We sound similar, except for the 12 pack in a weekend thing. I don't drink much, but I enjoy it when I do. When I drink, it's one drink. Maybe two if I'm feeling extra spicy that day. I enjoy the ritual of the drink. I enjoy the little buzz I get. I enjoy socializing with my fellow drinkers. I DO NOT enjoy how it makes me feel an hour later... that night... the next day. I can tell that something isn't right almost immediately and that steals the joy from the ritual.

So, I just remember that when I want to have a drink. It's going to make me groggy. It's going to make me snore... which annoys my partner. It's going to make me wake up "foggy". Sometimes, particularly when I don't have any responsibilities the next day, or I'm away from my partner, I decide that it's okay, and I'll have a drink. Most times, I won't. I'll have something else instead. Try a virgin drink or a non-alcoholic beer. There's lots of tasty options that don't come with the negative side effects. My go-to is just tonic water with lemon/lime. I don't even miss the vodka/gin that's supposed to be in there. Have them add a splash of dry vermouth or bitters for a little extra special something.

I have found, in the situations where I took control of my desire and rejected the "need" for a drink, I have felt an even better "buzz" from that decision than I would the drink!