Totally been there but with coffee. Wife helped wean me to teas and things are much better. I tend to agree with the psych approach to avoid the cold turkey then binge problem. Sounds like you have some significant and special responsibilities. I have child w special needs and have another w emotional stuff and a wife cancer survivor so sometimes you just grab what you can to get through the day.

Hey i think whatever approach, the water intake will really help. Helped me. Dilution of drinks may help too. Also consider taking in more filling protein sources to help stabilize metabolism. I also look at more natural energy choices: banana and pb, yogurt and honey, baby carrots, stuff like that that may help you transition.

I still drink gatorade to help replenish after really hard workouts, but also water. For riding you might look at Hammer products like Heed, which is much lighter but gives you the slow release maltodextrin that helps on rides and less sugar crash issues.

Not a doctor, but those things have helped me. Hang in there and good luck!!!! You can do it! Even if you fall off wagon, keep gettin back up...