AA/NA and 12 Step Programs - The Only Way To Stay Clean?

My name's Michael and I'm a grateful recovering drug addict. It's been close to two years since I've taken a drug or had a drink. I'm in a 12 month after care program and mandated by the courts to attend NA/AA 12 Step meetings as well as work these steps with a sponsor with whom I'm to remain in regular, frequent contact with.

One thing that has been bothering me lately is that since my hitting bottom nearly two years ago and making that firm decision to never go back to using I have not struggled with any urges, cravings or desires to go out and get high. My sponsor, drug counselor and other peers in the "fellowship" claim that I am either complacent or so deeply entrenched in my own denial that I am blind to the addiction staring me right in the face.

As my life continues to improve other members find any and every reason to discredit the things that I am doing because I am not "working an honest program". I've been encouraged to leave my current girlfriend (who does not and has not ever used) because I should be focused on my recovery before a relationship with someone else. I've been warned that working two jobs will likely lead me to relapse since I can only attend my three mandatory NA meetings on the weekends.

I also do not subscribe to their big daddy in the sky concept of a Higher Power, nor do I believe I need to become a cowering, dejected and pathetic powerless individual. I don't believe that attending meetings for the rest of my life is the only way to stay clean and sober. And, well, quite frankly I don't see anyone at these meetings who has anything that I want nor do I feel they have anything to offer me in my recovery.

I hear people share how they have many years clean and yet each and every single day is a struggle for them just to keep from cashing their paycheck and blowing their hard earned income at the dope house. So often all I hear is bitching and moaning about how awful their life is today but thanks to some regurgitated cliches found in their literature these principles have been able to keep them clean.

My question to all of you, if you are a recovering addict, what kept you clean and sober? Whether or not you are an addict, what are your thoughts on AA/NA and other similar 12 Step Recovery Programs?