I used AA for awhile. It served the dual purpose of a social outlet and taught me a lot about acceptance. SMART taught me about self empowerment to change myself and my behavior. A long with counseling because I take meds for a mental condition (check in every 3 months currently). Eventually, I struck out on my own. The friends I made in SMART were happy for me as in SMART it is probably best to leave eventually. AA not so much and I only talk to a couple of them now.

So, FuzzyWuzzy at this point in time I'm pretty much where you are, but that could change for a whole host of reasons...

What works best for me is surrender. I'm a control freak by nature and I throw more of myself at all sorts of things from my career, to my friendships, to alcoholism. With many things that approach worked really really well. My career flourished, my friendships and family too. But with alcoholism I just got deeper and deeper into it.
So with alcoholism I've surrendered. I give up. I know that for me, left to my own devices, I drink. that's my "device."
I've now found slowly but surely that surrender works in other areas of my life. Doesnt mean I don't do the work. I do. I just let go of the expectations on the outcome.

I made a commitment -- a covenant -- to myself to not drink.

I keep it because I know that I am responsible for my actions, and it is my choice... one that I have control over. I keep it because it is a deep promise and one that I did not make lightly.

It is a decision that acknowledges the light that I have within, the joy of being, and the need to honor the gift of life.

You seem like you are doing just fine, Fuzzy. And you put yourself out there. I like that about you.

Sticky, I too make a conscious effort not to become too attached to the outcomes I desire.

Oh, well that isn't exactly how I thought or wanted that to work out. Doesn't mean that I'm not dragged to that conclusion kicking and screaming sometimes...

Doing it alone works for a few. I have been trying to do it alone most of my life, and it hasn't worked. I personally think we need support from others who are going through the same, because, in my opinion, no matter what they say, if they are not an alcoholic, they do not understand. And it's not their fault.

Many people get sober on their own. It is something like 10% of alcoholics every year quit without a program or formal support. We are not just a few -- there are a lot of us.

I wouldn't say I did it on my own.

I had lots of help and support.

Yes!! but Alone can help to create Neurosis in a already at times Neurotic person and that may just be the upside...Research that .. first in yourself (for a reasonable amount of time) before you go thrrowing around stats!!! I personally think that being of sound mind and body requires helpful understanding people in General to ping off of and more reading and understanding of ourselves and less opinionated defense mechanisms Oh.. but that's only my life's understanding without the need to insulate myself from myself ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c2X3B8yI8I

It's called spontaneous remission.

Problem drinkers quit without help all of the time.

If you want the real stats I can look them up for you.

The idea that ONLY an alcoholic can help another alcoholic is a myth.

Fuzzy a soap box is for Soap..Grow up first K

Someone doesn't like what the truth has to offer.

Time to get honest. :)

Just because someone has a differing opinion is no reason to lash out at them.

Bunny pancake

Not lashing out!! Your minds games bore me

Oh and actually I was just sharing my experience ...read up on soap box mentality

"About 75 percent of persons who recover from alcohol dependence do so without seeking any kind of help,"

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/addiction-in-society/201010/what-percentages-people-in-recovery-are-treated-and-untreated