From the books ... Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book) and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (12 & 12)
Click
to display the full page from the Big Book1.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.23,
Step One
As this trend grew, they were
joined by young people who were scarcely more than potential alcoholics.
2.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.38,
Step Three
We realize that the word
"dependence" is as distasteful to many psychiatrists and psychologists as it is to alcoholics.
3.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.47,
Step Four
We thought "conditions" drove us to drink, and when we tried to correct these conditions
and found that we couldn't to our entire satisfaction,
our drinking went out of hand and we became alcoholics.
4.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.71,
Step Seven
But we are sure that no class of people in the world ever made a worse mess of trying to live by this formula than
alcoholics.
5.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.90,
Step Ten
6.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.116,
Step Twelve
7.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.122,
Step Twelve
But not so with alcoholics.
8.
... alcoholics?
12&12 p.130,
Tradition One
If strong people were stalemated in the search
for peace and harmony,
what was to become of our erratic band of alcoholics?
9.
... alcoholics.'
12&12 p.140,
Tradition Three
"We were resolved to admit nobody to A.A. but that hypothetical
class of people we termed 'pure alcoholics.'
10.
... alcoholics!
12&12 p.140,
Tradition Three
11.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.148,
Tradition Four
12.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.148,
Tradition Four
13.
... alcoholics?
12&12 p.160,
Tradition Seven
14.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.178,
Tradition Ten
Let it be noted, too, that
they were almost always concerned with ways to make A.A. more effective, how to do
the most good for the most alcoholics.
15.
... alcoholics.
12&12 p.178,
Tradition Ten
When the Washingtonians became temperance crusaders, within a very few years they had completely
lost their effectiveness in helping alcoholics.
16.
... alcoholics.
BB p.7,
Bill's Story
My brother-in-law is a physician, and through
his kindness and that of my mother I was placed in a nationally-known hospital for the mental and
physical rehabilitation of alcoholics.
17.
... alcoholics.
BB p.30,
More About Alcoholism
18.
... alcoholics.
BB p.30,
More About Alcoholism
19.
... alcoholics.
BB p.44,
We Agnostics
20.
... alcoholics.
BB p.74,
Into Action
21.
... alcoholics.
BB p.82,
Into Action
22.
... alcoholics.
BB p.89,
Working With Others
Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as
intensive work with other alcoholics.
23.
... alcoholics!
BB p.89,
Working With Others
24.
... alcoholics.
BB p.89,
Working With Others
Ministers and doctors
are competent and you can learn much from them if you wish, but it happens that because of your own drinking experience you
can be uniquely useful
to other alcoholics.
25.
... alcoholics.
BB p.119,
To Wives
Still another difficulty is that you may become jealous of the attention he bestows on
other people, especially alcoholics.
26.
... alcoholics.
BB p.121,
To Wives (Note)
Though it is entirely separate from Alcoholics Anonymous, it uses the general principles of
the A.A. program as a guide for husbands, wives, relatives, friends and others close to alcoholics.
27.
... alcoholics.
BB p.129,
The Family Afterward
Even if he displays a certain amount of neglect and irresponsibility towards the family, it is well to let him go as far as he likes in helping other alcoholics.
28.
... alcoholics.
BB p.149,
To Employers
29.
... alcoholics?
BB p.154,
A Vision For You
But what about his responsibilities --
his family and the men who
would die because they would
not know how to get well, ah -- yes, those other alcoholics?
30.
... alcoholics.
BB xiv,
Foreword to First Edition
We shall be interested
to hear from those who are getting results from this
book, particularly
from those who have commenced work with other alcoholics.
31.
... alcoholics.
BB xv,
Foreword to Second Edition
In that brief space, Alcoholics Anonymous has mushroomed into nearly 6,000 groups whose membership is far above 150,000 recovered alcoholics.
32.
... alcoholics.
BB xxiii,
Foreword to Fourth Edition
As the message of recovery has reached larger numbers of people, it has also touched the lives of a vastly greater variety of suffering
alcoholics.
33.
... alcoholics.
BB xxiv,
Foreword to Fourth Edition
In any meeting, anywhere, A.A.'s share experience, strength, and hope with each other, in order to stay sober and help other alcoholics.
34.
... alcoholics.
BB xii,
Preface
All changes made over the years in the Big Book (A.A. members' fond nickname for this volume) have had the same purpose: to represent the
current membership of
Alcoholics Anonymous more accurately, and thereby to reach more alcoholics.
35.
... alcoholics about
which plenty will have to ...
12&12 p.48,
Step Four
But all who are in the least reasonable will agree upon one point: that there is plenty wrong with us alcoholics about which plenty will have to be done if we are to
expect sobriety, progress, and any real ability to cope with life.
36.
... alcoholics achieve
sobriety?
12&12 p.111,
Step Twelve
Can we love the whole pattern of living as eagerly as we do the small segment of it we discover
when we try to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety?
37.
... alcoholics across
the country or around the ...
BB xxiv,
Foreword to Fourth Edition
Taking advantage of technological advances, for example, A.A. members with computers can participate in meetings online, sharing with fellow alcoholics across the country or around the world.
38.
... alcoholics after
a while.
BB p.109,
To Wives
39.
... alcoholics almost
never recovered on their own ...
12&12 p.22,
Step One
40.
... alcoholics among
his own acquaintances.
BB p.112,
To Wives
41.
... alcoholics among
young people everywhere.
BB p.33,
More About Alcoholism
We, who are familiar with the symptoms, see large numbers of potential alcoholics among young people everywhere.
42.
... alcoholics and
before the general public.
12&12 p.187,
Tradition Twelve
Moved by the spirit of anonymity, we try to give up our natural desires for personal distinction
as A.A. members both among fellow alcoholics and before the general public.
43.
... "Alcoholics and
God."
BB xviii,
Foreword to Second Edition
In the fall of 1939 Fulton Oursler, then editor of Liberty, printed a piece in his magazine, called "Alcoholics and God."
44.
... alcoholics and
something of the sort may ...
BB p.146,
To Employers
He may wish to do a lot for other alcoholics and something of the sort may come up during business hours.
45.
... alcoholics and
that our lives are unmanageable.
12&12 p.25,
Step Two
46.
... alcoholics and
their chance for recovery!
BB p.73,
Into Action
Small wonder many in the medical profession have a low opinion of alcoholics and
their chance for recovery!
47.
... alcoholics and
their families hit the Foundation(*) ...
