After identifying shortcomings and admitting to them by working steps 4 and 5, the next step forces members of 12step recovery groups to ask. It is not a step workbook that is up to the reader and sponsor but it does get a person focused in on the information and power of the words and stories. It is the basic text of the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous, and has helped large numbers of alcoholic men and women, young and old, recover as of december 2009, 30,664,881 copies of the big book have been sold or otherwise distributed source aa gso ny. In the old days, these character defects were seen as the underlying psychodynamics that caused the addiction.
Wilson, one of the founders of alcoholics anonymous aa. Big book overview alcoholics anonymous or the big book as it is commonly called was first published in 1939 and was subtitled the story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism. The big book is a necessary tool for members of alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous. Twelve step prayers spiritual alcoholics anonymous cleveland. Home read the big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions alcoholics anonymous alcoholics anonymous this is the fourth edition of the big book, the basic text for alcoholics anonymous. There are, however, additional promises in the big book. The key to step 6 is acceptanceaccepting character defects exactly as they. Every member of aa will find this app very useful yet quite simple to use. In twelve steps and twelve traditions, the guidebook written by one of aas founders, the chapter on step 6 begins. This is the fourth edition of the big book, the basic text for alcoholics anonymous. First printed in 1939 and 1952, respectively, both were principally authored by aa cofounder bill wilson.
If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask god to help us be willing. Step 2 came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Bob has helped millions of men and women give up alcoholism and drug addiction. Home read the big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions. It is the basic text of the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous, and has helped large numbers of alcoholic men and women, young and old, recover. What actions can you take to show that you are entirely ready. To read a pdf version of the fourth edition of alcoholics anonymous. Helping others newcomers is the foundation stone of your recovery. Click the link above to download the printable 12 step guide.
The big book alcoholics anonymous outlines how it works. Alcoholics anonymous, or aa, is a 12step program designed to help give alcoholics support in staying sober. In the big book and beyond the most obvious difference between the big book of alcoholics anonymous and the twelve steps and twelve traditions are in steps six and seven. Since the first edition appeared, in 1939, it has helped millions of men and women recover from alcoholism. Discover how alcoholics anonymous step 6 says, we became willing to ask.
Dec 20, 2019 alcoholics anonymous, or aa, is a 12 step program designed to help give alcoholics support in staying sober. With a feature packed big book reader, search tool, sobriety calculator, notes, aa contacts database and more, the 12 steps aa companion experience is unmatched. So step sixwere entirely ready to have god remove all these defects of characteris a. The following is a list ofapproximately 150 promises that i compiled from the first edition of the big book. A list, and look, at the big book step study bbss meetings. Since alcoholism effects us physically, mentally and spiritually more on that in working step 1, its important to realize that aa s solution to alcoholism as outlined in the big book would also need to have three parts. This step is described on roman numeral pages 25 32 xxv xxxii, on pages 1 44. Listen to the entire alcoholics anonymous big book as well as audiobooks, audio courses, and speaker tapes to help you stop drinking, live sober, and recover from alcoholism.
Aa speakers joe and charlie steps 10, 11, and 12 the big book comes alive duration. Now we can aim at the very best of all we know or can learn. Steps six and seven are only briefly discussed in the book alcoholics anonymouscommonly called the big bookwhich serves as a basic text. If you got through both of those steps, good job on your achievement. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Outlining the steps and traditions that make aa famous, as well as numerous stories about recovering addicts who have been through the process, the big book has helped guide millions into a life of sobriety. Step 6 requires participants to become willing to look at their negative qualities and ask their higher power to help them change.
Our notes, commentary, and genderinclusive changes are formatted in italics. Step 6 introduces the phrase defects of character, which requires some comment. A study of step 6 of the 12step program verywell mind. When you are ready to work the sixth step of alcoholics anonymous, a helpful metaphor that help you remember the goal of this step is to drop the rock. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism generally known as the big book because of the thickness of the paper used in the first edition is a 1939 basic text, describing how to recover from alcoholism, primarily written by william g. Rightly and naturally, we think well before we choose the per son or persons with whom to take this intimate and con. This metaphor is based on the book of the same name which is published by hazelden publishing. This app is like always having the aa big book in your pocket. Step 6 ready to remove defects of character youtube. Jun 17, 2016 the big book is clearwe do this to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to god and our fellow man. Welcome to big book revealed a site dedicated to the process of recovery as outlined in the big book of alcoholics anonymous.
It is dedicated to those who want recovery from alcoholism, but have difficulty with the word god. Aas are often asked what is the difference between defects of character in step six and shortcomings in step seven. I usually like to start a study of the big book way of life with something on the circle and triangle. Steps six and seven are only briefly discussed in the book alcoholics anonymouscommonly called the big bookwhich serves as a basic text for many in addiction recovery. Step four asked you to compile a moral inventory and step five asked that you share your wrongs with your chosen higher power and with a discreet person that you trust. The big book is clearwe do this to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to god and our fellow man. There is no one set way that the founders and pioneers worked the steps.
