Hi there headintheclouds,
This is my 19th day sober. Your post hit a chord with me. I did the same thing, drinking more and more until it got ridiculous, not to mention expensive. My father also died in his early 50s (he was a heavy drinker). My mistake was that once I realized how bad I had gotten I didn't try to change anything. I ignored it, all of it and I almost did lose everything. I'm glad you're here talking and taking the steps. It's harder then I ever thought it would be but it's worth every second. I was so excited to be sober last time, I posted I wrote my user name wrong at the end! I also love the feeling of being out and knowing that if I say something dumb it's not because I'm drunk anymore. This place has been a god send to me too. There are so many people here on your side right at the touch of your fingertips!!! Best of luck!
*August78* Paula