Could atheists join and benefit from the "12 steps" alcohol treatment?

12 Step programs: Don't exclude anyone from joining. The issue for many people is the emphasis on being "powerless" & requiring a "higher power" for successful recovery. Find information on alternatives at lifering.Org, www.Moderatedrinking.Com, www.Moderation.Com, smartrecovery.Org, etc. There are also many books -- "7 weeks to safe social drinking, " "how to quit drinking without aa, " "recovery by choice, " etc.

Yes: Higher power is defined the individual. Higher may be god, it may be buddha or it may be the higher power that is achieved in a group.

Most definitely: Aa does not demand any particular belief, only openness to spirituality. Spirituality is not religion. Aa talks of a "spiritual awakening." you could call it an "emotional awakening" and have it mean the same thing. In fact, I have known of particular aa meetings specifically for atheists and agnostics in some areas.