Pridestrong! 🙌

Welcome back, buddy! Welcome back! This is my absolute FAVORITE YT channel and when you didn't show up or report in - I got concerned! Why? Why would I feel concerned for someone I never met and probably never will? To be sure, you made a connection with our similar outlooks on life, our love of tigers, lions and all the big cats. And the little cats and dogs and weird little raccoon monkey things! The fact that you read and like music and are nerdy and do martial arts! Yeah, I felt a kinship ( and not in any creepy, weird way) there, like I was tuning in to see a friend! Love your interactions with all your animals and the volunteers and most of all, your humor! Whatever demons you're exorcising, Derek, know this - the Pride truly does care about you and yours! Okay? Got that? There are two things you need to know: first - don't sweat the content! It's always been good and fun! Don't lose any sleep over trying to change up or keeping it fresh. Every day is a new day and you, like the rest of us, always have different things on your mind. Just say it! It'll be fine with us! Second thing: we got your back, Derek! If you need some time off to iron things out, we understand! No judging from us. Some Pride have probably been there or are there now - they will support you mentally and emotionally as a Commrad in arms. The rest of us are rooting for you on the sidelines! You have friends, Derek, more than you realize! Welcome back and GODSPEED!

Derek! we just love how much you enjoy those kitties, and share that with us. You being happy and taking care of yourself is the first step for us to get the moos, the peets and cassie... Thank you for shearing. Take care! Love from Argentina.

congratulations. Derek I'm so sorry that you're going through all that situation but glad you see you came by God bless you and I know we'll be praying for you 🤗

You look great!❤️. I am.so glad you decided to go get help. Much love to you, Heidi, the kids and the kitties!❤️

I'm so happy to see you back and so proud of you for making the decision to get help.

Welcome back, Derek! We've missed you. I'm so glad you have decided to do this and admire your willingness to share with us. You are a wonderful man with a wonderful wife and family. You are all worth the journey you are on. I am so happy for you. I will pray for you often. Hugs to you all!! ❤

Derek I’m so proud of you! You are an amazing person and you have tons of support! Been thinking about you and praying for you. ❤️ keep up the good work! Hope you and the wife and kids are well! Glad to see you back! ❤️

I'm very proud of you, it took a lot of courage to get yourself in rehab and also talk about it to us. Much love to you, the family, and the animals. It sounds like you're optimistic, and that's great! The best thing you can do right now is be with the people you love. You certainly don't owe us any explanation but I do look forward to updates on your progress. You seem like a really fun dude and I'm shocked to hear what you've been going through. Stay strong!

Derek the pride is proud of you , I’m very proud of you. I’m so happy that you concerned this. Incredible proud.

Welcome back, congratulations on taking the first steps.

I’m so glad you sought the help and am very proud of you for making that step! You know you have our support always!!! I’m all the love!!! And I’m sure the kitties are very happy to see you! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Loving the the new fuzz! I think you may be morphing into Jackson Galaxy :D Sending you lots of love, support and positive vibes xxx

Wow Derek, I’m so very proud of you. Literally had no idea you were going though all of this. Glad to see you back 🤗

Congratulations on your accomplishments! You’re an inspiration!

Good for you to take this journey. One day at a time. Keep up the good work.

I’m so glad you are taking care of yourself. You have been missed! Stay strong, you can do this. Happy to hear you have a great support system.

I'm so proud for you Derek! That's such a major accomplishment! Best of luck with your continuing recovery!

In all seriousness Derek. I have had alcoholism touch my life not me personally but my uncle was an alcoholic my ex boyfriend’s grandma drank till the day she died of cirrhosis. I have had my time with addiction. I had a candy man doctor when I first got diagnosed with MS. He kept throwing hydocodone at my symptoms well it was my neurologist. Anyway I got addicted to the stuff and was weaned off of it my first day without anything I curled up in the fetus position and cried all day it was horrible but I made it through it and now I’m addiction free. So if you ever need to talk to someone who has kinda been there just hit me up on Facebook messenger. I’m always a good ear and will help where I can. ❤️❤️❤️

Really happy for you sir. Keep that going 🤘🏼

All the love and support to you, Derek. I am so happy for you.

Welcome back! And more importantly, I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say, we are all just so proud of you! You have been missed! I look forward to hearing some of the psychological aspects of your journey! Proud supporter of BCD and NAD.... heh.... nads.

Derek, it is so brave of you to have gone on this journey and to be here sharing this with us. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their "issues," be they mental illnesses or addictions, but the more of us who can, the closer we get to erasing stigma. Seriously, your candor is amazing. You didn't have to tell us anything (and in fact, I just thought your absence was work-related!), but you did, and I am so so so proud of you. You got this!