I used AA for my first three months sober, and now just visit as they are friends every couple of months or so.
AA is certainly not the only way, but for many the only personal eyeball to eyeball support locally that they can afford. I also don't think AA is the only way or even necessary for some.
A doctor helping and/or a counselor or rehab or group thrapy etc all can be local support to succeed.
When I read someone saying they are not telling anybody and cannot go to AA for whatever reason and not going to a hospital and for goodness sakes can't tell anybody, well, with no plan except what hasn't worked a million times before what are the chances?
Here at SR wasn't enough for me, I needed to get my local team working with me too. Between the folks here and at SR I have some deep debts of gratitude and a lot of friends to boot. Talk about a win win, and I am sober? WooHoo! Hope you find your recovery plan that works for you too.