drinking is just a symptom - real problem is between your ears. you drink to quiet it. until you find a replacement you are fucked. you can't just 'stop'. maybe for a few days or weeks or months, but the consequences of your drinking won't really change.
I agree with this, it more than likely started to suppress or replace something and then became an addiction.
I would also strongly advise you go to a doctor before trying to stop. If you have been a heavy drinker for a long time, you will have physical withdraw effects. Doctors can prescribe a short run of Diazepam which will help with the physical effects and also sedate your addiction a little. Don't take it for more than a week though, or it will become your new addiction.
I didn't take this advice and stopped overnight which could have been incredibly dangerous. I risked fits, seizures and all sorts.
