Thanks for your thought provoking post NoBones. Whilst I don't entirely agree - I would not for example advise carrying out a scorched earth approach to friends and family - I certainly agree that it is necessary to instigate some form of change to our daily routine in order to support our efforts to get sober and I absolutely agree about avoiding pubs and parties. (not that I got invited to many parties)
I have always believed that I had strong willpower but I tried quitting using willpower alone many times and it never worked so in that regard you are spot on.