There has to be a flip in their thinking where they want to surrender and live. That's the 1st step- with their higher power or group to put recovery first. It has to be with other recovery alcoholics or addicts. Whatever they put in front of recovery they lose in the end. It is growing up. It is getting rid of the isms of alcoholism- I- self-me....knowing they aren't God, and they can't do it alone, it is killing them, they want to live, save their family, health, relationships....etc....Some don't make it.