Jo, I have remained sober for 171 days thanks to SR. Haven't done AA, but not ruling it out longterm. You simply need to do whatever it takes to not drink. If that means AA, then follow the excellent advice of all the people here. I too have a spouse who doesn't think my drinking was a problem, but she simply doesn't get it. Only you can see your drinking from the most important perspective: your own. The fact that you've got a doctor telling you not to drink also is an incredibly crucial element here. I too have three young children, and not drinking, not thinking about getting them to bed, etc., (so I can knock down a couple beers) has made me a less uptight, better father. You don't need alcohol to get you through a challenging evening, or any other challenge. If there's one truth I believe in this world, it's this simple fact: Adding alcohol to any problem ultimately makes that problem worse.
Please keep posting and get through this day. One day at a time.