I loved Supercrew's post!
I now see that quitting drinking has been a huge positive for me, not a negative or a deprivation. I didn't see that right away, but maybe that is something you can take on faith and listen to some old-timers?
Last night I was cooking dinner (not my favorite task, or one I have much patience with) and listening to music and singing along. I realized I was smiling, just beaming, in a way I haven't for several years. Just enjoying being there and bopping around the kitchen. Happy at a whole new level just being alive.
Not to seem like a total idiot (re-reading my post I realize it sounds dorky)---but there was my positive. I would not have been happy that way while I was drinking, since it was acting as a long-term depressant. If I'd really known that was waiting for me, maybe I'd have quit a few years sooner. Don't romanticize how great drinking feels. It is your alcoholic brain whispering to you, and it doesn't have your best interests at heart.
D