In an effort to better understand (part of) the journey of someone I love, I am committed to learning about AA.

In an attempt to understand alcoholism and the AA program, I read Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Here are my takeaways:

On page 24, it is suggested that every A.A. member must hit bottom first and that this is the core, underlying principle of alcoholics: thinking you're smarter or superior and being defiant. "...most alcoholics are childish, emotionally sensitive and grandiose...prodded by unreasonable fears or anxieties" (123), and as such, this remains the constant theme of the book: "Without a willing and persistent effort ... there can be little sobriety or contentment..." (43). There is more about willingness and persistent effort and complete honesty on pages 40 and 63.

Other than step one, there is no perfection, no black and white. "Nearly every one of us had wished to do great good, perform great deeds and embody great ideas. We are all perfectionists who, failing perfection, have gone to the other extreme and settled for the bottle and blackout" (156).

"Alcoholics are certainly all-or-nothing people" (161). So then, steps 2-12 are something to be pursued forever; they are never finished. They are also mere suggestions.

Why do alcoholics drink? "We have drunk to drown feelings of fear, frustration and depression. We have drunk to escape the guilt of passions and then have drunk again to make more passions possible (44). But also, "...character defects ... have been the primary cause of his drinking and his failure at life (50)." "Until now, our lives have been largely devoted to running from pain and problems. We fled from them as a plague. We never wanted to deal with the fact of suffering. Escape via the bottle was always our solution. Character-building [is what is necessary]" (74).

Coming back to the consistent theme, an alcoholic must stop rebelling (72) as "...serious character flaws made problem drinkers of us in the first place, flaws which must be dealt with to prevent a retreat into alcoholism once again" (73).

Alcoholics suffer a "total inability to form a true partnership with another human being” (53).

So then the focus remains on personal development. "...Character building and spiritual values had to come first" (71) and realizing that "we had taken satisfactions to be the end and aim of life" (71), the focus is on honesty and morality. "...honesty, tolerance and true love ... the daily basis of living" (71).

On page 51 are powerful questions, including: "Did I try to cover up feelings of inadequacy by bluffing, cheating, lying or evading responsibility? ... Did I recklessly borrow money caring little whether it was repaid or not?"

Step 10 reminded me of mindfulness, as alcoholics are asked "can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance, and live to good purpose under all conditions?" (88). "Many of us have never really acquired the habit of accurate self-appraisal."

"The quick inventory is aimed at our daily ups and downs, especially those where people or new events throw us off balance and tempt us to make mistakes" (91).

Alcoholics in A.A. work on their development of restraint, self-control, true tolerance, real love, and "courtesy, kindness, justice and love are the keynotes by which we may come into harmony" (91).

Alcoholics are aiming "daily to spot, admit, and correct flaws is the essence of character-building and good living. (95). Recommended is the persistent use of meditation and prayer so that “...the satisfaction of instincts cannot be the sole end and aim of our lives" (114).

This has been a most useful book throughout my recovery. I am constantly referring to it for various insights into the 12 Steps and for how best to utilize the traditions in groups to which I belong.

Helpful for anyone whose life has been affected by substance abuse.

Great book. Explains the 12-step process of recovery, step by step. Includes information about the Traditions, or by-laws, of AA, which is how the organization has survived since 1935.

Thank you all the anonymous writers who have shared so honestly. Our tradition is sharing experience, strength, and hope.

Definitely worth reading if you are going to or are working the 12 steps.
I also appreciated the information on the 12 traditions which helped me to understand al anon groups more

Love this. Working through the steps helps! It works if you work it!

yes, i didnt really choose to read this. Things in life happened and I needed to read this. It was interesting. Obviously it outlined 12 steps and 12 traditions of AA but it also was a case study as to how it developed from early days.

great book and good reminders of the purpose of each step and tradition. I know that i'll use this as a reference for the future.

As a religious person, this is biased. Those suffering may close doors or fall blankly because of how heavily the program relies on the foundation of faith. The literature is inconclusive whether or not this works

I’ve read this more than once, my first time was back when I was in treatment for alcoholism. Years ago! Good book!