Many years ago there was a fellow at the North Hollywood Alano Club, that I met early in my recovery. At that time he had almost 30 years continuous recovery.
However, as he shared, I learned that he had been a drunk bank robber. After he found sobriety, he continued to rob banks for almost 7 years, never getting caught, and he thought (his words) 'great I am much better sober'.
But, something finally snapped in him, and he knew if he didn't do something about what he had been doing he would drink again, and HE DIDN'T WANT TO DO THAT. So he turned himself in, admitted his guilt, served his sentence, with some time off for being a model prisoner, and when I met him, he had been out of prison for about 6 months.
His message, was H.O.W. the program works ................... Honesty, Openmindedness, Willingness. I have never forgotten his message.
Hope that helps.
Love and hugs.