I'm not sober today because of society, I'm sober because if I wasn't I would be dead.
The oldtimers in my group said that if I can't remember my last drunk, then I'm doomed to repeat it. I believe them.
I remember my sobriety date, it is written in ink on my membership card at my homegroup and on my medallion that I wear around my neck. I have not relapsed because the oldtimers told me it would be worse next time around and I believe them.. I have seen it at the meetings.
I believe that I can put the word "yet" after any claim that I make that I'm not that bad.
If you are playing with this disease, then you have some very painful times ahead. It will bring you to your knees. You don't have to ride the garbage truck all the way to the dump.
I have been around long enough to see many people suffer and die at the hands of alcoholism. I wish you the best in your recovery.