I don't know your friend, but I know a lot of my friends here who go to AA or NA, and I'd vouch for them
I think it's worth a go - but there are many other approaches and methods of recovery around - here's some links to some of the main players:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...formation.html
I recommend you visit the
Secular Connections forum if you think you may benefit from a non 12 step approach.
D