Somewhat related -- I used to drink a ton, and though I don't think I was an alcoholic, drinking was part of my life and was terrible for my mood and my weight. I'd get very drunk 2-3 times a week, and the other days I'd drink 3-4 IPAs after work, or get a six pack of really strong beer on the way home from work. Lots of drinking alone. One day I saw a coworker in the checkout line at a store after work, and all I was buying was a bottle of wine. I felt really ashamed, which is a huge red flag. Gave it up "for a month," which turned into two months, and now 6.5 years without any. I do vape/edibles/mints, but it has nowhere _near_ the allure that alcohol had, and I'll go 6 months without it, then a few days in a row, then another irregular pause, etc.
Still have dreams that I'm in some bar drinking, and in the dream I'll think, "I just drink one or two, then stop." It's so relieving waking up!