I was lonely drunk or sober Tetrax. When I got sober for the last time I made it a priority to spend some time with myself, sober, in my own company and try to get to the bottom of why I hated spending time with myself, and why I looked for external validation from others.
to cut a long story short, I got comfortable with who I was - and that seemed to make all the difference to me socially.
I'm still not a garrulous type of guy - I'm quite shy - but I know who I am and like that person...I have friends and I'm friendly with new people.
I go out as much as I like and I have as much alone time as I like too.
Can I guarantee you'll find the same - well no, tho I expect you will find the same ... but I can guarantee you'll never find a cure for loneliness while drinking. Drinking is the ultimate self absorbed trip.
None of this 'possibly' man - this not picking a new car or a timeshare - it's the shape and nature of your life and future.
Get off the fence and nail your colours to the mast - what have you got to lose? give it 3 months, then you can reconsider.
D