"AA will say you'll always have the desire to drink. I wonder if you would disagree?"
I've been sober over 18 years and went to thousands of AA meetings and never heard that. Though, AA has taught me this, once an alcoholic always an alcoholic, which means that I'm never cured, just on hold one day at a time.
I can honestly say that once I truly surrendered to the fact that I could never drink again (safely) without the help of God, that my desire to drink was gone. Which for me, proved to be enormously difficult, I just could not give up that last shred of control, despite having hit bottom. But It was AA, and a very patient sponser, that helped me get to the point where my understanding of God's will for me, and not my own, would bring the release from this long struggle, and it did.
Rob, thanks so much for starting this thread, and passing it on. I believe you've helped some FReepers, and me as well. It's always a good reminder and a spiritual boost when someone openly admits they've choosen to take the first difficult steps towards a sober life. Thank you.
I agree with Kawana and TexasCowboy's take on 'surrender', because for me, my will is the problem. But whatever it takes, whatever works, especially early on is good, and there is no right or wrong, only sober.
"Once you're a pickle, you'll never be a cucumber again."