I can relate to all these posts. I'm at 11 months now, I'm in my late 40's and have been giving up alcohol since my late 30's. I've realised since my mid-30's that I am an alcoholic in that it changes my behaviour, predictably and not in a good way. So, I have had many attempts at sobriety and since my 40's, more or less been alcohol-free (I would say 80 - 20) but my current 11 months is the longest continuous period of sobriety.
I think the cumulative bad experiences I've had with alcohol make it undeniable that: Me + Alcohol = Disaster.
I have learnt to maintain sobriety as I know that all it would take me is about 3 mins to list 20 reasons that I should not drink. I know what will happen. I know how I'll feel, the shame and embarrassment, the paranoia, the mental anguish.
So far, this approach has worked for me.
I have also listened to a lot of music while sober, it is one of life's joys, especially live.