Well, obviously you're not thrilled with the majority of the advice you've received. That's your choice. Some people do recover without AA, but very few of those I've known who have tried have succeeded. Actually, nobody I've known, but that's jsut my experience.
If and when every other means you use to stop drinking fails, and you're willing to do whatever it takes, the 12 steps will work for you.
Until then, good luck. Seriously.