I've always found myself conflicted over tools to use for recovery. 12-step? Life ring? Smart recovery? Rational recovery? Whatever.
The one consistent message to me was always the first and most elusive step 1. GIVE UP! One can spend ages on this one. The addicts personality hates it. But its the critical step. The rest seemed easy after you really get that one. I could have saved myself a lot of frustration if I had recognized this sooner but I guess I'm just exactly where I'm supposed to be.