Dear Carnut, Welcome aboard and thank you for the really great reasons , you have listed.
As you mentioned, you have regular pattern of drinking since 2005 , it is really advisable to consult a doctor, for the following reasons.
1. You want to get through a safe detox without any serious withdrawal issues.
2. You want to make the withdrwals as less painful as possible. Certain medicines prescribed by the doctors ,will help to ease the withdrawals. Having said, that, you will have to go through certain discomfort and you must prepare yourselves for that.
3. Having a good detox treatment by a qualified doctor, will reduce and prevent the chances of relapse.. we have been through that many times.
Wish you all the best. Keep going .