I'm not ill, powerless nor do consider my former alcohol consumption a disease. It's simply a very unhealthy, self-indulgent addiction, like when I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day.
silly as it sounds I feel quite thrilled that I just cracked open a bottle of orange seltzer while I am prepping some sunday dinner. I prefer doing it this way, I don't have to my previous addiction an active part of my real life. it's like i would be wallowing.
I am fortunate enough and very grateful to be employed, own a home and have a life outside of work with good friends and family, pets, etc.