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Who Answers?The Big Book is AA’s most important text, and it focuses on a number of the fundamental teachings of the program, including the 12 steps. Call
800-948-8417
Who Answers?
today if you are looking for a safe, reliable rehab program that will help you recover from addiction on your terms.
What is the Big Book?
Known as the Big Book because of the thickness of the paper of its original version, Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism is actually considered by many to be one of the most influential works written in the English language. It was authored by William Griffith Wilson (also known a Bill W.) in 1939.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the book contains “stories of the drinking experiences and recovery” of a number of individuals, many of which are still relevant today. It also explains the 12-steps and other lessons important to AA and, in many ways, to the overall treatment of any substance abuse or behavioral addiction disorder.
Why is the Big Book So Important?
The Big Book outlines the 12 steps and other important lessons of AA.
The Big Book has influenced millions of individuals as well as the face of health, medicine, and recovery as a whole. Before the book was written, many believed alcoholism to be an issue of will and that those who were unable to overcome their drinking were not trying hard enough. AA and its seminal text helped to convince the world that addiction is not an issue of weakness but is actually a serious disease that must be treated in a number of ways.
Do I Need to Read the Big Book to Be in AA?
It can be very helpful to read the text in order to understand the program better. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are a number of helpful, therapeutic approaches that assist patients in better understanding AA and dispelling some of the myths of the program.
Reading the Big Book can help to do this as well. The Big Book can be read for free online, as can the other texts associated with AA.
Learning from the Big Book
You can learn a number of beneficial lessons by reading the Big Book and attending AA meetings. The program requires participation, so it isn’t enough that you merely read the text alone, but recovery is possible and has occurred for many through participation with AA. However, one of the best ways to ensure a safe and successful recovery from substance abuse is to attend professional treatment before or in addition to a support group like AA.
Many rehab programs provide options where patients can attend meetings and/or receive counseling that utilizes the 12 steps. If you would like to find one of these programs and begin attending treatment, call
800-948-8417
Who Answers?
now. We will help you find the best option for your personal needs and ensure you the safest recovery possible.
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The 12th step of AA is to try to bring the message of the program to others. It is important, though, to do so in a way that is not intrusive and to be kind to those you meet and to speak whom you speak. If you are struggling with substance abuse, call now to…