Hey Julez
We all have our journeys and I wish you well with yours.
About stress though...
I've been ill for a while with stomach issues, and I had some heavy duty test results waiting for the last half week or so.
I'm not good with waiting, or worrying - apart from drink related illness I've rarely been sick, and I find I can really stress about my health now that I really value my life, y'know?
In my old life I would have tried to drank that worry away, I would have failed, and I would have certainly done more damage to myself and my relationships.
Now...I had to deal with that stress without drinking - it wasn't easy, I think I drove Mrs Dee mad at times - but I came through it sober...and I learnt some stuff with it.
Whether you drink or not, and why is up to you, Julez, but drinkings not a solution - to anything, and I think we both know that.
D