Yes, it is totally a bandaid -- you are right!
Just like alcohol is a bandaid for other problems/fears in my life, I used the presence of someone else in my life, as well as the happy feelings I got from spending time with that person, as a way to avoid the problem of drinking and the fears that *that* covered up.
It wasn't sustainable, and neither was my drinking solution (what it was before I had to admit it was a drinking problem, ha ha).
I've been to three very different meetings now, all positive experiences. Looking forward to another tonight.