Welcome to SR, and to Sobriety!
The alone-ness you wrote about it why sites like SR are truly a gift.
I've made fast friends here, and thoroughly enjoyed myself and their company.
I hope the same for you.
Please go over to the Alcoholism forums and look up the sticky 'Under The Influence' you might find some information there that will help. Here at SR, you'll find a wealth of information, and support there's a TON of wisdom here!
As far as the cravings thing goes, people get 'triggered' (prepare yourself to learn a whole vocabulary of recovery words and their unique meanings) by events, people, locations, even smells. COuld be something as simple as a football game (we've even got threads on that topic somewhere in either alcoholism forum or the newcomers) or as complex as losing a job or a loved one.
Again, welcome aboard!
I'm sure others will be along to help you feel welcome and get oriented!