In 1983 when I was 21 years old, I met a guy I'll call Scott. We met in a bar, we were both drunk, and we got along great! I was just out of an abusive relationship and truly on my own for the first time in my life, and I was going to have fun, and Scott and I spent much time in bars having a greatt time! We dated for 2 - 3 weeks when one day I got flowers, with a note basically saying "I had to go away, go on with your life and forget about me." I was heartbroken! I went on with my life, eventually dated other guys, and only months later did I find out that he had checked himself into Hazelden in Minnesota. He had gotten out of Hazelden and was living in a half-way house when he contacted me again and said that meeting me is what made him realize what a hold alcohol had on his life and how bad he wanted to break that hold....so we could start a life together. I was flabbergasted! Here was this guy who I had had a fantastic time with, who then dumped me like a hot potato, and after being completely totally out of my life (with no explanation mind you) was now saying he wanted a life with me! Well...needless to say I gave the guy a chance and we ended up getting engaged. In an attempt to understand his problem, I attended a few Al-anon meetings. I remember them talking about being an enabler and all that stuff, but I always thought most of what they talked about didn't apply to me, because my alcoholic was already not drinking and I really couldn't relate to the people who were still dealing with drunken rages and such.

Anyway, we got along great, and we even kept going to bars now and then to hang with our friends. I could never understand how or why he wanted to be in bars, but he still enjoyed the company of his friends, he just didn't drink like he used to. We were supposed to be married in September of 1985. Early in 1985 I realized I really didn't want to be married - had nothing to do with him, it was the whole idea of marriage and kids that I wanted to no part of, so I broke it off. I felt really bad because I didn't want to be the reason he started drinking again. Thankfully he didn't. Last I heard he was celebrating 3 years of sobriety and had met another wonderful girl he was about to marry.

That was all many many many many years ago, and I have no doubt that he is now about to celebrate his 23rd year of sobriety.

As for me, I like to have a drink now and then, and sometimes 2 or 3, but long ago I learned that that was enough. I can't take the horrible sick feeling the next day - especially as I get older - and I can always stop when I want to. However, I have immense respect for those who have been able to conquer this beast. I can't even quit drinking Coke, so I can only imagine how hard it is to completely change your life and quit drinking alcohol. Congratulations to you all!