I gained about 70 pounds since I quit drinking (I had lost about 70 in the year leading up to it, with a couple 2-3 month stints of sobriety mixed in). I very obviously substituted food in when I had alcohol cravings. And that was actually OK with me b/c I wanted to truly become sober. My plan was to go back to what helped me lose the weight previously once I had a year sober in the bag (which will be Nov. 26). However, I decided to start earlier than planned. It is a slow process as I am very sore from heading back to the gym, but the plan is to become diligent about what I eat and work out (cardio and some weights) on a regular schedule. I know what you mean about things not changing much once you stopped drinking, but if you can combine a healthier lifestyle with the sobriety, things will begin to look up.