Thank you for such a nice welcome! I am happy to report, I've resisted and did not drink!!!
I performed a little trick on my brain -- I said to myself, let me work on the gig I am trying to win, and once I have the $$ I go out and "celebrate." No, I do not plan to do it, but it, somehow, removed the urge and I was able to work and not to agonize over the urge for drink.
9th day rescued!!