My girlfriend throughout my student years and postgraduate studies was called Andrea, and we ended up getting married in March 1983. Sadly, the marriage did not last long. We were both too young and not mature enough for married life. What weighted heavily on the marriage was that I drank excessively during this time. The separation from my wife was a much-needed wakeup call that helped to persuade me to join Alcoholics Anonymous in 1986. I attended group meetings for several years. It was one of the wisest decisions I ever made in my life. I have not touched alcohol since.