What is The Big Book?
The Big Book, also known as the 12-step program book, is the foundation of 12-step program meetings. Most people already know some of the principles behind the 12-steps. This is because the 12-step program book has become famous by every movie and TV show depicting Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Alcoholics Anonymous has become the largest alcoholism support group in the world. The Big Book, which support meetings are based on, contains the steps and traditions created by the brilliant minds behind Alcoholics Anonymous. It also contains stories about former and current alcoholics that have gone through this process already.
The 12-step program book has guided millions of individuals into a life of sobriety. This is especially true for those facing alcohol addiction. Here at North Jersey Recovery Center, this book is one of the many incredibly useful resources we utilize in our addiction treatment programs.
Following the 12-Step Program Book
Since its publication in 1939 by a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, the 12-step program book has become an all-time bestseller. In fact, more than 30 million copies of The Big Book have been printed. In addition to steps, traditions, and addicts’ stories, the book contains the fascinating history of Alcoholics Anonymous and details regarding various support methods. But this is not what The Big Book is known for.
Most people know the 12-step program book for the 12 steps and traditions it contains, as the name suggests. Millions of recovering alcoholics have followed these steps to recovery. However, the Big Book has proven so successful that hundreds of other support groups have adapted the steps for their use. Narcotics Anonymous is a good example of this. They also follow a 12-step guide to help participants achieve and maintain sobriety.
What are the Steps in the 12-Step Program Book?
The steps in The Big Book help active and recovering alcoholics to both achieve and maintain their newfound sobriety. As previously mentioned, some of these steps may already be familiar to you. Some of these steps commonly occur in TV shows or movies when a character attends a 12-step meeting. The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are as follows:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Decided to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- We’re entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
While many of the steps are based on religion, these steps can also be followed in a secular manner. You do not have to follow any particular religion to use or benefit from the 12 steps in this program. The 12-step program book is a powerful recovery resource. The book itself also contains a greater breakdown of each of the 12 steps.
How the 12-Step Program Book Can Help
Attending self-help recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are proven treatment methods that complement and extend the effects of other professional treatments. They can be incredibly helpful during recovery, as they provide community-based social support. This support helps many people achieve and maintain their abstinence, as well as develop other healthy behaviors.
Addiction can be lonely for those suffering through problems with substance abuse. The stories in this book and the meetings themselves tell other alcoholics, “you are not alone.” Depending on where you are in your recovery journey, these stories can act as guides and keep you focused on sobriety.
When first opening the book, the author’s journey is in the first chapter. This is followed by stories of other addicts. Containing ten different stories of hope is Part One of the book. These stories are accounts of the earliest members of Alcoholics Anonymous. When the book was published, these ten individuals had maintained their sobriety for the remainder of their lives. For most people going through recovery, reading these stories is a powerful motivator.
Alcoholism in America
There is a good reason that the 12-step program book is considered one of the most important and influential books in American history. Alcoholism rates in the United States are high, and for some demographics, they continue to rise. For example, in 2018, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed important insight on alcohol consumption in America:
- 67.1 million Americans identified as binge drinkers
- 16.6 million Americans identified as heavy drinkers
- 139.8 million Americans were alcohol users within the month of the survey
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-step program book can help you regain control of your life.
The Dangers of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a serious problem in America. It is also a serious chronic health issue for those who suffer from it. When facing alcoholism, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. This treatment can even be lifesaving as some of the more serious complications of alcoholism can be long-lasting. Alcohol addiction can cause short term health consequences such as:
- Violence caused by a lack of inhibitions
- Injuries from accidents such as car crashes
- Risky behavior that leads to sexually transmitted diseases
- Alcohol poisoning from binge drinking or elevated blood alcohol levels
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, or Fetal Alcohol Syndrom (FAS) in women who are pregnant
Many of the dangers of alcohol immediately set in due to how alcohol affects the brain and body. Some of the more serious dangers of alcohol present themselves after long periods of sustained alcohol abuse. If you consume too much alcohol for too long, the following consequences can occur:
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Poor school performance
- Social issues such as family problems
- Memory problems and learning disabilities
- Increased feelings of depression and anxiety
- Job-related issues that can lead to loss of productivity or loss of work
- Various cancers such as of the mouth, throat, colon, liver, or esophagus
Alcohol Rehab Treatment Methods
The 12-step program book, combined with the insight, care, and fellowship you experience in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, can help change your life. Further, these meetings are considered to be some of the most important and effective treatment methods currently available. And research in this area has told us that we need these services now more than ever before.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings now take place in-person or online. Individuals who have tested both methods have noticed that the two are very similar. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings over platforms like Zoom or Google Hangouts are inclusive, convenient, and essential. Regardless of whether meetings are conducted virtually or in person, AA meetings provide a unique and important level of support. This particular care method integrates with other alcohol rehab treatment options as well.
Outpatient care programs work well alongside AA meetings for patients with milder addictions, strong support systems at home, or schedule limitations. However, we also offer more intensive programs, like inpatient treatments and intensive outpatient treatments. You do not have to figure out for yourself which program would be best for you. We will work with you to choose the programs that best fit your unique addiction and needs.
Alcohol Addiction Rehabilitation
Alcohol Rehab is a vital addiction treatment method. It’s important to seek treatment for alcoholism if you’re experiencing it as soon as possible, regardless of the cost. Thankfully, most major health insurance providers offer coverage for a wide range of addiction treatments.
If you have health insurance, but you are not sure what sort of coverage you will have, please call our admissions department. There is someone available around the clock to review and verify your insurance coverage for you. They know the best and quickest ways to get through to insurance companies. They will make this process easier for you with this fast and free service.
North Jersey Recovery Center Alcoholism Treatments
At North Jersey Recovery Center, 12-step meetings are part of a bigger picture. We offer various treatment programs, options, and services to meet all of your recovery needs. We will work with you to build a plan that will help you achieve and maintain sobriety. And it all starts with the first phone call.
Recovery may seem like a daunting task, but we are here to help. Contact us today, at North Jersey Recovery, for more information or your complimentary insurance verification. We will walk you through each of the next steps from there. A life free of substance abuse and addiction is waiting for you.