12&12 p.162,
Tradition Seven
He explains that when Jack
Alexander's Saturday
Evening Post piece broke in 1941, thousands of frantic letters from distraught alcoholics and
their families hit the Foundation(*) letterbox in New York.
48.
... alcoholics, and
to practice these principles in ...
12&12 p.106,
Step Twelve
"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of
these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice
these principles in all our affairs."
49.
... alcoholics, and
to practice these principles in ...
BB p.60,
How It Works
12. Having had a spiritual
awakening as the result
of these steps, we tried to
carry this message to
alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
50.
... Alcoholics Anonymous?
12&12 p.35,
Step Three
Isn't it true that in all matters touching upon alcohol, each of them has decided to turn his or her life over to the care, protection, and guidance of Alcoholics Anonymous?
51.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.83,
Step Nine
52.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.109,
Step Twelve
The wonderful energy it
releases and the eager action by which it carries
our message to the next suffering alcoholic and
which finally translates the Twelve Steps into action upon all our affairs is the payoff, the magnificent
reality, of Alcoholics Anonymous.
53.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.15,
Foreword
54.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.16,
Foreword
55.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.135,
Tradition Two
They become the voice of
the group conscience;
in fact, these are the true voice of Alcoholics Anonymous.
56.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.157,
Tradition Six
57.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.158,
Tradition Six
The association wanted to use our member's full name in all its advertising; he was to be described both as its director of publicity and as a member
of Alcoholics Anonymous.
58.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.165,
Tradition Seven
Approving editorials here and abroad generated a wave of confidence in the
integrity of Alcoholics
Anonymous.
59.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.174,
Tradition Nine
60.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.178,
Tradition Ten
61.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
12&12 p.180,
Tradition Eleven
Therefore, a great responsibility fell upon us to develop the best possible public relations policy for Alcoholics Anonymous.
62.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous."
12&12 p.184,
Tradition Twelve
63.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
BB p.94,
Working With Others
64.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
BB p.152,
A Vision For You
65.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
BB p.152,
A Vision For You
66.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
BB p.161,
A Vision For You
67.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
BB p.163,
A Vision For You
Some of them may sink and perhaps never get up, but if our experience is a criterion, more than half of those approached will become fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous.
68.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
BB p.571(573),
Appendix IV, The Lasker Award
69.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
BB p.171,
Doctor Bob's Nightmare
70.
... Alcoholics Anonymous."
BB xiii,
Foreword to First Edition
When writing or speaking publicly about
alcoholism, we urge each of our Fellowship to
omit his personal name, designating himself instead as "a member of Alcoholics Anonymous."
71.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
BB xiv,
Foreword to First Edition
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
72.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous."
BB xviii,
Foreword to Second Edition
News of this got on the world wires; inquiries poured in again and many people went to the bookstores to get the book "Alcoholics Anonymous."
73.
... Alcoholics Anonymous.
BB xxii,
Foreword to Third Edition
The Twelve Steps that summarize the program may
be called los Doce Pasos in one country, les Douze Etapes in another, but they
trace exactly the same path to recovery that was blazed by
the earliest members of
Alcoholics Anonymous.
74.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous."
BB xi,
Preface
75.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
-- A.A. as a whole -- should ...
12&12 p.172,
Tradition Nine
Today, we are able to say with assurance that Alcoholics Anonymous -- A.A. as a whole -- should never be organized at all.
76.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
and call for more information.
12&12 p.180,
Tradition Eleven
77.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous,"
and from it the Fellowship ...
12&12 p.17,
Foreword
78.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
are more than one hundred ...
BB xiii,
Foreword to First Edition
We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.
79.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous
are no crusaders; not a ...
BB p.570(572),
Appendix III, The Medical View on A.A.
Dr. W. W. Bauer, broadcasting under the
auspices of The American Medical Association in 1946, over the NBC network, said, in part: "Alcoholics Anonymous are no crusaders; not a temperance society.
80.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
are, we A.A.'s believe, the ...
BB p.561(563),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
The "12 Traditions" of
Alcoholics Anonymous are,
we A.A.'s believe, the best answers that our experience has yet given to those ever-urgent questions, "How can A.A. best function?" and, "How can
A.A. best stay whole and so survive?"
81.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
at his destination.
BB p.162,
A Vision For You
Some day we hope that every alcoholic who journeys will find a Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous at his destination.
82.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
at his destination.
BB xv,
Foreword to Second Edition
Our earliest printing
voiced the hope "that every alcoholic who journeys will find the Fellowship of
Alcoholics Anonymous at
his destination.
83.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous"
became the basic text of ...
12&12 p.17,
Foreword
84.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
because it had been humbly ...
12&12 p.149,
Tradition Four
Moreover, it had performed a great service for Alcoholics Anonymous, because it had
been humbly willing to apply the lessons it learned.
85.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
been divided by a major ...
12&12 p.176,
Tradition Ten
86.
Alcoholics Anonymous
began in 1935 at Akron, ...
12&12 p.16,
Foreword
Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1935 at Akron, Ohio, as the outcome of a meeting between a well-known surgeon and a New York broker.
87.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
believe that the principle of ...
12&12 p.192,
Tradition Twelve (Long)
Twelve -- And finally, we
of Alcoholics Anonymous
believe that the principle of anonymity
has an immense spiritual significance.
88.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
believe that the principle of ...
BB p.565(567),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
12. And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity
has an immense spiritual significance.
89.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
believe that the reader will ...
BB xxv(xxiii),
The Doctor's Opinion
We of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that
the reader will be interested in the medical estimate of the plan of recovery described in this book.
90.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
Box 459, Grand Central Station, ...
BB p.573(575),
Appendix VI, How to Get in Touch With A.A.
If you cannot find A.A. in your
locality, visit our Web site: www.aa.org; or a letter addressed to Alcoholics Anonymous, Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY
10163, USA, will receive a prompt reply from this world center, referring you to the nearest A.A. group.
91.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
calls on two of the ...
BB p.569(571),
Appendix III, The Medical View on A.A.
Dr. Foster Kennedy, neurologist:
"This organization of Alcoholics Anonymous calls on two of the greatest reservoirs of
power known to man, religion and that instinct for association with one's fellows ... the 'herd instinct.'
92.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous"
came off press in November ...
BB xxiii,
Foreword to Fourth Edition
This fourth edition of
"Alcoholics Anonymous" came off press in November 2001, at the start of a new millennium.
