How many books save lives?
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Sometimes I think the most powerful evidence that there is something to this book is that the AA program started with just two people and has grown to millions. Why? Because it actually does help people not only quit drinking but to enjoy life in a way that they never could before. I know people who drank to the point where their skin and eyes were yellow, people who have repeatedly been sent to jail and treatment facilities due to drinking but couldn't stop drinking get and stay sober after they read this book and followed its basic instructions.
There are a lot of misconceptions about this book, with many claiming it to be a program of forced religion. The truth is that there are a lot of people who come into AA having insurmountable issues with the religion of their upbringing, with organized religion in general and with the concept of a capitol "G" god. This is in no way an obstacle to following the AA program. Many in AA do find something that they choose to call God after following the program, many do not. Critics often point out that AA's roots are to be found in the Oxford groups and then fail to appreciate the fact that AA split from the Oxford groups.
A large part of the value of this book to me personally is that it clearly instructs one how to work the program of AA as it is meant to be worked, proving false many of the misconceptions about the program that are found not only in the general public but within AA itself.
If you have a drinking problem and can't quit no matter how much reason you have for quitting, this book is recommended by millions who had the same problem. At the least, it won't hurt to read it!!!
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The Bible for the Addicted Person
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Why are there so many AA groups around today? You know the answer. This book is a must-have for anyone with an addiction problem. Even if you are a drug addict, and not an alcoholic, you should still get a copy of The Big Book. (If you are an addict, get a copy of the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text as well!) This book lays out a plan for sobreity that has worked for countless others. It contains the twelve steps and traditions of AA, and explains then as well. It also contains chapters called "We Agnostics" (for those questioning the spiritual priniciples of AA/the existence of a higher power) and "To Wives" and "To Employers." Overall it is a great book. But one of the best parts is the stories in the second half. It has tales of recovery from AA pioneers, doctors, as well as young people and people who "nearly lost all". Although this book is written in a bit of an old fashioned way (probably because its about fifty plus years old!), you can get past the "thee" and "thou" wording if you want "what they have."
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Mixed Feelings
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I received a copy of this book recently. I haven't read through it in its entirety but I am familiar with the AA program, having attended AA meetings myself and also having friends who are in AA. Without a doubt, AA has helped many people. And for that, it deserves the praise and recognition it receives. However, it does not work for everyone. And for those who are not helped by it, it's not a matter of not "working the program" or any other failure on their part. We all come from different backgrounds, some of which are not conducive to the AA approach. For example, some people who have been hurt by fundamentalist religions seem to have a natural aversion to AA. It may be because of similarities having to do with self-debasement (You are helpless. You are powerless. You need to turn your will over to a Higher Will, etc.). In any case, it demonstrates the point that AA is not for everyone. There is also the issue of intellectual integrity. For unbelievers (e.g. agnostics and atheists), many have reached their unbelief through a deliberative process. So, it is unrealistic to think that one should have to leave one's unbelief at the door in order to be "saved" from alcohol. One need not (and should not have to) prostitute one's mind in order to deal with chemical addiction. Other effective programs (e.g. Secular Organizations for Sobriety; and SMART Recovery) demonstrate that fact. That people should not be forced by law to listen to ideas that are contrary to their own conscience seems as American as apple pie. Yet, the current healthcare system is heavily biased towards AA, often coercing people against their conscience. Fortunately, the courts are slowly coming to accept the fact that non-spiritual alternatives exist; and that people should be permitted to go where they receive the best help for their situation.
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Give it a Try!
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I found the volume to be convincing for me, and a wonderful source of suggested directions, where no other existed before, except by fee or conformity. The book claims all humans have some form of emotional and psychological problems and when this is coupled with alcohol abuse the sufferer can feel hopeless and beyond human aid. This text gave me a new type of perspective into my mind and of others around me. The book never claims to be the only perspective. Give it a try. No one will make your decisions for you, that (Thank God or what ever you choose to be a higher power or not to chose or whatever you want, no rules here) you will get to do all on your own. Perhaps thats why many scoff, because the truth is YOURS TO BE FOUND, and it enflames the scoffers emotionally or psychologically. Finally if you are reading this GO TO A MEETING NOW!!!!!!! P.S. that is not a subliminal message for you cult fans. I would of loved to give my name but it's about being anonymous, you know that stuff about ego deflation.
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Lifesaver
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It perplexes me there are so few reviews of this great book. Last time I checked, there were eight -- at least it's double digits now.
It perplexes me because this book has saved literally millions of lives. For anyone struggling with alcoholism, this is the way to get sober. The principles of the program can -- and have been -- applied to just about any addiction. This program is the foundation of Cocaine Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and every other 12 step program. This is where it all started.
My pastor mentioned in church just today how the sprituality of people who've been in 12 step programs is sometimes especially striking. That's true. It's because if a person follows the 12 steps, they will find it a life-changing experience. They will not be exactly the same person they were when they started. For more on this, see a passage in the book known in the program that took its name from the book's title as "the promises."
If you read this book, also read the accompanying 12 Steps and 12 Traditions volume. The two go together -- though if you read only one read this one.
The book is especially helpful in dealing with the issue of a higher power.
The book goes way beyond what someone will find in a typical AA meeting. A person who is attempting sobriety needs this book, a sponsor and the meetings.
This is, statistically, the best shot there is at sobriety. This book and the program it spawned are an extraordinary gift for those who choose to accept them.
The newcomer might find the book somewhat dated. Stick with it. It's worth it. And, as time goes by, it will become clearer and clearer.
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