Chairperson Qualifies
I cannot "drink like other people."
I'm okay as long as I don't have that first drink.
I know what it would take for me to want to have that first drink.
If I let negative emotions overwhelm me, I will want the oblivion that alcohol can bring.
I understand that negative emotions are born of negative thoughts and negative thoughts are born of my defects of character. Self-pity. Fear. False pride. Lust.
The twelve steps are designed to manage defects of character.
If I use the twelve steps to manage my defects of character, I have fewer negative thoughts, fewer negative emotions. I have fewer reason to want the oblivion that alcohol can bring.