This series of talks came about from a friendship that started in alcoholics. To me people have to identify as alcoholics in an aa meeting and adding anything else to that does reinforce the idea that they might be different from the rest of the people in the room. Alcoholic selftest using the big book of aa alcoholic and alcoholic selftest. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism is a 1939 basic text, describing how to recover from al. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism generally known as the big book is a 1939 basic text, describing how to recover from alcoholism, written by the founders of alcoholics anonymous aa, bill w. This is the basic text for their society and it is referred to as the book of experience. It is referred to so often in meetings that it is almost a supplement to the first 164 pages. The fourth edition of alcoholics anonymous, affectionately known as the big book, includes twentyfour new stories and continues to pass on aas message of hope and recovery to. He read about baclofen and how it might ease both anxiety and cravings for alcohol, but his doctor wouldnt. Bob has helped millions of men and women give up alcoholism and drug addiction. Home read the big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions alcoholics anonymous alcoholics anonymous this is the fourth edition of the big book, the basic text for alcoholics anonymous. What the big book really says by jay westbrook on december 29, 2014 in living in recovery, living with addiction alcoholics anonymous, and the myriad of other 12step programs, can be invaluable to the recovering alcoholic or addict. Apr 29, 2017 in the book alcoholics anonymous big book, drug use is mentioned as part of the alcoholics experience or illness.
Alcoholics anonymous is often referred to as a 12step program, and aa is the basis for many other 12step programs that have been established. More than 300,000 copies of the first edition are now in circulation. First published in 1939, alcoholics anonymous sets forth cornerstone concepts of recovery from alcoholism and tells the stories of men and women who have overcome the disease. Now, we turn our eyes toward there is a solution, the story in which the big book begins to truly shine in its depiction of alcoholism and its many, many dangers. As of december 2009, 30,664,881 copies of the big book have been sold or otherwise distributed source aa gso ny. And hundreds of hours of meditaiton and mindfulness audio content. Thats the way my drinking began, as a way to make the pain go away. If you would like to become a member, please send a blank email to. Starting with a brief prologue the doctors opinion, the book presented a story of addiction bills story before discussing the spiritual. Reading guide for there is a solution amethyst recovery. In the big book of alcoholics anonymous, chapter 8 may be the leastthumped, and most skipped, so my first impulse in this critique was to turn the worst bits into internet memes and declare myself done. In the big book, as the text alcoholics anonymous is known, we read the written words of the first 100 men and women of aa as they were put in the way of a spiritual awakening. Confessions of a big book sponsor big book sponsorship. Alcoholics anonymous calls their book of the same name, the big book.
The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism generally known as the big book because of the thickness of the paper used in the first edition is a 1939 basic text, describing how to recover from alcoholism, primarily written by william g. Because of alcoholic s anonymous dominance, many doctors and scientists wouldnt even consider studying alternatives to aa for years. His story was in the first through third editions of the big book entitled the home brewmeister. What the big book really says by jay westbrook on december 29, 2014 in living in recovery, living with addiction. And that it is okay for drug addicts to be in aa meetings but ill keep an open mind. The book alcoholics anonymous, affectionately known by members as the big book, is the textbook for the original 12step recovery program now known by the same name. The intelligent escape from alcohol addiction craig beck. This is the fourth edition of the big book, the basic text for alcoholics anonymous. Over the years, the 12 steps have been adapted by other self. Meghan b aa from nyc at the atlantic group distored perceptions 2009. This book can be used in drug and alcohol treatment centers, institutions, 12step group meetings, and for those seeking to recover from addiction from home. Jan 29, 2017 in this part of the alcoholics anonymous big book study, joe and charlie discuss the chapter the doctor s opinion. The big book of alcoholics anonymous the world famous eye. He pulled a list of alcoholics anonymous meetings out of his desk drawer.
The big book of alcoholics anonymous, also referred to as alcoholics anonymous. He is the author of acceptance is the answer in the big book. Ralph w aa from desert palm, ca tells his story in salt lake city 1996. The book details stories of other recovering alcoholics who have found sobriety through the program as well. Listen to the entire alcoholics anonymous big book as well as audiobooks, audio courses, and speaker tapes to help you stop drinking, live sober, and recover from alcoholism. Then, when bill put his program in writing, his emphasis shifted to recovered in part because he shifted from his own statement on page 191 and decided to say, per richard peabody, that we are not cured. A wellknown doctor, chief physician at a nationally prominent hospital specializing in alcoholic and drug addiction, gave alcoholics anonymous this letter. The earliest aas quite clearly believed they were cured. Its faithbased 12step program dominates treatment in the united states. Clarence led a revolt to separate from the oxford group and announced a special meeting of alcoholics, starting the cleveland group, may 18, 1939 at the cleveland heights home of abby g this was the first group to be called alcoholics anonymous. May 05, 2016 aa, alcoholism and medical science by roger published may 5, 2016 updated november 22, 2018 aa never really opened up a channel for two way communication with the medical community. Driven by a hundred forms of fear why alcoholics are full. Jul 17, 2019 the book alcoholics anonymous, affectionately known by members as the big book, is the textbook for the original 12step recovery program now known by the same name. This is the most modern audio version of the alcoholics anonymous big book.
