I think it boils down to mindfulness and knowing one's self. Triggers for drinking are cognitive (thoughts), emotional and situational. For example in my case, if I was happy, time for a drink, moody or sad, need a drink, angry, yep I'll have two. Going to a party or a get to together, a drink in hand is compulsory, BBQ is not the same without a beer.
All these things still happen but without the drink or any other prop except maybe coffee.
Which is funny, because that thought just made me realize its time for coffee.