Yes, I know what you mean about triggers. I'm getting better at that, but most of all I just love drink to loosen up and I have a lot of fun with it. I'm sort of quiet and reserved and don't open up but with 3 drinks it's a different story. It's not like I have a bad day and go drink... Most people would not think the amount of alcohol I drink is a problem at all, in fact, my MD says it's nothing. But I know differently, I know it's destroying my health so I can't do it.
Anyway, I'm learning not to turn to the alcohol and deal with issues and what kind of things to replace having fun.
I also know what you mean about writing things out. I have several journals for different things and I write in them often. It works very well for me.