Citing The Big Book Of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Quick Guide

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous is the basic text of AA, which traces its roots, explores its precepts, and presents stories from participants that demonstrate the program's effectiveness. The book was written in 1938 and originally published in 1939. Since then, it has been reprinted and revised several times and has been translated into dozens of languages. The Big Book can be cited in various styles, including MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, and Turabian. This book has helped millions of people with addictions and is considered a therapeutic model for alcoholism and other addictive behaviours.

Citing in MLA style

When citing the Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book" in MLA style, the format is as follows:

"Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book." 4th ed., Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 2002.

This citation includes the book title, edition number, publisher, and publication year. If you are referring to the 2001 edition, simply change the date in the citation. Here is the format for the 2001 edition:

"Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered From Alcoholism." 4th ed., Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 2001.

Note that MLA citations should be double-spaced with a hanging indent, and the citation should be listed alphabetically in the Works Cited page along with other sources used in your work. Also, note that this citation format may vary depending on the specific guidelines of the MLA handbook edition you are using (e.g., 8th vs. 9th edition).

Additionally, when directly quoting or paraphrasing specific content from the "Big Book" in your text, you should include an in-text citation. The in-text citation typically includes the author's last name and the page number where the quoted or paraphrased information can be found. However, since the "Big Book" may not have a single identifiable author, the in-text citation can simply include the page number where the referenced information appears, following the format (Author Last Name or Title [if no author] Page Number). For example: (Smith 42) or (Alcoholics Anonymous 42).

Citing in APA style

The "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous can be cited in APA style as follows:

For the in-text citation, use the author's last name and year of publication, for example: ("Smith, 2002"). If you are directly quoting the source, include a page number as well, for example: ("Smith, 2002, p. 35").

For the reference list entry, use the following format:

Last name, First initial. (Year). Title (Edition). Publisher.

In this case, the reference list entry for the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous would look like this:

Anonymous, A. (2002). Alcoholics Anonymous (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.

Note that "Anonymous" is used as the author's last name, and "A" is used as the first initial. Also, the reference list entry includes the edition number and publisher information.

In-text citation:

According to Anonymous (2002), "Recovery from alcoholism is a process that involves sharing experiences and supporting one another" (p. 42).

Reference list:

Anonymous, A. (2002). Alcoholics Anonymous (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.

Remember to always consult the official APA guidelines or a style guide for specific instructions and variations on citation format.

The Foreword to the First Edition

The Big Book, "Alcoholics Anonymous," is the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and has been published in multiple editions, the first of which was released in 1939. The Foreword to the First Edition of the book introduces the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, a group of 100 members who had "recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body."

When citing the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, it is important to follow the appropriate citation style. The book can be cited using various styles, including MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, and others. The specific format may vary depending on the chosen citation style, but the basic elements typically include the title, author, edition, publisher, and year of publication.

The Foreword to the Fourth Edition

By 2001, A.A. membership had surpassed two million, with a presence in over 90 countries and increasing participation from diverse populations, including women and young people. The reach of A.A. had expanded globally, thanks in large part to translations of the Big Book into 44 languages and the advent of online meetings.

The Fourth Edition retains the core content outlining the A.A. program of recovery, including the original Twelve Steps and the personal stories of A.A.'s co-founders. However, new stories have been added over time to reflect the evolving membership and ensure relevance to a broader range of individuals struggling with alcoholism.

Chapters in the Fourth Edition include "More About Alcoholism," which delves into the self-delusion of active alcoholics; "We Agnostics," offering a pathway to recovery for atheists and agnostics; "How It Works," exploring the spiritual aspect of recovery; "Into Action," outlining Steps Five through Eleven for maintaining sobriety and personal transformation; "Working with Others," highlighting the importance of sharing A.A.'s message of hope; and "To Wives," recognizing the impact of alcoholism on families.

The Big Book has served as the basic text of A.A., providing a roadmap to recovery for countless individuals struggling with alcoholism since the first edition was published in 1939.

The Doctor's Opinion

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as Alcoholics Anonymous, was first published in 1939. It was written to show other alcoholics how the first 100 members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) got sober. The book has since been translated into over 70 languages and is considered the basic text of AA. The fourth edition of the book, written in 2001, is available in 44 languages.

In the preface to the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous shares a letter from a well-known doctor and chief physician at a prominent hospital specializing in alcoholism and drug addiction. The doctor describes his experience treating an alcoholic patient who, during his third treatment, acquired certain ideas about recovery. As part of his rehabilitation, the patient began to share his ideas with other alcoholics, emphasizing the importance of passing on this knowledge.

The doctor's theory that alcoholics have an allergy to alcohol is supported by the members of Alcoholics Anonymous. They believe that his explanation makes sense and helps to clarify certain aspects of alcoholism. The members of Alcoholics Anonymous also emphasize the importance of hospitalization for jittery or befogged alcoholics, as a clear mind is necessary for understanding and accepting the recovery process.

The medical opinion presented in the Big Book is considered of paramount importance to those afflicted with alcoholic addiction. The doctor's years of experience treating alcoholism and drug addiction lend credibility to the recovery plan outlined in the book.

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