I got sober in the CDRP program at Kaiser 12-90 to 12-92 when that program ended we were told we should be able to stay sober on our own forever. I did not go to a meeting until 8 years sober got a sponsor worked the steps and he is still my sponsor but I did not agree with all of the 12 steps I was already sober. I had already made amends and was keeping my side of the street clean and was living my life by the golden rule, I love the AA fellowship but have been at odds with so much of the program.
The most important part of recovery is having a program and sticking to it, nothing better for me than face to face with other people in recovery.
One alcoholic sharing there experience strength and hope with each other.
To answer part of your question CBT is one way to stay sober without AA, Smart Recovery, LifeRing there are many paths to recovery.