1 Month + Update
Just wanted to update my journey and what's working for me. After a period of tapering down (a couple of weeks), I entered a 1 month period of abstinence. This worked out very well because I engaged in a few practices that helped (not sure if I can mention them here?). These didn't cost money and were totally doable if you are motivated to do so.
I've now entered into a more health balance in life where alcohol isn't a daily behaviour. This is what I was always striving for. I didn't want alcohol to play such a role in my emotional/coping life. So I focus on health, wellness more now, and doing activities and hobbies outside of work. Many I stopped doing even though I know they made me very happy to do so! And, now I'm creating closer relationships with people, especially since I have much more time freed up.
I just wanted to give people hope that you can find your own path. Don't let people tell you there is only ONE way to do it. Infact, I didn't receive allot of support in this forum for my approach. But IT HAS WORKED! If I listened to the negative I wouldn't have felt empowered to make personal changes and felt stuck. Not good.
Only you will know what will work best, but in a cloud of too much drinking etc. you may not be as clear. So best to be open to advice and ideas so you can determine what will work. If in 'crisis' mode (emotional or physical), clearly this may not work and medical intervention is required. But for the other 80% of us, there are so many options. Stay empowered, positive, take action to change your behaviour, but importantly, create a vision and purpose for your life that will create new possibilities. With this it makes it all worth while. You need something within to want to live for, so search and find that. It's much closer to the surface than you may know!
In short -- its all about fostering HOPE. Keep your hope alive, and stay away from people or groups that don't inspire you.
It is possible and yes, you can have an amazing life.
Blessings to all!