For many years, anything in my life other than drinking was becoming less valuable compared to my need to drink. Then, finally, only drinking mattered. And by then, I couldn't even function anymore so I finally owned up to my GF (now wife) and checked into rehab.
Sobriety is WAY better than I imagined. It hasn't been effortless, but it hasn't been as challenging as I thought. Rehab, therapy, and AA all help. Im not a huge AA participant, but meetings and fellowship helps. This board too.