As mentioned above; so many factors come into play. The last time I made it over a year I started feeling really good after a month or so (which was also the time I started drinking again on my prior two attempts). I have noticed that each subsequent time My withdrawal experience had become a little worse. I was never an all day drinker but would chase oblivion by slamming strong iced/malted beer at least a couple time a week. Then It became every night. This time, just prior to quitting, I was able to drink regular beer all day with out really getting a buzz (which I did a couple time a month). All our experiences differ somewhat, but I think the important thing is that they are all so similar.