I've had some pretty serious problems with drinking and drugs in the past. Funny enough, since April I have had exactly two beers, each on separate nights, maybe in October and November. It never went beyond that, and I felt no need to drink during any holiday gatherings. I didn't drink at New Years, nor did I drink with my brother and sister-in-law last night while I was around them. I could have, but I didn't want to, so I didn't.
This is coming from someone who once didn't think it was possible for her to drink without spiralling out of control. For sure there have been times when this has happened. For example when I was homeless I tried to just drink a beer to ease the pain, and ended up doing hard drugs again by the end of the week. But nowadays there's no reason, and part of me wonders if this is because I've dealt with all the underlying causes, or I've just gotten lucky every time I drank.
I think probably a series of DT songs had once given me the impression I needed the 12 steps. I'm glad they work for Mike Portnoy, but I personally don't like them at all.