The Twelve Step Program - Big Book Guide

It only takes a day to learn 'how it works' and a lifetime to practice it!
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Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Step 1………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Essentials of Recovery………………………………………………..……………………. .7
Step 2………………………………………………………………………………………...9
Step 3…………………………………………………………………………………….….10
Step 4……………………………………………………………………………………… 12
Step 5……………………………………………………………………………………… 17
Step 6……………………………………………………………………………………… 19
Step 7……………………………………………………………………………………… 20
Step 8……………………………………………………………………………………… 21
Step 9……………………………………………………………………………………… 22
Step 10……………………………………………………………………………………. 25
Step 11……………………………………………………………………………………. 27
Step 12……………………………………………………………………………………. 29
Summary………………………………………………………………………………….. 30
Appendix I - Wheel of Misfortune……………………………………….…………………31
Appendix II - Responsibility For and To………………………………………………….. 31
Appendix III - Step 3 Decision Chart (Spiritual Bootcamp)………………………………. 32
Appendix IV - Step 4 Worksheet - Resentments……………………………………………33
Appendix V - Step 4 Worksheet - Fears…………………….………………………………34
Appendix VI - Step 4 Worksheet - Harms Done……………………………………………35
Appendix VII - Notes, Commentary, Analogies and Aphorisms………………..………….36
Bibliography…………………………………………………………….………………..…40

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This Twelve Step Workbook Guide1 substitutes terms and phrases related to alcoholism to include
ANY acting-out or obsessive-compulsive addiction patterns such as, drugs and all mind altering
substances, sugar/food/overeating, nicotine, gambling, sex / love / fantasy /pornography, over /
working / tasking, electronic media (i.e. video games) social media, self-harm / mutilation,
anorexia, bulimia, over-spending / debting, under-earning, cluttering / hoarding, emotions,
codependency—and anyone can certainly increase this list and all are welcome. Our format
quotes from the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, our basic recovery text. Our notes, commentary,
and gender-inclusive changes are formatted in italics. For further study, it is suggested that you
get a copy of the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous.

You are going to become a Sponsor! (See Baltimore, Maryland Drug Study)2

Helping others (newcomers) is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly act once in a
while isn't enough (AA p. 97).

To show other alcoholics (addicts) precisely how we have recovered3 is the main purpose of this
book. For them (newcomers), we hope these pages will prove so convincing that no further
authentication will be necessary (AA p. xiii).

Outline the program of action (recovery recipe), explaining how you made a self-appraisal, how
you straightened out your past and why you are now endeavouring to be helpful to them
(newcomers). It is important for them (newcomers) to realize that your attempt to pass this on to
them plays a vital part in your recovery. Actually, they may be helping you more than you are
helping them. Make it plain they are under no obligation to you, that you hope only that they will
try to help other alcoholics (addicts) when they escape their own difficulties. Suggest how
important it is that they place the welfare of other people ahead of their own. (AA p. 94)

We hope no one will consider these self-revealing accounts in bad taste. Our hope is that many
alcoholic (addict) men and women (newcomers), desperately in need, will see these pages, and
we believe that it is only by fully disclosing ourselves and our problems that they will be
persuaded to say, "Yes, I am one of them too; I must have this thing” — A recipe for permanent
recovery. (AA p. 29)

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Step 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol (drugs, acting-out behaviour—that our
lives had become unmanageable. (A.A. p. 59)

Identification — “How to share an effective 'war' story.”

The message which can interest and hold these alcoholic (addicted) people must have depth and
weight. (AA p. xxviii)

Tell them (newcomers) enough about your drinking (using, acting-out) habits, symptoms, and
experiences to encourage them to speak of themselves. (AA p. 91) Tell them how baffled you were,
how you finally learned that you were sick. Give them an account of the struggles (failed strategies)
you made to stop. Show them (newcomers) the mental twist (how my mind lies to me) which leads to
the first drink (drug, obsessive-compulsive act) of the spree. (AA p. 92)

Men and women drink (use or act-out) essentially because they like the effect (body allergy)
produced by alcohol (drugs, obsessive-compulsive acts) (Is this your experience - yes-no?). The
sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it is injurious (yes-no?), they cannot after a time
differentiate the true from the false. To them, their alcoholic (addict) life seems the only normal one.
They are restless, irritable and discontented (bored, depressed, anxious), unless they can again
experience the sense of ease and comfort (body allergy) which comes at once by taking a few drinks
—drinks (drugs, acts) which they see others taking (doing) with impunity. After they have
succumbed to the desire again, as so many do (Is this your experience - yes-no?), and the
phenomenon of craving (body allergy) develops, they pass through the well-known stages of a spree,
emerging remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink (use or act-out) again (Is this your
experience - yes-no?) This is repeated over and over4 (Is this your experience - yes-no?), and unless
this person can experience an entire psychic change there is very little hope of their recovery.
(AA. p. xxviii)

