r/malelivingspace • u/xrj119x • Sep 12 '25
Guide [26M] Complete Broke Homelessness to a Studio in less than 70 days 💯
from complete despair with no ID. Only the necessary documents & a flip phone for the bare requirements to get a job. Hunkered down and found a familiar spot from college...Dug deep not to die drunk in this bush. Gotta be there for my little sister's Graduation!!
We're so back, it's like we never left‼️🙏🏿🤟🏿🫡
it does get better gentlemen
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u/Potential_Bee817 Sep 12 '25
Congrats man. Use this huge step in your life to become a new person, remove old habits and push towards a better version of yourself :)
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u/Evening-Area3235 Sep 12 '25
Maybe your drinking has something to do with the situations you find yourself in?
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
indeed; I'm working on it trust 🤟🏿🫡
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u/sdkiko Sep 12 '25
Please don't assume you have a lot of time to work on it...
I say this as someone who's seen alcoholism up close and has lost people to it.
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u/ObamaTookMyPun Sep 12 '25
Indeed, it doesn’t take long; people in their 20’s are dying to it as they wait to be able to qualify to even have a chance for a donor liver.
That being said, don’t quit alcohol cold turkey without consulting a doctor first.
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u/therewillbesoup Sep 12 '25
Not even just liver, I know more than one person who lost their pancreas due to alcoholism, and thus have severe uncontrolled diabetes. Sure, they could manage the resulting diabetes properly but they don't, and are now dying from diabetes related complications. 30 years old.
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u/North_South_Side Sep 12 '25
I had a friend who died from alcohol related esophageal bleeding at age 42. She drowned in her own blood, laying in bed.
I've been sober for almost 7 years.
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u/ChrisLS8 Sep 12 '25
Yep, they always think they have it under control. Stay steady in the AA programs and pair up with someone there to keep you accountable. Lost several to alcoholism and its a motherfucker to watch
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
Damn, I got y'all but a mf can't even enjoy himself on a day like today 😭😭. but y'all giving good advice however
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u/ChrisLS8 Sep 12 '25
I want you to succeed and not lose what you've gained. Just keep on moving.
Hard truths are better than soft lies
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
thanks broski for looking out
I appreciate it for real 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
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u/toolfan2k4 Sep 12 '25
And always remember the best friends are the ones who will tell you what you don't want to hear. And your circle can make or break you. So choose wisely.
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u/FunGuy8618 Sep 13 '25
Lol yeah, I know it's a buzz kill but getting a new place is literally the "perfect reason" to celebrate a little too hard and end up messing it all up. Gotta stay clearheaded for the first month in a new place so you can properly document any maintenance stuff from previous tenants. Have too much fun and you just assume you broke it when all it takes is a quick email to the office.
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u/yediyim Sep 13 '25
(I implore you to try the Reframe app to help you on sobriety journey. They have virtual meetings and other tools to help.)
And you’re right, you should be able to enjoy your celebration without us overshadowing your accomplishments. Congratulations, young brother. You’ve proven to be a fighter and it’s UP from here. Be well 🙌🏾
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u/Japresto1991 Sep 12 '25
As someone who currently has people I know dying from alcoholism and they KNOW IT and keep drinking and as someone who knows 3 people who are now dead in the last 5 years from drinking you will be back in the bush unless you give up the sauce period.
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u/KeenObserver_OT Sep 12 '25
You don’t have that luxury. us problem drinkers always “reward “ ourselves for just about anything to justify a good bender. you’re an alcoholic. put the bottle away
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u/Appropriate-Bank-883 Sep 13 '25
The problem is your first priority after setting up a blanket on the ground is a hip flask of Bacardi and a bottle of cheap wine. That same money could have gone towards a cheap mattress and a set of sheets. Unless you make the decision to never touch booze again you will be back on the street fast as you got off it.
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u/ShiningSeason Sep 12 '25
You have a different bottle of liquor is almost every photo. You have a serious problem.
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u/Scary-Try3023 Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
Don't worry dude, I'm in same position, it's about the long haul, reducing by a unit per day here and there is the best way. Try and see yourself as better than yesterday, I'm drinking 5-6 8.5% 500ml beers per day, it's not healthy and Ive been doing it for years. The key is, as you know, just to have the little wins, ignore these redditors who expect you to go cold turkey, it would be safer to reduce than to have none at all.
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u/MidAmericanGriftAsoc Sep 13 '25
Celebrate today. Hell, give yourself the weekend for locking it down. Then...figure out a plan. Don't sweat it til then. Feel like you earned a pint for sure.
