Great thread, 55 - thank you. I think the "V" curve that members in this thread are referring to is the 'Jellinek' curve. I've read about this 'stages curve' in terms of people wondering whether or not they're an alcoholic. The curve shows the downward slide that leads to rock bottom and the process for the climb back up from it.
As with all indiviuals, we're unique - this is not a one size fits all process as depicted - the stages aren't in precise order, some stages may be skipped, some may be backtracked and others may have late stage symptoms that show up prematurely, but it does show a general trend toward rock bottom:
http://www.in.gov/judiciary/ijlap/docs/jellinek.pdf
Just an fyi since folks brought this curve up. Forward we go side by side...