Recovering alcoholics and addicts of drugs, and emotions have relied on the AA Book as a text book, a constant companion, and a guide for daily challenges. Alcoholics Anonymous has two main publications; "Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book" and "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions". Both are available in hard and soft copy, gift publications, and have been translated into many languages including Spanish.

The AA book, the Big Book was originally published in 1939 after two men achieved sobriety successfully through following principles that are now outlined in the Twelve Step program. The Big Book is the AA book that is used widely over the globe by millions as the cornerstone resource of recovery and sobriety. It is available for sale online in its 4th edition with new personal success stories at web sites like www.recovery-gifts.net.

The AA Book is a Way of Life

This seminal publication has transformed the lives of those who use it not just as the AA book, but also as a way of life. Many have read books and studied text books in school and been glad to leave them behind once they have graduated. Graduation for recovering alcoholics is adopting the principles laid out in the twelve steps as a way of life and relying on them as the guidelines to remain clean and sober. Each step to recovery is laid out in full detail with inspiring examples to encourage you to integrate them into your life.

The AA Book is the Foundation of Weekly Meetings

It is important for anyone on the path of recovery to find a recovery group that is meeting every week and following the principles as laid out in the AA book. These meetings make the difference in the recovering alcoholic's life because they form a non-judgmental support with real life examples of people who have become sober because of incorporating the Big Book into their lives.

The meetings begin with a celebration of announcements, upcoming events, and anniversaries and then continue on to the major focus which is studying each step until every member of the group has fully integrated it and the community as a whole can continue on to the next. Not one is left behind. All are lifted up to the power of the spirit that gives faith, hope and trust in the steps represented in the book. Each week the members return and share how they have integrated the step into their lives.

The AA Book is a Daily Guide

The challenges on the road to recovery are great and often all a member of AA can do is to take it one day at a time. Opening the AA book and reading the step that your group is focused on can be what keeps you from opening the bottle instead. Carry a pocket version with you so that in the middle of the day when the urge is overpowering, allow spirit to guide you to the page that will keep you steady on the path of sobriety.