I think you can survive just fine without the steps.
I think it would be hard to stay sober without hinting at them though. I could see myself merely borrowing suggestions from AA, just as I've borrowed from alternative programs. I only use AA because it's widely available group support and the steps are sensible to me. I certainly don't see it as the only option.
My advice would be to at least help him get the gist of the steps and see how he could apply them in his own way. Most people, even people with no addictions at all, can still relate to the steps on some level (I think.) I might even suggest it as "following an already beaten path." Like or dislike AA; it's certainly got history on its side.