I think the only way I got anywhere was by insisting that I would not drink again, for any reason.
I drank for a lot of reasons - one of them was my extraordinary sensitivity.
I had to be prepared for a few rough months - it was hard, uncomfortable and often very painful staying sober in the beginning - but in doing that, I learned to negotiate all kinds of situations and triggers.... without recourse to drinking.
I don't know if my skins any tougher - things still affect me but I deal with the feelings now
I negotiate them better, my boundaries are a lot healthier, I'm a happier person and...ironic or not, I'm more helpful to those in need.
I call that a win win win.
D