Nandm, I really like your viewpoint, and particularly I very much agree with what you said about statistics. Statistics of any kind always lead me to wondering all the things you said.. who conducts the survey?, Who benefits from the results? Who is polled, where are they polled.. etc., etc.
I've seen addicts stay in AA and stay clean/sober
I've seen addicts stay in AA and relapse over and over
I've seen addicts quit without AA
I've seen addicts quit/relapse without AA
And I've seen addicts who have worked their little touchies off with AA, their bible studies and still relapse.
It's almost like a toin coss (I don't mean that to sound callous)
As for all the ones that seem to make meetings their life, again I have to say if it works for them that's great, some people need to have the ongoing life long support. My xhb keeps asking me when I am going to stop going to my therapist and group therapy.... my answer: When I feel like it or can no longer afford the $20 copay