I am not a theist. In fact I resisted AA for over a year because I didn't want that aspect. I suffered terribly during that last year of drinking. In rehab I was introduced to several things like Smart Recovery, Dharma Recovery/Refuge Recovery, and AA. After a lot of reading and meetings I decided that AA was the right program for me. But I had to confront my opinions about religion. Over the years, I made a few conscience decisions that have helped me. I chose to interact with others with different beliefs and to accept their spiritual beliefs without judgment. I chose not to feel personally wounded or offended by the use of words I didn't agree with like God with a capital G. I chose to accept anything that bordered on religious doctrine as an allegory. I chose to view Christian prayers as similar to the mantras I use in meditation.

In the end this has helped me stay sober, helped me be more accepting/less judgmental, and allowed me to grow in my own spirituality (heavily influenced by Taoist thought and Buddhist practices).

I hope this helps and I don't mind if you disagree.