After my husband of 25 years and I split up is when my drinking spiraled out of control and I hit bottom, winding up in a mini detox/rehab situation. With all three of the kids grown and on their own, I really fought the loneliness...especially since the bars had become my place for socialization. (Oddly enough, I could be in a bar full of people, and still feel "alone".)
The rooms of AA were the answer for me...many rooms, many meetings. I finally learned how to be alone and not feel lonely. I remember telling the first gal I sponsored, "You don't ever have to feel lonely again." How true.