Working the Steps

Introduction

I attended my first AA meeting in 1974. In 1983, two years sober again after one slip, an experienced AA directed my focus to AA's Basic Text titled "Alcoholics Anonymous." Also called AA's Big Book, it's "clearcut directions" led to my first actual recovery from substantial "underlying mental, emotional and spiritual causes" of addictions and mental disorders.

I attended early years of the circa 1980 Hyannis, Cape Cod Big Book Step Study Group. Several dozen BBSS groups "spun off" and follow the effective, disciplined Hyannis BBSS format.

The 1939 first edition AA Big Book was followed by the 1953 AA book "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions." The 12&12 did not repeat vital Big Book directions, but "broadened and deepened the understanding" of those basic directions of "precisely how we recovered."

With this March 2004 update, my experience affirms ever stronger that the 12&12 added a life sustaining essential, "Assets", in step 4. Clear recognition of Assets, that is, positive conditions, maintains emotional balance. The 12&12 states that flaws-only inquiry may cause "wallowing in a messy bog." Some persons wallowed, then drank. Some died. (12&12 step4).

The 12&12 also adds "redoubling our efforts" when listing amends. This includes harms done to persons who did not fit Big Book 4th step categories of resentments, fears and sex episodes.

I suggest studying each step from both books side by side.

While passing on the 12 step program, details presented here were developed from the Big Book, the 12&12, other AA literature and "other helpful books" as encouraged by AA's founders.

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