This type of advice does work, but only for some people. I would hazard that "some" isn't even a majority of alcoholics or other kinds of addicts. So, it's an interesting perspective to share, but please don't assume that what worked for you is universally good advice for everyone.

You may as well be a patient in a drug trial, one of the let's say 30% that responded well to the drug, but afterwards you go out and claim that it's a cure for everyone... well no, it didn't work for 70% of people.