"because the help seemed like a cult to me"

The comedian Doug Stanhope has a number of bits about that very topic. He has quite a lot to say about Dr. Drew and none of it is positive. lol.

"so I could once again enjoy a simple beer or two while I relax in the sun, or whatever."

People like to say never again but I think that is born out of their fear of being weak. What you describe is what a I think a healthier view of breaking an addiction ought to be. If someone has to run from something to not be a slave to it, they are still kind of a slave to it.