You never have to have another drink again if you don't want to. There is no need to have a super low bottom. It is not a requirement. If you you have the desire to stop drinking, put effort into not drinking.
Our brains want us to keep doing whatever it is that gets those feel good chemicals flowing and so you justify drinking as you already have above. The reasons to pick back up get more subtle and more clever but as time goes on, if you work on yourself they go away.
Most of us use or drink to fill some sort of a void or hole we feel we have inside of us, when you take the drugs or drink away, there is that hole again. You really have to work and fill it with something positive or you will almost sure pick back up again. Many people here will offer good advice and insight so stick around. I would also experiment with some real life support groups as well as they are very valuable. Just don't talk yourself out of them before you give them an honest chance.
Bottom line is you have to truly want to be sober. Its a tough road at first but it's so worth it. I wish you the best.