For me, I had a choice: go drink and die an alcoholic death OR try a spiritual way of life.
Worked the 12 steps days 14 & 15, felt different day 16, completed step 9 (those things I could do) by 4 months, worked the steps second time at 4 months; worked the steps third time at 8 months and learned the sponsor's role, just completed a fourth step 4. Some amends are still being worked on, some are not yet available to do.