The problem is alcoholism causes us to forget quickly. We forget what alcohol has done TO us and we only think about what alcohol will do FOR us. I look back on some of my "bottoms" and I think "man, I'll never do that again". But when the idea of a drink come in my head I never think of those bottoms. I think of the ease and comfort that comes with those drinks.
The only way I ever got past that cycle is to get into recovery. It allows me to live life without the need for those first few drinks. Hope this helps...