For those who quit drinking what made you decide?

For the new (aand old) people here, it would be great if you could post your story here, what made you decide you needed to quit. Even if you are in the early stages of quitting and not quite sure, you are still free to share what made you come here on this forum.

I'm planning to compile a med health page like I did with the end stages. BTW people are free to post new stories on there. The med health pages are open to any member to edit. (You have to 'join' the community first or just leave the box checked if you post.)

About myself:
I'm 24, a writer who happens to be fascinated with the disease. Ever since I developed a character in one of my series who's a recovering alcoholic, it perked my interest in the subject. Out of it led me to be curious. At first I thought I'll just stay hands off and just lurk. I didn't want to get involved with the forum community... (Because after all autism is my primary focus and my real life issue, not alcoholism) But after doing lots of research in effort to bust through the stereotypes and false assumptions, I felt like it would be awfully selfish of me to not use what I learned to help people in what way I can. I don't claim to know everything and I’m not out to change anyone’s lives, but I like to learn more about the world around me. I've always been curious and my curiosity is something I hope will never die.

[MJIthewriter]

I'm sorry I caused some confusion. I'm not trying to gather ideas or change anything I'm working on. This was exclusivly for the forum to help other members.

I realize I have no business posting here. I'm sorry.  I'll see if I can ask medhelp tomarrow to remove this post.

[Jacker]

I saw your post- please don't be so hard on yourself.  I've posted some questions in the past and gotten no response at all.  I think some of it has to do with who's monitoring the forum at the time.  Here's the funny thing- I posted a serious quesion back in June when I was really struggling. I was new, so I actually put it in the addiction forum.  I finally got a respone in March!  I answered the post and said "thanks, but here's what I ended up doing instead".

I think this forum is somewhat quiet on weekends - especially as the weather gets nice.  As far as your idea, all you can do is put it out there and see what happens.  It may work out very well, and it's possible that no one can yet grasp the potential of your idea.
My only other thought is that a lot of us like talking to people to help them deal with a problem that is very current, whereas you are proposing an idea to post people's past  histories.  A lot of people on this forum are desparately looking for help on an issue that they are having "right now".  It feels good to give advice to people in that position, because we've all been there.

Last Thought: Don't remove the post - leave it up there to see if it flys.  If it doesn't, then it'll just move down as new questions are asked, but there's never harm in trying out a new idea.  

[working dog]

we really like you here..don't remove your posts...and don't leave us...have a nice day...billy

[suespun]

I have always been alcoholic, the thinking part.  I have always been a binge drinker.  I got to the point where I knew I would die drinking if I did not stop.   I was angry, lonely in a crowd, and wollowing in my pity party.  I had not lost my job, yet, and I was doing an herbal detox for the new year.  I thought a detox would help me cut back the drinking.  I was signed up for a personal development course.  At this course I met a man who saw my symptoms and picked up on them.  He shared his story and I shared mine.  I discovered what was wrong with me.  I had already been almost 7 weeks sober and planning my next drunk, enjoying the sobriety but not able to give up the drink.  I did not have the capacity to be honest or deal with life, so drinking was sure to come again, except I met this man and joined AA.  I take life one day at a time and I am grateful to AA, my sponsor and the people who believe in me.n