Yesterday was my third anniversary of sobriety!
It hasn't been easy. I still struggle a bit on weekends and have avoided a lot of parties over this period. But it is getting better. I used to think about drinking (actually, about not drinking) all the time. But, I've just accepted the new reality. I'm just not a drinker anymore.
I have to thank my family for getting me into rehab. And the occasional positive reinforcement. Although it'd be nice to hear how much they enjoy the new me once in a while. They seem to take it for granted and they can't possibly know how much work it's been for me.
Anyway, here's to many more years of clean living!
= new reply since forum marked as read
Some of my family members have achieved several years of sobriety...others are still struggling. You're doing great, bif! One day at a time! 
Now onto 3 years and one day 
Signed,
DITWL aka A Friend of Bill W.
You have achieved something quite great. At three years sober I had returned to school to get a degree. None of the other students or professors could I have guessed I was a blackout drinker who broke out in handcuffs due to my allergy to alcohol. 
It was like I was living a secret life, like walter mitty or something. Now that reality of a sober Alpeduez21 makes the blackout life seem a distant fantasy that barely existed.
Paz
after I quit smoking (after several attempts), I'd still think about it and dream about it. But then one night while taking a walk I came across a pack of cigs (my brand) with a lighter near the pool area of my apartment complex...I took one of the cigs....walked with it for a while and then I thought, this is the moment of truth, am I a non-smoker or will I always be someone who struggles not to smoke? I tossed the cig in the dumpster and that's when I knew I really was done for good. 
And this is why it's beneficial to share with those of us who have been there. I joined AA in November of 2008 and was fortunate to meet a wonderful woman who told me what to do. But it still took me awhile. Like the others have said, an addiction is very hard to break. And I've learned that sobriety is a journey, not a destination. I can remember when I never thought I'd make it a week - but I kept at it, with the help and example of others, espeically the woman who sponsored me, and I have 12 years as of last April. Sometimes when I think of it, I'm amazed. And I try to pay it forward. I have a friend who also has three years as of today. One of my AA jobs is coins - and you deserve one, too... 
I was on my 4th night, and I failed this time 
But there's always tomorrow, yes? Back to the starting line.
It is an ongoing battle...