93.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
came to see me.
BB p.42,
More About Alcoholism
94.
Alcoholics Anonymous
can be likened to a ...
12&12 p.150,
Tradition Five
Alcoholics Anonymous can
be likened to a group of
physicians who might find a cure for cancer, and upon whose concerted work would depend the answer for sufferers of
this disease.
95.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
can ever have.
12&12 p.187,
Tradition Twelve
We are sure that humility,
expressed by anonymity, is the greatest safeguard that
Alcoholics Anonymous can
ever have.
96.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
could not be all things ...
12&12 p.157,
Tradition Six
97.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
does not demand that you ...
12&12 p.26,
Step Two
98.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
find out all you can ...
BB p.90,
Working With Others
99.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
for A.A. as a whole.
12&12 p.175,
Tradition Nine
It is in this spirit of service that we elect the A.A. group's informal rotating committee, the intergroup association for the area,
and the General Service
Conferences of Alcoholics Anonymous for A.A. as a whole.
100.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
for publicity or money-raising purposes.
12&12 p.170,
Tradition Eight
In former days, the moment an A.A. hired out to such enterprises, he was
immediately tempted
to use the name Alcoholics Anonymous for publicity or money-raising purposes.
101.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
from the title of its ...
BB xvii,
Foreword to Second Edition
The fledgling society,
which had been nameless, now began to be called Alcoholics Anonymous, from the title
of its own book.
102.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
group ought to be a ...
12&12 p.190,
Tradition Five (Long)
Five -- Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having
but one primary purpose -- that of carrying its message to the alcoholic
who still suffers.
103.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
group ought to be a ...
BB p.563(565),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
5. Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose -- that of
carrying its message to the alcoholic
who still suffers.
104.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
groups oppose no one.
12&12 p.192,
Tradition Ten (Long)
105.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
groups oppose no one.
BB p.565(567),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
106.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
had revived an ideal that ...
12&12 p.165,
Tradition Seven
They pointed out that the irresponsible had become responsible, and
that by making financial independence part of its tradition, Alcoholics Anonymous had revived an ideal that its era had almost forgotten.
107.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous"
has been translated into forty-three ...
BB xxiii,
Foreword to Fourth Edition
108.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
has done the very thing ...
12&12 p.118,
Step Twelve
After the husband joins A.A., the wife may become discontented, even highly resentful that
Alcoholics Anonymous has
done the very thing that all her years of devotion had failed to do.
109.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
has made the difference between ...
BB p.561(563),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
To those now in its fold, Alcoholics Anonymous has made the difference between misery and sobriety, and often the difference between life and death.
110.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
has mushroomed into nearly 6,000 ...
BB xv,
Foreword to Second Edition
In that brief space, Alcoholics Anonymous has mushroomed into nearly 6,000 groups whose membership is far above 150,000 recovered alcoholics.
111.
"Alcoholics Anonymous
has no opinion on outside ...
12&12 p.176,
Tradition Ten
"Alcoholics Anonymous has
no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy."
112.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous
has no opinion on outside ...
12&12 p.179,
Tradition Ten
Thus was laid the cornerstone for Tradition Ten: "Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy."
113.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
has no opinion on outside ...
BB p.562(564),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
Ten -- Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
114.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
he still smokes and drinks ...
BB p.135,
The Family Afterward
Though he is now a most effective member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he still smokes and drinks coffee, but neither his wife nor anyone else stands in judgment.
115.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
helped double our total membership ...
12&12 p.186,
Tradition Twelve
The news stories of Mr. Rockefeller's dinner for Alcoholics Anonymous helped double our total membership in a year's time.
116.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous"
in 1939, the pioneering period ...
12&12 p.17,
Foreword
With the publication of the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" in 1939, the pioneering period ended and a prodigious chain reaction set in as the recovered alcoholics carried their message to still others.
117.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
in recognition of its unique ...
BB p.571(573),
Appendix IV, The Lasker Award
"The American Public Health Association presents a Lasker Group Award for 1951 to Alcoholics Anonymous in recognition of its unique and highly successful approach to
that age-old public health and social problem, alcoholism ... In emphasizing alcoholism as an illness, the social stigma associated with
this condition is being
blotted out ... Historians may one day recognize Alcoholics Anonymous to have
been a great venture in social pioneering which
forged a new instrument for social action; a new therapy based on the kinship of common suffering; one having a vast potential for the myriad other ills of mankind."
118.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous"
in telephone directories.
BB p.573(575),
Appendix VI, How to Get in Touch With A.A.
These so-called intergroup associations are found
under the listing "A.A." or "Alcoholics Anonymous" in telephone
directories.
119.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
in trust with the Alcoholic ...
12&12 p.163,
Tradition Seven
When her will was read, it was
discovered she had left
Alcoholics Anonymous in
trust with the Alcoholic
Foundation a sum of ten thousand dollars.
120.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
in unity and effectiveness?
12&12 p.16,
Foreword
How can a set of traditional principles, having no legal force at all, hold the Fellowship of
Alcoholics Anonymous in
unity and effectiveness?
121.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
Inc., and the Foundation office ...
12&12 p.140,
Tradition Three (Note)
(*) In 1954, the name of the
Alcoholic Foundation, Inc., was changed to the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., and
the Foundation office
is now the General Service Office.
122.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
Inc., and the Foundation office ...
12&12 p.148,
Tradition Four (Note)
(*) In 1954, the name of the
Alcoholic Foundation, Inc., was changed to the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., and
the Foundation office
is now the General Service Office.
123.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
Inc., and the Foundation office ...
12&12 p.162,
Tradition Seven (Note)
(*) In 1954, the name of the
Alcoholic Foundation, Inc., was changed to the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., and
the Foundation office
is now the General Service Office.
124.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
Inc., and the Foundation office ...
12&12 p.168,
Tradition Eight (Note)
(*) In 1954, the name of the
Alcoholic Foundation, Inc., was changed to the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., and
the Foundation office
is now the General Service Office.
125.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
Inc., and the Foundation office ...
12&12 p.173,
Tradition Nine (Note)
(*) In 1954, the name of the
Alcoholic Foundation, Inc., was changed to the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., and
the Foundation office
is now the General Service Office.
126.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
Inc., and the Foundation office ...
12&12 p.182,
Tradition Eleven (Note)
(*) In 1954, the name of the
Alcoholic Foundation, Inc., was changed to the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., and
the Foundation office
is now the General Service Office.
