I'm 34 now, and i would say I've been an alcoholic since I was 21. I started early, mostly binge drinking and with anything I could get my hands on. At my worst I was drinking around a gallon of vodka every day and half to two days. I almost died several times. Ruined careers and a marriage. Went to mental institutions, ER's, and jail. Still struggle but now have a great full time job and stay in contact with AA members and recovery groups.