Question for recovering alcoholics who put in years of sobriety.. did u get sober without having to do 12 steps ?

See my message to you.

Yes 12 steps and being in AA has been the way for me. I had tried a lot of different things, mostly to be honest to control my drinking until I tried the 12 steps. But for me I identify as an alcoholic, I agree with most (not all) of AA's view on alcoholism and I found the principles within the 12 steps have helped me greatly to remain sober for nearly 19 years. Along with the fellowship and help from other alcoholics.

One caveat I will pitch straight in. I'm an atheist. I believe that there probably is no God or universal controlling power within the universe. However I still attempt the 12 steps in my way with my concept of a higher power which is most definitely not that of a religious basis at all. I've found the books of Vince Hawkins (not affiliated with AA in any way) to be very helpful (look them up on Amazon). His adaptation of the 12 steps for atheists really helped me get a programme that I can follow that allows me a daily reprieve currently.