127.
Alcoholics Anonymous
is a fellowship of men ...
Grapevine,
Preamble
Alcoholics Anonymous is a
fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength
and hope with each other that they may solve their
common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
128.
Alcoholics Anonymous
is a worldwide fellowship of ...
12&12 p.15,
Foreword
Alcoholics Anonymous is a
worldwide fellowship of more than one hundred thousand(*) alcoholic men and women who are banded together to solve their common problems and to help fellow sufferers in recovery from that age-old, baffling malady, alcoholism.
129.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is an exception.
12&12 p.173,
Tradition Nine
130.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is but a small part ...
12&12 p.189,
Tradition One (Long)
131.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is but a small part ...
BB p.563(565),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
132.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is highly dangerous, whether by ...
12&12 p.190,
Tradition Seven (Long)
We think that each group should soon achieve this ideal; that any public solicitation of funds using the name of Alcoholics Anonymous is highly dangerous, whether by groups, clubs, hospitals, or other outside agencies; that acceptance of large gifts from any source, or of contributions carrying any obligation whatever, is
unwise.
133.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is highly dangerous, whether by ...
BB p.564(566),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
We think that each group should soon achieve this ideal; that any public solicitation of funds using the name of Alcoholics Anonymous is highly dangerous, whether by groups, clubs, hospitals, or other outside agencies; that acceptance of large gifts from any source, or of contributions carrying any obligation whatever, is
unwise.
134.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is more than attending gatherings ...
BB p.161,
A Vision For You
135.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous
is natural; it is natural ...
BB p.572(574),
Appendix V, The Religious View on A.A.
Edward Dowling, S.J.,(*) of the Queen's Work staff, says, "Alcoholics Anonymous is natural; it
is natural at the point
where nature comes closest to the supernatural, namely in
humiliations and in consequent humility.
136.
Alcoholics Anonymous
is not a religious organization.
BB xx,
Foreword to Second Edition
137.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is the most cherished quality ...
12&12 p.129,
Tradition One
138.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is the truly Christian principle ...
BB p.572(574),
Appendix V, The Religious View on A.A.
The Episcopal magazine, The Living Church, observes editorially: "The basis
of the technique of Alcoholics Anonymous is the truly Christian principle that a man cannot
help himself except by helping others.
139.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
is told, and soon realizes ...
12&12 p.73,
Step Seven
Every newcomer in Alcoholics Anonymous is told, and soon realizes for himself, that
his humble admission of
powerlessness over alcohol is his first step toward liberation from its paralyzing grip.
140.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
it uses the general principles ...
BB p.121,
To Wives (Note)
Though it is entirely separate from Alcoholics Anonymous, it uses the general principles of
the A.A. program as a guide for husbands, wives, relatives, friends and others close to alcoholics.
141.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
keep few skeletons in the ...
BB p.125,
The Family Afterward
142.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
know thousands of men and ...
BB p.17,
There Is A Solution
We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, know thousands of men and women who were once just as hopeless as Bill.
143.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
maintains its international service center.
BB p.573(575),
Appendix VI, How to Get in Touch With A.A.
144.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
may spring up in each ...
BB p.153,
A Vision For You
They will approach still other sick ones and fellowships of Alcoholics
Anonymous may spring up in each city and hamlet, havens for those who must find a way out.
145.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
medical societies and physicians throughout ...
BB p.569(571),
Appendix III, The Medical View on A.A.
Since Dr. Silkworth's first endorsement of
Alcoholics Anonymous, medical societies and physicians throughout
the world have set their approval upon us.
146.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
might prove to be the ...
12&12 p.156,
Tradition Six
Why, we thought, our Society of Alcoholics Anonymous might prove to be
the spearhead of a new spiritual advance!
147.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
more accurately, and thereby to ...
BB xii,
Preface
All changes made over the years in the Big Book (A.A. members' fond nickname for this volume) have had the same purpose: to represent the
current membership of
Alcoholics Anonymous more accurately, and thereby to reach more alcoholics.
148.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous
needs the least possible organization."
12&12 p.172,
Tradition Nine
When Tradition Nine was
first written, it said that "Alcoholics Anonymous needs the least possible organization."
149.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
now restored as citizens of ...
12&12 p.177,
Tradition Ten
Nor does it mean that the members of Alcoholics Anonymous, now restored as citizens of
the world, are going to back away from their individual responsibilities to act as they see the right upon issues of our time.
150.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous,"
published when our membership was ...
12&12 p.22,
Step One
That is why the first edition of the book "Alcoholics Anonymous," published when our membership was small, dealt with low-bottom cases only.
151.
Alcoholics Anonymous
saved my life, and it ...
12&12 p.159,
Tradition Six
152.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
should remain forever nonprofessional.
12&12 p.191,
Tradition Eight (Long)
153.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
should remain forever nonprofessional.
BB p.564(566),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
154.
"Alcoholics Anonymous
should remain forever nonprofessional, but ...
12&12 p.166,
Tradition Eight
"Alcoholics Anonymous
should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers."
155.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
should remain forever nonprofessional, but ...
BB p.562(564),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
Eight -- Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
156.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
stared glassily at the strangers ...
BB p.157,
A Vision For You
Two days later, a future fellow of Alcoholics Anonymous stared glassily at the strangers beside his bed.
157.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
than could possibly have been ...
12&12 p.181,
Tradition Eleven
It resulted in more favorable publicity of
Alcoholics Anonymous than
could possibly have been obtained through all the
arts and abilities of A.A.'s best press agents.
158.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous,"
then under preparation.
12&12 p.143,
Tradition Three
159.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
this letter:
BB xxv(xxiii),
The Doctor's Opinion
A well-known doctor, chief physician at a nationally prominent
hospital specializing in alcoholic and drug addiction, gave Alcoholics Anonymous this letter:
160.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
to address the wives of ...
BB p.104,
To Wives
161.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
to be read at the ...
BB p.570(572),
Appendix III, The Medical View on A.A.
The American Psychiatric Association requested, in 1949, that a
paper be prepared by one of the older members of Alcoholics Anonymous to be read at the
Association's annual
meeting of that year.
162.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
to be something of far ...
12&12 p.177,
Tradition Ten
We conceive the survival and spread of
Alcoholics Anonymous to
be something of far greater importance than
the weight we could collectively throw back of any other cause.
163.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
to have been a great ...
