I couldn't, and it wasn't for lack of trying. I managed many periods of abstinence. Every time I went back to it whatever led me to stop again was always much worse than the prior time.
Even the last time, I was days shy of 18 months and had a few beers. I was back out there for a total of 19 months. I was even at a point where I could drink 5 to 8 times with barely an issue (for me anyway) but I just never knew what was going to happen every time I drank.
I would give back every single sip I took in that 19 months out if I could have seen what was coming.
Is that a risk you're willing to take?