Once you're sober and healthy, if these feelings of loneliness continue (as it appears they did last time) why not reach out and volunteer? For a long time I was sad that I didn't have a large family of my own or children. Even while I was (secretly) drinking I decided to make an effort to spend more time with my nieces and nephews, and got involved in the Moose, Elks, and Eagles in my community. I'm not a "joiner" so I just took the plunge and started at once.
My 30 year old niece met me for dinner and a show last night, another nephew who's 24 just stopped by for dinner today - they're busy, young adults but we're very close because of years of activities. Being sober has just made everything even better.
I'm generally a "realist" - I'm an accountant, after all - but I truly believe that there's plenty of love to be had in the world. Just find a path that's comfortable for you and make your own happiness. Alcohol won't help in the slightest and will only exacerbate loneliness.