BB p.571(573),
Appendix IV, The Lasker Award
"The American Public Health Association presents a Lasker Group Award for 1951 to Alcoholics Anonymous in recognition of its unique and highly successful approach to
that age-old public health and social problem, alcoholism ... In emphasizing alcoholism as an illness, the social stigma associated with
this condition is being
blotted out ... Historians may one day recognize Alcoholics Anonymous to have
been a great venture in social pioneering which
forged a new instrument for social action; a new therapy based on the kinship of common suffering; one having a vast potential for the myriad other ills of mankind."
164.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
to some of his friends, ...
BB p.572(574),
Appendix V, The Religious View on A.A.
Speaking at a dinner given by John D. Rockefeller Jr. to introduce Alcoholics Anonymous to some of his friends, Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick remarked:
165.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
to this particular educational project ...
12&12 p.158,
Tradition Six
But that wasn't the whole story, for in this case not only
was an A.A. member to break his anonymity at a public level, he was to link the name Alcoholics Anonymous to this particular educational project in
the minds of millions.
166.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
was being misused.
12&12 p.170,
Tradition Eight
167.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
was conservatively estimated at more ...
BB xxii,
Foreword to Third Edition
By March 1976, when this edition went to the printer, the total worldwide membership
of Alcoholics Anonymous
was conservatively estimated at more than 1,000,000, with almost 28,000 groups meeting in over 90 countries.
168.
... "Alcoholics Anonymous,"
we usually want to sit ...
12&12 p.84,
Step Nine
After coming from our first meeting, or perhaps after we have finished reading the book "Alcoholics Anonymous," we usually want to sit down with some member of the family and readily admit the damage we have done by our drinking.
169.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
we would like you to ...
BB p.104,
To Wives
170.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
were like that.
BB p.113,
To Wives
171.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
what it is.
12&12 p.18,
Foreword
It is hoped that this volume will afford all who read it a close-up view of the principles and
forces which have made Alcoholics Anonymous what it
is.
172.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
which -- God willing -- shall sustain ...
12&12 p.131,
Tradition One
They live today in the Twelve Traditions of
Alcoholics Anonymous,
which -- God willing -- shall sustain us in unity for so long as He may need us.
173.
... Alcoholics Anonymous,
who have demonstrated that they ...
12&12 p.150,
Tradition Five
Just as firmly bound by obligation are
the members of Alcoholics
Anonymous, who have demonstrated that they can help problem drinkers as others seldom can.
174.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
will be glad to hear ...
BB p.164,
A Vision For You (Note)
175.
... Alcoholics Anonymous
will help the public to ...
BB p.103,
Working With Others
Some day we hope that Alcoholics Anonymous will help the public to a better realization of the gravity of the alcoholic
problem, but we shall be
of little use if our attitude is one of bitterness or hostility.
176.
Alcoholics Anonymous
will never have a professional ...
12&12 p.166,
Tradition Eight
177.
... alcoholics, are
astonished at their inability to ...
BB p.33,
More About Alcoholism
Certain drinkers, who
would be greatly insulted if called alcoholics, are astonished at
their inability to stop.
178.
... alcoholics are
bankrupt idealists.
12&12 p.156,
Tradition Six
179.
Alcoholics are
being attracted from far and ...
BB p.161,
A Vision For You
180.
Alcoholics are
certainly all-or-nothing people.
12&12 p.161,
Tradition Seven
181.
... alcoholics are
concerned, A.A. would go even ...
12&12 p.56,
Step Five
182.
... alcoholics are
doomed.
BB xxx(xxviii),
The Doctor's Opinion
Much has been written pro and con, but among physicians, the general opinion seems to be that most chronic
alcoholics are doomed.
183.
... alcoholics are
dying helplessly like people in ...
BB p.152,
A Vision For You
184.
... alcoholics are
energetic people.
BB p.146,
To Employers
185.
... alcoholics are
enthusiasts.
BB p.125,
The Family Afterward
186.
... alcoholics are
fundamentally much worse than other ...
BB p.81,
Into Action
187.
... alcoholics are
honest and upright when not ...
BB p.141,
To Employers
188.
... alcoholics are
men and women who have ...
BB p.30,
More About Alcoholism
189.
... alcoholics are
not going to believe they ...
BB p.31,
More About Alcoholism
Despite all we can say, many who are real alcoholics are not going to believe they are in that class.
190.
... alcoholics are
not supposed to do.
BB p.100,
Working With Others
191.
... alcoholics are
not the only ones bedeviled ...
12&12 p.78,
Step Eight
192.
... alcoholics are
resentment, jealousy, envy, frustration, and ...
BB p.145,
To Employers
193.
... alcoholics are
sensitive people.
BB p.125,
The Family Afterward
194.
... alcoholics are
sick people.
12&12 p.155,
Tradition Six
We seriously thought
of rewriting the laws of
the land, and having it declared that alcoholics are
sick people.
195.
... alcoholics are
the questions they must ask ...
12&12 p.51,
Step Four
Also of importance for
most alcoholics are the questions they must ask about their behavior respecting financial
and emotional security.
196.
... alcoholics are
tortured by loneliness.
12&12 p.57,
Step Five
197.
... alcoholics are
undisciplined.
BB p.88,
Into Action
We alcoholics are undisciplined.
198.
... alcoholics arriving
in the ward of the ...
BB xvii,
Foreword to Second Edition
Hence the two men set to work almost frantically upon alcoholics arriving in the ward of the Akron City Hospital.
199.
... alcoholics as
much as they need him.
12&12 p.133,
Tradition Two
200.
... alcoholics as
they could.
12&12 p.186,
Tradition Twelve
201.
... alcoholics back
from the gates of death.
BB xxvii(xxv),
The Doctor's Opinion
They believe in themselves, and still more in the Power which pulls chronic alcoholics back from the gates of death.
202.
Alcoholics barely
dry rushed about bright-eyed, buttonholing ...
12&12 p.185,
Tradition Twelve
Alcoholics barely dry rushed about bright-eyed, buttonholing anyone who
would listen to their stories.
203.
... alcoholics, being
warped and drugged, do not ...
BB p.142,
To Employers
204.
... alcoholics, but
its application presented difficulties beyond ...
BB xxvii(xxv),
The Doctor's Opinion
We doctors have realized for a long time that some form of moral psychology was of urgent importance to
alcoholics, but its application presented
difficulties beyond
our conception.
205.
... alcoholics, but
this activity should be balanced.
