Yes, I have. I am quite similar to you (based on your description). Life long anxiety. I’d really catastrophise too. Alcohol played a huge part in my low moods, I now realise. For the record, I’d not go a day without drinking, but usually just a couple of glasses. A lot more on weekends, if out etc.
Not drinking has been brilliant. I feel so much better! At ease. The sun shines more, in my head, no dark clouds. I completely recommend it.
Haven’t drunk since the summer. Went out and had a glass of wine yesterday, to be sociable etc, and it was a nice pub, ONE (!) glass of white, with food. Seemed like a good idea, like I could handle it. But now I realise that even that amount makes me feel anxious, and it’s addictive for me, as you say — you like your fizz, or think you do. It’s actually the drunk feeling we like.
Plus, one drink leads to another, so now I’m thinking ah why met another glass today, what’s the harm, I’m on holiday, almost forgetting how fucking shit it makes me feel.
I was (of course!) quite anxious about giving up since alcohol can be so wrapped up with social occasions etc, and I dreaded not “fitting in”, being sociable with my husband over dinner, etc, ridiculous I know (but you probably know what I mean re the over thinking!), anyway I found “the alcohol experiment” book to be brilliant. It really helped me give up (mostly!), and see alcohol for what it is.