Recovering from addiction to cigarettes and alcohol is no problem 85% of the time but being around people that don’t seem to be able to socialize without these things always rekindle the desire in me. Don’t want to become a hermit as I love socializing but do people really need these things to relate to others?!?!
You fear relapse, understandable. To say in one sentence that you’re a recovering alcoholic and then ask if people really need it to relate to others is what I call the “quit hangover”. You’ve spent a lot of time making those things ugly to yourself, and convincing yourself you don’t want them. Some part of you is angry they get to have them and you don’t. No judgement, I’ve been that guy. It doesn’t feel very good to be that guy. You might become more comfortable and you might not, but understand everyone is just doing their best.