[petsormeat]

After twenty years of daily wine drinking, I woke up feeling terrible and looking worse, and just--quit. I was curious how things would proceed if I just didn't drink alcohol. I put a hash mark on my office whiteboard, and wondered how many I could accumulate.

It's been five years of complete abstinence. I didn't join any programs or make any noise about quitting; I just quit. I don't miss a thing about drinking.

I think I was successful because I made it simple. I didn't try to taper or wrestle with the conflicting formulas for "moderate" drinking. It helps that there's increased awareness of "sober curiosity," and more consideration for those of us not drinking at social occasions.

You've already been able to quit, so next time, just extend the duration--maybe it'll be forever.