Thanks swlnyc and hellzr. I think part of my issue is that I can't relate to the dramatic drunkalogues. I was a moderate-heavy drinker, so I didn't have any major fallout from drinking. I didn't go to prison or have my kids taken away. I didn't even get a DUI (though I probably could have so I'm lucky).
Not saying I'm special or above it, I just don't feel like part of the "gang" in that sense.
I know the response will probably be that this is not the point, but it's where I'm at right now.