I agree. I'm 166 days sober from alcohol and am working through the steps with a sponsor. I'm hovering between steps 4-5, and am in no position at all to address further steps yet. They're set out in that order for a reason; as you have to do the work on yourself, building your confidence and mindset as you learn more about yourself and your actions. For many people, substance abuse is the symptom of a deeper, bigger, wider problem. Until you own your sh!t, make peace with yourself and unravel what is causing you to use, you can't progress through - particularly step 8. Making amends to people.
You can share, you can contribute, but as one speaker said in a meeting (I'm paraphrasing), 'When you're struggling, lean on people who've been there before you. Using their strength to help you paddle your canoe back to safety when you're heading towards a waterfall.'
Every share in a meeting is useful, even if only to remind you you are not on your own. If you've gone through tough times before, you can get through the next five minutes.
I also see a specialised DAA counsellor, (drugs and alcohol), a psychologist; and my partner and I are in counselling together. There is no way she's made any progress. The AA community works if you do.
As an aside, if you are struggling and need some support there's a 24/7 fully online meeting called 319.
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I've added the cat in because I could, it makes me laugh. Have had two absolutely naff days at work.