First published, 2/2004 TCCNE, Hurst, TX
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
A Review/Critique by: Eldon E. Land
Recovered Alcoholic/Addict
PSYC 2315
As a man who oftentimes struggles with indecision, I
frequently have to ask (God) for help. So why should a self-help book
review/critique be any different—it is not. I can only thank the man, who was
used as an instrument during class, when he said; something to the effect of:
“All these new people come into A. A., get a sponsor, and how many of them stay
sober—none.” I was somewhat shocked at first, but not surprised. That statement
influenced me to use the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” for my critique,
and to shed some light on the subject.
It was Friday November 30, 2001, and the noon Lunch Bunch
Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous was already in progress, when the UPS driver
came through the door with four cases of the newly released, and much
anticipated, “ Fourth Edition of The Big Book.” I could hardly contain myself
as I signed for them. I asked my sponsor Bob F. to do the honors and open the
first case. He took out the first one—opened it to page one reminding us that
it is blank to signify what we know—nothing—everyone laughed. As the meeting
continued, the book circulated around for all to sign with their name and
sobriety date. Forty-five people signed it with a combined total of over 200
years of sobriety. That book stays in the front desk for the “chairperson” to
use to this day.
I am but one of a “membership of over two million with at
least 100,800 groups meeting in 150 countries around the world.” (See Forward
to Fourth Edition). To me the Big Book is second only to the Bible when it
comes to self-help books. All-though initially geared for the alcoholic, the
book itself and its “Twelve Steps”—and later the “Twelve Traditions” have been
the primary sources for virtually every 12 Step Program that followed. It was
certainly inspired by the “New Testaments, Psalms, Proverbs, and most notably
the book of James.”
I am not a religious fanatic or a “Big Book Thumper,”
even though I have been called that at times. I would have to consider myself a
proponent of what works. The shortest sentence in the Big Book is: “It works,
it really does.” The main purpose of this book is: “To show other alcoholics precisely
how we have recovered.” For that reason the first 164 pages have not
changed since its first publication in April 1939. The stories that follow
“Chapter 11” some have remained the same, some have changed, others were moved
around, as well as 30 completely new stories were added to the Fourth Edition.
One of the “screws” (that’s what I like to call it) they threw into this
edition is the old “449”, “Acceptance”, it is no longer on 449. I could tell
you where it can be found by page, (417); I could also tell you where to find,
and even quote “How It Works, The Promises, More about Alcoholism, and A Vision
for You”—But then it wouldn’t be a vision for you; would it. Forgive me it is
not my intention to sound rude, but rather just to point out what I had to do
for my own personal recovery. After a while of asking your sponsor questions
and him replying what’s the book say—you have a tendency to look it up; that is
if you are serious about recovery you will.
I would like to encourage anyone planning to work with
alcoholics, drug addicts or for that matter anyone suffering with any kind of
addictions, to read and incorporate the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous to
your own personal library. It does not matter if you are or are not in recovery
yourself to suggest a book or give some good orderly direction (GOD) when they
come to you for help. However, if you are in recovery and someone approaches
you for help and ask you to be their sponsor. Before you respond you might ask
yourself—Am I recovered, have I read the Book, and remember, “You can not
transmit something you haven’t got; (page164). Or “The blind can’t lead the
blind least they both fall into the pit.” We are not in the business of fixing
anyone—besides God didn’t have any grandchildren. “Recovery begins when one
alcoholic sits with another and shares his experience, strength, and hope.”
Welcome the newcomers, extend your hand and tell them who you are. If they ask
for help give only to the extent you can, or point them to someone who can. If
they ask for a Bid Book and can’t afford it—buy one for them, if they offer to
pay you back, ask them just to help someone else later on. If they relapse or
go back out—it’s not about you, did you stay sober? One of the A.A. Slogans is:
“But for the graces of God, there go I.” or as Og Mandino would say, “Count
your blessings, and then count them again.”
Be grateful, and if they make it back welcome them again. My favorite
quote from the Big Book is at the top of page 153. “Then you will know what it
means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life. You will
learn the full meaning of “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Statistically speaking: “Of alcoholics who came to A.A.
and really tried 50% got sober at once and remained that way; 25% sobered up
after some relapses, and among the remainder, those who stayed on with A.A.
showed improvement.” (Forward to Second Edition. pg. xx.).
Thanks
Eldon L.
