just to add:
the thing about "at certain times the alcoholic has no effective defense against the first drink" (i believe that's the correct quote, but could be wrong).
i believe that's so.
my own experience was exactly that.
and so, when i could finally stop after the turn-around moment, it was easy to believe i had somehow found or manufactured a defense. and that not returning to drinking for quite a while was something i'd be able to continue at will.
but my own experience contradicts that, and it took me quite a while to see the denial i was still operating under.
i'm wondering if your now ex-sponsor hears you as saying you've found the solution for you in the Alan Carr book and aren't in need of one now? genuine question, BF.