Many of us think about getting recovered from alcoholism, but not cured... I get where you are coming from... with your injured back, time on your hands, kids grown... could you sink into active alcoholism again? I got the feeling that with all that you force yourself to do, to not drink, that you don't ever get the opportunity to really look at this thing, and get rigorously honest with yourself... Although your posts suggest that you are now doing that.... Awesome!! We are here to help.
Some feel that alcoholism is situational. Get rid of whatever led to the drinking and problem is gone. My own thoughts are that there will always be another problem
I also get ya about the grown kids, that has been a tough transition for me and really sped up my decline into active addiction and alcoholism.
Do you feel that you are powerless over alcohol?
Well, anyway, welcome to SR, it is an awesome place, look around... there is always someone here who will be able to relate to your experience.
Mark