Originally Posted by
JohnBarleycorn 
Rehab facilities don't normally screen for atheists, but they do usually make people go to AA meetings daily. They will drive them to meetings, and then prescribe the "90 meetings in 90 days" after their stay.
The reason the suggestion to use the group, or AA itself as a higher power is so common is because it is written in "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions" under "Step Two" (page 27).
The underlying assumption is that this is only a beginning - that in time, the newcomer's faith will broaden, that the atheist will "come to believe" and ultimately, in effect, cease to be atheist.
You can read it on the official AA web site:
AA "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions" Chapter on Step 2
[AA Literature on the official AA web site linked with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.]
I don't know how strong the atheist even if they were atheist at the group but saying that you need a High Power to stay sober is completely false. If someone is having a hard time staying sober will even have a more hard time if they are push to use a believe that does not follow they're own believe. High Power = God at the root of it. AA had to change for religious reason. Same thing with prayer in school to moment of silence but it's still prayer.
Beside the point. If they don't find help in AA believe the High Power then there are other program they may flow their boat like SMART or SOS.
Thats my two cents on it.