I do feel with SR it is an emotional investment, the more we put in of ourselves, the greater the return!
Seriously, I love that this is a place where people genuinely do understand your addiction, whatever level and whatever is behind it. It helps to know there are others out there who know what it's like to go through what we have been through. Who know how hard it can be to forgive ourselves. Not only for the wasted years, but perhaps for the things we did to others and to ourselves during those years.
I look back at the person I was as a drinker and feel almost that she is a different person. I'm not saying I want to distance myself, I mean that I am stronger, more capable and are free from the constant drive to locate my next drink. It is very liberating.