You all make very good points in terms of how I should see my relationship with alcohol. The rationalisation is definitely not normal and even though I don't always physically crave drink it's definitely having an effect on me in negative way.
I've decided im going to take 2 weeks off drinking to see how it effects me and if it changes my anxiety levels and my overall feelings.
Would you guys mind if I post on this thread my day to day feelings while doing this? It will certainly help understand why I think about alcohol this way and it might help someone in the future.
Cheers