I've been meaning to read this book since Godwinson recommended it. Might start it this evening.
As to this AA thing, Ralph's inability to get sober has been discussed to death but I'd like to say that one of his primary issues is unwillingness to admit fault. When you've been a scumbag addict for years, you have a laundry list of sins that will probably be hard to recall in it's entirety.
When Ralph's able to do the work of enumerating and making amends for all of the evil he's spread, then he has a chance in the long term. As it is, at best Ralph has a shot at being a
dry drunk ,at worst he's going into a honeymoon stage in his addiction cycle and any supposed progress will be short lived.
Get sober Ralph. You'll still be the same person, except you'll love yourself when no is looking.