Jellybean that was a great post, thanks for sharing. I am no expert, but the only advice I can offer is to stick with it. I am finding that the longer I remain sober the more I enjoy life. I guess that is why you hear about giving yourself "the gift of sobriety" .
The best tips that I have learned on this great forum are:
1. You never have to drink again. Your AV is a fool, just ignore him/her/it.
2. When you are tempted to drink, "play the tape forward". It helps to remember how bad you felt before you stopped.
Stay strong, sober life is good!