My experience was I tried EVERYTHING, even AA and never could stop until I was ready! I had to truly hit rock bottom to find a solution. I think there are many ways to STOP drinking, but I think AA is a proven method of recovery. I think the two are separate issues all together. I may stay sober without AA, but with AA I am able to work on the real issues that caused me to drink in the first place. It took humility and honesty for me to humble myself and simple say, "I'll do whatever it takes to NEVER drink again" AA was suggested for me and I haven't looked back!
Unless a person is truly ready to stop drinking it doesn't matter what method they chose, it won't work! On the same hand, when a person is truly ready I think most any program would probably work.