I've never had a relationship that was both (a) not long-distance or (b) not abusive. Since I started drinking alcoholically at 19, I guess that shouldn't be a surprise. I'm 24 now, and a few months ago I went on my first sober dates, told the gent right off the bat that I'm a non-drinker. It didn't fly, but (for the first time!) not because of me. I know, especially because of the last relationship I had while I was drinking, that I have a lot of issues to work through. And maybe I'll never be able to be in a healthy romantic relationship, or find a Mister Right who doesn't drink -- that's okay with me. I'd rather be a sober cat lady than drink myself into another bad relationship.
What it boils down to, imo, is this: which is more important, the dating or the sobriety? Because if I couldn't have both, I know which one I'd pick.