I was in the same boat. I was 29 when I went to rehab for an out of control binge drinking habit. I didn't have a license, car, money, or house, either. I enjoyed drinking and partying very much, but when I woke up the next day, I hated myself. I got 10 years no drinking in May. The way I kept away is blunt honesty to myself. I didn't blame my problems on anyone and I took full responsibilities for my actions. I was the one who made myself drink. I was the one who decided to drink every night, but I was also the one who decided not to drink, and decided to stay away from it altogether. AA works for a lot of people, and I'm not at all trying to say its a bad thing, just somethings work better for them than others. I myself found the people in AA always blaming other problems for the reason they are alcoholics. X happened to my, which is why I drink. I dont see it that way. To me, its 2 different issues. Plus, people in AA use the program way too long. If your in AA for 20 years, you don't have a drinking problem, you have psychological issues. Recognize the difference, it will help in the long run. Just be 100% realistic and 100% honest to yourself at all times. Alcoholism is NOT a disease, we do it all to ourselves. God, or your higher power, will not drag you out of this mess, only you can. Tell yourself every day, "I don't have to not ever drink again, I'm just not going to drink today" if you have to. I did. When you start stringing together consecutive days, you'll find yourself striving to continue the abstinence. You will make yourself proud, and for me, being proud of myself was something I did not feel when drinking. After a while, you will reflect on this time in your life, and for me, reflection is the number 1 way to stay away from drinking. I never want to go back to who I was then.