My goal is to become a better person. For me, just quitting drinking wasn’t enough. I was and still am capable of being an a-hole.

You are right Bob. I am sure some alcoholics just want to stop drinking - good for them. I am reasonably confident one can find many books, videos, rehabs and recovery programs that address the purely practical issue of quitting or controlling one's drinking practices. I hope those that are seeking that goal find success.

However there are also alcoholics (like myself) who actually desire a spiritual life, a spiritual awakening. I, for one, am glad I was able to find what I was looking for - sobriety AND an increased spiritual life - in AA.

Thank you for once again highlighting just one of the differences between the AA program of recovery and other methods of recovery from alcohol addiction.

I know you have an agenda big book Bob ? It's a bit tedious at this stage. I'm not a huge fan of AA either but if it works for people let it be. Most rehab centers have moved on from it. You seem to have a large axe to grind over it

It’s the thinking. No doubt about it.

My truck was low on coolant. I could have ‘just’ added some more. That would solve the immediate issue. A hose inspection found a crack. New part and a sound system now. I agree with you about the spirituality. Not all have to seek that. However seeking mental/emotional health to understand what happened during the addiction and to heal from its effects is crucial. I don’t think quitting alcohol and learning to know ourselves on a deeper level should be separate. It takes work and patience to sort out the causes of our addictive behaviors. It’s a rewarding process that has given me more happiness than I have ever known. Isn’t that a logical reason to ensure continued sobriety?

I don't know. It IS about the drinking..BUT I really think that for me, it's not a physical addiction, it's a psychological addiction. Addicted to that nice pretty wine glass, addicted to running to the bottle if I have: conflict, sadness, happiness, disappointment, celebrating, fearful, and for so many other reasons. Using alcohol to deal with all those uncomfortable feelings we all have. Plus it is ingrained in our society unfortunately.

finallyawakenow, Don't we all seek mental/emotional health as a way of living? Why would you assume I'm not doing that? Do you know me?

What I'm saying is that is not linked in any way to anyone's drinking problem.

It is also possible to achieve this while drinking.

One can drink if you are a Christian
One can drink as a Muslim.
One can drink as a Scientologist.
One can drink while reading Dale Carnegie.

All of these things are in search of a higher purpose in life, and none have anything to do with why I drank alcohol. In fact... Using religion as a solution nearly killed me.

So quit your preaching and accept that some folks have a different outlook on this recovery thing.