How do you keep yourself from drinking?

Honestly, I have no idea.
However, my hubby was an alcoholic. It got to the point where I made him chose between me and the booze.
I told him, start taking care of yourself or I sleep on the couch. Love yourself, or I wont love you.

He slipped up a few times. But today, he hasn't had a drink in a year. I'm so proud of him.

Ask yourself, do you love anything enough to be good for him/her/it/them? Is there anything in your life worth being sober for? How about a pet that needs your love? A sister? A brother? Wife? Husband?

I truly believe love is what addicts need. Firm, stubborn love.

I wish I knew. Different vice. Similar issue.

I just drink wine and limit myself to one half bottle per evening. No drinking before 7pm. I used to drink at least one bottle per night and would drink half a bottle per before trying to cook dinner. I now cook much better. It similar with smoking, I just had to get to where I said, this is enough. I don't want to do this anymore.

Go to an AA meeting or two, if even just to listen...

I needed a motive--my kids and family. My father was an abusive alcoholic o me. I did not want to abuse my kids or wife. I was miserable growing up. It was not drink or lose those I cared for...kids and family won, and now it is over 20 years sober...whatever a higher power is for you--does not have to be a god...

meditation, painting, photography, walking, travel, get an RV and make way across the country....... get a dog.

?

become more social but don't go out in search of anything, you're the lone ranger baby.

One thing is to replace it with something healthy instead of sitting there trying not to drink and thinking about nothing else.

Stay the course!! You’ve worked so hard!