Not an AA person, BUT, the steps are a guide to living well, you don't just do them once, you continue to do them and apply them throughout life. They are similar to many other programs for self exploration and healing. The concept you get to know yourself and your faults, own up to your wrongs and correct them, get in touch with your spirituality, be of service to others. These things guide you to a life more fulfilled, the past healed and you no longer need to drink or use. Most alcoholics when they first go to AA are so wrapped up in their own emotional vortex's and own disjointed memories of the past, they need a guideline for the first few years. The steps, because they are a good guide, then are available throughout life. They are essentially coping skills, for those who have none or very limited. Don't sell them short. They do work!