I recall back in 1958, having blood pressure of 210/130. The 130 (diastolic) is the really frightening one. I mentioned this to a doctor years later and his only remark was "That's a real killer"). Literally. Amazing I survived at all since it took me 30 more years to begin complete sobriety. Didn't try AA (Doctors at that time sometimes didn't even suggest trying it; one said, "Well there may be aspects about it that you would not like...." I asked him to be more specific. He was only evasive.) And of course in those days there was no SR. One thing is clear to me now. The first step is the big one. Whether you are into AA or not. At least half or more of the challenge is in the beginning of real sobriety. What's the best, maybe the only, way to get the sufficient motivation? Maybe only when you feel the hand of death resting on your shoulder and you hear a soft voice saying, "Come! It's time for you now! We've been expecting you!"
W.