I realize that I have a problem with drinking and have for along time. I minimize it ( I think) by comparing myself to many others that drink a lot more than me and by the fact that I drink 4-5 beers each evening after work. as soon as I take a drink I lite a cig ( double the problem). this is usually not a big problem for me except when I need to not drink to be appropriate ( visiting with kids and grandkids) acceptable to have a few drinks but always have to have that 4-5 beers and take my Xanax to go to bed. my counselor minimizes this with me. my friends laugh that drink a lot more than I do. I have been doing this for the last 20 years. don't escalate drinking or get into trouble. don't drive drunk. wish I could just not drink alone during the week and need to do this to go to sleep. have dealt with code for many years also. single in 50's and bored and missing companionship. but who would want someone that has to every night have a few hours alone to drink and smoke and zone out. but I am in and out on weather this is that big of a problem. I lack time and always busy. so just saying if I drink for 2 hours every night ( usually alone but not always). well that's 14 hours a week that I am harming my physical and probably mental well being. I start the guilt trip with myself and get very critical to myself and then I tell myself- if you are going to have beers tonight- don't be mean to yourself and enjoy it. any comments or advice or similar circumstances?