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What Is the Big Book of AA?
The “Big Book” is the foundational text for Alcoholics Anonymous that was first published in 1939. The book was primarily authored by co-founder Bill Wilson. It outlines the 12 steps that act as guidelines for spiritual and character development and comprise the core of the program’s addiction recovery approach.
The Big Book serves as a source of inspiration and a manual for members of the program. It shares stories of how the first 100 people achieved recovery to illustrate the struggles and successes associated with overcoming alcoholism.
What Does the Big Book of AA Talk About?
The Big Book of AA covers several topics central to the program. It offers practical advice and spiritual guidance to people struggling with alcoholism. Members of AA can use the Big Book as a comprehensive guide to understanding alcoholism and the pathway to personal growth. Some of the key topics discussed include:
12 Steps
This is the foundation of AA’s program. It’s a structured approach to recovery that begins with admitting powerlessness over alcohol and recognizing a higher power.
Personal Stories
The Big Book includes the stories of the first 100 people who achieved sobriety using AA’s 12 Step method. This offers hope and inspiration to those seeking to overcome alcoholism by helping them understand the struggles others have faced and the solutions they used to recover.
Alcoholism as a Disease
The book discusses alcoholism as a disease and emphasizes the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the condition.
A Higher Power
The Big Book discusses the importance of connecting with a power greater than yourself. Alcoholics Anonymous began as a Christian based organization but today it’s not affiliated with any specific religious denomination and includes people of all faiths.
Practical Tools
The Big Book provides members with various practical tools and practices for repairing relationships, dealing with cravings and maintaining sobriety.
Community and Support
The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book emphasizes the role that meetings play in maintaining sobriety including fellowship with a community of peers where you receive ongoing support.
How Is the Big Book Used in Addiction Recovery?
The Big Book AA is the recovery foundation for people struggling with alcoholism and other addictions. The 12 step program has been adopted and adapted by other addiction support groups including Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous and more.
The book also serves as an educational tool to help you to recognize the nature of addiction as a disease. People who sponsor new members may use the Big Book as a guide to explain the recovery process. Reading and reflecting on the Big Book as a daily practice helps you internalize the principles of recovery.
The Big Book is also used during group meetings as a basis for discussion. The personal stories of recovery serve as powerful testimonials of success, survival, inspiration and hope. They reinforce the idea that you can have a fulfilling life without substance abuse.
Chapters in the Big Book AA
The Big Book is broken into several sections. The introduction contains The Doctor’s Opinion which is an introduction by Dr. William Silkworth. He describes alcoholism as a medical condition that’s characterized by an allergic-like reaction and a mental obsession with alcohol.
Chapter 1: Bill’s Story
This is an autobiography of AA co-founder Bill Wilson. It details his struggle with alcoholism and eventual recovery that led to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Chapter 2: There Is a Solution
This chapter discusses the solution to alcoholism to emphasize the importance of mutual support and spiritual awakening through fellowship.
Chapter 3: More About Alcoholism
This chapter talks about the nature of alcoholism and includes stories that help identify if you are suffering from the disease.
Chapter 4: We Agnostics
This chapter addresses those who are skeptical about the spiritual aspects of the AA program. It explains how believing in a higher power is possible with various belief systems.
Chapter 5: How It Works
In this chapter you’ll learn the 12 steps in detail, understand the core of the AA recovery program and discover how they are applied to overcome addiction.
Chapter 6: Into Action
This chapter shares practical applications of the 12 steps including taking a personal inventory and making amends.
Chapter 7: Working with Others
This section gives guidance on how to help others with alcoholism and outlines ways to share the AA approach and support newcomers.
Chapter 8: To Wives
This chapter is directed at the spouses and significant others of alcoholics and offers insight and advice on how to help during recovery while still taking care of yourself. This also includes husbands, partners, friends, and relatives.
Chapter 9: The Family Afterward
This section addresses how to rebuild relationships and family dynamics as a loved one recovers from alcoholism.
Chapter 10: To Employers
This chapter provides a perspective on dealing with alcoholic employees and encourages supportive approaches.
Chapter 11: A Vision for You
In this chapter, you’ll find encouragement and advice for a sustainable recovery and the ongoing journey of growth and service within AA.
Is the Big Book Used in 12 Step Programs?
Yes, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous is used extensively in the 12 step programs and specifically those inspired by AA. The core content provides a detailed description of the 12 steps that are the primary tools for recovery. During meetings, passages are the basis of group discussions.
Sponsors are experienced members and often use the Big Book as a teaching tool for newer members. Concepts are discussed during sponsorship meetings to help you understand and apply these steps in your daily life.
It’s also a spiritual guide that illustrates how spiritual principles are applied to overcome addiction and improve your quality of life. It uses a non-denominational approach that makes the 12 step program accessible to people of many faiths.
Where Can I Find Information About Alcoholics Anonymous and the Big Book?
Alcoholics Anonymous Official Website
This is the best starting point for information. It offers a free downloadable version of the Big Book with details on how the program works and resources to find local AA meetings.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
The SAMHSA offers a free, confidential 24/7 helpline providing treatment referrals and information services, and can help you find AA groups and other recovery resources in your area.
Rehab.com
Rehab.com’s online directory and informational resources offer access to a comprehensive list of rehab and treatment facilities across the country including those that utilize the AA model.
Local Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Local meetings are a practical way to get information and support from others who are using the Big Book in their recovery. Meetings are available in nearly every community.
Public Libraries
Libraries generally have a copy of the Big Book and may have information on local AA meetings and other recovery resources.
Online Forums
You can share experiences and advice related to recovery and the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book on forums like Reddit or SoberRecovery.
What Are the Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction?
Treatment options include a variety of medical, therapeutic, and supportive approaches that can be used alone or in combination. These are some of the key treatment options:
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
FDA approved medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and help prevent relapse. Common medications include acamprosate, disulfiram and naltrexone.
Behavioral Therapies
These help modify your drinking behaviors and develop coping strategies. They may include cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing or dialectical behavior therapy.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
You live in a controlled environment where you receive intensive and comprehensive therapy away from environmental triggers so you can focus solely on recovery.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
You live at home while attending therapy sessions of varying intensity levels that range from traditional outpatient therapy once per week to partial hospitalization programs for therapy several hours each day.
Therapeutic Communities
You live in a residential program for six to 12 months focusing on resocialization as an active component of treatment.
Support Groups
Community support groups including AA, the SMART recovery program and Women for Sobriety.
Holistic Therapies
Holistic treatment in inpatient or outpatient programs may include meditation, yoga, exercise and acupuncture.
Family Therapy
Therapy can help all family members improve communication, resolve conflicts and handle the stress associated with recovery.
