Hi Herc - I agree with Keith that the AA program, when worked diligently and per the Big Book is really effective. I'm sure Keith would catch me every now and then adding a little personal commentary beyond the BB, but I'll ask for his forgiveness
Besides all the great stuff that has been said, I think that open mindedness is key.
We have to be open to the fact that we don't have the answer ourselves, that the solution to our problem may be something that feels uncomfortable at first, that we can't do it alone.
Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness.