I have a very short but accurate answer to the first part of this question – EVERYTHING! I was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually bankrupt when I came into the AA Program. But by being willing to go to ANY lengths to get the program and finally really working it to the best of my ability in ALL of my affairs, I discovered that I was becoming an entirely different person BECAUSE OF MY NEW FOUND SOBRIETY!
AA introduced me to Spirituality. This introduction led me to discover that I have a Higher Power who I now choose to call God. He was always with me but I would not acknowledge Him. This led to disbelief. I am now one who love, am loved, care, and am interested in so much. And I am not hurting a soul. And, as time went on, this was only the beginning. And this is ALL because of my sobriety.
EVERYTHING that I have today I owe to the program of AA, including breathing in followed by out. I have children that no longer fear me, actually love me openly. A wife that has never seen me drink and who has given me a family life that I never had even as a child. A clear mind that seems to have the right answer to most problems, no matter how complicated. If I wake up in the middle of the night it is to go to the bathroom, not because I am bothered by anything. ALL because of my sobriety!
I text our children, grandchildren and some friends and other relatives to let them know that they are being thought of once a week. I have been doing this for a couple of years, now, and get responses from most of them. On the rare occasion that I am late sending the weekly text, some even contact me to see if all is well. WOW! ALL because of my sobriety!
My sobriety means everything to me. Without it, I am the same person I was when entering the program, a walking dead man. I am alive and, as long as I continue working my program to the best of my ability, I intend on staying that way.
Now, how did I get my sobriety and how do I plan on keeping it? By working my program to the best of my ability, not only during meetings but also in my everyday affairs 24/7/365. AA introduced me to my Higher Power, who I now call God. To disagree with a popular phrase, God is not my copilot, he is my pilot. As long as I remember this and act accordingly, I will be able to continue to meet with you and others like you in AA and, most assuredly, I will continue being too blessed to be stressed.