[NutCrackerBoy]

The very basis of AA is belief in a higher power. An atheist would be missing this important part of the treatment.

I understand what you are saying, but it truly is not a problem. The agnostic or atheist in AA will work with a belief in a higher power of his understanding. The higher power could be the group, or a light bulb, or an abstraction like the possibility of good. This type of thing is described in the big book of AA and is well-known to members.

[antiRepublicrat]

In any case, it is still a faith-based program. Many atheists have had to fight uphill to get the court to allow them to go to non-faith-based programs. Not that I have much sympathy for them driving while intoxicated, but equal rights is equal rights.