Profound change
Last night, as part of a Big Book study, we read some of the chapter "Bills Story". When we were done and opened for comment, one of the members shared how it was ironic that Bill had stayed sober for around four months before his encounter with Ebby. But when he saw Ebby, who had at the time only 60 days, he was convinced that he had a real solution.
The reason for this, I humbly believe, is that Ebby was not just sober. He was in recovery. He had a program of action. A spiritual solution. I only have to research as far as my own experience to abundantly confirm the stark difference between someone being sober (dry) with white knuckles, fighting under their own will power. And someone in recovery, delivered through a spiritual program of action. A person whose entire deportment and demeanor demonstrates a profound change.
Something must fill the vacuum. What works in my experience is three legged stool: God, fellowship, and the 12 steps.