I realized I couldn't drink in moderation, I couldn't slowly drink less, I had to quit cold turkey. And that was painful. Both physically and mentally.

I basically had to quit because I had come to the conclusion that I was drinking myself to death and if I didn't stop I was going to succeed.

It was really hard, honestly the hardest thing I've done. I started drinking when I was 12 and I quit drinking at 24. I was drinking to run away from myself and my memories.

When I quit drinking I had to get all of the alcohol out of my apartment because as long as it was there I could hear the siren's song to drink again and smash my life on the rocks.

It was months before I could say that I had succeeded and gotten sober. In the process I lost most of my friend group because they didn't want to be around a "sober buzzkill" but I'd say that needed to happen.

I felt physically like crap for the first couple months and mentally like crap for basically 5 months.

Since then though my life has gotten so much better it's amazing.

I'd say the secret to quiting is believing in yourself. It's hard but it can be done. You will have moments where you feel like you are going to fail but they will pass.

I've been sober now for 5 years and I will still occasionally crave alcohol. I still don't feel comfortable being around people who are drinking. I still can't walk into a bar without my hands shaking. But I won't drink, I don't want to because I know why I used to and I know what will happen if I start again.