For an interesting interpretation of the 12 steps and aa see the paperback book titled powerfully recovered by Ann Weyman. She proposes that the original message of AA has been lost /diluted by myths that have grown thru the years that propose people never recover and for ever stay powerless of their addiction. She builds her case largely with quotes from the big book itself. She believes that people with long term sobriety can stop going to meetings or limit their contact with aa. She stops short of saying people should stop going to meetings but if it does not "nurture your recovery" you can. You also can check out her website for a summary/overview of her work. The fact that she herself used the 12 steps to get sober makes the book even more interesting.