It sounds like we have similar work responsibilities. I too am married. Up until June of this year I would drink a few glasses of wine and/or cranberry and vodka each night “to relax”. In June I was asking myself why am I drinking several nights a week. I wondered what it would be like to never drink alcohol again. So I quit. The only exception was during a Caribbean cruise. I don’t regret drinking it then and may consider it for future vacations.

For me, I find myself as a leader at the office, at home and at church. Not having alcohol is also consistent with my new minimalist lifestyle and consistent with my mindset that I don’t need everything I want.

The part I miss drinking the most, I my lack of variety on beverages while eating dinner.

Best of luck to you, hopefully you will find out you are not addicted.

Have you tried using a reward strategy like I would only drink and chill out after a couple of days when task X is finished? Gradually you can then reduce your drinking days from 4 per week to 1 (or zero).

IMO, it is very difficult to get off alcohol or any other addiction suddenly. It is more effective to tone it down gradually.

edit- spell