Most of the AA haters don't understand the program is a design for living, rather than a ‘stop drinking’ program. They fail to understand that the alcohol was but a symptom. I gave testimony at my church a few months ago, and a large part of it included my journey in sobriety. Afterward, the pastor commented that he had no idea that the 12 steps were so spiritual.
And on the 5-10% success rate......the 12 steps that I follow have a nearly 100% success rate. I can count on one hand the number of people I know who have ‘thoroughly followed our path’ and gone back to drinking.
Sobriety in AA doesn't come through osmosis, it is a program of action. An example I use quite often in meeting:
I can sit in the best gym on the planet, watching everyone work out, take notes, order videos, hire personal trainers, etc. But until I take the action and put in the the work, I don't get any stronger.
Also...I'm not sure why they call them fifths, I could only get four out of a bottle!
I think being accountable to other people makes most people stay sober. These people all give a crap about each other too.