If you are questioning the term "real alcoholic," then you have not yet read the book called "Alcoholics Anonymous" which is the program of recovery. Those steps are discussed in the first 164 pages of the book followed by stories.
The steps are the program of recovery, along with meeting attendance (where else are you going to find a sponsee/newcomer?) and our service work. All three keep AA running well.
I suggest you read the book, find a sponsor, work the steps, then come back and tells us about your AA experience!
