My last go at it I made it 9 months. Overwhelming events in my life (2 deaths of loved ones within 3 weeks) were too much for me,though, and I was off and running...for more than a year.
I've read the AA big book...twice.
Went to meetings twice a week for a year.
I saw an addiction counselor for over a year, that was most helpful. It gave me many tools, all of which I still remember, and will use this time around.
I've been to emergency twice due to drinking.
Also jail a couple of times in the distant past...due to drinking.
I also have that book 'Under the Influence' which explained an awful lot about what the heck is wrong with me, even though the book is somewhat dated, it is excellent. there are excerpts posted as stickies on this site, check them out.
Everything you can find that is helpful, is helpful.
But the most important thing I have found, is to turn your entire thinking process around.
The answer for me, for all of us, in essence, is really quite simple : Just don't drink.
Not one. Not ever. No matter what life throws at me, I'm not going to drink over it any more. I will face whatever is thrown my way with a clear head.
I no longer want to drink. At all. I do not wish to be a 'normal' drinker. I do not wish to be a 'social' drinker. I don't want to drink at all.
8 days and counting.. after a over a year of a Hell... that I simply can not go back to again.
Ever.
Good luck kind folks.
If you don't have that first one, you have it beat for another day
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