Thanks to all for the great conversation. The comments here are quite valid to consider. I have to reiterate that the "side" obsessions (coffee, candy, whatever) are definitely an improvement over the destructive drugs, but the case of that behavior sustaining the addiction to alcohol still appears to me to be probable. I do, however, can subscribe to your concept, OpioPhobe, on channeling the addictive behavior to a more beneficial practice. Maybe if the AV is going to be part of me the rest of my life, I can reprogram it to be satiated with a desire to do something good, rather than to self-destruct.
Sterling posts, my fellow soddens, most excellent responses!