Alternatives to AA

I really like Rational Recovery, but I would recommend that you take an eclectic approach to recovery.  By eclectic, I mean do not just use a 12 step program, but find a professional you trust and get some guidance.  If you will refer to the Buddhist Meditation question I answered, you will see some areas that also need to be addressed to increase your chances of a lasting recovery.

Have you been to AA before?  I do not view it as "cult like" myself.  What is it that gives you that feeling?  That may be there for many of the self-help models.  We call the togetherness "fellowship" and it has been proven to work scientifically.  The power of the group was found to be more powerful than the instinct to live (i.e. drink water).  The area of the brain effected by alcohol is the survival center, so essentially, we are convincing ourselves to not drink when the brain tells us we need it to survive.  The power of the group in AA or other self-help models can be essential in overcoming this urge.