Aa primary purpose statement

Why I Should Study the Big BookWhat is HEARD in meetings compared to the PROGRAMOf Alcoholics AnonymousWe recover by the Steps we take, not the meetings we make!1Since the suggestion made by “The Grapevine” in the late 60’s that “Discussion” meetings might be a good idea, there has been a change in the content of the meetings from ones that focused on the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous to “group therapy’” where anyone and everyone is privileged to speak on whatever might be on their mind. The result of this has been a severe decline in the success rate of alcoholics finding lasting recovery.While there is a tendency to believe that “we know so much more today,” which we do in almost every area of our society, that appears not to be true where recovery from alcoholism is concerned. The truth is that “alcoholism” has not changed since the beginning of recorded history. God certainly has not changed since 1939. And, nobody has demonstrated a more successful program of recovery than the action of the Twelve Steps Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is so clearly outlined in the book, “ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS”. So, what’s new?Before taking a look at what is so often heard in meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, let’s examine some of the statements made by the Authors of this Basic Text. For example:“We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other alcoholics preciselyhow we have recovered is the main purpose of this book.” AA, pg. xiii(Note: PRECISELY –“Exactly or sharply defined or stated. Minutely exact; not varying in the slightest degree from truth.” Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary –circa 1936.)So, let’s examine the TRUTH!“ If you are an alcoholic who wants to get over it, you may be asking –‘What do I have to do?’ It is the purpose of this book to answer such questions specifically. We shall tell you what we have done.” AA, pg. 20“Lack of power was our dilemma. We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?Well, that is exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself that will solve your problem.” AA, pg. 45“Further on, clear-cut directionsare given showing how we recovered.” AA, pg. 29There is a Spiritual Axiom that applies to recovery from alcoholism:“Noah, an amateur, with God’s guidance, built the Ark. Professionals, with all their smarts, built the Titanic.”
Why I Should Study the Big BookWhat is HEARD in meetings compared to the PROGRAMOf Alcoholics AnonymousWe recover by the Steps we take, not the meetings we make!2Now, let’s review what is so often “Heard” in the meetings.Heard –“Just keep coming back. You’ll be OK.”That, of course, is a lie. Rigorous honesty?BB –“Here are the steps we took which are suggested as a program of recovery.”Heard -“Don’t drink and go to meetings.”“Don’t drink” are words you would expect to hear from a non-alcoholic. If a person knew how to “Don’t drink,” they would have no reason to go to meetings.Heard -“Don’t drink, no matter what.”Real alcoholics drink, no matter what.Heard -“Don’t drink even if your ass falls off.” (How ridiculous!)Don’t you think an untreated alcoholicwould reach for a drink if their “ass started falling off?”BB –“Many of us felt we had plenty of character. There was a tremendous urge to cease forever. Yet we found it impossible. This is the baffling feature of alcoholism as we know it—this utter inability to leave it alone, no matter how great the necessity or the wish.” AA, pg. 34Heard –“I have a choice of whether or not I take a drink today.”Then why did they come to Alcoholics Anonymous?“Think before you drink.”“Just think the drink through.”BB –“The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink.” AA, pg. 24“We are without defense against the first drink.” AA, pg. 24“Once more: The alcoholic at certain times has no effective defense against the first drink.”AA, pg. 43Heard -“There is no such thing as a recovered alcoholic.”Who were the Authors of the Basic Text for Alcoholics Anonymous?BB –“The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism.”AA, Title Page“We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, know thousands of men and women who were once just as hopeless as Bill. Nearly all have recovered. They have solved the drink problem.” AA, pg. 17(Note: The word “Recovered” is used ten (10) times in the Basic Text by “Recovered” alcoholics.)Heard –“Don’t rush into taking the steps. Take your time.”BB –“On your first visit tell him (your prospect) about the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. If he shows interest, lend him your copy of this book.” AA, pg. 94