The short version is that I became a christian. Since that time, the mental health issues I had previously have dissipated. These included diagnoses by various sorts of mental health doctors that included alcoholism, drug addiction, clinical depression, and later bipolar disorder. Lord knows there were probably other diagnoses that could have been applied as well.

In addition to AA and NA, I have also taken various medications for depression and mania, and have been through all sorts of talk therapy. I have not taken any of those medications for over a decade, I no longer go to meetings or therapy, and, among other things, I have found that I can drink in moderation. I drink very occasionally, maybe once every few months, at social occasions.

I cannot claim that anyone who becomes a christian would have the same experience. I do not know that. And I am aware of weaknesses in those areas that used to cause me so much trouble, but I can also say that they are not debilitating the way they were previously.

When I left AA and NA, I went around to all my old meetings and told my friends there why they would not see me any more. There were some very interesting conversations, to say the least. I wish them no ill will, but as I said above, I would not recommend those groups to someone in trouble. I wouldn't say not to go there, but I would not send them there as a first option.

I don't really have any pat advice to offer anyone struggling as I did, beyond, Don't give up. Yes, it's painful, but don't give up looking for solutions. (And as someone else said here, taper taper taper if you're trying to detox.)