I was a druggie turned alcoholic. I identify myself as an alcoholic addict and I am one of those who eventually gave up drugs and became exclusively an alcoholic.
For me a drug is a drug is a drug. I can't take any mind altering substances.
At 53 my mind, body, spirit, and relationships were all dying. I had had enough. I went to AA, got a sponsor and worked the steps.
You can get off the elevator anytime but it only goes down and unfortunately many quit drinking by dying or killing themselves but it doesn't have to end badly