Hi Eck
I live in a pretty hard drinking town too - I had some pretty hard drinking mates (I'm in Australia)...
peer pressure is a tough one...noone wants to be different, no matter what age they are.
But I had to realise I *was* different - it was literally killing me to be 'part of the gang' because while the rest of them would sober up and go back to their families or work, I'd go home alone and carry on the party - for days...I never stopped.
Hard drinking culture or not, I had to get my priorities right and do what was best - for me.
You already know how hard it is to stay sober - especially on your own - but we're here to help.
It's easier to do this with support and encouragement, and you'll find that here
Most people use a face to face component too, like a counsollor or a recovery programme like AA, but thats up to you.
Going to the doctor is a great first step anyway.
welcome!
D