I only read this last page of the thread, so if i'm repeating something ... my appologies
First...I hope you look hard at your history as honestly as you can and determine if you want/plan/need to drink or not to drink.... I think it is pretty important to determine that for yourself.
Then...AA is one option, and you seem to be questioning it as your path...which is fine...lots at SR use other methods...
Have you checked out the secular recovery section? Smart? A church type thing? An addictionologist?
You can try one thing, and if after following the plan, it doesn't seem to you to work.....try another one....
Lots of ways to stay sober depending on the person, and lots of reasons to stay sober....or not.
Anyhow...hope i didn't just repeat whats already been said
