I'm going to try to write this without being inflammatory or sounding insensitive, which I absolutely don't intend to be, but I'm very sorry if this post comes off that way. I'm sure my tone will be lost to the cold, hard text of a web page.
First off, congratulations on turning your situation around and maintaining your sobriety for 2 years. I can't imagine how much work that must have been.
I've never really understood the whole "alcoholic vs. sobriety" thing. Is it not possible to "learn" to drink less? I see time and again the idea of being "out of control, unable to stop". Why is complete sobriety the only answer? Can varying levels of control truly not be learned? Or is the prevailing mindset that it's "easier" (while I'm sure still very difficult) to just go down to zero and maintain that, rather than learn moderation? I wonder if there are any studies or evidence to back that up, if that's the case.
Also a question about AA itself, if you're ok answering it. My understanding is that AA is very faith-based (many steps of the 12-step process invoking a deity), and that a big part of it involves opening yourself to God and Jesus to help. Is that universal, or are there non-religious versions of AA? I know if I (an atheist) ever got into a situation where I needed something like AA, I would be very uncomfortable with the religious aspects.
First off, congratulations on turning your situation around and maintaining your sobriety for 2 years. I can't imagine how much work that must have been.
I've never really understood the whole "alcoholic vs. sobriety" thing. Is it not possible to "learn" to drink less? I see time and again the idea of being "out of control, unable to stop". Why is complete sobriety the only answer? Can varying levels of control truly not be learned? Or is the prevailing mindset that it's "easier" (while I'm sure still very difficult) to just go down to zero and maintain that, rather than learn moderation? I wonder if there are any studies or evidence to back that up, if that's the case.
Also a question about AA itself, if you're ok answering it. My understanding is that AA is very faith-based (many steps of the 12-step process invoking a deity), and that a big part of it involves opening yourself to God and Jesus to help. Is that universal, or are there non-religious versions of AA? I know if I (an atheist) ever got into a situation where I needed something like AA, I would be very uncomfortable with the religious aspects.