Every single program has a success rate of around 5%. Some work for some people, most don’t work for most people, none work for all people. But the one thing that separates the others from AA is nobody who’s gone through the others goes onto random discussion and insists theirs is the only one that works. That is a uniquely AA thing. And it’s toxic.
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.