I dabbled in the program for about a year or so before taking it seriously. I thought I took it seriously, but wasn't doing the right things and had quite a few "slips" (Sobriety Loses Its Priority).
At age 40, came into AA October 26th of last year.
You know, I struggled for a long time thinking I was not a "real alcoholic." I am having issues right now with 2 members of my family who are causing a lot of pain and suffering due in part to their drinking. People look at them and say "oh yeah, definitely an alcoholic." But for me, I guess it didn't manifest like that. I tore myself up more than anyone else. I'm sure, though, that if I'd stayed on that path of active drinking, the destruction would have amassed just as clearly... Thank God He took me off the elevator when He did...