The philosophy behind The Twelve Steps

Does this mean I can't spout my usual cognitive behavioural perspective on an approach that dictates that one is powerless to affect change?

I partially concur.I take issue with the final sentance, however. You do not always (and in my experience; often) have to go digging in the past to solve ones problems.My favourite example is the habit of smoking. We don't have to know why we started smoking, but we need to konw what is going on now to make any changes.

From my perspective you would be using gambling to modify your emotional state.It is not gambling (or any habit, for that matter) per se that is the problem; it is how the behaviour manipulates how you feel.I get a massive buzz when I buy something: it's not the thing I buy that I want more tan the buzz I get when I buy something.We find it hard to quit because we value that micro second of buzz.

I've not heard of him till now but he seems pretty in line with my take on addiction.Behaviour causes emotion modulation.

I would say so. You can literally build up your will power and any time you show restraint it generalises to restraint in other areas.Also having a routine that does not involve engaging in addictive behaviour reduces the frequency we ruminate on engaging in addictive behaviour.It sounds like you are doing really well!All the best, mate.