Its NOT specific to AA but all spiritual-based 12 step programs that restore the lost addicted persons relationship with God (step 1-3), Self (step 4-7), and the world (step 8-9). Step 10 maintains relationship with self. Step 11 maintains relationship with God. Step 12 maintains relationship with others. A looooong time ago a great spiritual teacher was asked “What is the greatest of all your teachings?”. He said “Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself”. God/Self/Others. This concept for right living has been around since the beginning of time. For the addicted, alcohol cunningly and bafflingly replaces those basic relationships. They must be restored or the spirit remains lost.
For SOME people yes that works great. Not everybody. Not even most people. Again, basically ALL the methods work about 5% of the time. And saying any one is the only one is toxic and hurts the people for whom that method HAS failed and WILL fail. Because the ALL fail for 95% of the people who try them.