Not an AA person, but my understanding is that there's such a thing as "closed" meetings that are only for alcoholics. Was this maybe a "closed" meeting? Either way, probably not the most tactful way to handle it. I hope your friend wasn't too discouraged. Maybe you guys can shop around for more open meetings. Or maybe that one guy who talked wasn't really representative of the group.
And I agree, addicts are addicts whether it's alcohol or illegal (or legally prescribed) drugs. Those of us with alcohol problems are fooling ourselves if we think we're any better. I also know of several illegal drug addicts who go to AA either because they have more meetings or because they just feel a stronger sense of fitting in with the AA community instead of the NA community. I guess it's a matter of finding the right meetings.