Hello! I used to drink too much,and now don't drink at all. I also hated AA. I've been to two meetings several years apart, and in the end managed to do it on my own. I'm just not a joiner, and am totally non religious so anything preachy sends me screaming in the opposite direction. I did find the two meetings I went to quite different though. I think there is a lot of variation in how the AA meetings feel, so it's definitely worth trying out your local to see if you get on with that particular group of people.
I also borrowed a book from a friend's husband who goes to AA and I found the book really really helpful. I think it was the official AA book, not sure of the title (was it something about 12 steps??). The book listed every possible excuse for continuing to drink, and then pulled it to pieces in an entirely logical manner. I found myself thinking of quotes at times of temptation like "There is no problem so large that you can't make it even bigger by also having a drink."
In terms of other adjustments I have had to make in order to succeed, I no longer hang out with the hard drinking crowd that I used to. I don't date people who drink, because I know that I'll end up drinking again at some point if I do. It was hard work at first, and I mistakenly thought that life without alcohol would be boring. It was very very boring for about three weeks until I got used to it, but now it's great. Now I realise that drunken waffle is actually very boring, and so are hangovers.
Well done you for coming to this decision, and realising that there is no middle road here. It is either too much drink, or no drink at all. I'm sorry I live in Scotland so am not nearby, but I wish you all the best and every success. It is well worth it!