Hi Jaz--I understand your concern with the small town factor. It's funny, when I starting going to AA (this time around)..I knew quite a few people in the rooms and wasn't ashamed of being found out. There are doctors, lawyers, professionals who all admitted their alcoholism and admitting it is a big step to surrendering. I could not have made it through the last 18 months without AA. It gets easier with time of course. Checking out a meeting would be a good start if you feel up to it. You can just observe & decide. You will find a welcoming group of people who understand what you are going through.