Not sure how old you are but you should also consider NA Meetings. AA does tend to be religious based and I really don't like the fact that they pray in meetings. You need the support of people who have been through this and don't get hung up on what the behavior is that is causing the problems. All the meetings be it gambling, shopping, self mutilation are all based on the 12 steps and working on you inside is the only way to deflect destructive behavior. In my opinion counseling is great but unless the therapist is also an alcoholic/addict they don't know about the experience and can only go on books which is ridiculous