I understand what you are saying Dee but don't most people look for outside help to get sober? If getting and staying sober was just an inside job, then why do people bother to go to AA meetings, or see an addiction therapist? Aren't they looking for outside help to get sober? I admire people that can get sober on there own with no outside support, but I doubt that is common. Many people here on SR say they are on their own when it comes to getting sober, but mention family or friends that they interact with. That alone is support even if it is not directly connected to their sobriety. Frankly, I think its close to a miracle that people are able to get sober on there own. I just don't think it happens very often. Dee, I'll bet even you had some people you interacted with even though they weren't part of your sobriety. John