Hi Ron
I totally agree with your take on the powerless = hopeless. When I tried to make AA fit I felt just awful, like I was staring death in the face if AA was truly my one and only option and I am so delighted that so many other resources are now at our fingertips.
I am cherry picking too but have not yet found a snappy CBT tool.
I think though that a "hangover" (ha ha) from drinking days is that years of using alcohol to deal with life's ups and downs means that as well as learning not to drink we have to learn to roll with the ups and downs as non-problem drinkers always have. Or we imagine they have. But, in the spirit of powerfulness and acceptance, time and practice will work. It may be uncomfortable at times, but hey, remember my arm? It only aches when I think about it.
Also, if this is my "ego" talking then great! Ego can be as benign as the Greek word for "I".
Best wishes
Jane