Elvis, if you need someone to talk to I've been there. Been in rehab three times. Stopped drinking for 5 months. Recently went back, thinking I could control it. Sort of have, sort of haven't controlled it. Life is so different sober - you realize how much you were missing. I realized alcohol really has no redeeming qualities when you think about it. It hurts your mind and your body. My cholesterol was through the roof and that was why - had no idea it could do that. I almost lost my job. I fell on more than one occasion. I back into someone's car leaving the bar and left a huge dent in my rear bumper Didn't remember I did that until two days later when someone pointed out the dent. Bad times... I am lucky to be alive and to not be incarcerated.

The only way I was able to quit was to go on a drug called Antabuse. It will make you violently sick if you drink alcohol while you are on it. I would be offered it every time I was in rehab. This last time I accepted it because I finally learned my willpower is not enough. So that's something to consider if you're indeed serious about quitting. If things get bad with me again I'm going right back on it. At the moment of course I am lying to my addiction counselor.... see, bad news. It's a sickness for sure.

Be kind to yourself. It's a rough road ahead.

I recommend marijuana to take the edge off, and help you sleep.

Thanks for the encouraging words everyone.

That's my main problem right there. I just go overboard once I start I don't stop. Over the last year or so I've been blacking out more which really bothers me and made take a step back and see I've got a problem.

It is a fucked up binge drinking culture over here for sure. Shit's totally ingrained into our psyche "You're not a real man unless you can drink 10,000 beers every Saturday" kinda shit.

Good luck man, I've seriously cut down. Use to put two pitchers down in two hours pretty much every night, hardly drinking anymore though....by myself anyway.....

Good on you man. Not that I know you well or anything, but I hope this works out for you. Seen way too many people get destroyed by the stuff, always gives me hope seeing someone take control.

Still working out for you?

I'm trying to cut drinking down to weekends (or at least just twice a week at the moment).

So far so good. Haven't been out socialising yet so that will be the awkward part. Been a bit grumpy and down here and there.

I think the guitarist in my band was a little surprised when I turned down a beer at band practice last week :p

I haven't mentioned I'm quitting to anyone but you guys. Didn't want to make a big deal of it.

Good on ya for trying to cut back man! Your body will thank you.

Do what you gotta do man. A few of my friends have hurt themselfs pretty badly in the last year when being overly drunk. For instance, falling over and knocking themselfs out ect. I have myself taken this on board a bit and trying to just keep it to one or to knights on the weekend or a few beavys with a few spliffs.

But in the end if I'm drinking with one of these friends I end up writeing of the next few days. So I'm a bit lost as to how to go about it all.

Good luck though, I know it's not easy when your going to a gig or people invite you to the pub.

I have a beer or two and feel nice and relaxed, not stupid or drunk. Oh, and a little bit a day's good for the heart.

I drink in moderation at home I don't care for bars. Unless Im drunk I hate drunk people LOL!

My former friend fell asleep in a snowbank one night almost died then went getting shit faced again the following weekend.....he's a real winner.

I think having a beer at home is ok, or socially I guess if you are responsible, but if your drinking is affecting even one other person or drinking and driving is fucking stupid.