BB p.131,
The Family Afterward
Father will necessarily spend much time with other alcoholics, but this activity should be balanced.
206.
... alcoholics can
consider ourselves fortunate indeed.
12&12 p.37,
Step Three
207.
... alcoholics can't
be dictated to -- individually or ...
12&12 p.174,
Tradition Nine
208.
... alcoholics carried
their message to still others.
12&12 p.17,
Foreword
With the publication of the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" in 1939, the pioneering period ended and a prodigious chain reaction set in as the recovered alcoholics carried their message to still others.
209.
... alcoholics committed
to institutions.
BB p.114,
To Wives
210.
... alcoholics committed
willy-nilly to prisons or asylums, ...
12&12 p.157,
Tradition Six
Watching alcoholics committed willy-nilly to prisons or asylums, we began to cry, "There oughtta be a law!"
211.
... alcoholics could
recover had been made.
12&12 p.18,
Foreword
212.
... alcoholics, crushed
by a self-imposed crisis we ...
BB p.53,
We Agnostics
When we became alcoholics,
crushed by a self-imposed crisis we could not
postpone or evade, we had
to fearlessly face the
proposition that either God is everything or else He is nothing.
213.
... alcoholics described
their drinking experiences and recoveries.
12&12 p.17,
Foreword
The remainder of the book
was devoted to thirty stories or case histories in which the alcoholics described their drinking experiences
and recoveries.
214.
... alcoholics did
resent that verdict!
12&12 p.123,
Step Twelve
215.
... alcoholics difficult
and often unbearable -- could be ...
12&12 p.81,
Step Eight
Such a roster of harms done others -- the kind that make daily living with us as practicing alcoholics difficult and often unbearable -- could be extended almost indefinitely.
216.
Alcoholics especially
should be able to see ...
12&12 p.44,
Step Four
Alcoholics especially
should be able to see that instinct run wild in themselves is the
underlying cause of
their destructive drinking.
217.
... alcoholics flocked
to A.A. by tens of ...
12&12 p.17,
Foreword
In the next years alcoholics flocked to A.A. by tens of thousands, largely as the
result of excellent and
continuous publicity freely given by magazines and newspapers throughout
the world.
218.
... alcoholics for
fees or hire.
12&12 p.191,
Tradition Eight (Long)
219.
... alcoholics for
fees or hire.
BB p.564(566),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
220.
... alcoholics, for
reasons yet obscure, have lost ...
BB p.24,
There Is A Solution
221.
... alcoholics from
a clinic which he attends.
BB p.163,
A Vision For You
And with such good effect that the doctor agreed to a test among his patients and certain other alcoholics from a clinic which he
attends.
222.
... alcoholics from
asylums and hospitals of every ...
BB p.114,
To Wives
Since this book was first published, A.A. has released thousands of
alcoholics from asylums and
hospitals of every kind.
223.
... alcoholics gathered
together for sobriety may call ...
12&12 p.146,
Tradition Four
So confident of this had we become that the original statement of A.A. tradition carried this significant sentence:
"Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group provided that as a group they have no other affiliation."
224.
... alcoholics gathered
together for sobriety may call ...
12&12 p.189,
Tradition Three (Long)
Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group, provided that, as a
group, they have no other affiliation.
225.
... alcoholics gathered
together for sobriety may call ...
BB p.563(565),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group, provided that, as a
group, they have no other affiliation.
226.
... alcoholics had
in common.
12&12 p.123,
Step Twelve
The doctors weren't trying to find how different we were from one another; they sought to find whatever personality traits, if
any, this group of alcoholics had in common.
227.
... alcoholics have
an idea that people are ...
BB p.145,
To Employers
228.
... alcoholics have
enough desire to stop while ...
BB p.32,
More About Alcoholism
229.
... alcoholics have
had what are called vital ...
BB p.27,
There Is A Solution
230.
... alcoholics have
learned this the hard way.
12&12 p.88,
Step Ten
231.
... alcoholics have
much in common and that ...
BB p.95,
Working With Others
But point out that we alcoholics have much in common and that you would like,
in any case, to be friendly.
232.
... alcoholics have
nevertheless concluded that in order ...
BB p.567(569),
Appendix II, Spiritual Experience
Though it was not our intention to create such an impression, many alcoholics have nevertheless concluded that in order to
recover they must acquire an immediate and
overwhelming "God-consciousness" followed at once by a vast change in feeling and outlook.
233.
... alcoholics have
to be pretty badly mangled ...
BB p.43,
More About Alcoholism
Most alcoholics have to be pretty badly mangled before they really commence to solve their problems.
234.
... alcoholics he
has helped.
12&12 p.133,
Tradition Two
Very soon, though, his assumed authority to run everything begins to be
shared with the first alcoholics he has helped.
235.
... alcoholics, he
remains sober day by day.
BB p.570(572),
Appendix III, The Medical View on A.A.
Learning to depend upon a higher power and absorb himself in his work with other alcoholics, he remains sober day by day.
236.
... alcoholics if
they would remain sober, that ...
BB p.159,
A Vision For You
Though they knew they must help other alcoholics if they would
remain sober, that motive became secondary.
237.
... alcoholics if
you do not exhibit any ...
BB p.95,
Working With Others
You will be most successful with alcoholics
if you do not exhibit any passion for crusade or reform.
238.
... alcoholics, impressing
upon them that they must ...
BB xxv(xxiii),
The Doctor's Opinion
As part of his rehabilitation he commenced to present his
conceptions to other
alcoholics, impressing
upon them that they must do likewise with still others.
239.
... alcoholics in
A.A. got, or can we ...
12&12 p.113,
Step Twelve
Have we alcoholics in A.A. got, or can we get, the resources to meet these calamities which come to so
many?
240.
... alcoholics in
A.A. had suddenly gone peaceable, ...
12&12 p.177,
Tradition Ten
Maybe this sounds as though the alcoholics in A.A. had suddenly gone peaceable, and become one great big happy family.
241.
... alcoholics in
A.A. have an earning power ...
12&12 p.121,
Step Twelve
We forgot that most alcoholics in A.A. have an earning power considerably above average; we forgot the immense goodwill of our brother A.A.'s who were only too
eager to help us to better jobs when we deserved them; we forgot
the actual or potential
financial insecurity of every human being in the world.
242.
... alcoholics (in
A.A. or still drinking).
