The hardest part about quitting is that it's so ubiquitous and the temptation practically unavoidable. Also, the idea that your best (sometimes life long) friends may no longer enjoy your company after you quit seems depressing. So, the eidea of both being a loner and giving up alcohol can create a sense of hopelessness. Atfer 10-15 years of being a world class drinker, it seems to define your personality.IOW, you just wouldn't know how to as a non drinker.
Best thing to do is to avoid settings, for the first coupla months, where the urge is going to be strongest, at least till you can get your sober legs firmly up under you. Otherwise, you're likely to only stop intermittently and carve yourself out an excuse every time (i.g. "I'll just have two and stop this time."; "If tonight's gonna be my last hoopla anyway, it really won't matter how much I have tonight."). I know cause I've been struggling with it for 15+years. I didn't start as a rip-roaring drunk, but that shit will creep up on you so slowly and so subtly that by the time you realize it's is a problem, you're already your own worst enemy, regardless of how good of a job you've don't at hiding. Frankly, it causes both problems that you are aware of as well as others you're not aware of. If you can't have just a coupla drinks now, you never will bre a moderate drinker. Only cure is to give it up 100%.
