Reply #25: It's one of the self-validating axioms of the 12 step universe.

[Warren DeMontague]

If you don't stop our way, you either didn't really stop (you're still a "dry drunk", or whatever) or you didn't have the problem to begin with.

That way the capital-T Truth that "there is only one way to quit, i.e. with the 12 steps and God's help" can withstand the challenge of clear evidence to the contrary.

That said, I know plenty of people who have been helped by 12 step programs, and plenty of people IN them who are not dogmatic or understand that one size does not fit all.