To be gravely affected, one does not necessarily have to drink a long time nor take the quantities some of us have.
Certain drinkers, who would be greatly insulted if called alcoholics, are astonished at their inability to stop.
As we look back, we feel we had gone on drinking many years beyond the point where we could quit on our will power. If anyone questions whether he has entered this dangerous area, let him try leaving liquor alone for one year. If he is a real alcoholic and very far advanced, there is scant chance of success.
Reprinted from the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, page #33, 34 MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM with permission of AA World Services, Inc
