The Steps are the cornerstone of A.A. recovery and the Traditions are the foundation for A.A. survival. "We are responsible."

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Product Description

Originally published in 1952, this classic book is used by A.A. members and groups around the world. It lays out the principles by which A.A. members recover and by which the fellowship functions. The basic text clarifies the Steps which constitute the A.A. way of life and the Traditions, by which A.A. maintains its unity.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3173 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780916856298
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

About the Author
American history includes many social movements that aimed to help people stop drinking. There was Prohibition, of course. But there was also the Anti-Saloon League, the American Temperance Society, the Washingtonian Temperance Society, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and more. Only one such movement survived -- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA not only survived, it spread across the world. Today, AA lists its membership at 2,160,013, with 100,766 groups in Africa, Asia, and Europe as well as North and South America. If ever there was evidence that sobriety can be mass-produced, it is in AA. AA began with the chance meeting of two people on May 12, 1935: Bill W., an alcoholic stockbroker from New York, and Bob S., an alcoholic surgeon in Akron, Ohio. Bill got sober through a set of principles that, he felt, had saved his life (ideas that later evolved into the Twelve Steps of AA). He shared those principles with Bob, who never took another drink after that day. Dr. Bob's "dry date" of June 10, 1935 is officially counted as AA's founding. Bill and Bob began working with other alcoholics, helping them achieve sobriety one at a time. And in 1939 the group published the book Alcoholics Anonymous to explain its Twelve Step program of recovery. Last year, sales of that book passed 20 million. Perhaps the best introduction to AA principles is the "preamble" traditionally read at the beginning of a group meeting: Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. By focusing on that purpose, AA avoids the mistakes of temperance groups that took on a variety of political causes, splintered into factions, and died. "Our focus has prevented us from straying into areas that we don't have experience in," says a member who works in AA's General Service Office. "What we are is alcoholics helping other alcoholics. This has helped us maintain our unity." Elaine McDowell, PhD, chairperson of AA's General Service Board, agrees "the Fellowship's main reservoir of strength is its singleness of purpose. For 66 years the hand of AA has been there for the alcoholic. It works!" AA members engage in a set of activities suggested by the Twelve Steps, such as: **Telling the truth -- that they are addicted and cannot stop drinking on their own. **Admitting and releasing resentments and fears. **Making amends to people they've harmed. **Engaging in prayer and meditation. **Sharing AA principles with others who want to stop drinking. AA members describe their program as spiritual not religious. No creed or ritual is required, and from the beginning AA has welcomed atheists and agnostics. At the same, members seek daily guidance from a Higher Power. That term is defined individually. For some members, it is the God of a church. Other members find their Higher Power in a friend, in nature, in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, in their AA group or any other source of outside help.

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Customer Reviews

A Must for Your Recovery Toolbox
This is a real must for anyone in any of the of the 12 step programs who is wishing to understand the traditions and steps more completly. The vinyettes are heartfelt and identifyable.

I Really USE This Book
I have an old copy of this book that I have read several times. In addition to the Big Book, it is almost a "must read" for anyone conducting or starting AA, Al-Anon, or Serenity Groups meetings. I help conduct Serenity Groups meetings, and I have found this book to be invaluable (visit SerenityGroups.org). In addition, I recommend the book "Prayer Steps to Serenity." Based on the 12 Steps, "Prayer Steps to Serenity" does discuss some different traditions because it seeks to encourage inclusive support groups and existing support groups to be more inclusive. ISBN 0595313043

A life-changing book.
I have tried to follow the 12 steps and 12 traditions for many years, but haven't really known what they are before I began working them with a sponsor. He keeps me honest -- and honesty is a necessity in any program designed to change lives. Without honesty, we refuse to accept the need for improvement or change -- and thus we don't change -- we stay in the "bad old place" which has become our virtual prison -- and condedmns us to a life of living hell.

Anyone who knows the misery of being trapped in a compulsive lifestyle which guarantees pain and often leads to death -- will find that honesty and perserverance in following the steps leads to a miracle of transformation. Transformation into a life of freedom from addiction through a life changing spiritual experience.

The AA 12 and 12 are the first in a number of incarnations of these steps focused on various addictions. Alcoholism, gambling addiction, drug addiction, compulsive over eating and many other addictive diseases are addressed and arrested by these steps as they are applied in particular ways for individual types of addiction.

This book is worth following, adjusting the language to fit the particular disease confrunted by the reader. It is, however not a self-help book. It does not work as only an educational tool -- if it did we would not need others' help. No, each person's transformation is definately associated with systematic group participation and one-on-one support with a sponsor. The relationship dimension of this process is accentuated by the descreption of the process by one of the co-founders of AA. Bill W. writes of this spiritual program in practical terms -- as this is the way it works -- it has worked for me and others. Try the process and see if it works for you.

Yes, read and study the book -- but join with others in the process of working the steps if you expect the process to be continuously beneficial to you. One of the secrets of success of those who follow the steps is the concept -- we are helped by helping others. The only way to avoid addictive behavior is by helping others onto the spiritual wagon with the destination of traveling the road to recovery, helping others on the way.

Bill H.