to me i took AA as listen and express, not 12 steps or surrender to higher power. Going into AA i already believed in God, and i will look and read one day about the 12 steps but when im ready to look into it. and if the people there knock you for outside help then in truth find another AA meeting cause AA is about support, and if they dont support you in getting help then you shouldnt be around them.

P.S. With AA im also going to a Chem treatment class so i am getting outside help too, my problems go why farther than just Alcohol or substance