Toots, really great way to describe the effect of alcohol as a poor solution we use!
Amp, you are very far from alone in finding yourself with a different addictive behavior. The docs call it "transfer of addiction". I think many of us use sugary stuff when we stop alcohol. Think about it - alcohol is like taking in a large amount of sugar besides all of the mind-altering effects. Personally, I don't think the sugary foods addiction is as destructive as alcohol - we won't get a DUI from eating sugars and we won't do and say outrageous things! It's not good for our bodies, though.
If I have the stuff, I tend to eat it so my approach is to minimize what and how much I keep around. For example, a smallish bar of dark chocolate with orange is less addictive for me than milk chocolate. I can eat it more gradually and not run out to get more. Exercise helps, too. Try substituting positive things for the sugary things as much as possible.