I would almost consider myself a recovering 12-stepper because of the issues I've had with AA. That being said, I would still recommend that a person struggling with addiction try meetings to see if the program feels right. But I would absolutely advise them to explore every alternative too. Alternatives that didn't exist when I was first exposed to the program in 1983. I'm fortunate to know folks like you that have grown to understand that 12-step programs aren't the only path and that they're certainly not handed down from the heavens.
Thanks for sharing.