In my experience, no. There is not one element of the AA experience that is painful.
Every single quantum of pain comes not from the programme but my resistance to it, to some principle, to God's will, to reality.
The widow in the Bible puts in her two mites and she's done. That's all she's got but it's all she gives.
Anyone who does not do that will see their universe crumble, slowly, and painfully.
This need not be.
When I let go absolutely, I'm instantly absolutely fine.