OT-XP-12 Step Groups-AA,OA,etc-Pros and Cons

I originally started this thread over on the main board, but then realized that a lot of you don't go over there much and I'd really like to hear your opinions too.  If you have a moment, would you please weigh in with your thoughts?  Here is my original post, followed by a link to the thread if you're interested in what some have already said.

Thanks in advance for any/everything you can offer.  I am anxious to get others' thoughts on this.

I've seen several comments on these groups (not just here on OH) lately. There seem to be some "cons" to them, which I had never thought of.  I've seen people have basically positive experiences, but I know a few who've been "burned" - just figured everything wasn't for everybody.  Now I'm curious - if you are/have been/know anything about the 12 step programs, what do you think?  And most importantly, why do  you think it?

Thanks for ANY input - good or bad.  I am truly curious.


http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/4433054/12-Step-Groups-AA-OA-etc-Pros-and-Cons/#36646337

I have been sober for 28 years, one day at a time. There's a saying," if it works don't fix it."

I am impressed with the number of one day a times you have!

10,400 days give or take. 

I think the general concepts work for most people. For me, they are religious in nature, and I am not, so I probably wouldn't do them. But if that is ok with you I am sure they would work. I do have an agnostic friend who has been doing AA for a year now and remained sober and she loves the friends she's made there and the way the program works. She says she just overlooks what doesn't apply to her.

I am not religious.  My husband calls me a born again Pagan, I believe in a higher power but I have some Friends who are atheist who have long term sobriety.  Take what you want and leave the rest.  All you need is an open mind.

Amy..I think there is a lot of misinformation about 12 step programs.
I have seen AA work miracles for people that I love.
In a way I think it's easier than OA. It's easier to define sobriety I think. 
I tried OA and felt like there was no recovery there. It didn't feel like a safe place for me.

Deb T.