Fragrantrose
Everything you described lines up exactly with what the AA book describes as untreated alcoholism. And bear in mind, alcoholism has nothing to do with how much or how often you drink. My sponsor is and out-and-out real alcoholic and he only drank 4-6 weekends per year his last couple years.
Dee was right - a desire (preferably a sincere desire) is all that's "required" to attend closed AA meetings (anyone at all can go to open meetings).
Many ppl come to AA, work some of the steps and decide it's not working or not for them. Sadly, this is a big and vocal group. On the other hand, there are many ppl who've gone, worked the whole program, embraced the principles and for them, I've yet to see one person not get past everything you posted. .......including the drinking problem.
(interestingly, you won't find a page in the AA Book that tells you to stop drinking or how to stop drinking........because if you're suffering from untreated alcoholism, drinking is only an outward symptom of an internal condition - it's A problem, not THE problem).
Put some posts up in the 12-Step section and you'll get some more hits from AA regulars if you're so inclined.