I realised a few years ago that I was an alcoholic. They give you a questionnaire to fill in to gauge the depths of your depravity. The only box I ticked was the amount I drank and the frequency. I was a functioning alcoholic. I abstained for nearly two years before I fell off the wagon. It wasn't a dramatic fall from grace, but it was still a failure. I no longer drink every day, back then I used to drink the equivalent of 8 pints a day, every day without fail.No matter what time I finished work or got in the pub, I knocked back a gallon. In fact I think we worked out that apart from when I was in hospital or taking anti-biotics, I had done about 25 years of getting pissed every night. These days I drink about 3 or 4 days a week. Admittedly in larger quantities than the old 8 pint rule, but I can have nights or even a week or so off, which was something I never could have done a few years ago.