Study IDs Key Components of Alcoholics Anonymous

i realize some people choose not to participate in AA while learning how to stay sober but this article/study is most encouraging. it's difficult for us in AA recovery sometimes cause many interpret us as evangelists for this 12 step program. all 12 step programs that came after were designed by AA's format. it clearly has had excellent benefits and solutions for many of us.
even if you doubt it's-AA-ability to help you or don't think it's for you i hope you'll read this informative article. FYI by the way, AA is not based on religion/God as many view it. included is the step of believing in something/someone greater than ourselves has restored us to sanity. it is our option of what we believe in. there are some agnostics and atheists in our groups who successfully stay sober. many use the group as their higher power. the group has accomplished what the individual alone hasn't been able to do-stay sober.http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/09...ous/29369.html

I do attend AA for the social aspects alone. As an atheist some aspects of the 12 Step's are non-applicable to me personally. Still the meetings are helpful as I often hear a lot of secular wisdom regarding sobriety that I do find helpful.

I have never tried AA (am not alcoholic) or something similar in real life, but I was part of some Overeaters Anonymous loops online. I foudn the steps hard to follow, but it may be because I didn't really understand them and was not surrounded by the social atmosphere of a real-life meeting. I am an atheist too but did not find this an obstacle.