The AA Big Book: A Blueprint for Sobriety

Getting sober isn’t easy. However, there are many treatment programs to guide people. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most well-known because it uses a blueprint to help people achieve sobriety. This blueprint comes in the form of the AA Big Book.

The History of the Book

First published in 1939, the Big Book is the work of Bill Wilson, a co-founder of AA. He originally titled it Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism. However, it earned its nickname from the very thick first edition.

With more than 30 million copies in print, it’s one of the best-selling books ever. The Library of Congress and Time Magazine have honored it as one of the most important books. Since its initial publication, the Big Book is on its fourth edition. Members of Big Book study groups can use it in print, eBook, audio, and PDF formats.

The AA Big Book Contents

The purpose of the Big Book is to show people with alcoholism how to recover. The Big Book of AA is broken into two parts. In the first part, it includes the manuscript for the 12 Steps and how to use them to overcome alcoholism. In the second part, the book provides personal stories and other information.

First, the Big Book outlines the 12 Steps, which are a process that those in recovery follow to get sober. Several of the steps mention a higher power or God. However, they don’t specify any single faith. Instead, those in recovery can apply the steps to any deity or even the universe.

The Big Book also outlines 12 Traditions that govern AA. They provide rules for the support groups and how they should operate. Most of the Traditions protect the anonymity and independence of the program. Also, they ensure that the members get the information and support that they need to quit drinking.

Second, the personal stories provide insight into the struggles that AA members face. The purpose is to show those in the program that they aren’t alone and can succeed as others have. In the first part, it includes stories from some AA pioneers. In the second and third parts, it includes stories from those who didn’t and did hit rock bottom.

The other information in the AA Big Book aims to help people maintain sobriety. It covers general details about alcoholism, how people of no faith can participate, and how to help others. Furthermore, it provides information about how alcohol addiction affects spouses and families.

Find Help for Addiction Today

Are you ready to get help for alcohol use disorder? At Beaches Recovery, we offer alcohol addiction rehab services. Also, we can help you begin detox at Tides Edge. Some of the recovery services that we provide include:

• Group counseling
• Family therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Art therapy
• Ropes course therapy
• Fitness therapy

Don’t let alcohol use disorder control your life any longer. Learn more about the AA Big Book when you get treatment at Beaches Recovery. Call 866.605.0532 to take the first step toward your new future.