Studying The Big Book Of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Guide

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the Big Book, is a program for recovery from alcoholism. First published in 1939, its purpose was to show other alcoholics how the first 100 members of A.A. got sober. The book has since been translated into over 70 languages and is considered the basic text of A.A. The Big Book is a fellowship of people who share their experiences, strengths, and hopes to solve their common problem of alcoholism and help others recover. It introduces the Twelve Traditions and outlines A.A.'s program of recovery, with stories that have been updated over time to reflect the current membership. The book also includes a doctor's opinion on the effectiveness of A.A., describing the phenomenon of craving and the psychic change necessary for recovery. The Big Book has helped many people recover from alcoholism and is studied by those seeking to overcome their addiction.

The history of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global, peer-led, mutual-aid fellowship with a focus on an abstinence-based recovery model from alcoholism. The program is based on a spiritually inclined 12-step program and 12 traditions, which emphasise anonymity, lack of hierarchy, and non-professionalism. AA is present in over 180 countries with an estimated membership of nearly 2 million people.

In Akron, Ohio, Wilson met Dr. Bob Smith (Dr. Bob), a surgeon who was also struggling with alcoholism. Dr. Bob had also been in contact with the Oxford Group, but had not achieved sobriety. Wilson's success in maintaining his recovery inspired Dr. Bob, who soon got sober and never drank again. Together, they began working with alcoholics at Akron's City Hospital, and in 1935, they founded the Alcoholic Foundation in New York. The two men formed the origins of today's Alcoholics Anonymous, with their conversation-based support becoming the transformative force of healing that defines the group.

In 1939, the fellowship published "Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism", commonly known as the "Big Book". This publication introduced the twelve-step program and provided the basis for the organisation's name. The book outlined AA's philosophy, included the case histories of 30 individuals who had achieved recovery, and marked a significant milestone in AA's development. The first meeting outside the Oxford Group was held at Dr. Bob's house with 80 members in attendance.

The growth of AA continued in the United States and overseas, with media coverage and word-of-mouth generating interest and new groups. By the end of 1940, membership had grown to 2,000, and by 1950, 100,000 recovered alcoholics were part of the fellowship worldwide. AA's presence continued to expand, and today it is a global movement with millions of members in over 180 countries.

The Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous

The fellowship is based on the idea of one alcoholic helping another. Members share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other, working to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no fees or dues for membership, and the group is self-supporting through its members' contributions.

Alcoholics Anonymous is not affiliated with any particular sect, denomination, political organization, or institution. It does not engage in any controversies and does not endorse or oppose any causes. The primary purpose of the fellowship is to maintain sobriety and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety as well.

The fellowship offers a range of services, including individual and group support, as well as resources such as the Central Office Intergroup Newsletter and the Central Office bookstore. Members can also participate in celebrations and events, such as the AA International Convention, which takes place once every five years to mark the birth of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935.

The Twelve Traditions

• Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. A.A. must continue to live or most of us will surely die. Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare follows close afterward.
• For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority–a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
• The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. We ought to refuse none who wish to recover.
• Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
• Each group has but one primary purpose–to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
• An A.A. group ought never to endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
• Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting and declining outside contributions.
• Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centres may employ special workers.
• Each A.A. group needs the least possible organisation. Rotating leadership is the best.
• Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never to be drawn into public controversy.
• Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always to maintain personal anonymity at the level of the press, radio, and films.
• Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

The Doctor's Opinion

Dr. Silkworth, who treated co-founder Bill W. and other alcoholics, provided a medical perspective on the effectiveness of the AA program in its early stages. He described the physical and psychological aspects of alcoholism, including the "allergy" and the "phenomenon of craving" that characterise the disease. According to Dr. Silkworth, the "psychic change" necessary for recovery from alcoholism involves a spiritual experience that empowers individuals to regain control over their drinking behaviour.

Furthermore, Dr. Silkworth's description of the "phenomenon of craving" sheds light on the complex nature of alcoholism. By recognising the physical and psychological dimensions of the disease, he emphasises the need for a comprehensive treatment approach. This understanding forms the foundation for the AA program's emphasis on spiritual transformation and mutual support as key components of recovery.

In conclusion, The Doctor's Opinion plays a vital role in the AA program by offering a medical perspective that validates the effectiveness of the program. Dr. Silkworth's insights provide a scientific framework for understanding the nature of alcoholism and the path to recovery. His contribution complements the personal testimonies within the Big Book, reinforcing the idea that recovery from alcoholism requires a combination of spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.

How to Get in Touch With Alcoholics Anonymous

If you want to get in touch with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), there are several ways to do so. AA is an organization where alcoholics help each other to stay sober, and anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome.

You can contact the AA national helpline by phone on 0800 917 7650 (or +44 (0) 800 917 7650 if calling from outside the UK). This line is for people who need help with their drinking problem. You can also contact AA by email at [email protected]. Additionally, AA has a live chat box on its website, where you can ask any questions.

If you are a member of the media, you can contact AA by phone on 01904 644026 or by email at [email protected]. For general queries, you can email [email protected]. Literature order enquiries can be directed to the GSO Literature Department at [email protected]. Meeting changes or updates should be submitted using the Pink Form.

AA also has an in-person element, with AA groups that you can join. Participating in a group helps ensure that when a person reaches out for help, AA will be available.

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