Wow, good question! I have 18+ months sobriety right now, and I do not work a formal program. I went to AA early in my recovery, but it is not a part of my life right now. I would love to be able to attend meetings, b/c I think you can always learn something there, but time and distance and family commitments and job make it impossible for me right now.
I think you need to work whatever program works for you in order to get sober and enjoy life. Enjoying life, not white knuckling it, to me is the key. Like Tommy said, you can be sober and not have it be worth a dang if you are not enjoying your life.
If you quit drugs and smokes without a formal program, you may be able to do the same with alcohol. You are seeing an addiction specialist, and that's great. Do whatever works to get sober, stay sober, and enjoy your life. I think THAT is what we are all about here at SR.
Congratulations on your work so far and good luck!
Jomey