At that time I'd have at least 2 beers a night (500 or 586ml, usually around 4.5-5.5% ABV), with two or three nights of heavy drinking each week (4 or 5 pints plus some cocktails and shots). At my very worst it was 3+ pints most nights and two or three nights with 10-12 pints of 5-7%.

It doesn't sound like loads (at least if you're British) but it was enough that I would toss and turn and stare at the ceiling all night if I tried to sleep completely sober. I was tightly wound and pent up all day, and could only relax once I got home and started drinking. Almost all of my social interactions were while drunk or drinking. It turned out to not just be a wake up call about my own consumption, but about how much my society revolves around alcohol - I was a heavier drinker than many because I had a greater capacity for it, but the general behaviour was (is) considered completely normal. Everyone has a glass of wine or two in the evening. Everyone needs a night to break loose a bit. But it's literally killing us.