I am one of those people for whom withdrawals sucked. Back in 2007 when I chose to change my lifestyle and I quit drinking everyday (don't know if I qualify as an alcoholic but I was definitely a problematic drinker) and moved back in with my parents, it flung me into a pretty severe depressive episode - on top of the physical withdrawal symptoms of shakiness and feeling sick. I was laid up in bed for like 3 months.

I replaced drinking with exercise and lost a ton of weight (of course I gained it all back once I was put on meds that made me very lethargic and am now starting all over again), so I definitely think that's a good way for you to go. It will help to detox your body faster (or so I've heard), which should help with any withdrawal symptoms that may or may not pop up.

It might suck a bit sometimes but it'll all be for the best. Good luck with everything!