Congratulations, you've taken the first step towards conquering your addiction by attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. However, if this is your first time seeking out recovery you may just be finding out that there's more to conquering your addiction than attending the meeting. This is where the AA big book comes into play.
The AA big book has been specifically designed with the right steps, stories, and techniques to help you take control of your addiction and make steady progress through your path of recovery.
If you're new to Alcoholics Anonymous and want to learn more about the AA big book and how it can help you with your journey read on for more information
What to Do Before Cracking Open the AA Big Book
The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book is different than your average workbook. That's because it requires a fair amount of vulnerability, time, and clarity to work your way through.
It helps if before you start to work on the AA big book you have someone that has completed it, such as a sponsor, that can help you make your way through the twelve steps.
You'll also find put the AA big book may refer to Bible verses or make specific Christian references throughout its teachings.
It's important to keep in mind that you don't have to be a Christian or belong to any type of religion to actually work your way through the big book. You do however need to be able to surrender yourself to a higher power.
This higher power doesn't necessarily have to be God, it could even be a higher version of yourself that has greater control over your addiction.
Once you have committed yourself to work your way through the big book, have established a certain amount of time every day that you can dedicate to its lessons, and a sponsor that has worked their way through the book and can offer you adequate advice, you're ready to get started.
Working Through the 12 Steps
There are twelve steps in total that are included in working through the big book.
Most of these steps you'll be able to work through on your own while others involve speaking face-to-face with those that you've wrong by taking responsibility for your past actions.
The 12 steps in the AA big book include:
- Admitting that you're powerless over alcohol
- Believing in a higher power that can help
- Making the decision to turn your life around
- Taking a complete and fearless moral inventory
- Admitting to God and to others in the ways that you've wronged
- Asking God to remove the defects from your character
- Asking God to remove your shortcomings
- Making a list of all people that you've harmed and attempting to make amends
- Making direct amends as much as possible
- Continued personal inventory
- Daily prayer and meditation to continue your contact with God
- Helping others that are going through the same journey and struggle
It's important to know that many of these steps will be harder than others. In fact, it's entirely normal to get stuck on some steps for months at a time. If you get truly stuck, you can always turn to your sponsor for help.
There is no race to the finish line when it comes to the AA big book. What matters is that you're completing each step with as much honesty and clarity as you possibly can.
No Guarantee of Forgiveness
Many individuals working through the AA big book imagine that this is a magic book that will solve everything. The important thing to know is that the book only has as much power as you give it.
In order for the book to change your life, you may need to go back to it repeatedly, sometimes for years until its lessons and steps are fully absorbed.
It's also important to know the steps won't necessarily fix your relationships for you. However, it will help you make the right steps towards doing just that.
Attempting to make amends with those you love won't necessarily guarantee forgiveness. The important thing is that you're able to forgive yourself for your wrongdoings and give enough space and patience to those you want to mend your relationship with as well.
Partnering the Big Book with Meetings
The big book also won’t magically work on its own. It’s best to partner working through the steps and attending regular meetings.
Remember, when the urge to drink arises, it’s better to find the closest meeting you can than to work through the book. If a meeting is unavailable, then turn to your sponsor who may guide you through a section of the AA big book.
Your sponsor is there you and should be available whenever you need them, utilizing their experience along with the meetings and the book can help you make massive strides in your recovery.
The Right Tools for Lasting Recovery
Recovery looks different for individuals, and different tools will help different people stay on track. For many, it’s the AA big book. For others, it’s holding out just long enough to get their next recovery coin.
The more your recovery motivation is incorporated into your daily life, the easier it will be to focus on the task at hand. It’s all about finding what works for you.
If you’re looking to fill your life with the right tools and inspiration to conquer your alcohol addiction, check out our product listing for more offers.