KIR - I was taken aback at how powerful my cravings were when I couldn't stop drinking, and how flat and listless I felt when I finally stopped. Those feelings are strong and it helped me to map my sober plans for unstructured time.
I also think it's important to reach out for the help that others so kindly offer, as well as be there for someone else who is struggling. I need to be sober to offer to help others stay sober, other alcoholics need to be sober to help me, and we need to accept each other's support.