Backandscared - I loved every word of your post, & can relate to all of it.
It was when I realized I had to drink 'round the clock to avoid shaking & nausea that I was forced to make my decision. I had talked myself out of quitting for years - always thinking how boring & dull life would be without it. (Even as I was slowly killing myself.) As you said, it takes a bit of time to receive all the benefits of our new life, free of the poison. I drank for decades & it was part of everything I did. I was disoriented in the beginning - but gradually I knew I would never go back to a life driven by when my next fix would be.
Thank you so much! Your words will help many.