To kick substance abuse and become usefully whole, the sufferer has to have a psychic overhaul — that is, they have to change from being selfish and self-centered to becoming more interested in helping others. That is why the A.A. program works — it is centered around helping others.
If that isn’t an good description of converting a Liberal to a Conservative, then I don’t know what is.
You’ll hardly ever find a more conservative group of people than a group of long-term A.A members. (Notice, I said LONG-TERM. It takes over 20 years sometimes for the change to take place.)
As a former enabler who spent time in Al-Anon and ACOA, I agree with everything in your post.