For me, sober is not drinking. The part that wanted to be sober was 'ME' and the part that wanted to drink was 'Not ME', speaking via the 'Addictive Voice (AV).
The ME part that wanted to be sober: wished, hoped and prayed for a better life. To be free from the dragging anchor and chains of addiction - to resurrect and nurture my self-esteem, self-worth (which were negligible) and consequently enable me to work to improve myself and my life circumstances. The ME part wanted to work today for a better future.
The Not ME part via the AV, wanted to drink: drink, drink and drink more, it was never satisfied. It wanted to drink forever and damn the consequences, the losses, destruction, even the loss of my life. It wanted nothing but instant gratification, despite it risking my health and life.