I agree it was a process. Most of my experience prior was with AA-35 yrs. I don't believe alcoholism to be as cut-and-dry as I used to. It's complex, but it's only there if I take a drink. Minus the alcohol I'm a recovered alcoholic. Everything else is just living skills. The doubt I built from AA's perspective was that I had done the steps diligently and drank anyway so thought I was ignorant or not holding my mouth right. I know more now and my understanding is still growing but the big plan was kind of a relief by addressing the very thinking that supports a drink for any reason by first naming it and dismissing it as irrational.