Addiction & Recovery

I know what you're going through. I quit 40 years ago and haven't had a drink since. However, it wasn't as easy as I might make it sound. It took me about 5 years to finally quit for good. During that time I was sober most of the time but there were times I had to try drinking again; it never turned out well. I'd drink alcoholically for a week to a month and then had to quit again because I made a fool of myself and/or was on the verge of losing my job. I put my wife and family through hell and I'm not proud of it. I finally realized that I can't drink safely and quit for good. I hope you're smarter than me and succeed on your first try. I was a slow learner. Even if things do get bad again don't get discouraged or give up hope. Even if the world looks like a dark place, you can make a good life for yourself and your family. I'd also ask your wife not to give up on you. My wife stood by me even though I screwed up and wasn't a nice person to live with; all I can say is that she's a saint. I, and I suspect she, would say the pain was worth it to come out at a good place in the end.