Hi MJ,
I start today too, and am confused and scared and, to be honest, in the same boat as you.
I drink a lot with my best friend and husband. But I find myself starting at lunchtime and I don't finish until I go to sleep. I manage a day or two of not drinking anything per week, but can't remember the last time I had a two day stretch.
My tolerance level scares me. I can drink two bottles of wine and can then feel the effect. I often then sneak shots of stuff we have in the house, when no one is around. I often look forward to sitting home alone so no one is judging me by how drunk I get.
My hangovers are like detoxing everyday. I have vomited blood, my teeth hurt, I'm about 20lb overweight, I have heartburn daily and I haven't had a check up in years, but my blood pressure is high (the pharmacy told me) I also binge smoke when super drunk, so my lungs get beaten two or three times a week.
Sorry to hijack your thread, but the amounts/symptoms seem so similar!