The Big Book of AA Explained

The book Alcoholics Anonymous, almost always called the Big Book, is the basic text of AA. First published in 1939, it has sold tens of millions of copies and has been translated into dozens of languages. It describes the problem of alcoholism, lays out the Twelve Steps, and includes the stories of people who recovered.

If you're new to AA, the Big Book can look intimidating, and some of its language feels old-fashioned. This guide explains what's in it, which parts to read first, and how most people actually use it.

A Short History

By 1938, AA had about a hundred sober members, mostly in Akron and New York. Co-founder Bill Wilson set out to write down what they had been doing, so the message could reach alcoholics who would never meet a member in person. Early members reviewed and argued over drafts, which is why the book speaks with a collective "we."

The book's nickname came from its first printing, which used thick paper to make it seem worth the price. There have been four English editions. The first 164 pages, which contain the program itself, have stayed essentially the same since 1939. Later editions updated the personal stories to reflect AA's growing diversity.

What's in the Big Book

The opening pages

Before Chapter 1 come several forewords and "The Doctor's Opinion," written by Dr. William Silkworth, a physician who treated many alcoholics. He describes alcoholism as a physical craving combined with a mental obsession, an idea that runs through the whole book. Don't skip it.

The first 164 pages: the program

The first eleven chapters are the heart of AA. In order:

1. Bill's Story: Bill Wilson's drinking and recovery
2. There Is a Solution: the problem and the hope of recovery
3. More About Alcoholism: why alcoholics can't drink safely, with examples
4. We Agnostics: for readers who struggle with the idea of God
5. How It Works: the Twelve Steps, and the start of the Fourth Step inventory
6. Into Action: Steps Five through Eleven, including the Promises
7. Working With Others: how to help another alcoholic (Step Twelve)
8. To Wives: written for spouses, from the era it was written
9. The Family Afterward: healing family relationships in recovery
10. To Employers: for bosses dealing with alcoholic employees
11. A Vision for You: the early growth of AA and an invitation to the reader

The personal stories

The rest of the book is personal stories written by members, from AA's co-founder Dr. Bob to people who joined much later. They're there so readers can find someone whose experience sounds like their own. Many people find the stories the easiest way into the book.

The appendices

The back of the book includes the Twelve Traditions in long form, a short piece on what AA means by spiritual experience, and other material. The appendix on spiritual experience is especially helpful for people who worry they need a dramatic awakening; it explains that most changes are gradual.

Where to Start Reading

If you're new and don't have a sponsor yet, many members suggest this order:

1. "The Doctor's Opinion"
2. Chapter 1, "Bill's Story," and Chapter 2, "There Is a Solution"
3. Chapter 3, "More About Alcoholism," to test whether the description fits you
4. A few personal stories, choosing ones whose titles catch your eye
5. Chapter 4, "We Agnostics," if belief is a sticking point
6. Chapter 5, "How It Works," when you're ready to see the Steps in action

How People Use the Big Book

• With a sponsor. Most sponsors take newcomers through the Steps using the Big Book, reading sections together and doing what the text suggests. See how to find a sponsor.
• In Big Book study meetings. Groups read a section aloud and discuss it, often working through the book over months. See types of AA meetings.
• As daily reading. Many members read a page or two each morning. It fits well in a morning recovery routine.
• As a reference. Over time, people return to specific passages, like the Third and Seventh Step prayers, the nightly review in Chapter 6, or the Promises.

Tips for Reading It

• Read slowly. A few pages with real attention beats a whole chapter skimmed.
• Underline and take notes. Many members' copies are full of markings and dates.
• Translate the old language. The book was written in the 1930s. Where it says "men" or "wives," many readers simply apply it to everyone.
• Look for yourself. Read for the similarities with your own experience, not the differences.
• Ask questions. If a passage confuses or bothers you, bring it to your sponsor or a meeting.

Other AA Books Worth Knowing

• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions: short essays on each Step and Tradition, often called the "Twelve and Twelve."
• Living Sober: practical tips for staying sober day to day. See what living sober means.
• Daily Reflections: a page of reflection for each day of the year, written by AA members.
• As Bill Sees It: short passages from Bill Wilson's writings, arranged by topic.

Our own daily reflections are original writing, not taken from AA's books, and are meant to sit alongside them.

Common Questions