I think had this question been asked 10+ years ago the answers might be different. Of course recovery is possible without outside help....google, the wonderful invention that it is, will attest to that. LOL There are thousands upon thousands of people on the net that share their story of recovery...many don't include aa, smart, lifering or any other program. Times are changing...in the couple of short years I have been sober the dynamics surrounding recovery have taken a turn...people are speaking up and out about their addictions and offering hope to the masses that there are as many paths to sobriety as there are people to walk them. There never has been nor never will be one way or the right way....it simply boils down to your way.