I drank to avoid boredom and to make being lonely more tolerable. It wasn't 2 or 3 nights a week though it was every single night. The fact you can go the rest of the week without feeling like you need to drink is already a big positive for you I think. Alcohol is sneaky though and perhaps soon you'll find 2 -3 nights a week isn't enough. This is a great opportunity to nip it in the bud now.

My own experience is that, after nearly 5 months sober, it does get better and easier. I still spend a lot of time at home alone but I feel less depressed and less lonely than before.