Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (Hardcover)

~ Alcoholics Anonymous (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Originally published in 1952, this classic book is used by A.A. members and groups around the world. It lays out the principles by which A.A. members recover and by which the fellowship functions. The basic text clarifies the Steps which constitute the A.A. way of life and the Traditions, by which A.A. maintains its unity.

About the Author

American history includes many social movements that aimed to help people stop drinking. There was Prohibition, of course. But there was also the Anti-Saloon League, the American Temperance Society, the Washingtonian Temperance Society, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and more. Only one such movement survived -- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA not only survived, it spread across the world. Today, AA lists its membership at 2,160,013, with 100,766 groups in Africa, Asia, and Europe as well as North and South America. If ever there was evidence that sobriety can be mass-produced, it is in AA. AA began with the chance meeting of two people on May 12, 1935: Bill W., an alcoholic stockbroker from New York, and Bob S., an alcoholic surgeon in Akron, Ohio. Bill got sober through a set of principles that, he felt, had saved his life (ideas that later evolved into the Twelve Steps of AA). He shared those principles with Bob, who never took another drink after that day. Dr. Bob's "dry date" of June 10, 1935 is officially counted as AA's founding. Bill and Bob began working with other alcoholics, helping them achieve sobriety one at a time. And in 1939 the group published the book Alcoholics Anonymous to explain its Twelve Step program of recovery. Last year, sales of that book passed 20 million. Perhaps the best introduction to AA principles is the "preamble" traditionally read at the beginning of a group meeting: Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. By focusing on that purpose, AA avoids the mistakes of temperance groups that took on a variety of political causes, splintered into factions, and died. "Our focus has prevented us from straying into areas that we don't have experience in," says a member who works in AA's General Service Office. "What we are is alcoholics helping other alcoholics. This has helped us maintain our unity." Elaine McDowell, PhD, chairperson of AA's General Service Board, agrees "the Fellowship's main reservoir of strength is its singleness of purpose. For 66 years the hand of AA has been there for the alcoholic. It works!" AA members engage in a set of activities suggested by the Twelve Steps, such as: **Telling the truth -- that they are addicted and cannot stop drinking on their own. **Admitting and releasing resentments and fears. **Making amends to people they've harmed. **Engaging in prayer and meditation. **Sharing AA principles with others who want to stop drinking. AA members describe their program as spiritual not religious. No creed or ritual is required, and from the beginning AA has welcomed atheists and agnostics. At the same, members seek daily guidance from a Higher Power. That term is defined individually. For some members, it is the God of a church. Other members find their Higher Power in a friend, in nature, in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, in their AA group or any other source of outside help.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: AA World Services; 1 edition (February 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0916856011
• ISBN-13: 978-0916856014
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,336 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

235 of 245 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Primary Texts, January 21, 2001

By A Customer

This book is one of the primary texts for recovery. The other is the AA big Book.

Also, if you are serious about recovery and wish to improve your conscious contact with God you simply must read the book An Encounter With A Prophet by C. A. Lewis.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 12 and 12 has taught me a new way of life., April 16, 2000

By A Customer

Before I got to AA I did not know how to live life sober. I could not function without drinking. Alcohol was my life. Alcohol destroyed me and left me with nothing. By the grace of God I was put into the rooms of AA. In the rooms I found a sponsor who bought me a Big Book and a 12x12. The program in the 12x12 saved my life. It taught me a way of life which I had never dreamed possible. By reading this book and attending meetings, working with other alcoholics--I am able to live life sober. I am truly happy, joys and free. I owe it all to my higher power, the program and people in AA. Thank you AA. -Greatful Recovering Alcoholic San Diego, CA

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important part of a life-saving tool kit, January 5, 2005

By	James G. Greenhill "Jim Greenhill" (Durango, CO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One way to confront a problem with alcohol is to get to an Alcholics Anonymous meeting, get a sponsor, work through the "Big Book" & read this book, probably in that order.
The "12 & 12" offers insight into the 12 Steps beyond that found in the Big Book. It's thought-provoking & helpful for anyone in recovery.
At heart, some may come to realize that they're confronting as much a living problem as an alcohol problem & that the Steps (11 of which do not mention booze) offer a better way of life.
AA is not the only way to recover, but it has proven effective for millions around the world facing a problem with a high relapse rate & lousy prognosis. Anyone who's reached their wit's end with alcohol will find help in AA. The program has no religious requirement, & its members do not tell anyone what to believe. They only suggest a person be willing to believe in a power greater than themself, a god of their understanding. For all anyone cares, this could be a pet dog, as long as it's something to remove the notion that the person is at the center of the universe.
AA has been successful for decades, it is the model for all other 12 Step programs & it is the foundation of much recovery. The program helps members who follow the 12 Steps to restore their self-worth through practicing integrity. It encourages members to let go of self-pity about perceived wrongs done them, accept responsibility for their own lives, acknowledge their pasts & (& this is key) move on. Above all, it encourages living in the present rather than in the past or the future ... thus increasing the odds that one will actually live.
This book is one outstanding part of an arsenal available to alcoholics who want to see their disease go into remission. For anyone who finds the program not to their taste, a return to drinking is always an option.