For me it was when I knew I wanted to die. I already knew I was killing myself, I had been in the hospital a few years earlier, and when asked how much I drank, which I of course lied, they still told me if I kept that up I would be dead by the time I was 40, I was 36 at the time. I didnt care, didnt slow me down at all. I was ok, 4 more years of drinking!! No problem. Then at 38 standing in my kitchen, drunk, I knew I wanted to die. My nephew committed suicide years ago and I know how horrible it can be for a family, and had always figured that was not an option for me, ever. But now it was and it scared me. I called someone that night that was a member of AA. I didnt stay sober right away, but now have 10 mths!!!!