The Big Book: Alcoholics Anonymous is the foundational text for the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) fellowship, first published in 1939. Written primarily by Bill Wilson (Bill W.), one of the co-founders of AA, the book outlines the principles and steps of the AA program designed to help individuals struggling with alcoholism achieve sobriety.
The book is divided into two main parts:
The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism – This section includes personal testimonies of people who have struggled with alcoholism and found recovery through the AA program. These stories aim to provide hope and inspire those suffering with alcoholism to believe recovery is possible.
The Program of Recovery – This section describes the 12 Steps of AA, which are spiritual principles and practical actions that members follow to achieve and maintain sobriety. The 12 Steps emphasize honesty, willingness, and self-reflection, among other values. It also discusses the importance of fellowship, sponsorship, and working with others to support sobriety.
The Big Book focuses on a combination of personal accountability, spiritual growth, and community support as the keys to recovery from alcoholism. It has been an influential text in the addiction recovery community for decades.
Now translated into over 70 languages, it is still considered A.A.’s basic text.