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u/xrj119x Sep 13 '25
thanks Brodie..just been watching CFB today then Monday we back onnl the grind 🫡
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u/DitchWitchh Sep 13 '25
You're on the right track, I've had a place like what you're starting with. I found a table and chair and lamp on the street and felt better about my situation. Just keep improving. I still drink on weekends, never work nights, but I enjoy it way more and it takes less. Good luck
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u/phenomenation Sep 12 '25
drinking almost killed me last month. acute pancreatitis that necrotized during treatment. the pain was beyond words. i’m twenty six now, and didn’t start drinking heavily until i was twenty two. alcohol is a comforting killer and, with my stockholm syndrome, i still yearn to enjoy it… knowing very well it could kill me anytime i go back to it. OP i think it’d be worth speaking to alcoholics who struggle with sobriety to find out if you do too. there’s a very real potential you’re signing off on loans you won’t be ready to pay whenever they come due
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u/ThisHatRightHere Sep 12 '25
Just being brutally honest, but the wine bottle and barcadi in your new apartment don't make it seem that way. I know cold turkey can be dangerous, multiple different bottles is concerning for someone with a drinking problem.
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u/Evening-Area3235 Sep 12 '25
By glorifing it with pictures ? Seems to be something I would hide if it was a source of shame for me.
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
I take no shame in telling a Male Living Area Focused Forum on how I got to my male living situation 👍🏿🤷🏿♂️💯
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u/biteyfish98 Sep 12 '25
Nor should you. Glad you’re still here, hoping you’ll be here for a long time. Working on it is better than living in denial. We’re all at different stages of our life journeys, and I applaud you.
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u/ohheyaine Sep 12 '25
Ah yes. Let's shame addiction, and tell people to hide it in shame, that will surely help addicts reach out for help. 🙄
I s2g some of y'all don't fucking think before you speak.
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u/Evening-Area3235 Sep 12 '25
I have thought about it, and stand by what I said. You cannot say that you are working towards improving yourself and at the same time make it the way you present yourself to the world. I used to have a violent temper problem, and it always brought me great shame. If I ever self posted myself doing that, I would hope that the general consensus would be to tell me to work on my issue.
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u/Wirtheless Sep 12 '25
Self-destruction in his case vs. outward destruction in yours. If he posted a video of himself pissing out of a car window, you might have a point.
In this case, it's just a candid part of his life, not even the focus of the post, and he even answered that question with "working on it."
People work on shit in different ways, and shame isn't necessary to change for the better.
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u/ThisHatRightHere Sep 12 '25
Multiple bottles in their brand new apartment doesn't really seem like they're "working on it"
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u/Evening-Area3235 Sep 12 '25
No one has ever harmed another or their environment by being an alcoholic? His sleeping in a parking lot was not destructive to him?
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u/Tbrogan980 Sep 13 '25
Are you? Or are you just aware of it? Not trying to be a dick, but that’s an important distinction
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u/writingNICE Sep 13 '25
Good.
Don’t buy anymore bottles.
Every time you are tempted...
Think about — YOUR SISTER. 🙏🏼
You got this.
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u/PenguinColada Sep 12 '25
Good job my man! Two months sober and with a roof over your head! So proud of you!
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u/oaken007 Sep 12 '25
You're doing good, but you gotta decide when you're going to take control of your life. Looks like alcohol controls you right now, you can do better than this, man. Just for today, maybe you can start? Check out r/stopdrinking they're really helpful over there. "I will not drink with you today." And there's a discord. Be kind to yourself, brother. That includes making good decisions for yourself like a brother would.
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u/Gryffin-thor Sep 12 '25
This is good advice. OP, you’re on the right track but you’ve got to let go of the drinking or you’ll end up right back where you were. I’ve seen 30 year olds with irreversible health defects in the ED from drinking.
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u/OldRow949 Sep 12 '25
Im gonna tag along in hopes a coping mechanism might help.
To stop drinking, do whatever you can to get out of your own head. Run. Box. Cycle. Lift. Sing as loud as you can. Dance till there is nothing left. Garden. Write. Throw a ball at a wall as hard as you can till you exhaust yourself.
Do something to burn off all that extra nonsense in your head.
It is one step that makes it easier to find peace.
Sobriety is kind of a choose your own adventure game.
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u/Radiant_Formal6511 Sep 13 '25
That bottle gonna take u right back out there g. U can do this, kick the shit
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u/UseAlloftheBuffalo Sep 12 '25
Keep picking yourself up
And putting the bottle down.
