Please rest assured I have every intention of going to an AA meeting in the very near future. I have got details of all the local groups.

I suppose the main reason I am doing this on my own at the moment is down to sheer stubborness! Once I have made up my mind to do something (stop smoking, lose weight, exercise more) I do it. The biggest issue with my drinking was to acknowledge that it was getting out of control and I had to do something about it...to me that was the hardest part, admitting to myself that I had a problem.

As for your ex, I would consider him an alcoholic if he had to have those two beers every week no matter what - he relied on them and I guess they would be a focal point for his week.

I do understand and appreciate your concerns