Welcome Steven - and you too Wytchy. So wonderful to have you both join the family.
I had no one to relate to about my alcohol abuse. No one got it. When I came to SR I was still drinking. I'd sit at the computer, reading & crying - sucking down my 20th beer of the day. I had no intention of joining or staying here - but the more I read, the more I wanted what these people had. Everyone had been through all the same things I had, even worse. I finally didn't feel all alone in the world.
I had started drinking to lessen my social anxiety & shyness. In the end, I was totally isolated from everyone - living in a private hell, not able to go even an hour without my fix. Thankfully, you never have to reach that stage. You can learn to live again without your anesthesia. Steven, you say you hate alcohol. That has to be a plus - I was still madly in love with it when I had to lay it down.
We look forward to hearing how it's going for you - you're not alone anymore.