You seem like you have a pretty good handle on what's going on Waterman...I don't know if you've read the Big Book of AA....But if you read the Doctors Opinion and Pages 1 through 43 it deals with the first step of the program. I couldn't believe how much I saw myself in there...Here it is if you want to take a look at it. Glad to have you here and good luck on your sober journey!
The text of Alcoholics Anonymous