Stevie, thank you so much for your honest post. I can relate on so many levels. It's good to hear that there are other people here who also didn't "get it" until their 50's. Obladi thank you for your positive take on it all
I was always aware alcohol was a lurking problem and made some bad decisions that directly tied into the drinking lifestyle. I can see that now, in hindsight. At the time I "wasn't ready to settle down".
Recently I discovered a close friend had crossed over into the hidden drinking stage and she's been hospitalized, unable to work, and insists everything is fine. It scared me in so many ways. Worried for her, worried I'm heading down same path,etc. I want to see her get help, and I want to be sober to help us both.