Kate,
Totally agree.
The thing most folks don't get, until way late, is the physical and mental addiction.
Some get too far gone and can't ever pull out. Insanity and death from drinking result.
This 2 pronged issue starts out as feeling like booze is an elixir from the gods. Eventually, quitting drinking is so painful that folks keep going not realizing they are heavily addicted.
Until I came to this site, after 80 days clean, I was unaware of all of the physical and mental issues directly. I was freaking out so badly. I couldn't believe I felt so bad after 80 days clean. It was physical weakness and mental suffering.
I was strong enough to get by, but my strength was generally weak for a man of my size and weight. I had little endurance. Since quitting everything has improved dramatically.
Knowing about the issues and wanting to quit is half the battle. The rest boils down to suffering long enough that the suffering become bearable, then normal, then disappears. What is left is sober life being relearned.
That is where I am today.
Thanks.