Hey Wishful,
I know I am an addictive person. If it is not alcohol than it is chocolate, or cookies, or ice cream, yada, yada.
Can not tell you how many things I have been addicted to since getting sober....but the best thing is none of them are "alcohol". This I can live with. If you need to replace alcohol with something less harmful to you than go for it. Eventually if it's food you will have to get addicted to working out. I Spin my rear off to compensate for my "foodie" crutch. Been sober a long time and nothing changes, still addictive--that is why I can NEVER have one drink in moderation or it is lights out drunk and rowdy.
I wish you the strength of your convictions and the ability to make your wife understand: she may not want you to stop unless you need to,,,,,and YES you need to.
We are all here for you. Come back often, we can help!