Smac, how are things? Or I guess I can ask, 'How's she goin' there, eh?'
For me it was a slow process, overcoming my anxiety, and regaining some self-confidence which was reinforced with each small achievement. Going for a walk by myself, driving again, then returning to old interests and hobbies. After a while, new opportunities for growth presented themselves, and all I had to do was say yes.
While I was drinking, my world became smaller and smaller as I became increasingly dependent on my bottle of cheap vodka, until that was really all there was for me. Once I quit, I became free. You are free now, too, Smac. Find something that has beauty and peace for you, and go get it. Onward!