
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the Big Book, is expected to be released with updated stories that better reflect the current membership. The 2021 General Service Conference recommended the development of this new edition, and there has been a call for stories from members to be included. While there is no confirmed release date, the book is expected to be available in the coming years. In addition, a plain-language version of Alcoholics Anonymous is also in the works, aimed at a 5th-grade reading level. This version is intended to complement the original Big Book and provide a useful guide for those seeking sobriety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Release date | November 1, 2022 |
| Format | Paperback and ebook |
| Price | $11 for paperback, $11.99 for ebook |
| Title | "Plain-Language Big Book: A Tool For Reading Alcoholics Anonymous" |
| Reading level | 5th-grade reading level, although some parts are more middle-school level |
| Content | Not meant to replace the original "Big Book", but rather to be used alongside it |
| Changes | Includes updated stories to better reflect the current membership of Alcoholics Anonymous |
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What You'll Learn

The 5th edition is a separate release to the plain-language version
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous is set to include an update of stories to better reflect the current membership. The 2021 General Service Conference recommended that a 5th edition be developed, and there has been a call for stories to be included in this new edition. However, it is important to note that the 5th edition is separate from the plain-language version.
The plain-language version of Alcoholics Anonymous is intended to be a guide used alongside the actual big book. It is designed to be written at a 5th-grade reading level, with a simple and accessible style. The plain-language version is not meant to replace the existing literature but rather to serve as an additional tool for those seeking support. This version has been approved and was made available for order on November 1, with an ebook version also released on the same day.
The 5th edition, on the other hand, is expected to bring about more significant changes. While there has been no formal announcement or release date communicated, there is speculation that it will include major updates. Some sources suggest that the first 164 pages, considered a sacred text by long-time AA members, may be altered. These pages include the description of the Twelve Steps and the classic program of recovery. However, AA has resisted making changes to these foundational pages in previous editions.
The discussion around a potential 5th edition highlights the ongoing evolution of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. As understanding of alcoholism and societal perspectives evolve, there is a desire to ensure that the literature remains relevant and inclusive. The 5th edition aims to reflect the diverse experiences of current AA members, while also potentially updating chapters on the understanding of alcoholism to incorporate the latest developments in the field.
In summary, while the plain-language version offers a simplified guide to complement existing resources, the 5th edition represents a more substantial revision. The 5th edition is anticipated to incorporate updated stories, reflect contemporary perspectives, and potentially include revisions to foundational chapters. These changes aim to ensure that the Alcoholics Anonymous program remains adaptable and effective in supporting individuals seeking recovery.
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The plain-language version is written at a middle-school level
There seems to be some confusion regarding the release of the 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. While some sources mention a plain-language version, it is not meant to replace the big book but rather serve as an additional tool. This version is written at a middle-school reading level and is titled "Plain-Language Big Book: A Tool For Reading Alcoholics Anonymous". It will be available for purchase on November 1 for $11, with the ebook priced at $11.99.
The plain-language version aims to provide a simplified guide to the Alcoholics Anonymous program, making it more accessible to a wider audience. It is designed to be used alongside the original big book, offering additional support and clarity for those seeking sobriety. The book has been set up like a textbook, with some changes made to make the content more inclusive, such as altering some masculine pronouns to feminine.
The 5th edition of the big book itself is also in development, with a call for stories submitted by AA members to reflect the diverse experiences of the current membership. The Literature Committee seeks a wide range of recovery stories from local communities to include in the upcoming edition. This edition will build upon previous updates, with new stories added to reflect the present-day AA community while retaining the classic program of recovery outlined by AA co-founder Bill W.
The 2021 General Service Conference recommended the development of the 5th edition, and it is expected to be released within this decade. However, an exact release date has not been announced. The 5th edition will not alter the first 164 pages, which are considered classic, but will instead focus on updating individual stories to ensure they remain relevant and representative of the AA community.
In summary, the plain-language version of Alcoholics Anonymous is an additional tool written at a middle-school level to enhance the existing program. The 5th edition of the big book is a separate development that will include updated stories while preserving the foundational content. Both initiatives aim to make the AA program more accessible and reflective of the diverse experiences of its members.
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The 5th edition will include new stories
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous will include new stories to better reflect the current membership. The book will feature a diverse range of recovery stories from a broad cross-section of local communities. The Literature Committee is seeking stories from members of the Fellowship that represent the diverse colours of the AA rainbow. The hope is that by sharing their stories, members can help future alcoholics identify with their experiences and find recovery.
