Welcome GradStudent!
The most important thing in my life is to stay away from that first drink since it is that first drink that sets up the phenomenon of craving where I cannot predict when I am going to stop or what I am going to do. Believe me, I struggled with this and the progression of alcoholism for years.
AA seems to help me with this and I have managed to put together 2 1/2 years sober- one day at a time.
I wish you well on your journey!