Well put, EndGame. I lost several years of my life due to "controlled drinking." It was hard work. It occupied my being. Stalled my emotional and spiritual growth. Certainly there is a psych component, but it went beyond that for me. I was spiritually sick. Having nothing to do with religion, I needed to heal spiritually. All of the other therapies, self analysis, etc paled in comparison to getting on me knees and asking for help.
We seek through alcohol that which is within us always. That joy, that peace, that serenity. We see alcohol as the express lane. It ain't. Many of us end up under the express lane bridge.
I am what is known as a grateful alcoholic. For without that struggle I would not have learned that struggle is futile, that only surrender commences the healing.
Thank you!
Warren