I love being sober Cheydinhal - but it takes a little while to build a sober life.
I doubt many of us would stay sober if we felt we lost out on the deal.
I was told once at a party when I was 21 that I wasn't as much fun when I was sober and I've never forgotten it.
9 years is a long time to hang onto one remark by a person who was probably drunk at the time
I expect you've been drinking for years - give yourself a decent amount of time to get sober, stay sober and learn how to have fun without the bottle.
you won't regret it
Welcome to SR
D