My heart goes out to you Neil. Nobody should have to go through what you are going through.
For the rest of us; the important thing is to know your limits. For those of you who don't know your legal limits; there's a good chart on this page:
http://www.addict-help.com/alcohol-information.htm
A few things to keep in mind about being able to drive:
- A "pint" of beer at the pub is 1.5 drinks on this chart.
- If at a house party, and you want to be socialable but still be able to drive, drink beer or something else that comes in single serving bottles. That way you can be sure that your host's generocity with his free pouring isn't getting you into trouble.
- Always know when to say no. If your buddy buys a round of shooters, and wants you to drink when you don't want to; just say no. If your friends cannot respect your wishes to not drink and drive; then they aren't friends. You don't have to say that a guy you knew lost his girlfriend to a drunk driver; just say that you cannot afford to lose your license.
- For you young adults, don't be afraid to tell your parents that you will not be bringing home the car because you are too drunk. Yes they will be mad for the moment, but they will deep down understand. Ask the parent you are closest to for help in uderstanding how much is too much to drink. I did that when I first got too drunk to drive my dad's car home at age 17, and asked for his help. He spent the next day driving around trying to get info like in the chart I just showed. (after taking a cab to go get his car.)
- If you are really in a jam, and need to get the car home, and there's no cabs or Operation Red Nose, call a tow truck. That way you get a ride home, and so does your car.
- Don't be afraid to plan your partying; and your plan to get home. Always have a backup plan as well.