I think that learning new coping skills is essential.
You can't live exactly the same life you did, minus the alcohol. In my opinion, that doesn't work very well. Maybe it's a time you could start a new activity - sports or a hobby, something that you're interested in. For me, I started taking long walks after supper and that has become a wonderful habit. It really helped me get past the 7 pm cravings.
I'm glad you're here, reading and posting.