Hey there! I'm an alcoholic and have been part of AA off and on for about 8 years. My last major manic episode was last May and I ended up drinking and getting arrested. I've been sober since then but let me tell you, I've had a couple of times that I'm "white knuckling it". I definitely think being in a peer group for addiction helps a lot or if you don't want to do that, just see a therapist that specializes in it and helps you work through your issues as to why you are wanting to use. NA groups are great also!