To over simplify it I see step 1 as accepting that I have an allergy to alcohol.
I do not react to alcohol like normal people. One drink is too many and a million isn't enough.
I also have an obsession to drink alcohol that would get completely refueled by taking just one drink. No matter how much sober time I get.
This obsession is a form of temporary insanity. That's all it is. When I am completely sober and have the idea to put a chemical in my body that I know will have consequences.
Thats why I believe they use the term restore us sanity in step 2. Because voluntarily harming ourselves is insanity!