I know I need them. I especially needed them at the beginning. The people I have seen succeed are the folks who throw themselves into AA. I've not seen anyone succeed who has just stuck their toe into recovery. All in...or else, you're out.
My cousin is sober but he did not go the AA route. He threw himself into buddhism and meditation.
I have another cousin who is still sober after 20 years. She was once super involved in AA but now no longer goes to meetings.
I'm 19 months sober so I still hit 3-4 meetings a week. Religiously.