I don't think 12 Step programs are anything near a cult. A cult is a strict religious system... 12 Steps is not. In NA/AA, all they ask of you is to find something that's POSITIVELY greater than yourself. They don't tell you to believe in a God that lies in heaven, they don't tell you to believe in earth and nature as their God. All they ask if you believe in SOMETHING/SOMEONE, your choice. Some peoples' God is totally different than others. That's one of the many beauties of NA/AA. Diversity.