It's not the only approach that works, and the concept that the former alcoholic is only a recovering alcoholic for the rest of his life and needs constant group therapy, seems a little contrary to common sense to me. I'm sure it's true for some, but it's not true for all.
In my case I was pretty much functional. I never went to work drunk but I got drunk every night after work. In fact I went from being a temp worker to being the foreman of my department when I was drinking the most. I never missed more work than I was entitled to. I busted up my legs and was unable to work.
I don't have any problem being around drinkers. My wife drinks on occasion and theres a pint of Captain Morgan in the freezer right now but it does't call out to me or anything.
When I first quit I carried an unopened can of beer around with me for several months. Finally I was at a bonfire and I stuck the nasty old can of beer in the cooler with the rest and sat back to see who was the lucky winner.