I've had several interesting bouts with alcohol. I've flirted with that line of high functioning alcoholic. Because it's one of the few things that alleviates m

I've had several interesting bouts with alcohol. I've flirted with that line of high functioning alcoholic. Because it's one of the few things that alleviates my migraines. I've gone dry for several periods of my life. I've actually spent more time dry. What brings me back around, is increase in migraines. Which usually goes hand in hand with stress levels. At work we have a full stock bar. I was at the point I had to take drinks several times a day, just to keep from exploding. That's where my line of, I'm an alcoholic or very close to that point. I need it too function, and get through the day. But at the same time I can look at my life, and say I only drink heavily during small portions of my life. You have to give yourself small wins on occasion. I tried stopping this year. But that didn't really work out. Again stress, and disdain for my job and long hours. So I cut back from a bottle every other night. To one a week, to one every other week. To finally, just two singles when I'm out with my friends. Taking a while to get here. But cutting/reducing. Depends largely on what works for you. Or why you're drinking. The two other times I went dry. I just flushed all liquor down the toilet, and said nope. I can't do that now, and I found beating my self up over relapsing. Led to a further spiral. So I gave myself a very strict budget for alcohol. I loaded up a visa card, and it was enough for two mid-range bottles. That was the first step. Slowly weening off that dependency. Then like you I enjoy the taste of a nice cocktail. So I switched to teas, and sparkling water at night. There's a lot to be said for a nice mock tail. For the first few weeks, when I went out. I left my debit cards at home. I brought enough cash for two drinks. So at a more difficult time in my life. I need to be more stringent with myself. I know I can't stop right now, despite wanting too. But as noted count the small wins. How you curtail this is dependent on each person.