However, powerlessness over alcohol, that is much more readily apparant. A person who drinks a drink, and then loses the power of choice on whether or not to have anotherandanotherandanotheranother and so on, until they are passed out, in jail, or in a hospital... that's a much easier call.
The official AMA definition of addiction (including alcohol) is "...the continued use of a mood altering substance or behaviour despite adverse consequences."
Excellent point, and thanks very much, dear Laz!
Most of the AA haters don't understand the program is a design for living, rather than a ‘stop drinking’ program. They fail to understand that the alcohol was but a symptom. I gave testimony at my church a few months ago, and a large part of it included my journey in sobriety. Afterward, the pastor commented that he had no idea that the 12 steps were so spiritual.
And on the 5-10% success rate......the 12 steps that I follow have a nearly 100% success rate. I can count on one hand the number of people I know who have ‘thoroughly followed our path’ and gone back to drinking.
Sobriety in AA doesn't come through osmosis, it is a program of action. An example I use quite often in meeting:
I can sit in the best gym on the planet, watching everyone work out, take notes, order videos, hire personal trainers, etc. But until I take the action and put in the the work, I don't get any stronger.
Also...I'm not sure why they call them fifths, I could only get four out of a bottle!