The new edition will build upon previous updates to the book, which was first published in 1939. The 2nd Edition was published in 1955, followed by the 3rd Edition in 1976 and the 4th Edition in 2001. Each new edition has included new stories to reflect the changing face of AA membership. The 5th edition will continue this tradition, ensuring that the book remains relevant and inclusive for those seeking help with alcohol addiction.
The call for stories for the 5th edition was announced in 2022, with a submission deadline of October 31, 2022. The stories were to be between 1,600 and 3,500 words, following the format of previous editions where most stories are around six to seven pages long, with some extending to ten or twelve pages. The stories will be included in the upcoming 5th edition, though a release date for the new edition has not yet been announced.
The addition of new stories is a significant aspect of the 5th edition, as stories have always played a crucial role in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. By sharing their personal experiences, members can connect with one another, find inspiration, and gain insight into the recovery process. The new stories will reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of AA members today, ensuring that the book remains a powerful tool for those seeking to overcome their addiction.
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous will be a comprehensive guide to the program, providing valuable information, inspiration, and support for those struggling with alcohol addiction. The inclusion of new stories will enhance the relevance and impact of the book, offering hope and guidance to those seeking a path to recovery.
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The 5th edition will better reflect the current membership
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the "Big Book", will aim to better reflect the current membership of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The 2021 General Service Conference recommended that a fifth edition be developed to include updated stories that reflect the changes in the AA membership since the previous edition.
The "Big Book" has not had a new edition since the fourth edition, and there has been a nearly 90-year gap in our understanding of alcoholism and the disease concept. While there is no formal announcement from AA about a 5th edition, it is speculated that it will be released in 2024. The new edition will not alter the first 164 pages, which are considered sacred by long-time AA members as they contain the Twelve Steps and the classic program of recovery.
Instead, the changes will occur in the "Personal Stories" sections, where old stories will be replaced with new ones that reflect the current membership. These stories typically reflect demographic and societal changes. Some people appreciate the updates, while others prefer the original text. However, it is important for AA to adapt to remain relevant and effective in helping people achieve and maintain sobriety.
The 5th edition will also include a plain-language version written at a 5th-grade reading level to make it more accessible to a wider range of people. This version is not meant to replace the "Big Book" but to serve as an additional tool for those seeking guidance and support from AA. Overall, the 5th edition of the "Big Book" aims to better reflect the diverse and evolving nature of the AA membership and provide a more inclusive and contemporary approach to recovery.
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The 5th edition will be released at an unknown date
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous is not currently available, and there is no confirmed release date. While there has been speculation and calls for stories for a potential 5th edition, no official announcement has been made regarding its publication.
In 2022, there were discussions and requests for stories for a possible 5th edition of the Alcoholics Anonymous book. The General Service Conference recommended the development of a new edition, with updated stories to better reflect the current membership of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Literature Committee sought a diverse range of recovery stories from its members, aiming to represent the diverse cross-section of the organization. The deadline for story submissions was October 31, 2022.
However, it is important to note that the development and publication process for books can vary significantly. There may be delays, revisions, and other factors that influence the release date. As of now, there has been no official confirmation or announcement regarding the release of the 5th edition.
While the plain language version of Alcoholics Anonymous is available as a guide to be used alongside the original book, it is not a replacement and is not considered the 5th edition. This version aims to provide a simplified version of the content, written at a 5th-grade reading level. It is titled "Plain-Language Big Book: A Tool For Reading Alcoholics Anonymous" and is available for purchase or as an ebook.
At this time, there is no definitive information available regarding the release date of the 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. The organization has not provided any updates or comments on when or if the 5th edition will be released to the public. It is possible that the book is still in development or that the release has been delayed or postponed.
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Frequently asked questions
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the "Big Book, 5th Edition", is expected to be released in the future, although an exact release date has not been announced yet. The book will include updated stories to better reflect the current membership of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous will include updated stories from a diverse range of AA members. The goal is to represent the most diverse cross-section of AA and help future alcoholics identify with the stories and find recovery.
The 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous will include new stories that reflect the present-day AA members and their experiences. It will also include an update to the language, with some masculine pronouns changed to feminine pronouns to make the content more inclusive.











































