My grandfather was an alcoholic. It came about because of the great sorrow he felt after his own father died in a car accident. A small drink each day became a larger one. This iterates. Time passes. I remember when he was in rehab once, as a child I was brought to visit him. His genuineness was so magnified. He was such a good man sober; well known and loved by many in the town through his small business. He never broke free for long though. Never violent but never fully there because his faculties were always suppressed by the effects.

After many years, when his health was failing, he begged us grandchildren not to follow this path. The regret was so palpable. This was later in my college years, and with all the parties it was hard to pull back. Augustine once wrote, "To many, total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation". It is a respectable path especially for anyone too far along. I am no teetotaler either though. Moderation is also admirable.

I set two limits and they have worked fairly well in my own life:

1) No more than two reasonably sized drinks in a day.

2) Never drink alone.

I nurse those drinks along and savor each tiny sip. It has worked well for over ten years and prevented ramping up into anything further. A suggested third rule that has grown on me is:

3) Drink only to amplify joyful occasions never to drown sorrowful ones.

It may not be for everyone however perhaps this will help some. Godspeed.