Least, I think you really struck home with your reference to your higher power. If you recognize that drinking is something you cannot deal with without the help of a higher power, then you're taken a giant step forward. Whether or not you use AA is certainly your choice. I just hope that you're not making that decision just to show everyone that you're right and they're wrong. And I mean no offense here. AA certainly doesn't work for everyone and we all know that. But I've seen too many people turn away from the program without ever seriously trying it. And that means more than just sitting in meetings for 6 months. These are the people who spurn AA, think they can lick the problem by themselves, and are back out drinking in no time. But if you have a solid alternate plan then by all means stick to it if it's working for you. And if you ever decide that your program isn't working any more, you know you have another option available.