[brooksbp]

You have to find something you love more than drinking. Something to choose over drinking.

I used to love drinking. I still do, and probably always will. It may break your heart and drive you crazy to kill something you love. But reconciling the cognitive dissonance is worth it. Have honest conversations with yourself, for however long it takes..

For me, I love my kids my wife and physical training more than drinking. So I don't buy alcohol anymore when grocery shopping and I recognize and avoid social situations that are primarily centered around drinking--there are plenty of other opportunities to connect with people that do not involve drinking. I am also OK with knowing that some people simply do not understand this--it's all good, and I don't care.