Originally Posted by
sjpatrik 
I've been a huge drinker for years now and It's like a part of me, it comforts me when I'm sad or distressed over something It keeps me company when I'm alone, it defines me as an individual.
This sounds like AV. I don't think you would be here if you really had such fond thoughts for alcohol and it was who "you really were." Your presence here indicates to me that the real you would prefer to be far far away from alcohol. I agree quitting causes some serious cognitive dissonance, but for me it seems the only chance I have to be happy. It's a hard road ahead, but worth a shot in my opinion....