It’s estimated that about 12% of Americans suffer from alcoholism at some point in their lives. In a recent Wall Street Journal article writer Paul Carr described his very personal struggle with alcohol and the steps he took to overcome his addiction. He didn’t join Alcoholics Anonymous, but over the last few decades many have with impressive results: A look at the disease of alcoholism, what makes some people especially vulnerable, and the latest research on what works and what doesn’t in the effort to stay sober.