The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Key Takeaways

• The Big Book, formally titled Alcoholics Anonymous, is the foundational text of the AA program, first published in 1939 and written by AA co-founder Bill W.¹
• It contains the 12 Steps (principles of personal recovery), the 12 Traditions (guidelines for group unity), and personal recovery stories from early AA members.
• The Big Book is available in multiple languages and is used in more than 180 countries where AA is offered.²
• AA members use The Big Book for personal reflection, group discussion, and understanding addiction as a health condition.

Formally titled Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than 100 Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism, the Big Book is the foundational component of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program.

Here, you'll learn how the Big Book fits into AA and how you can use it as part of your recovery. You'll also learn how to find a 12-Step AA program in your area.

What Is The Big Book of AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a text first published in 1939. Many people call it the "Big Book." Written by AA co-founder Bill Wilson (Bill W.) and reviewed by early members of the program, The Big Book is available in several languages and is used in more than 180 countries where AA is offered.^1,2

Many AA groups view The Big Book as a core part of the program because it outlines a path to stop drinking and keep going. It also includes the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions. The steps describe "principles of personal recovery," and the traditions offer guidance for keeping the fellowship unified.

What Does The Big Book of AA Talk About?

The Big Book opens with Bill W.'s personal story and includes stories from more than 40 early AA members, who some people call AA "pioneers."¹ It also focuses on topics related to sobriety, such as:

• Learning and accepting that change is possible when alcohol has started to feel overwhelming.
• Learning more about alcohol use and how it can affect the brain and behavior.
• Developing a belief in a higher power of your understanding.
• Learning what steps to take and what results you might notice.
• Following a clear set of directions for taking action.
• Supporting other people in recovery.

The Big Book also includes chapters for family members and other loved ones, including spouses, employers, and families. It reflects the idea that alcohol use can affect both you and the people around you.

The Fourth Edition is the most recent version of The Big Book.¹ Over the years, many changes have been made to The Big Book to help it stay relevant for more AA members.

How Is The Big Book Used in Addiction Recovery?

Many people use the AA Big Book to support recovery in a few ways, including:

• Personal reflection. Many AA members use The Big Book while working through the 12 Steps. You can also reflect on your own experiences as you read.
• Group discussion. AA meetings often use Big Book passages as starting points for group discussions.
• Education. The Big Book shares ideas about alcohol addiction, which can help you understand your experiences and connect with others in AA.

The Big Book can give AA members common ground, which may support connection with others.

How to Find a 12-Step AA Program

Many people first learn about AA during addiction treatment. You might first encounter AA in:

• Inpatient rehab.
• Outpatient programs.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP).
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP).

Depending on your withdrawal symptoms, you may attend AA meetings during medical detox.

AA meetings may be part of group therapy during rehab. Some people also use AA as a recovery support group during sober living and other types of rehab aftercare.

You also have options outside of a treatment center. Many areas have meetings nearby. To find an AA meeting near you, you can download the Meeting Guide App and search. You can also use the AA meeting finder to locate local and online meetings.

Learn More About AA

• AA Step 1
• AA Step 2
• AA Step 3
• AA Step 4
• AA Step 5
• AA Step 6
• AA Step 7
• AA Step 8
• AA Step 9
• AA Step 10
• AA Step 11
• AA Step 12

Find Support

If you need support, you don't have to do this alone. Recovery.com can help you find and compare treatment providers, including programs that incorporate 12-Step principles or offer more structured care, so you can choose the path that fits your needs. Explore specialized alcohol addiction treatment programs to find the right environment for healing.