Karate, the Big Book, which you've read a few times, tells us, in the print, A)the problem and B) the solution. Just pointing out what you already know, right?
I am an alcoholic. For me, when I acknowledged I was an alcoholic and my life was indeed "unmanageable" my compulsion to drink was gone. I can't explain how or why in any scientific manner. I continue to read & study the Big Book. Tomorrow is my weekly Big Book Study. I find it SO helpful to go over the print with others. Just a suggestion....you might want to have book study times with your AA old timer. And, I also find The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions a must own. Wednesday, at my Home Group, we have our weekly 12 and 12 Meeting. Again, perhaps your AA old timer and you could get together??
In my experience, the old timers love to share their experience, strength & hope. Seems to me, you have a wealth of AA resources you might want to tap into.
. Bobbi