Can someone tell me about other programs? I'm aware that doing this alone could be the second dumbest thing I would try in my life.
AA has been the only program I have worked because I need that face to face to be able to tell when someone is blowing smoke or telling the truth so I can not comment on other programs really. WFS (Women For Sobriety) I have heard works well for some folks, there is a lady who post here on occasion that uses it and seems as though she has her act together, maybe you could check them out.
For me I doubt very seriously I could have stayed sober without AA and its 12 steps, but there are other programs that work if you work them.
For me one of the primary reasons AA works for me is the laughter, the smiles, the friendship, the ability to go out with sober people and do fun things together sober, helping other alcoholics to find sobriety and to stay sober, the love in the rooms.
That face to face knowing that I am not alone.