I can moderate for the first 2 sessions or so. A glass with a meal. A tall drink after work.
The next 2 might be starting to get a little out of control - I drink more than I set out to do.
After a few weeks of this my head tells me that I can manage ok.
I'm lulled into a false sense of security.
Then
All control is lost - like it was ever there in the first place?!
I'm drinking all day and all night and I'm getting in the car to crawl to the shop to buy more (of which I am truly ashamed.) I'm telling lies. I'm skipping work and I've lost it.
I'm ill. I'm shaking, sweating and retching. I'm hooked again.
I'm through with moderation.
I'm an alcoholic and, for an alcoholic, there is now such thing.
Thanks for your post, Zebra. You are spot on!