How Stoicism Can Help You Get Sober (And Stay Sober)

Excess and desires are synonymous with discontent and dissatisfaction. They’re a self-defeating impulse.

Epictetus said, “Curb your desire — don’t set your heart on so many things and you will get what you need.” And Seneca said, “You ask what is the proper limit to a person’s wealth? First, having what is essential, and second, having what is enough.”

Temperance is the knowledge that abundance comes from having what is essential. The Stoics often used temperance interchangeably with “self-control.” Self-control, not just towards material goods, but self-control, harmony, and good discipline always—in pleasure or pain, admiration or contempt, failure or triumph. Temperance is guarded against extremes, not relying on the fleetingness of pleasure for happiness nor allowing the fleetingness of pain to destroy it.

#Stoicism​ #DailyStoic​ #RyanHoliday​

[jasonwakingupdad]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve been drinking for 18years. I’ve drank almost every weekend. My longest sober run was 26days. At this very moment I am choosing to triple that, hopefully 🤞 longer …. I will report back in 78 days.Thank you 🙏 Ryan and all your work.

[mitchellmiller]

Hey Ryan, you helped my wife with one of the most profound paradigm shifts in our marriage/ life. For the last 2 months, I have been practicing stoicism, and we both found we were spending 90 % of our energy on the wronge matters. Since then, we both found much better jobs, moved 3 hours away to a much better place, finally stopped drinking every day for the past 5 years, and finally feel proud of who we are as individuals as well as a unit. Thank you, we appreciate your existence and how you spend your time and energy.

[S.oletsgo]

Josh Peck saying ‘I am bottomless and nothing, be it food, drugs, or prestige, can fill up this hole in my soul’… oof, I felt that

[bryant]

I consider Stoicism my religion. It helped me become a better man, but recently I spiraled into an addiction after suffering a mental breakdown/hospitalization. Thanks for all your content, Ryan 👨‍🚒🙏

[chotdock]

"One man and one alone shall we consider rich, the man who has acquired the ability to want for nothing always and everywhere." - Musonius Rufus

[peachesandpoets]

Relapsed today after a long time. HALT is amazing. I haven't been sleeping. I let go of my workout routine. Of course I'd reach for the bottle. I will forgive myself and make tomorrow a sober day.

[greenjewel]

I quit nearly two years ago when I started watching your videos and read your books. My health has changed and I can better cope with life now

[TronimusPrime]

I am a slave to the porn industry. I have been for a long time and i have tried over and over to stop. I fail constantly. Stoicism has been the biggest eye opener and the best path for me to tread but i am still constantly having to start over. I will never give up trying to break the chains.

[Chuckskii]

Decided to get sober one day ago, and saw this on my feed randomly 😢 gods timing is always perfect thanks for this I’ll keep going🙏🏾

[smhere]

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." - Marcus Aurelius

As a reader of "7 Habits of Highly Virtuous Stoics, " I've realized that true wisdom comes from taking action, not just debating theory. This book has given me the tools to cultivate daily habits that align with my values and help me become the best version of myself.

[dianepotteryoga]

Stoicism and AA are perfectly compatible as are AA and all universal truths. Most 12 Steppers become stoic through the work. It is awesome to see.

[jackjohnson]

I have been sober for 38 years. A few months ago I Googled who said "except the things I cannot change" from the Serenity Prayer. The Answer was Epictetus. Then I found Ryan Holiday and have been learning about Stoicism ever since. For myself, the key to living sober is "Never Stop Learning."

[knitwit]

I just said to myself yesterday, healer, heal thyself. You can do that through helping others.

[ganji]

Been sober for 82 days now. Found the stoics right as I started. Been amazing help

[CapitalMort]

I made 3 years sober last February. I've been reading Daily stoic lately too, love it.

[alexhatfield]

I really need this. I lost so many years to addiction and It literally took me 6 years to get it together. I've always found parallels between remaining sober and Marcus Aurelius's meditations.

[thomasboettger]

Ryan, I am 55 yo and in the past few years I have completely 'lost my $h1t' and everything has gotten out of hand. Our family is torn up, business, friendships, family and so on... Self will run riot. THANK YOU for all you do. Your words, works and encouragement are just the example I've needed to find a path to follow. You are saving lives!!!

Whidbey Island, WA

[KBTrains]

I got sober through AA 2 and 1/2 years ago. I started studying Stoicism shortly after. It has been a tremendous help to me in navigating life and it’s difficulties. I recommend your books to my friends in recovery. Thank you for doing what you do!

[TravelingwithKristin]

A book that helped me quit drinking *literally overnight* is called Kick the Drink. Works psychologically like a magic pill. I’ve heard the Easy Way books are similar. I stopped drinking about a year and a half ago when writing my first book and don’t miss it.

[MG]

it's incredible how I'm just starting to be aware now that staying sober, grounded, focused and connected with Nature are the fundamental skills to navigate safely and stably in this increasingly overstimulating world. thank you so much Ryan for your work!