Examples are in the chapter doctor, alcoholic, addict, written by member paul o, and also in chapter two, there is a solution p. Jan 03, 2017 the recent attempt at censorship of the big book by changing the title of the chapter doctor, addict, alcoholic does not change the truth. Acceptance was the answer the alcoholics guide to alcoholism. Dr paul o aa author of big book story doctor, alcoholic, addict 1981 acceptance talk. The big book of alcoholics anonymous verywell mind.
Miracles in progress 12 step recovery forums alcoholics anonymous alcoholics anonymous doctor, alcoholic, addict. Aa was founded in akron, ohio when in 1935 one alcoholic, bill wilson, talked to another alcoholic, bob smith, about the nature of alcoholism and a possible solution. Never call someone an alcoholic or addict psychology today. Your story in the bigbook is not nearly as great as hearing you in person. How alcoholics anonymous lied to the american people. Outlining the steps and traditions that make aa famous, as well as numerous stories about recovering addicts who have been through the process, the big book has helped guide millions into a life of sobriety. The research that should have happened decades ago is. To read a pdf version of the fourth edition of alcoholics anonymous. How did you come to write the story thats in the big book. Questions and answers from the alcoholics anonymous big book. This famous personal story formerly page 449 in the big book moved to part ii they stopped in time, now appearing on page 417. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism is a 1939 basic text, describing how to recover. This is the second edition of the book alcoholics anonymous, which made its first appearance in april 1939. The story is known by two names, doctor, alcoholic, addict or acceptance was the answer depending on which edition you bought.
Because this book has become the basic text for our society and has helped such large numbers of alcoholic men and women to recovery, there exists strong. The research that should have happened decades ago is just. Alcoholics anonymousthe big book has served as a lifeline to millions worldwide. Driven by a hundred forms of fear, selfdelusion, selfseeking, and selfpity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate. Copyright alcoholics anonymous world services, inc.
Any quotes from the big book of aa are from the first edition, or are otherwise exempt from infringement under the fair use doctrine. I asked my doctor whether he would write me a prescription. Those who have read alcoholics anonymous are already aware that the second chapter or first, if you dont count the doctor s opinion is all about aa founder bill w. The story acceptance is the answer is one of the most important stories in the big book and it is almost exclusively about drug use. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism, is a collection of texts used by members of the alcoholics anonymous fellowship.
They bear witness that release from alcoholism can really be per manent. Even big book thumpers have a rough time with to wives. In the doctor s opinion, section of the book, alcoholics anonymous, you will read of several different types of alcoholics. Because this book has become the basic text for our society and has helped such large numbers of alcoholic men and women to recovery, there exists a sentiment.
Alcoholics anonymous, and the myriad of other 12step programs, can be invaluable to the recovering alcoholic or addict. The term alcoholic addict is used several times in the doctor s opinion. Inspiration from the big book of alcoholic anonymous. These 12 steps are outlined in chapter 5, how it works, of the big book. It is the basic text of the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous, and has helped large numbers of alcoholic men and women, young and old, recover. He told me to go home and not drink at all for the rest of the day. My sponsor suggested i type it up and put it somewhere in the house where i see it all the time. The aa big book app is the biggest and best mobile app for 12 step recovery. Alcoholics anonymous big book 4th edition case special softcover item. Since the first edition appeared, in 1939, it has helped millions of men and women recover from alcoholism. Alcoholics anonymous is the life changing program formed by two desperate alcoholics in 1935. There is a solution contains numerous important revelations, illustrating one of them with a story pertaining to one of aas early members. Printer friendly i dont know what edition of the big book you all have. In the fourth edition the story is called acceptance was the answer.
There could be no better term to describe toxic shame. Substituting other drugs for alcohol is not sobriety and brings as many and really just the same problems as before. Drug use is mentioned frequently throughout the big book. The first edition appeared in april 1939, and in the following. However, they can also be confusing to the person who is relatively new, and that confusion. The big book friends is an informal discussion group where men and women interested in the big book of alcoholics anonymous daily discuss the pages of the big book. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism, is a collection of texts used by members of the alcoholics anonymous fellowship the book has undergone four revisions since william wilson, also known as bill w. Jan 15, 2014 alcoholics anonymous has taken no official stand on the use of prescription drugs for recovery, other than to say the issue is between a patient and her doctor. The big book of alcoholics anonymous and 12step programs across the world have helped millions of people recover from addictions.
