A quick update. After tapering down, I am now in a 1 month period of abstinence and its going well. Last night was my first night in a long time where I slep from 12 -7am in the morning straight through.
What's helping? I thought I'd share what I've newly discovered that has been helpful (which wasn't expected). It is called "tapping" or Emotional Freedom Technique. I thought it sounded kinda kooky but it works by tapping on meridians in your body just like acupuncture, and making statements to bring up feelings at the same time.
So I thought I'd check this free, learning summit out to see how it might help. And after a couple times doing it, it seems to be helping at a subconscious level with helping change my thinking and behaviour. I'm not affiliated with this but perhaps it might help others as well!
Tapping World Summit 2012
Yes, there is hope for those to find their path that will work for them. Now that's empowering vs. helplessness in action :-)