I am also one of those who have found recovery apart from attending AA and 12 stepping as they say.
However, I did go through a recovery program and as an out-patient was provided many tools that not only helped me understand who I was (an addict) but how to develop and tweak my personal recovery program.
The main thing I have learned is that recovery is a life long activity and that I must be active in my program on a regular and consistent basis.
I have total respect for AA and its programs and I am very thankful that they sponsor this site. Reading and posting here is part of my personal recovery program.