Fantastic HD,
Getting a Sponsor and not trying to do it myself made all the difference in the world for me. Becoming part of AA was the last thing I wanted to do but after doing it I found out that it was exactly what I needed. AA really does work if you are willing to give it a fair shot. I had to have severe consequences before I was willing. I found out later that others with only minimal consequences worked the program early and avoided my consequences.
Glad to hear that you are doing something different!