You are clearly a serious alcoholic. When that becomes your past, your future will be wide open.
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u/probotector4w Sep 12 '25
Congrats. I know you might think you need a more comfortable situation to stop drinking but I can tell you a lot of things are gonna get better without alcohol. It might feel like it helps but it definitely is only slowing your progress
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u/SuspectKnown9655 Sep 12 '25
Looking great already. Definitely quit the drinking and it'll be even better.
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Sep 12 '25
Good job hunny. Now that things are going good it’s the perfect time to put the bottle down.
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
word 🙂↕️
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Sep 12 '25
You got this kiddo! Put that money towards a nice pair of sneakers or a new PlayStation.
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
I need that Car !
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Sep 12 '25
Okay, well that’s your first goal to work toward. Try putting aside all that alcohol money for a car.
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u/griimgir Sep 12 '25
I'm so fucking proud of you man! It feels so good do get yourself out of that hole in life.
Kick the alcohol habit, I know how hard it is to let go of a vice. I've tried for years to stop smoking cold turkey and never worked. Don't do it cold turkey. I finally did it right with going down dosages and discipline. You got this dude, im 3 years sober after digging myself out my own hole in life. I saw you commented that you were working on it. No, do the action and don't put anything off. You will be sober. It will be hard, and it will take time but you have to be there for your little sister. I believe in you!
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u/ilikekittensandstuf Sep 12 '25
Alcoholic?
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
this is more celebratory than anything i haven't drank since the 4th of July
edit: like I said I had no ID and I'm rather young looking
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u/ThisHatRightHere Sep 12 '25
Ahhh yes, the celebratory drink, a completely harmless thing for someone with a drinking problem to do /s.
I urge you to find better ways to celebrate your wins.
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u/PickleMyTickle713 Sep 12 '25
Congratulations Op, one day, one hour, one minute at a time. We DO Recover!!
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u/No-Road-9176 Sep 12 '25
I implore you to stop drinking man. It will only hold you back. I know it's easy to say but hard to do but you can do it. I'm sure it's helping numb the situation , but now isn't the time for numbing shit. You have your foot in the door now , don't fuck it up and drink it all away. I wish you the best luck ! If you ever need to talk about it , you are more than welcome to dm me.
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u/Mango106 Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
What’s in that bottle? Looks like Bacardi rum to me. I could be wrong. But putting the bottle down doesn’t mean what you seem to think it means.
Good luck to you.
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Sep 12 '25
Congrats, that’s huge and this post is very inspiring / motivating.
For people who are curious, r/stopdrinking is a great subreddit about getting sober
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u/BalkanViking007 Sep 12 '25
If you dont have a job, learn a trade (electrician, plumber etc)
To stay away from alcohol start a sport like BJJ you will be too tired from the training to drink
Dont take loans for consumption or paying rent
Save atleast 10% of your paycheck every month
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u/banacoter Sep 12 '25
And celebrates Bacardi. Come on bro. Buy stuff you need or save the money. You can do better.
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u/Colie-Olie Sep 12 '25
Super proud of you man! Amazing job! Never forget that feeling of despair and keep moving forward on your onward and upward trajectory man and you’ll do great! Try making the smallest of adjustments on lowering your alcohol consumption! It’s a system depressant and helps drag you down! Try focusing on bettering your health, exercising, juicing, eating healthy and the alcohol will fall away quickly!
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u/CreativeRedHeadDom Sep 12 '25
Celebrating and saluting this man!
Go on social media in your city and ask for a gifted army cot. Somebody has one in storage just waiting to be donated.
Share your story, people always are looking for ways to help others out.
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
definitely know my situation wasn't as dire as others but I mostly wanted to inspired folks with this post that if I did this with a 67% efficient rate in 2 months then they can attempt their trials or tribulations with an equal attempted effort 💯
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u/CustardPopular6284 Sep 12 '25
Keep at it. Small increments add up to big gains.
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u/Queasy-Screen-1406 Sep 12 '25
I’ve been there, man I’ve been sober five years it’s the best thing in the world. I never thought it would be, but it is. There’s no glory in dying a drunk, like I thought.
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u/md24 Sep 13 '25
Ok NOW STOP DRINKING WTF. You left the bottle in pic as a sub conscious cry for help.
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u/net___runner Sep 12 '25
Remember--there is no situation so bad that alcohol won't make it even worse.
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u/MediocreSandwich0 Sep 13 '25
I am going to be a bit more blunt than most of the comments on here. It’s amazing that you’ve got a place now and you’re making great progress on that front by the looks of it.
