I never had to "quit" really, I just lost the desire. I drank a lot as a kid,( meaning before I was 18) By the time I was old enough to buy the shit I was kinda over getting drunk, eventually I got tired of the buzz altogether and now I don't seem to tolerate alcohol well at all. If I drink halfa beer (on rare occasion), I get a headache.
Oh yeah! Can't afford as much as I'd like though. I'm beginning to think it will never be legal in my lifetime. Believe me, if I could get my jollys with booze I certainly would. My social life would prolly improve too, considering the local scene is pretty much alcohol based. I don't like hanging out with drunk people. I don't mind getting a little tipsy with the company of a desirable woman, but I'm not fond of fucking drunk chicks if I have any say in the matter. lol
Similar story but not quite as young as you. Really got the message when I used to get kidney pain the next day as well as the usual hangover. That stopped me pretty quickly. Drink very little now. Prob haven't been 'drunk' in about 20- 25 years. Drunk just isn't fun, and neither is the pain later.