My opinion differs then that of professionals on this matter. In my case, at this time, substitution is not a reasonable solution. At least, substituting another alcohol isn't reasonable. There have been cases I have personally witnessed a person reform the way they drink without quieting. These numbers are insanely low and not worth gambling with.
In my case, I am completely clean of alcohol but... ok, I'll just come right out and say it. I smoke weed. THIS is in NO way advocating for its use. To understand that, I should say I never smoked weed until I was 40. (about 9 months ago).
In my case I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression (of course), They put me on pills for a year to help with that. It didn't help at all, after about 5 rounds of pills, I was ready to throw in the towel. I would be drinking today had it not been for an effective alternative.
I suppose this is the sort of thing that drives counselors nuts because, in rare cases people find a way without complete abstinence.
I am sure that at some point I will have to address the weed, but not right now, for now it's keeping me from being dead in a ditch someplace.
P.S. I live in Washington State, that's why weed is an option for me.
Last edited: Aug 26, 2015