On my Monday/Thursday group it is the exact opposite. We talk to each other like humans on the same level. In fact a lot of times Alcohol and the steps don't even come up. We say things like, "how was your day"? "How's work?" "What's going on in your life", "Did you get your kids back?" "How's your ingrown toenail"? "Good God, who made this coffee?"
Pink, there was one AA meeting I would attend. It was just as you described. Alcohol was just one of MANY factors to be discussed. For example one person might discuss his business expanding, and his concerns about having to add employees, considering a health care plan, buying new inventory and having the stress lead to a drinking relapse as well.