well, i think you cannot be recovered as AA defines it if you haven't done the stuff.
but of course you can have lifelongabstinence without doing anything other than not drink.
So much, if not all,in your question depends on what YOU mean by "recover completely".
and yes, of course you can be a contributing member by doing service. doing the step stuff is not a requirement for participating, contributing or anything at all in AA except being a sponsor.
that being said, i'd encourage you to do it whole-heartedly if you're going to do it. knowingly doing it half-assed is more than useless. keeps you in a mostly negative place without real relief.
working through fears and doing things anyway and getting discernment about amends are a great part of the good stuff that's offered and available from doing the work thoroughly.