Kudos for recognizing that it’s just not a possibility for you. I think the false belief that we could “just have a few” has been harmful and defeating to a lot of folks like us.

“The idea that somehow, someday he will control and enjoy his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker.

My favourite response to that is “why are you so keen to get me to do something I don’t want to do?”

This advice is just cruel and it usually comes from drinkers who swear they don’t have any problem. I’ll spare you the novel— but be the most wary of those people especially if they’re “friends”. They care more about having a drinking buddy when it suits them than for your wellbeing.

Same energy as “Don’t be so sensitive”. One ruined my childhood, the other one social gatherings as an adult.