hey eddie,
am glad to hear you are giving AA a try.
my best guess at why folks that are "on the programme" have relapsed is probably because they have not done a fearless and thorough step 4 and 5.time after time in the rooms i have heard of folk that have either returned to drinking or commited suicide after supposedly taking the steps,only to then found out that there was somethign they kept hold of.
we are supposed to take regular inventory too,and if we dont then little resentments build into big ones etc and resentment is our number one offender,it kills more alcoholics than anything.
there are many many people in the rooms that say they are on the programme eddie.
like carol said,look for those that are staying sober,dont let your alcoholic thinking attach you to the ones that arnt.
look for folk that seem genuinly happy,joyous and free.
i went to meeting after meeting for weeks,i was actually blessed it only took that long before i heard a lady talking about a spiritual awakening,taking regular inventory,making amends,God.
seek and you shall find eddie.
your friend charmie.