I agree with Anna that it's probably more of a motivation or commitment to sobriety... the desire to stay sober... that is the underlying factor in many if not all of the programs or methods. Some in AA believe that their reliance on their Higher Power is what keeps them sober, but I tend to think their desire to remain sober is still there... even in the blank mental spot phenomenon. Could it be the Higher Power keeping them sober during the blank mental spot? Sure.
I connect my desire to stay sober with any sort of higher self, higher power, higher consciousness. I see it all as one in the same, and that works for me.