What has worked for me is AA and my diligent pursuit of a continual relationship with God.
I have kept up that modus operandi for sobriety for a good while, and the drinking thoughts eventually (for me it took a year or 2) receded.
But they still come back to mind from time to time, which is why I keep working the AA program and trying to learn and do God's will.
That is what has worked for me.