I can only give you my experience. Yesterday I celebrated 15 months sober. I go to AA meetings, work the steps, have a sponsor, do service work, and help other alcoholics. I changed everything, my playmates, my playgrounds, because what I was doing before wasn't working. I had to try something completely different. At first I thought my life was over, no more fun, no more parties, but I was completely wrong! After some time sober, and through working the steps, I can walk anywhere a free woman. My sober buddies and I party all the time, with soda. It is possible to stay sober, and to be HAPPY. So of course I can only suggest to you what has worked for me. There are plenty of ways to stay sober, just find the one that works for you.