Welcome, Peter!
I drank for 12 years, and tried to moderate my drinking for... 12 years? The whole moderation thing just didn't work for me.
What DID work for me was getting sober, and I got sober through the help of the amazing people in Alcoholics Anonymous. This forum is a great supplement to AA, where you can vent and connect with people when you're not at meetings.
I've been sober now for four months (officially, tomorrow), and was able to get through many hardships, including the end of my long-term relationship, without drinking, thanks to the incredible people on this forum and in AA.
I know for me, when I was trying to cut back, or stop periodically, I'd sign up just for an online support group, but when I was feeling weak I'd just sneak away, and go back to my old ways for a few months before crawling back.
Anyways, if you're looking for an ear, feel free to message me on here. I'm more than happy to listen & help!
<3
Jill