I guess I can see that some would feel that way, I do not go to many meetings now, but for the first 10 years,I went 3-4 times a week. I had to learn to resocialize in a safe space, with other sober friends, not return to my old ways. As I got older, and as my needs changed, basically with dealing with chronic pain, I began to use medical marijuana, and that was not accepted as a general rule. My sobriety was questioned, even though I have not touched a drop of alcohol all this time, so I eased up on the meetings, my sponsor is fine with it, as many close sober friends are, I was advised to just not talk about my need for pain relief, and just keep the topic on booze, and how to apply the 12 steps in my personal life. I still think for the beginner, the 12 steps are an invaluable tool for changing back into a sober human being. Alcohol does our thinking for us, is our crutch for emotional pain, and the lubricant that we needed to be social, so a personality change , in my opinion, is necessary. What is great is that you don't have to do it alone, and that you can be with others going through the same struggle, experience strength and hope.