The Big Book

The Big Book
Author	Bill Wilson
Language	English
Publisher	Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Publication Date	1939
ISBN	978-1-893007-16-1
Pages	400 (4th edition)

The Big Book, officially titled Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism, is a foundational text for the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) fellowship. First published in 1939, it outlines the Twelve-step program developed by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, the co-founders of AA. The book is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field of addiction recovery and has been instrumental in helping millions of people worldwide achieve and maintain sobriety.

History

The Big Book was first published in 1939 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., with the primary aim of spreading the message of recovery from alcoholism. The initial print run was 4,650 copies, and the book has since gone through multiple editions, with the fourth edition being the most recent, published in 2001.

Content

The Big Book is divided into two main parts:

Part One: The Program

This section outlines the Twelve-step program, which is the core of the AA philosophy. The steps are designed to help individuals achieve sobriety by admitting powerlessness over alcohol, seeking help from a higher power, and making amends for past wrongs. The program emphasizes spiritual growth and personal responsibility.

Part Two: Personal Stories

The second part of the book contains personal stories from AA members who have successfully recovered from alcoholism. These narratives provide hope and inspiration to new members, illustrating the transformative power of the Twelve Steps.

Impact

The Big Book has had a profound impact on the field of addiction treatment. It has been translated into over 70 languages and is used by numerous 12-step programs beyond AA, including Narcotics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous. The book's approach to recovery has influenced countless treatment centers and recovery programs worldwide.

Criticism

While The Big Book is celebrated for its contributions to addiction recovery, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that its emphasis on spirituality may not resonate with all individuals, particularly those who do not identify with a religious or spiritual belief system. Others have critiqued the book for its dated language and gender-specific references, as it was written in a different era.

Editions

The Big Book has been revised several times to reflect changes in the AA fellowship and to include new personal stories. The major editions are:

• First Edition (1939)
• Second Edition (1955)
• Third Edition (1976)
• Fourth Edition (2001)

Also see

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve-step program
• Bill Wilson
• Dr. Bob Smith
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Addiction recovery