I stayed clean & sober for ten years without even knowing the 12 steps existed.
I used the sheer "I do not drink or use no matter what" method.
But I'm not sure that clean time is the same as 'recovery'.
I discovered the steps a little over 4 years ago, the steps have changed my life in ways I never thought possible, and I am now cetain what 'recovery' means (for me).
Today, I try and live the 12 steps.
But to semi-answer your question, yes, I believe people can find recovery without using the steps.