12&12 p.118,
Step Twelve (Note)
Not a part of A.A., this worldwide fellowship
consists of spouses and
other relatives or friends of alcoholics (in A.A. or still drinking).
243.
... alcoholics in
need of help really deluged ...
BB xviii,
Foreword to Second Edition
Then Jack Alexander wrote a feature article in the Saturday Evening Post and placed such a compelling picture of A.A. before the general public that alcoholics in need of help really deluged us.
244.
... alcoholics in
that town, who now felt ...
BB p.158,
A Vision For You
So, you see, there were three
alcoholics in that town, who
now felt they had to give to others what they had found, or be sunk.
245.
... alcoholics in
the world, we have made ...
BB xxi,
Foreword to Second Edition
So far, upon the total problem of several million actual and potential alcoholics in the world, we have made only a scratch.
246.
... alcoholics into
our Fellowship.
12&12 p.180,
Tradition Eleven
Throughout the world,
immense and favorable
publicity of every description has been the principal means of bringing alcoholics into our
Fellowship.
247.
... alcoholics is
a manifestation of an allergy; ...
BB xxviii(xxvi),
The Doctor's Opinion
We believe, and so suggested a few years ago, that the action of alcohol on these
chronic alcoholics is a manifestation of an allergy; that the phenomenon of craving is
limited to this class and
never occurs in the average temperate drinker.
248.
... alcoholics is
a part of Al-Anon.
BB p.121,
To Wives (Note)
249.
... alcoholics must
be rid of this selfishness.
BB p.62,
How It Works
250.
... alcoholics not
yet reached.
BB p.561(563),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
251.
... alcoholics of
our kind like other men.
BB p.30,
More About Alcoholism
Neither does there appear
to be any kind of treatment which will make alcoholics of our kind like other men.
252.
... alcoholics of
our type are in the ...
BB p.30,
More About Alcoholism
253.
... alcoholics of
your organization.
BB p.147,
To Employers
254.
... alcoholics often
turn into the real thing ...
BB p.33,
More About Alcoholism
Potential female alcoholics often turn into the real thing and are gone beyond recall in a few years.
255.
... alcoholics on
the theory that only an ...
BB xvi,
Foreword to Second Edition
Prior to his journey to Akron, the broker had worked hard with many alcoholics on the theory that only an alcoholic could help an alcoholic, but he had succeeded only in keeping
sober himself.
256.
... alcoholics, one
to the other.
12&12 p.151,
Tradition Five
257.
... alcoholics only.
12&12 p.142,
Tradition Three
258.
... alcoholics or
their families.
12&12 p.180,
Tradition Eleven
259.
... alcoholics or
their families may arrange for ...
BB p.573(575),
Appendix VI, How to Get in Touch With A.A.
In large cities, groups often maintain local offices where alcoholics or
their families may arrange for interviews
or hospitalization.
260.
... alcoholics owe
money.
BB p.78,
Into Action
261.
... alcoholics per
square mile than any city ...
BB p.163,
A Vision For You
He had lived there but a few
weeks when he found that the
place probably contained more alcoholics per square mile than any city in the country.
262.
... alcoholics precisely
how we have recovered is ...
BB xiii,
Foreword to First Edition
263.
... alcoholics says
it's going to pay its ...
12&12 p.160,
Tradition Seven
When a society composed
entirely of alcoholics says it's going to pay its bills, that's really news.
264.
... alcoholics scream
that they have no troubles ...
12&12 p.160,
Tradition Seven
265.
... alcoholics see
that we must work together ...
BB p.561(563),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
We alcoholics see that we must work together and hang together, else most of us will finally die alone.
266.
... alcoholics seem
to have the gift of ...
BB p.178,
Doctor Bob's Nightmare
267.
... alcoholics seems
most difficult, and in much ...
BB xxx(xxviii),
The Doctor's Opinion
The classification of alcoholics seems most difficult, and in much detail is outside the scope of this book.
268.
... alcoholics should
constantly have chocolate available for ...
BB p.133,
The Family Afterward
He thought all alcoholics
should constantly have chocolate available for
its quick energy value at times of fatigue.
269.
... alcoholics --
should not drink at all.
12&12 p.157,
Tradition Six
They wanted to say that liquor should be enjoyed,
not misused; hard drinkers ought to slow down, and problem drinkers -- alcoholics -- should not drink at
all.
270.
... alcoholics, sick
people, deranged men.
BB p.149,
To Employers
271.
Alcoholics simply
will not listen to a ...
12&12 p.166,
Tradition Eight
272.
... alcoholics, so
we thought we'd build a ...
12&12 p.155,
Tradition Six
273.
... alcoholics successfully
meet and work together?
BB xviii,
Foreword to Second Edition
The test that it faced was
this: Could these large numbers of erstwhile erratic alcoholics successfully meet and work together?
274.
... alcoholics such
transformations, though frequent, are by ...
BB p.567(569),
Appendix II, Spiritual Experience
Among our rapidly growing membership of thousands of alcoholics such transformations,
though frequent, are by
no means the rule.
275.
... alcoholics than
anything else.
BB p.64,
How It Works
276.
... alcoholics that
they place us in a ...
12&12 p.111,
Step Twelve
By a great deal of ardent Twelfth Step work we sometimes carry the message to so many alcoholics that they place us in a
position of trust.
277.
... alcoholics the
will is amazingly weakened when ...
BB p.7,
Bill's Story
It relieved me somewhat to learn that in
alcoholics the will is amazingly weakened when
it comes to combating liquor, though it often remains strong in other respects.
278.
... alcoholics, the
writers of the book understand.
BB p.112,
To Wives
279.
... alcoholics these
things are poison.
BB p.66,
How It Works
280.
... alcoholics throughout
history.
BB p.24,
There Is A Solution
281.
... alcoholics to
a solution of their problems.
BB p.15,
Bill's Story
My wife and I abandoned
ourselves with enthusiasm to the idea of
helping other alcoholics to a solution of
their problems.
282.
... alcoholics to
achieve sobriety.
Grapevine,
Preamble
283.
... alcoholics to
recover, three successful groups emerged ...
12&12 p.16,
Foreword
After three years of trial and error in selecting the most
workable tenets upon which the Society could
be based, and after a large amount of failure in getting alcoholics to recover, three successful groups emerged -- the first at Akron, the second at New York, and the third at Cleveland.
284.
... alcoholics tried
A.A., but did not succeed ...
