Hey, Newrow, I' in the boat with ya. I always thought I could control it. When I was younger and in college, I would drink, but I limited myself to no more than three drinks even at late night fraternity parties. I never allowed a photo of me to be made with alcohol in my hand. I was diligent in ensuring I was the master. Until one day I realized that months and months of travel doing construction all across the country had me drink a full handle (1.75 liter bottle) in about three days' time. It had become a problem.

I've been lucky enough to fight it off from time to time without having to go into detox, but I've been on the verge more than once.

I spent Christmas in San Jose, CA, more than 2000 miles from my family in Georgia and Alabama. I bought a fifth of decent vodka Christmas Eve to relax with at the hotel, and I wound up going through about 2/3s of it by myself. Needless to say, Christmas day was filled with jitters rather than joy and I was reminded once again of how I am no longer the master.

I'm gonna endeavor to fight my battle with the bastard known as alcohol. I am at the point that I truly HATE it, and I need to make use of that as I set it down once again and vow to never touch it again.

Those of us who get to the point that we cant stop once we start have gone to the point that we really can't in truth. ever touch it again. We have changed our brain chemistry to fight the depressant, and our brains are now wired to fight to overcome the chemical that we drink. So, when we drink, even a little bit, our brains overreact to compensate and we get the jitters, bugs crawling on our skin, irritation, and all sorts of other unpleasant feelings. It can also lead to death in withdrawal, but I haven't crossed that threshold and I don't want to.

Put that shyte away for good while it's still possible without risking your life from withdrawals. I'll do the same here. If need be, we'll be each others' AA without having to go to meetings.

I;m here for you, and I'll bet I can rely on you too. to keep me on the straight and narrow. This is a battle we're both facing and it's one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Stay strong and stay committed to staying out of the bottle. Life can be enjoyed without alcohol, even the fine Scotches that I miss so much.

God bless you, and Merry Christmas.