Originally Posted by
MIRecovery 
My first sponsor 35 years sober said words to me that have always stuck. He said, "I have never figured out who is going to make it. I have been wrong so many times I have given up trying."
I am sometimes surprised at who does make it, but I am never surprised to see certain people who I know do certain things, still there, still doing well, when I turn up on my periodic visits.
These are the sponsors and the ones active in helping others (one alcoholic working with another). It is the best kept secret in AA, and it can't be contracted out of by doing other service. 12 step is not service, it is recovery.
Those that don't take advantage of sponsorship, home group, steps and giving back seem to be a passing parade, visitors ot all groups and members of none. And research shows their chances are not good.
It doesn't work too well going to AA to take without giving back. A person who only breaths in will suffocate.