[CaptainHaplo]

Its easy to keep lying to yourself about how it isn't affecting you.
Its easy to pick up that next drink and make the struggle go away.

Its hard to face the damage drinking can do to your life.
Its hard not to reach for that "just one".

But sometimes the hardest things are the ones most worthwhile. I do hope you have a friend to call when it gets really bad. Someone to constantly remind you - you don't want what this will cost in the long run. Stay strong my friend.

As for people judging - let he who is sinless cast the first stone. I know I am not holding any rocks to throw. I don't drink - and I will share with you why. I grew up with alcholic parents. I still figured it wouldn't get to me. I was in the military at the time - just a young, 20-something kid - and we had a party at a local Comfort Inn. At about 4am I woke up after passing out earlier, I looked around and everyone was unconscious, laying wherever. About 10 people, in a room rated for a max of 4. I reached up for something to drink - and my hand hit a bottle of orange jubilee Mad Dog that was mixed with Everclear. I had it in my hands, and I saw the clock.... Here I was knocking back stuff.... It hit me hard at that moment - I didn't want to continue down this road. I got lucky, I was not far down it at that point. Since that time many, many years ago - I can't say I haven't drank anything - but it is extremely rare. Had I not put a stop to it, I would have likely ended up an extreme alcoholic.

I haven't had your fight, but I do understand at least part of it. If you ever need a word of encouragement, drop me a note. Stay strong brother!