You will hear a lot of things from people who say they have quit drinking. Pay attention to the ones that have stayed quit. Although there is some disagreement about what long term sobriety is 5+ years is a good place to start and there is statistical evidence to back this number up.
I would say that most people with 5+ years will tell you it is a very big deal. speaking for myself it was the biggest and most difficult thing I have ever done and continue to do