Thanks for the quick and friendly replies everyone. And I do hope to take that offer up; having someone to "lean on" who actually understands would be tremendously helpful.
I've "quit" before, and I remember how brutal the cravings are at first. I don't remember how I got through them though--- what would you all recommend? Honestly, despite my telling that story of shame above, I'm already getting the urge to drink--- I threw the alcohol out before, but still--- I'm getting the rush in my blood.
All I remember about beating the cravings was that I'd say, "This feeling is terrible now, but if you drink it will be much worse." And I'd just repeat that over and over while walking aimlessly around. I guess it worked, but what would everyone recommend trying?