Once I had one drink I didn't have control of myself or my drinking. This occurred at age 15, the first time I drank alcohol, and it occurred the last time I drank almost two years ago. The last time I drank I had been sober for nine months, and I had one beer in a bar, and after that I continued to drink and black out and the rest of it.
If I have learned anything about alcoholism during my journey in recovery it is that this problem is serious. Today I don't take my recovery for granted and I am ruthless about who I let into my life. The real work begins after the alcohol is gone, when I am left with the reality of my life and the necessity of growing emotionally and spiritually to be able to live life sober. I used to think that I wanted to quit drinking so I could be happy and an amazing person. Today I know that I have to be sober to just be a functional, mature, and responsible adult in society.