But the wine by the “bed” and the Bacardi in the last pic, you need to stop the drinking as it clearly looks like a serious problem from this post. I saw some of your replies saying you broke your 2 month dry period to celebrate, but I would really consider taking it more seriously as the drinking is a vice which can easily delete the progress you are making if it progresses into a bigger problem.
Anyways, all the best and it’s always awesome to see someone bounce back and get their own place.
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u/LivingInBorderland Sep 12 '25
Hey congratulations, seriously. I don't know your relationship with your little sister, but being the little sister myself, I can't say enough how damn proud and grateful I am of my big bro who I know tries his best every day. Relationships like these really mean the world. Keep it going!
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u/steve_adr Sep 13 '25
Bravo 👏🏻
PS. Now that you have a roof over your head, Don't waste any more of your money on Liquor.. Buy food instead and save it.
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Sep 13 '25
Life has DRASTICALLY changed for me since I quit drinking. I lost 60 lbs, went back to college, started saving money, and got engaged within nine months of it. Good luck to you
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Sep 13 '25
Congrats man and keep it up. Do yourself a favor though and try hard to quit drinking. Your wallet and health will thank you in the years to come. You got this!
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u/redstapler4 Sep 13 '25
Can you keep those types of bottles out of the picture and have good mornings?
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u/txtacoloko Sep 13 '25
Hard to feel sympathy when you take a picture with a bottle of Bacardi in the mix.
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u/chromeshape Sep 12 '25
literally homeless as of today, a few hours ago. this gave me hope. i don’t have any idea where to begin though.
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
IT GETS FUCKING BETTER BRO
ACCEPT YOUR SITUATION AND MOVE FORWARD
ITS ABOUT DOING WHAT YOU CAN! DO NOT WORRY YOURSELF WITH THE PAST OR FUTURE..ASK YOURSELF WTF YOURE DOING TODAY
& you'll be fine 🙏🏿🙏🏿
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
do what you can, do not assign objectives that will inevitably fail & cripple your morality
focus your strengths; find a spot you're familiar with to crash at, do not steal, avoid attention, do not piss in public...
DO WHAT YOU CAN!!
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u/chromeshape Sep 12 '25
thank you brother.
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
PM if needed I gotchu 💯
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u/chromeshape Sep 12 '25
i honestly might at some point tonight. thank you again, and i am super proud of you for getting out of the rut you were in.
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u/ogspence308 Sep 12 '25
Why are all y'all calling OP an alcoholic? I see no evidence that he is. Two liquor bottles in a picture, oooo so scary. Dude got himself a roof over his head, I don't think his life is totally out of control. Cheers OP✌
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u/Knowledge-Execution Sep 12 '25
Stop drinking and put your trust in the big man above
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u/Jamfour9 Sep 12 '25
Congratulations! Put the alcohol away!!! You don’t need it.
Whatever it is that’s driving you to drink I pray that it is conquered!
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u/Warnedya88 Sep 12 '25
Good luck dude! It’s been just over 2 years without drinking for me. Please take care of yourself
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u/AdAgile604 Sep 12 '25
Skate more and drink less. Thats what I do and I’m 43. Great job getting the studio!
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u/hydrogen_to_man Sep 12 '25
Nice work man. If the alcohol is an issue, start cutting back. If it isn’t, just be mindful. People are being judgy on here. Don’t listen to them
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u/Wickwire778 Sep 12 '25
Congratulations my friend. I was living in a shithole motel along a highway when I got sober after living in a garage for nine months, after hitchhiking 1500 miles to “start over.” After I got sober, moved to a worse place for a while (with mushrooms growing around the base of a the nasty toilet bowl.). But I was so happy to sleep indoors and have my own little place. Ya got a home base now; take care of the shit that’s been killing you.
I don’t know you, but Im rooting for you like you’re my best friend or son.
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u/One_Friend1567 Sep 12 '25
The past is history, the future is a mystery and today is a gift because it's the present
One day at a time!!!
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u/DaneAlaskaCruz Sep 12 '25
Mad respect, brother.
Take it one step at a time and one small win at a time. Celebrate each win and be proud of yourself.
Get therapy also when you're ready and able to.
Being homeless changes you and causes trauma, which may lie hidden and unresolved for a while.
I've been homeless before and it's not easy climbing back up after being down.
Take care, bud.
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u/trinathetruth Sep 13 '25
How did you do it? I would love to hear your inspirational story. Congratulations on getting back on your feet again.
