Probably, also, they are prevalent because they do not have the same funding issues that other groups have. I have been to SMART and 16 step meetings that were going great... until the funding for the counselor who lead it vanished.

12 steps often work closely with churches and other charities (especially with the religious undertones) that help with funding issues, and there is no paid leader.

I had a psychiatrist say that the 12 steps do work because of the social contact, not for any other reason, but still convinced me to go (because I was moving back to a place where there werent other options).

I hate that the issue is so polarizing. There are other options, basically, my point was...