12&12 p.23,
Step One
Many less desperate alcoholics tried A.A., but did not succeed because they could
not make the admission of
hopelessness.
285.
... alcoholics trying
to help one another.
12&12 p.178,
Tradition Ten
286.
... alcoholics trying
to hold their faces up ...
12&12 p.141,
Tradition Three
In that time nothing could
be seen but two struggling, nameless groups of alcoholics trying to hold their faces up to the light.
287.
... alcoholics trying
to stay sober, it can ...
12&12 p.160,
Tradition Seven
When you add to this the habitual supposition
that people ought to give money to alcoholics trying to stay sober, it can be understood why we thought we deserved a pile of folding money.
288.
... alcoholics under
investigation were still childish, emotionally ...
12&12 p.123,
Step Twelve
These distinguished men had the nerve to say that most of the alcoholics under investigation
were still childish, emotionally sensitive, and grandiose.
289.
... alcoholics we
appear somewhat sentimental, let them ...
BB xxviii(xxvi),
The Doctor's Opinion
If any feel that as psychiatrists directing a hospital for
alcoholics we appear somewhat sentimental,
let them stand with us a while on the firing line, see the tragedies, the despairing wives, the little children; let the solving of these problems become a part of their daily work, and even of their sleeping moments, and the
most cynical will not wonder that we have accepted and encouraged
this movement.
290.
... alcoholics we
boarded seemed to get sober, ...
12&12 p.137,
Tradition Two
291.
... alcoholics we
get here at Philadelphia General ...
BB p.570(572),
Appendix III, The Medical View on A.A.
Dr. John F. Stouffer, Chief Psychiatrist, Philadelphia General
Hospital, citing his experience with A.A., said: "The alcoholics we get here at Philadelphia General
are mostly those who cannot
afford private treatment, and A.A. is by far the greatest thing we have been able to offer them.
292.
... alcoholics were
on their way to recovery.
BB xviii,
Foreword to Second Edition
293.
... alcoholics were
secret societies.
12&12 p.184,
Tradition Twelve
294.
... alcoholics what
was so freely given him.
12&12 p.133,
Tradition Two
Alone now, he reflects that he may not be able to stay sober, or even alive, unless he passes on to other alcoholics what was so freely given him.
295.
... alcoholics when
he escapes his own difficulties.
BB p.94,
Working With Others
Make it plain he is under no obligation to you, that you hope only that he will try to help other alcoholics when he escapes his own difficulties.
296.
... alcoholics, when
some hired out to corporations ...
12&12 p.167,
Tradition Eight
Even greater furors were provoked when
A.A. members began to run rest homes and farms for alcoholics, when some
hired out to corporations as personnel men in charge of the alcoholic problem in industry, when
some became nurses on alcoholic wards, when others entered the field of alcohol education.
297.
... alcoholics where
they are going to perform ...
12&12 p.191,
Tradition Eight (Long)
But we may employ alcoholics
where they are going to perform those services for which we might otherwise have to engage
nonalcoholics.
298.
... alcoholics where
they are going to perform ...
BB p.564(566),
Appendix I, The A.A. Tradition
But we may employ alcoholics
where they are going to perform those services for which we might otherwise have to engage
nonalcoholics.
299.
... alcoholics which
started in Baltimore a century ...
12&12 p.178,
Tradition Ten
The Washingtonian Society, a movement among alcoholics which started in Baltimore a century ago, almost discovered the answer to alcoholism.
300.
... alcoholics who
are drinking, or who are ...
BB p.142,
To Employers
For most alcoholics who are drinking, or who are just getting over a spree, a certain amount of physical treatment is desirable,
even imperative.
301.
... alcoholics who
are still in distress.
12&12 p.106,
Step Twelve
302.
... alcoholics who
came to A.A. and really ...
BB xx,
Foreword to Second Edition
Of alcoholics who came to A.A. and really tried, 50% got sober at once and remained that way; 25% sobered up after some relapses, and among the remainder, those who stayed on with A.A. showed improvement.
303.
... alcoholics who
had forgotten to send the ...
12&12 p.163,
Tradition Seven
I who had boasted my generosity that morning
was treating my own club worse than the distant alcoholics who had forgotten to send the Foundation their dollars.
304.
... alcoholics who
had picked up the basic ...
BB xvii,
Foreword to Second Edition
Besides these, there were scattered alcoholics who had
picked up the basic ideas in Akron or New York who were trying to form groups in other cities.
305.
... alcoholics who
have any idea how irrational ...
12&12 p.32,
Step Two
Few indeed are the practicing alcoholics who
have any idea how irrational they are, or seeing their irrationality, can bear
to face it.
306.
Alcoholics who
have derided religious people will ...
BB p.131,
The Family Afterward
307.
... alcoholics who
have drunk themselves out of ...
12&12 p.51,
Step Four
But all alcoholics who have drunk themselves out of jobs, family, and friends will need to cross-examine themselves ruthlessly
to determine how their own
personality defects
have thus demolished
their security.
308.
... alcoholics who
have recovered in A.A., they ...
12&12 p.112,
Step Twelve
And if these are facts of life for the many alcoholics who have recovered
in A.A., they can become the
facts of life for many more.
309.
... alcoholics who
might be glad to have ...
BB p.14,
Bill's Story
While I lay in the hospital the thought came that there were thousands of hopeless
alcoholics who might be glad
to have what had been so freely given me.
310.
Alcoholics who
still had their health, their ...
12&12 p.23,
Step One
Alcoholics who still had
their health, their families, their jobs, and even two cars in the garage, began to recognize their alcoholism.
311.
... alcoholics who
wish to marry and are ...
12&12 p.119,
Step Twelve
312.
... alcoholics whose
lives could have been saved, ...
BB p.103,
Working With Others
A spirit of intolerance might repel
alcoholics whose lives could have been saved,
had it not been for such stupidity.
313.
... alcoholics would
reproach us and say, "What ...
12&12 p.129,
Tradition One
Back again in their caves, alcoholics would reproach us and say, "What a
great thing A.A. might have been!"
314.
... alcoholics would
spend lavishly on Twelfth Step ...
12&12 p.160,
Tradition Seven
It was soon apparent that
while alcoholics would spend lavishly on Twelfth Step cases, they had a terrific
aversion to dropping
money into a meeting-place hat for group purposes.
Passages from the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous
and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
are reprinted with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.
The A.A. Preamble, copyright ©
The A.A. Grapevine, Inc., is reprinted with permission.
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