George b was a practicing dentist for 47 years and is now a graduate student in a masters degree program for addiction counseling. Our shortcomings can be seen as a rock of considerable weight that is hanging. Steps by the big book step 6 steps by the big book. Especially, as that word gets used by individuals who embrace traditional religious concepts of what it means to them. Sustained and personal exertion necessary to conform to gods will. As of december 2009, 30,664,881 copies of the big book have been sold or otherwise distributed source aa gso ny. We thank god from the bottom of our heart that we know him better. This does not mean that we expect all our character defects to be lifted out of us as the. It is meant to provide all the resources one needs to study the 12 steps as outlined in the 4th edition of alcoholics anonymous. He goes on to explain that any person capable of enough willingness and honesty to try re. A simple guide that works with the big book to make step work fast, concise and powerful. Taking this book down from our shelf we turn to the page which contains the twelve steps. Aa speaker entirely willing and ready steps 6 and 7.
The big book of alcoholics anonymous kindle edition by. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the big book of alcoholics anonymous. The big book holds within it the central thesis and ideas of alcohol anonymous and the 12 step approach. Stepbystep guide for sponsors a companion to aas big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions.
The alcoholics anonymous authored book, the twelve steps and twelve traditions, famously calls step six the step that separates the men. I have been preparing for a significant change in my life and now i need to make sure that i am ready. So declares a wellloved clergyman who happens to be one of a. This site has been built and maintained to support anyone in recovery. Breaking down step six of aa alcoholics anonymous jason wahler. Since alcoholism effects us physically, mentally and spiritually more on that in working step 1, its important to realize that aas solution to alcoholism as outlined. In order for this to happen we must go directly into steps 10, 11 and 12 while doing step 9. The big book serves as the foundation for the alcoholics anonymous 12step program. Nov 17, 2019 learn from inspiring stories by alanon speakers. Aa the original way 12 step guide aa the original way group. Were entirely ready to have god remove all these defects of character. Remember that as recently as dsmii, alcoholism and addiction were listed as personality disorders american psychiatric association, 1968.
Those of us belonging to a religious denomination which requires confession must, and of course, will want to go to the properly appointed au. Aa speakers joe and charlie steps 5, 6, 7, and 8 the big book comes alive duration. It is the first text written about the experiences of the founders of the a. Jul 30, 2016 aa speakers joe and charlie steps 5, 6, 7, and 8 the big book comes alive duration. When breaking down step six i like to focus more on the word ready than entirely. The big book from alcoholics anonymous text book chuck c a new pair of glasses aa speaker tapes bill w varieties of religious experience william james ref aa big book aa speaker mark h. Get tips on how to quit substance abuse through the use of the 12 step program. This guide has been prepared not as a replacement for or interference to our basic texts the big book and 12 and 12 but as a companion for the ideas and directions presented there. For further study, it is suggested that you get a copy of the big book of alcoholics anonymous. All guests registered for big book seminar 2020 have been automatically preregistered for big book seminar 2021. Known as the big book, it is in its fourth edition and is widely circulated through out the world. Aa speakers joe and charlie steps 5, 6, 7, and 8 the big book comes alive.
Step four is an effort to discove r our liabilities. Steps by the big book step 5 steps by the big book. Breaking down step six of aa alcoholics anonymous jason. Some of the promises are directly associated with completion of a step. We provide this study guide based on personal experience to help those following aa s 12 steps as outlined in the original big book, alcoholics anonymous aa. We provide this study guide based on personal experience to help those following aas 12 steps as outlined in the original big book, alcoholics anonymous aa. Alcoholics anonymous step four has prepared you for step five, and by finding the courage to overcome that fear of rejection or the shame of your confession, you experience honesty on a deeper level than in your first step of admission, and you break the pattern of denial that often plagues those suffering with alcoholism. Heres are two great step six activities that you can do.
If faith without works is dead, willingness without action is fantasy. Stepbystep guide for sponsors a companion to aas big book. Sep 25, 2018 the key to step 6 is acceptanceaccepting character defects exactly as they are and the willingness to let them go. T his is the step that separates the men from the boys. Downloadable group workbook companion to the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous aa, for adults who desire information on alcoholism and addiction recovery. Alcoholics anonymous, or aa, is a 12 step program designed to help give alcoholics support in staying sober. Step four 42 made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
It is an open invitation to partner with our higher power and make a firm decision to let go of the character defects or flaws that have been in control for years. However the word ready is a reminder that we are prepared, open and available. Our workbook companion to alcoholics anonymous 12 steps of recovery from alcoholism and addiction is called steps by the big book. Step 6 is an important step in recovery for several reasons. Big book step index step 1 we admitted we were powerless over alcohol that our lives had become unmanageable. This is a study guide to the book alcoholics anonymous. This is the step that separates the men from the boys. This is a big misconception about alcoholics anonymous and one. These last three steps keep us current and help us to continue to solidify the foundation of our recovery. Below is a short version of those six steps which bill w. Step six were entirely ready to have god remove all these defects of character. Alcoholics anonymous step four has prepared you for step five, and by finding the courage to overcome that fear of rejection or the shame of your confession, you experience honesty on a deeper level than in your first step of admission, and you break the pattern of. Notwithstanding the great necessity for discussing ourselves with. Having made our personal inventory, what shall we do about it.