I was finally able to give up alcohol after about 12 years of use/abuse. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. I had some really nasty withdrawal effects including insomnia/restless legs, and increased anxiety. I actually had an anxiety attack so bad one day while driving I had to pull over and throw up. I'm much better now (it's been nine months without) and I don't even think about it anymore. I think I'm finally free from the chains of alcohol that were shackled around me for so long.