Apr, 2019 because of alcoholics anonymous dominance, many doctors and scientists wouldnt even consider studying alternatives to aa for years. No single drug addiction or alcohol treatment approach works for everyone. The big book also provides other information and methods of support for alcoholics and their families. With the help of other early members, the book alcoholics anonymous. Alcoholics anonymous big book large print 4th edition. Bills story, doctor bobs nightmare, and one other personal history from. What are your thoughts about addicts in aa instead of na. The big book serves as the foundation for the alcoholics anonymous 12step program. The story of how more than one hundred men have recovered from alcoholism was written in 1939.
Bobs nightmare 171 171 window of opportunity 421 aa number three 182 182 he had to be shown 193 he thought he could drink like a gentlemen. In the forward to the first edition of the big book of alcoholics anonymous, it states. Chris raymer, aa big book, ca speaker, talk about carrying the message to the addict that still suffers hear renowned addiction speaker, mark houston from texas, a recovered alcoholic addict, speak on 12 step spirituality living in the spirit. Reading guide for bills story amethyst recovery center. Pauls story, doctor, alcoholic, addict is published in the third edition of the big book.
This excerpt above is from a share or a personal story at the back of the big book. Md, not all that many know that dr paul o wrote one of the stories in the book known as alcoholics anonymous. The big book vs the book gods word alcoholics anonymous big book exposed all scriptures taken from the preserved 1611 king james bible. It is the originator of the seminal twelvestep method widely used to. Most addicts feel that the big book is a powerful component to their recovery process and treat it as a sort of bible for addiction recovery. Acceptance i know some people get really tired of the big book quotes. Home read the big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions. Addiction never call someone an alcoholic or addict five reasons why, plus other ways you can help destigmatize addiction forever. Listen to the entire alcoholics anonymous big book as well as audiobooks, audio courses, and speaker tapes to help you stop. If you could tell me where in a big book in the first hundred 64 pages, or in bills story where it says that he used morphine and lsd.
We now seek to complete our series by providing some insight into the last chapter of the big book. Includes an all new original audio recording and complete basic text. The big book provides background on the history of aa, including the founders, bill w. One of the big book stories talks about identifying and not comparing, i cannot identify with the drug culture. The recent attempt at censorship of the big book by changing the title of the chapter doctor, addict, alcoholic does not change the truth. His is the fourth edition of the book alcoholics anonymous. Big book personal stories part iii they lost nearly.
He did not introduce himself as an alcoholic and addict, and was irritated by people who want to broaden a. He wrote an article for the grapevine on why doctors shouldnt prescribe pills for alcoholics, and because he had a dual problem was asked to write his story for the big book. With publication of the second edition in 1955, the third edition in 1976. The second edition of the seminal work of alcoholics anonymous, the big book, was released in 1955 and continues to be extremely influential in the lives of so many addicts.
Having lived in ca for number oof years i had the good fortune to know dr. In the 3rd edition, that story was titled doctor, alcoholic, addict. The author is a founder of alcoholics anonymous aa, bill w. Where in alcoholics anonymous big book are drugs mentioned. Reading guide for a vision for you amethyst recovery center. The first few chapters of the big book provided an overview of the alcoholic condition. Inspiration from the big book of alcoholic anonymous i hate the term defects of character. The basic text of the big book contained in this audiobook remains unchanged and is still used in the program to this day. Alcoholics anonymous aa is an international mutual aid fellowship with the stated purpose of enabling its members to stay sober and help other alcoholics. Part i pioneers of aa acceptance was the answer previously doctor, alcoholic, addict 439 407 dr. By working the twelve step program as described in the big book of alcoholics anonymous, i have had a spiritual awakening. At fifteen i was a big lad and hung around with a bunch of big guys.
Formerly known as doctor, alcoholic, addict addiction. The irrationality of alcoholics anonymous the atlantic. In order to help other alcoholics understand how they might recover, he tells the story of his addiction. I practice the 12 step program as outlined in the big book of alcoholics anonymous, the original recipe for recovery as practiced by the original 100 who recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. This is good news because im on the lookout for aa talks to help me sleep, especially because i used to drink to fall asleep. Acceptance is the answer aa speakers 12step youtube. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism also known as the big book describes how to recover from alcoholism. It is important that we remain anonymous because we are too few, at present to handle the overwhelming number of personal appeals which may result from this publication. In the third edition of the alcoholics anonymous big book since 1976, paul o. The 164 and more book, ebook, and web site are all concordances which display passages from the big book alcoholics anonymous, the twelve steps and twelve traditions, and the a. Videos or graphic images may not be downloaded, copied or duplicated without the express written permission of alcoholics anonymous world services, inc. All i did is read a selection from doctor, alcoholic, addict, a chapter in aas big book famous for the phrase, and acceptance is the answer to.