Originally Posted by
SoberRunner 
What's the difference between those of us who repeat the same cycle and those who can stay sober longterm?
I'm in agreement with the others...the difference is that those who achieve long term sobriety are the ones who accept their addiction for what it is and actively address it. How you go about addressing it is up to you - and their are a wide range of methods for doing so. But if you simply stop drinking but continue your existing lifestyle/outlook it's not usually successful.
You are a runner, right? You probably have a training routine to keep in good running shape I would guess. Would I be successful in becoming a runner if I didn't have a training plan? Or if I just decided to practice every now and took days off whenever I felt like it? Getting and staying sober is similar.....you get out what you put in.