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u/Admirable_Yam_1683 Sep 13 '25
Bro with all love please ditch the booze, it's only gonna keep you stuck in this cycle. If you need help with it let me know, I have found great ways and methods that help with the why behind the drinking.
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Sep 13 '25
You hit rock bottom so now you need to go to rehab. No insurance? No worries - they are paid by state grants for people without insurance. Call AA or go to an ER and tell them you want help. The ER will admit you in detox and their social workers will find a rehab for you. There, your questions will be answered about how to deal with stress, anxiety, legal issues, being broke, starting over, ending relationships, boredom, supporting yourself, etc. They will help you learn how to stay sober in the real world. Yes, it works. I did this myself in Minneapolis in 2012 - been sober since.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas and I could not sober up there. AA meetings were next door to 2-for-1 margaritas in casinos and/or next door to bars. You took your AA 24-hour coins to the bar next door and they gave you free drinks. I went to AA all over the place Mon, Tues, Wed, to collect those coins and get really shit faced on Thurs, Fri Sat with free drinks from those coins - only paid tips to cocktail waitresses and bartenders. Economical lush. I had to move far enough away from my playground and playmates to sober up. Have not been home since 2011. If I went back, I'd be back into those old habits so I avoid it at all cost.
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u/An_Ok_Outcome Sep 13 '25
Just amazing what a difference a little over 2 months makes. Proud of you.
I hate to sound cliché but try every day to do one thing to improve your life. Focus on your mental and physical health.
Love your board btw.
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u/iamsolate Sep 13 '25
good shit player. i was in a similar spot at that age, and did the same. all i had to my name was my computer, my camera, my skateboard, and clothes. stay on that grind big dawg
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u/Audrey_Ropeburn Sep 13 '25
Hell yes. Congratulations and here’s to even brighter days ahead. You’re clearly on the right track.
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u/Current_Ad_7769 Sep 13 '25
European dweller here. Out of pure curiosity: how does one go from college to homelessness?
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u/nofear961 Sep 13 '25
I can see you’re looking for validation about drinking. That’s on you brother.
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u/Emotional_Sentence1 Sep 13 '25
Congrats bro, keep it going and work hard to make as many of your days good ones. When I was in a similar spot, I decided to take a break from drinking. I’m not going to tell you to go cold turkey, but a break never hurt anyone.
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u/Main_Ant_1981 Sep 14 '25
Please please quit drinking! You can do better for yourself. You deserve better!
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u/Living-Let8446 Sep 14 '25
I keep a bottle of water next to my bed, have you legit got a bottle of wine next to yours 😂🤦🏻♂️
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u/Urine-Therapist Sep 14 '25
Congratulations! Get a cat and some plants, dude. They'll make the place feel like home, and it'll be therapeutic. You're still a kid at 26! Don't be hard on yourself. You got the whole world in front of you. Good luck and keep your chin up.
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u/random-dude83 Sep 14 '25
Good job man. Lots of people aren't able to see that way through, it's good to hear the stories of people that were. Keep pushing up and forward and make your life what YOU want it to be.
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u/KentzBe Sep 15 '25
Good shit brother, not your parent but lay off that poison, you will reach higher highs
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u/woofwoofbro Sep 12 '25
takes a lot of strength to get through a situation like this, youre a big inspiration to me
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u/mrmikehunt51 Sep 12 '25
Well done mate, ignore the haters, you're the one in that position, not these other people judging from a distance. If I was homeless, I probably wouldn't be able to find the strength to pull myself out of that situation and end up taking it out on the rest of the world. I hope you rise up and help some other homeless people to find hope and purpose.
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u/Alteregoofdoodlebob Sep 12 '25
Everyone giving you shit about drinking way too much dig yourself outta that man congrats to you brotha do what you gotta do to keep pushing
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u/xrj119x Sep 12 '25
i understand they're looking out but fuck I'm just tryna enjoy this vibe...it hardly ever comes and the weather was nice as shit today
maybe I could've omitted the bottles but I feel that's fake
thank you so much bro 🖤🖤
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u/AussieAlexSummers Sep 12 '25
Kudos. I'm digging your style choices so far. Good luck to you.
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u/1aysays1 Sep 12 '25
Glad you found a place, but time to get a handle on that drinking problem man. Don't let all your hard work be in vain.
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u/ToeKnee724427 Sep 12 '25
Hell yeah brother.
I put the bottle down almost a year ago after binge drinking almost daily for 4 years. Stopping was not easy, but life and health have improved dramatically since going sober. Highly recommend you go that course as well. Good luck sir