There are 2 parts to step 1, separated by a hyphen:
We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable
So when the alcohol intake stops, as you have noticed, the life becomes somewhat manageable.
BUT WE ARE STILL POWERLESS OVER ALCOHOL!
So don't drink. One day at a time.
I don't know what is so bad about meetings, care to share that?