Learn2Life - your reply was really helpful. I'm 8 days sober now, and am starting to feel a lot better. I get cravings, and get into rotten moods now and then - but who doesn't? All I know is, I'm 100% in control - and that's an amazing feeling. I wake up sober everyday, and I feel good. It's sometimes hard imagining never, ever drinking again - but, when I think about that goal, I don't feel dread, I feel optimism. I'm excited about the prospect of being exactly who I want to be. I have a long way to go in building up my confidence, and restoring my health, but every day that I stay sober and abstain from alcohol, I get a little bit of myself back. It's a wonderful feeling getting to know me all over again. I'd totally forgotten that I enjoy reading. I'm beginning to notice things I'd just glance over before. I turn 27 soon - and I can't think of a better gift to give myself than another sober breath.