Recovery
I like the dictionary definition of recovery (abbreviated to read)
"The action or process of regaining possession of something lost"
In my case what was lost was my physical, emotional and spiritual health
I would say though that my emotional and spiritual ill health pre-dated my alcoholism. It was the pain from those things I was using alcohol to mask.
Drinking was the symptom. The problem was me and my life. To undo those problems I had to self examine. The 12 step program was my tool of choice. Its a good tool for that purpose. Its a good tool to address the spiritual malady too.
As for the language being dated, yes it is, I agree. I actually quite enjoy that - although I can see its not for everyone.
But the principles and concepts are 1000's of years old, they are 'really' antiquated.
Diamonds are really old, but they're not bad, they have value. I wouldn't eat them but I appreciate they have value. Old does not necessarily equal bad in my book (unless its my old habits - they were bad) :-)