It really hit me when different friends, from a few different friend groups, told me they were honestly worried about me. It was over a few months, but at some point it really started to hit me. Going to jail, waking up strange places, a couple of ER visits, not going home for days at a time, doctors' warnings.....none meant a fucking thing to me. But when a couple of coworkers mentioned it, then a couple of day drinking buddies, then even a couple of bartenders start telling you they are worried about it....it starts to make a dent.
About a month ago, I stopped in to an old day drinking spot and told one of the bartenders THANKS for looking out for me. She had cut me off one time....just said, "I don't think that's a good idea". At the time, I remember thinking, "I must be really fucking up if she doesn't want to sell me and my new buddies here a few more cocktails". She kind of laughed at first, then started tearing up. She didn't remember it but told me it meant a lot to her that I told her about it.