A real addict can find a drink in the Sahara .
There are plenty of AA groups , try different one , don’t make excuses.
And if there is an AA Group you can join it there as well.
But NJ is Heavy Liquor Lane. There is nothing wrong with removing yourself from a situation where you need to face daily temptation.
It isn’t an excuse, same reason you wouldn’t go to a bar and sit around watching others drink. You have a choice.
The Catholic Church has their drug and alcohol treatment center on a mountain in the middle of no where in New Mexico, same logic.