Well after 20 months sober and having completed the steps the side effects for me has been miraculous!!!!
My obsession/need for alcohol has been lifted, I am happy, I am no longer a slave to alcohol, I am able to live life on lifes terms sober.
Every thing that drinking used to give me when I first started I now have sober, and being sober has given me far more then anything drinking ever gave me.
My health is good, I like the guy I see in the mirror every morning, I am useful to my family and to others, people ask me for help and advice.
I no longer drive constantly watching for the cops in my rear view!!!
When I have problems arise I am able to face them head on and do something about them.
I have quit running from life and now live life!
Read the link Rown provided for the early days, I have a post in there.