Irth, as Mac said, you sound a lot like him. I am sure you sound a lot like all of us, myself included. I was a daily drinker, did not want to quit even though I knew I needed to. I tried to tell myself and my wife I would moderate it. That was just another lie I was telling myself so I could not let go of it. I drank till I was asleep/blacked out. Just like you a large part of vacation and trips was drinking and eating. In Mexico I would be drinking at 10am poolside all day. In Europe it was shopping and drinking throughout the day. I don't have the issue with my parents like you posted, but it has been a rough ride. Dad is older and forgets shit al the time. Mom just lost her leg to Cancer last Christmas and it has pretty much sucked. It adds to the daily stress and dealing with my parents makes me want to drink. Hell I think it makes everyone want to drink dealing with their folks.
It took a trip to Vegas in January with the wife and going to a private party at the Raiders Stadium that was top notch. I of course over served myself and still to this day have no idea how I gt back to the hotel. My wife has filled me in later that I was not happy with the shuttle service and wanted and uber, then we were stranded in some parking lot in the middle of the night waiting for the uber who could not find us. All while I could barely stand up. I thought I would quit then, but it took getting home and having too much and having an argument with the wife and saying things that I would never say to her. I think I was so drunk I thought I was talking to my ex. But I woke up knowing I had fucked up, but not knowing how. Wife was ready to leave me that morning. That was the last time I had a drink, Jan 30, 2022.
Not drinking for me has really shown me what my triggers were. Cooking like you mentioned is a big one. Always have to have a drink in my hand. I still do, it is just non alcoholic. With summer coming up it might be a little bit of a struggle but I feel I have a good head start. I sometimes have a NA beer, or a mocktail to trick my brain and I discover that it is the action, and habit that I crave as much as the booze.
You can do this. There is help in many forms to be found. Stopping was the best thing I have done. My life is better, my attitude is much calmer, and my marriage is so much better. I am sure you can make it to these places. If you need to vent this is a good spot. If you need to vent privately feel free to send me a PM. I will listen.