Ah yes, Isolation. My dear old friend. That combined with guilt kept me going for many years. I've always been somewhat of a private person, reserved is how I like to think of it as. Once I discovered the joys of drinking alone, I thought I was in Heaven.
Even during several periods of abstinence / sobriety, it still can be a problem. Recently though I've started going out of my comfort zone, different parts of the city, talking with others. Proper medication and usage is helping a great deal.
Curing lonliness with isolation, that's a great one. Rings true for me.
Hang in there Muffin, and DO give AA a chance, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.