Hello notdrunk! I don't ascribe to AA theology (I'm a devout Atheist) but I do go to AA meetings to connect on the very human level of "our" struggle. It took awhile but I can pretty much hear the truth of what is really working for folks. Usually it is as simple as "don't drink even if your ass falls off and if it does, put it in a bag and call somebody and get to a meeting"--Hokey saying? yes! but better than taking a drink! We are probably 50 years from seeing some solid secular groups in every city but it is definitely the trend--you and I don't have 50 yrs. I guess what I'm saying is whatever people say they believe or how they wish to define themselves, if I listen closely and watch, I will see they struggle, want, win,sometimes lose and feel just like myself..