I'm personally skeptical of AA due to a.) the fact that it is structured in a way that makes it impossible for it to evaluate its own efficacy and b.) the general cult vibe.

it's difficult to attack because, among other things, it is already integrated with the justice system. it fills the role of "okay, you're guilty of {drug-related offense}, but since it's your first time we're gonna cut you a break. we can't just let you get off scot-free, so you gotta go to these meetings and get this slip signed. maybe you'll end up turning your life around in the process." any discussion of a replacement probably has to start with "how much does it cost?" and "who's paying?".