Originally Posted by
need2change 
I get upset thinking about the time (in my 20's) and health I've squandered. But at the same time, anger and regret cannot be my motivation. I would turn to AA, but I'm shy and not religious so it's hard for me to accept AA's terms. That's how I ended up seeking out this site.
I'm in my 40's, I squandered 27 years of time and health away to the disease of alcoholism. It's not too late to have a great life, and it's possible to do it without drinking another drop of alcohol. I used AA but I can understand your thoughts on it. My only suggestion would be to have a plan for your recovery. Something, anything, it's just very difficult to do alone.
Welcome to SR, this is a wonderful place to begin.