I think it's probably very dependent on the individual. It's that way with kindling. When I tried to drink in moderation, eventually just a few beers was enough to trigger the fear. I don't know the exact science behind it, but it seriously felt like my brain had been rewired. I don't know how long, if ever, those fried circuits can be repaired.

I can tell you for me personally it's just not worth it. Things have been a little rough for me lately and while I wish there was something I could do to magically feel better, that short term buzz is not worth the risk. Even if there's only a small chance of my brain getting fucked up again, it's sooo not worth it. Reading CA reminds me of going through that shit and it is just not worth it. I thought I was going to die and that my life was useless.

Sorry this is more about me than you, so back on subject: "Wondering how true that one drink will undo ALL my work and resetting my brain back to normal" -- thinking that can be dangerous. It's sounds like you're trying to justify moderation, maybe I'm wrong. Yes, that one drink is only one step in the wrong direction, sure, it's not terrible in that sense but you don't really know how long that path is, how far away the danger is. What if it's only a few steps? Not worth it.