How long does it take to go through the Steps?

"Another feeling we are very likely to entertain is one of resentment that love and loyalty could not cure our husbands of alcoholism. We do not like the thought that the contents of a book or the work of another alcoholic has accomplished in a few weeks that for which we struggled for years."

Big Book, page 118 To Wives

"Much the same approach will apply at the office or factory. We shall at once think of a few people who know all about our drinking, and who have been most affected by it. But even in these cases, we may need to use a little more discretion than we did with the family. We may not want to say anything for several weeks, or longer. First we will wish to be reasonably certain that we are on the A.A. beam."

12&12 page 84 Step Nine

(Emphasis added)

It seems the Big Book assumes that the Program will take effect in 'a few weeks.' The 12&12 is a bit more laid back, expecting us to be making Ninth Step amends by the time we have 'several weeks' of sobriety. It appears that the Steps can be taken in less time than it takes to complete the "90 meetings in 90 days" which are sometimes recommended these days.