I think mindfulness is key here. In accordance with ElsaMars said, I went sober for almost 10 months and landed right back in the hospital for being completely crazy and manic. I did the same thing, self-medicated so I can bring myself down off of the natural "high" of mania.

I know sometimes we can go a bit overboard with it, but I know from experience that a little bit of a depressant isn't so bad at times. I am not excusing alcoholism in any way, nor am I downplaying those who really have a problem. What I am saying is, sometimes we need something to just mellow us out, and if you can control the binging and the craving and have a drink every once in a while, it's not so bad.

But who knows? It varies from individual to individual. Good job to those who have made it sober though. I am very proud of you!