I'm currently using the sheer "I do not drink or use no matter what" method too....but I'm doing more than just not drinking.
I've worked very hard to tackle the underlying problems I used to drink over - looking at consequences, taking full and honest responsibility for myself and my actions, and finding other coping strategies besides drinking has helped me immeasurably.
I've changed myself and my life for nigh on 2 years now. I drank 24/7 for most of the 5 years before that, habitually abused alcohol for ten years before that.
I may be proven wrong, of course, but I consider my clean time to be the same as 'recovery'.
I'll back myself
The 12 steps are great for many people, but they're only one method.
D