Congrats on the 38 days, I too gained some weight after I quit, but actually looked as though I was losing weight because the swelling in my liver went WAY down.
Chocolate is still my demon since I quit, but you know I am far happier with a bit of extra weight and the regaining of my sanity.
The thing I found that really made a huge difference for me was change, simply not drinking I had tried many times and always wound up drinking again. In working the program of AA I have found an inner peace I never dreamed possible, part of that inner peace comes from helping others, mainly other alcoholics to get and stay sober.
Exercise is great, working with those in need has rewards beyond measure I have found. I am now a part of the world and a part of the solution today instead of one of the problems! LOL