More helpful than the big book in some circumstances. Especially if you are not coming into recovery for the first time but returning from a relapse/or multiple years of relapse. Much more inspired by personality psychology and humanist philosophy than the New Thought inspired big book. This is Jnana yoga for the recovering mind. Much more to reflect on in here than the supposed MUST Do's of the big book.

I originally read this book unsure of what it would amount to. It was definitely a difficult read especially compared to the usual books I read. The premise of this book was exactly what the title outlined it wen't into detail about the twelve steps and twelve traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.To me this book was quite repetitive with in each step and tradition. It also wasn't extremely relatable. Like this excerpt,"How he does cherish the thought that man, risen so majestically from a single cell in the primordial ooze, is the spearhead of evolution and therefore the only god that his universe knows!" This may apply to many, but understood by few. Out of the thousands of AA members out there there is bound to be few who are completely lost after reading this. I know it was difficult to wrap my head around and I have met addicts younger and/or less educated then myself. This gets me. Why make something so abstract and strenuous if some beginning the program are unable to uphold a job never the less decipher something this confusing. Now towards the end I felt this book was written from a slightly sexist point of view. I won't get into that though because the book was written early 1950's. Overall I found it interesting if you are a person invested in understanding this topic I would very much so recommend it. It is the only program by far that has saved so many from possible death.

excellent book for addictions even if you don't take harmful substsnces.

sober

A perpetual read

This works if you are honest with yourself and work the program

SO glad I listened to this! Recommended by a dear family member. I find in it truths that have settled in my mind, truths I have known from my Christian and human life, and truths I am still mulling as they descend upon me, fresh and new. I am so grateful to be learning about addiction and healing, and to have learned from these pioneers in the field. I know 12 steps isn't for everyone, but it sure has helped a lot of people. And now I understand why.

Always reading.

Healing.

Wise.

Nothing short of a miracle.

5/5 stars ⭐️

I had to read this for my internship lol

I would give the book that helped many helpless souls five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, but, ... I don't know why the divine has to be mixed with "the god as you understand it". As I understand it, God is the Universe and is not that easy translatable in other parts where the book mentions the divine or God's will. Universe's will is a thing that doesn't exist, or if it does, it's so far removed from our perception of God's will and it's called science.

Still would VERY recommend the book to all struggling with too much thirst of any kind (people can get addicted to more than just alcohol), because you should always look for similarities, not the differences.

Although they state firmly over and over that you don't have to believe in their Christian God, just some form of "higher power", they go on to reiterate how much you need God. Then in one of the final chapters they reveal their true intent with the reasoning behind not kicking out atheists. They record how badly they wanted this man out that they hoped and wished and even pushed him to drink, hoping he would fail so they could be rid of him (apparently no set backs were allowed either, he would be one and done.) This went on for years and years and they hated his guts, even though he was one of the biggest supporters of AA and was helping mentor others successfully. Then apparently he had a spiritual awakening of some sort and they decided never to kick an atheist out because they may be converted one day.
Perhaps this used to work. I doubt it. but today, with religious extremism and intolerance and religious trauma so prevalent, I find it dangerous and disgusting. I hope addicts who have very good reasons not to be around religion find some other way to be helped.