“I do not hold with those who believe that alcoholism is entirely a problem of mental control.” (The Doctor’s Opinion, Big Book)
In other words, according to the doctor, mental control is
indeed a factor. Once the first drink has been drunk, an automated process
takes over. Before the first drink, the problem is mental not physical: “Our
sound reasoning failed to hold us in check.” (Page 37, Big Book). Impulse
overwhelms reason.
Something needs to be superposed above reason to stop it
being overwhelmed with impulse, and that something is spirit.
Spirit above reason; reason above impulse
As Grady O’H says, “God isn’t thirsty.”
“By their example they showed us that humility and intellect could be compatible, provided we placed humility first.” (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions)