Jay, I will watch for when you quite nicotine too, I might learn from it. (I need to quit that too!) I related to you in a few ways: the fear over getting rid of the stash and the debate in the head over when the optimum time is. And the insomnia, which I am dealing with again (hate it!!!!!!!!!).
I still have no clue how I stopped drinking and how I dealt with the "debate" and the timing thing (getting rid of the stash, etc). I can tell you that as I was getting rid of the recyclables, it was a great feat (disgusted with myself, and kept telling myself I was getting my life back bit by bit). And that I was even able to get rid of the empties and take my little refunds without replenishing on two occasions. There was a sort of sense of prowess in doing that, ha ha. It was a quiet one, all to myself, but hey, good for me.
I respect what you are talking about, and I also respect you for your military service! Thanks.