Hello Foxman, and thanks for your post.
I didn't drink from 1989 to 1994. I put myself in rehab in 1987 (no one knew I had a problem but me) and after a tough several months, abstained. I went to AA meetings and found the "God" thing uncomfortable, but did get good information from others in the meetings. I drank at my friend's wedding. I was the best man and had to make a toast. I had two glasses of champagne. Then I continued drinking at a local bar when I got near home after the wedding. A bad slip. I felt very lonely that day because I had no love in my life. That changed later that year, and we're still together! Occasional drinking became regular drinking and over the last four or five years, horrificly dangerous drinking.
Tell me Foxman, how you define "spiritual". This has always baffled me. When I see what criminal things are done to the weak or kids, I lose all belief in "God". Those crimes always nail it for me.
I have social engagements coming up in the nest few weeks. I've already spoken to my love about this and I've decided that the reason I will not be socially drinking is that my glucose levels are way off. I don't want non-alcohlic friends to feel uncomfortable with me around or to scrutinize themselves or me. It'll be a matter of fact and then eventually they'll get used to me as a non-drinker. Eventually I can admit I am an alcoholic to them, but while my upcoming engagements are not all about me and I don't want to take the spotlight away from the guests of honor, that's my way away from booze. And it's actually true. My sugar is pretty damn bad! (In hindsight, they're all pretty darn smart and will figure out I'm a boozer.)
I'm in no place to make anyone second-guess themselves.
