why can't I stop drinking ?? Have quit cold turkey before and was free of that CRAP for years?

It's rough to admit that it's you that does it, but that's a good first step.

Despite the common advice, Alcoholics Anonymous is not for everyone. They are very involved, and some say intrusive, in your life, and often emphasize that you will always be battling, to the point where it sets many up to fail. It works for some people, but the results have been shown by AA's own documents to not be any more effective that people who try their own methods.

There are several groups which don't rely on the same methods of AA, which provide community support and understanding. They will emphasize that despite the strong urge to drink, that you can overcome it, and that you are not powerless.

Some examples of those groups are below:

Moderation is the key, not necessarily quitting cold turkey. Nurse a drink for longer times, drink a 7 Up or something between each drink, don't do shots at all, stay away from hard liquor. The key is to cut back and don't drink yourself into oblivion when you do drink.

When I go out, I usually make a beer last for at least half an hour to 45 minutes. I very rarely drink hard stuff, and I haven't done a shot in years. I watched my father and my brother both die largely from alcohol or tobacco related causes and have no desire to do the same.

If you have had a drinking problem in the past you know that you can never just have ONE again. If its gotten real bad hit an AA meeting. Drinking is usually set off like you say in statement by something.

Stress, Depression, Bordness, etc.

It will only cause you grief in the future if you don't stop. So get a grip and get hold of your will power.

AA will help you. All you need is a desire to stop drinking. Go to a meeting, meet some people and get a sponsor.

It works.And it works for people who never thought they could get out of that miserable life. Your way didn't work. It hasn't for any of us. But AA really does work.

Just drink less man. For example, stop after a 3rd can of beer, or a 5th shot of vodka, or tequila, etc. Thats easier then quitting it all together. I don't think quitting anything is healthy for an organism, which likes gradual change. But if you just tell yourself to stop after a certain amount, that might make it easier. However, be sure that you DO stop after that limit. That is up to you.