tell me what has changed in getting control of this?

Can you be more specific?

how your life has changed by gaining control over your drinking.

*I no longer feel the need to know how many bottles of wine, or how much is in a bottle, in my house.

*I can have an alcohol free day without wanting to rip my skin off, climb the walls, or be nasty to everyone and anyone in my way

*I can walk into any pub or restaurant and I don't feel the desire to drink, for it is just not there

*I can fly without thinking about getting a drink before hand, or will my husband be upset if I have one during a long flight

*I no longer wake up every morning saying I will not drink, only for 6 pm to roll around and I will end up drinking more than the night before

*That self-hatred is gone, for now I can stop and walk away when I want to

*I have lost 20 pounds, for 1200+ calories a night from alcohol does add up

*I haven't fought with my husband over stupid things, for I am not drunk so he can now let me know I am being unreasonable (I still have my moments being a women)

*I have not fought with my son about my drinking in months

These are just a few of the things that come to mind. BUT the biggest thing is my life doesn't revolve around how much, where, when...for with alcohol those were my main objectives everyday...NOW I am free!

do you ever still drink at all?
and what is the "ah moment"?

Yes,

I still drink. And that "ah moment" is different for everyone. It was something my GFs and I would say. Its about having a hard day at work and wanting to kill everyone on the road driving home and when you can finally sit down to that drink you take a sip and ah...the stress melts away, that very first moment where the alcohol gives you that rush and it would be down hill from there...non-stop until it was bedtime

I have a habit of drinking without thought.

I was on vacation and I allowed myself to drink, almost nightly, but never past my limit (3 glasses). I came back and last week I started drinking every night again (habit), so this week I started being AF, and it isn't an issue.

as you say, this is obviously a personal thing, but I wonder how much of this is habit/ritual thing rather than the AL actually hitting your system which isn't going to happen for a few minutes yet? anticipation of buzz/relaxation to come maybe?

Badger,

I am sorry, my brain isn't working for it has a migraine. Could you clarify what you posted?

i think a large part of it is ritual/habit. perhaps the whole reason to drink is ritual/habit and not the actual "moment"