I gave up in July, having been everyone’s drinking buddy for as long as I can remember, and in some ways defining myself by the fact I drank.
I would really recommend doing some reading about sobriety. I loved The unexpected joy of being sober, and Nothing good can come of this. I also listened to most of the back episodes of Home podcast.
I found in the early days that I needed to replace booze with something sweet (cake, so much cake) and something physical (I ran a lot, at times when I’d normally drink-so 8/9/10pm)
I’ve also created a toolkit that I use when I want a drink or have FOMO. So trying to identify WHY I want a drink has been important.
And playing the tape to the end is helpful-so fantasy: I’ll have a glass or two at this event and be witty and fun, then go home.
Reality: I’ll have three large glasses (when everyone else has one) on an empty stomach. I’ll be a bit pissed, and might say something stupid. I’ll get home and then drink the best part of a bottle. Watch a sad film. Cry. Have broken sleep, wake up with a big hangover with major beer fear (what did I say, did I make a tit of myself?etc)
I’ve realised I’ve used booze to push down difficult feelings, so having to live with those has been hard, but not as hard as I thought.