I believe that personal choice still plays a part in staying sober. Even if you go to 3 meetings a day and spend several hours working steps, etc... there are still always going to be times when you are face to face with alcohol, or the thoughts of alcohol. You use what you learn via whatever recovery method you choose, but at the end of the day when you are tempted the decision is yours and yours alone as to whether or not you pick up that drink.
I am not suggesting that recovery programs do not work, far from it...but along with any program comes personal responsibility and choices.
I don't believe that I have a choice in the fact that I am an alcoholic though....i wish I did!