I can only address my particular circumstance. I was a late stage physically dependent alcoholic who had been drinking more than a fifth of vodka for multiple years I could make it six to eight before severe withdrawal would start.
For myself I was incapable of rational thought at least in terms of my recovery. The only thing I knew for sure was that things could not continue as they were.
I got lucky and some professionals pointed me in the right direction but at the time I just needed someone to tell what to do.