Hi Sark
For many of us it takes as long as it takes I think.
I knew it was the *first* drink that ruined me - I knew that for years - but I still kept taking it....
Eventually I realised if I wanted my life to change, I had to start making different choices - sometimes those choices are rough, difficult, dang uncomfortable & sometimes even a little unfair - but change starts with me, y'know? - noone else can do that work for me.
I hope you'll start making different choices soon too
D