Alcohol Abuse Advice

Big Book Alcoholic Anonymous

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, which was first published in 1939, is the main text of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Although new stories have been added, most of the Big Book is exactly the same as it was originally written.

Most of the material in the Big Book is based on the knowledge of “Bill W.,” “Dr. Bob,” and Dr. William Silkworth. Bill W. and Dr. Bob, who together founded Alcoholics Anonymous, describe in this book the clear details of what alcoholism and the life of an alcoholic is like, and what one must do to recover. In addition to sharing their own personal drinking and recovery experiences, they detail in the Big Book the basic guidelines for recovery, known as the Twelve Steps. Even though the Big Book remains in its original form of language and terminology, it is still the number-one book for any alcoholic who wishes to confront and deal with his problem, for people in the alcoholic’s life who wish to better understand the subject and the individual, and for anyone who is interested in the subject for any reason.

Another very important part of the Big Book is a detailed overview of the subject of alcoholism, written by a psychiatrist. Dr. William Silkwood spells out, in clear language, what this problem is all about. Dr. Silkwood was one of the pioneers in his field, in terms of recognizing alcoholism as a condition in itself. Not only does he illustrate what alcoholism is and what it is not, he also expresses that there is hope for the person who truly desires recovery.

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. In addition to the writings of Dr. Bob, Bill W., and Dr. Silkwood, which remain in their original format, newer editions also contain a variety of different stories from Alcoholics Anonymous members. These members share their stories about their drinking days, how they came to the A.A. Program, and how Alcoholics Anonymous has helped in causing positive changes in their lives. The personal stories of members vary, depending on which edition of the Big Book one happens to have; but the general point in their inclusion is that the A.A. Program is equally valid and equally helpful to anyone who is an alcoholic, regardless of age, gender, background, or location.

Regardless of one’s personal range of interest in the subject– whether one is an alcoholic, a friend or family member thereof, a professional, or simply a curious observer– everything that one might need to know about the subject of alcoholism is in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. It describes the destruction and hardships that are a usual part of the life of an alcoholic, and it also describes in detail what one should do in order to move himself and his life away from such a way of life. The Big Book gives the reader the accurate facts, and the stories of how many other people beat this disease also gives the reader hope.

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