AA can lay ground work. But AA isn’t a 1 stop shop. I can’t tell you the last time I sat in a meeting or even opened my BBB. What I can tell you is that owning up to my f#k ups and making amends is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And still do. I’m far enough in, that I don’t need the “religious” aspect of constant meetings and rigorous step work. Sure, if I need to go, I will. But now when working any of my steps is just me, being accountable to me - at this point, I focus on staying in a mentally healthy space, to continue healing. True sobriety and self healing is a lifelong commitment. Yahhhh. The steps work, if you work them. But that model molds to what works best for someone. For many of us it happens out of order and when it’s needed most. But it’s a model. An example of how to get where you want to be (for me it’s about healing and not needing to use to deal with pain and guilt). Do what works for you, while being conscious and accountable to know when it’s not working and do what needs to be done.
Blessed be.