Unpopular Opinion: Whenever I hear someone say that they've tried AA but "it's just not for me" I assume that they are just scared of doing the work required to save their own life.
So in your opinion there are no other paths to recovery other than AA?
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Not necessarily. However it has been proven effective for long term sobriety since 1935.
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You see, when you take away the alcohol/drugs from an alcohol/addict you're still left with alcoholic/addict thinking and behavior. The 12 steps are designed to teach us a new way of living, thinking and behaving.
It works for some, and not for others. It does not mean that the person is lacking in something because they choose not to work the steps. Lots of people are successful in recovery through other programs or designs of their own. Rather than believing that your experience is the only way, I suggest opening your mind up to all the possibility there is. Empathy is key for successful recovery.
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Did I say that my experience is the only way?
Respectfully disagree. There are other ways to get sober and stay that way. Whatever that is takes work and commitment. No easy way out of it
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I feel like maybe there is some term definition here.. some people can just not drink/use.. emotional sobriety is the result of the 12 steps and working with others that have the same ailments 
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I’m not going to get into an argument with you. I will only state that your post is divisive instead of inclusionary. Putting people down is not helpful for their recovery.
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Yes, thank you Elizabeth. Exactly.
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People can achieve emotional sobriety through programs other than the 12 steps. There is not a single path to emotional sobriety.
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Which ones did you have in mind? (For real curious.. no text tone here)
I personally love LifeRing.
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Recovery Dharma, Tempest, The Luckiest Club, Refuge Recovery, The Sober Faction, SMART Recovery. The goal is the same for all of us suffering, some of us just take different paths to get there.
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I’m not familiar with those. What type of education on the real alcoholic or spiritual solution do they offer?
I'm not against AA but it only works if you consistently stay at it. There are no stats on those who left. What ever it takes is my motto. I do a little of everything.
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My individual program, however, includes lots of stuff. LifeRing I guess is my favorite of the official “programs.” But I incorporate lots of recovery podcasts, interviews, reading material, group meditation (LOVE Insight Timer), as well some support group meetings.
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They are all different, and have different approaches. Recovery Dharma and Refuge Recovery are Buddhist based. Tempest is a feminine-based approach (rather than patriarchal), The Luckiest Club has meeting leaders from all different paths to recovery, The Sober Faction is based off of the Satanic Temple. They all offer recovery support meetings and guidance on their path to recovery.
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Yes to this Charlie!! I feel the same!
Are these paid programs?