My first exposure to AA was in 1984, and through to the year 2000, I don’t believe there were a lot of options. I had a close encounter with a cult group in the early 80s and I recognized cultish behavior in AA that I just couldn’t get on board with. (It’s 12-step, incarceration or death) In 2000 I was on house arrest for a DUI and couldn’t attend meetings so I joined online 12-step communities and was attacked by 12-steppers relentlessly for exploring 12-step alternatives. I was considered dangerous and rebellious. I have no wish to attack or discredit AA, but I’m grateful that folks like you are bringing attention to the fact that the 12-steps were not etched in stone by God’s hand and that there are people that reached sobriety without AA. I should mention that a lot of what I have been doing is consistent with the AA playbook and I did meet some outstanding people in AA a few years ago that were very open-minded and flexible. They seem to be relaxing in the 21st century. Thank you. ✌