Ebbie writes:
"The only frame of reference I have is knowing how difficult it was for me to stop smoking, and the fact that I didn't succeed in stopping until I recognized that I was ready"

And that is the key. One cannot stop an addiction until they are ready, or as AA says, "the addict hits bottom". I can totally relate to alanabit's post. There was a time in my life, a time of extreme unhappiness coupled with a very stressful job and I was drinking way more than I should have. 14 years and some life changes later, I can have one drink every so often, but it's not something I "crave". I was a smoker as well and that was extremely hard to give up, but I did.

My husband (who has no addictions except to good food :-)) once asked me about the difference between being addicted to cigarettes and alcohol or drugs. The only answer I could think of (and I am no expert) is that alcohol and drugs change behaviour and personalities.

I would much rather be with my friends that are sober. I do not like being around drunk people, and for myself, I don't like being out of control.

Like alanabit, I too am thankful that I can stop when I want. Addicts don't have that choice.

Debra