Hey, Ready! I am an introvert, too and started drinking at 16. It made me feel like I belonged and gave me a false sense of happiness and relief. I am autistic as well, and I thought that drinking helped me to be 'normal' but of course I was very wrong. I now have 22 months of sobriety and I will always be introverted and autistic, but I accept myself now. I am happy and at peace with who I am.