Analogy: Addicts are like drowning men and women. If we don't find some way of keeping our heads
above water, we are going to drown. So we look for some kind of power to keep us afloat. We notice
there are "logs" floating on the surface. These logs look like they're capable of keeping our heads
above water, but when we reach for one of these logs we find that we can only hold on for maybe a
day, a week, a month, a year, maybe longer, but at some point, the logs fails us as a power and we
slip and drown. "Logs" are best described as "easier softer ways," "middle of the road solutions,"
half measures" and "human aids."

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My “LOG & LOSER LIST4a | MY rap sheet.4b

My modus operandi (M.O.) as an untreated addict.
Admitting Powerlessness Admitting My Life is Unmanageable
My Log List: Check those "easier softer ways," "middle of the road My Loser List: Check what you've lost
solutions," half measures" and "human aids" that failed to keep you due to your inability to stay stopped.
permanently abstinent.
__ will power __ time
__ resolutions, oaths, promises, contracts __ family
__ controlled using, drinking, thinking, behaving __ spouse
__ harm reduction, substitution strategies __ children
__ ill health, sickness __ friends
__ ominous warnings from a doctor, judge, lawyer, employer, priest, rabbi, __ money
counsellor __ home / residence
__ change of environment, trigger lists, avoiding people, places, things __ health
__ counselling, therapy, group therapy, behavioural modification __ safety
__ detox, treatment centres, rehab, spas, spiritual retreats __ hygiene
__ war stories, fear, horror __ opportunities
__ relationships, friends, spouse, children, family, sex, pregnancy __ careers, jobs, employment
__ getting a pet (dog, cat) __ licence (vehicle, professional)
__ church, prayer (faith without works) __ education
__ having a sponsor, body-guard, mentor, life coach / recovery coach __ quality of life
__ meetings, 90 meetings in 90 days, “meeting makers make it” __ hope
__ yesterday’s spiritual experience __ courage
__ self-help books, personal development courses, recovery movies __ intelligence
__ recovery knowledge, recovery slogans or memes __ mental acuity
__ reading / studying the Big Book __ self-respect
__ intelligence / education __ respect from others
__ frothy emotional appeals, interventions, threats, ultimatums __ self-esteem
__ positive thinking, affirmations, self-talk, gratitude lists, recovery __ self-confidence
tattoos __ self-improvement
__ poetry (Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow; The Man In the Glass), music __ self-control
__ guilt, shame, remorse __ emotional security
__ good days/bad days __ responsibility for myself / others
__ keeping busy __ volition & agency
__ money / no money __ reputation
__ memory strategies “remember when,” “think, think, think,” “play the __ freedom
tape all the way through” __ morality
__ jail, incarceration, detention, arrested __ spirituality / God
__ good reasons to stop, sufficiently strong reasons to stop, consequences, __ peace of mind
my log & loser list. __ sanity
__ moral & philosophical convictions, reputation __ faith
__ suffering, humiliation, pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization __ humanity
__ sobriety time
__ hydrotherapy, exercise, holistic medicine, acupuncture, hypnotism, * my life (not yet) Big Loser!
healthy diet, vitamins, fasts, colon cleansing
The Log and Loser list is a summary of the first 43 pages of the Big Book.

If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely (Do you honestly want to stop drinking,

using or acting out - yes-no? And based on your log list, have you been able to stay stopped - yes-no?), or

if when drinking (using or acting out), you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably

alcoholic (addict). (Do you exhibit little control, when drinking, using or acting out - yes-no?) If that be

the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer. (AA p. 44)

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This is by no means a comprehensive picture of the true alcoholic (addict), as our behavior
patterns vary. But this description should identify them roughly (Based on your log and loser list
does this description of an alcoholic/addict describe you - yes-no?). (AA p. 22)

Step One Instruction (self-diagnosis): We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost
selves that we were alcoholics (addicts). (Do you fully concede the fact that you're an alcoholic/
addict - yes-no?) This is the first step in recovery. The delusion (lie) that we are like other
people, or presently may be, has to be smashed. (Are you convinced you're an alcoholic/addict-
yes-no?) (AA p. 30)

The Bad News: We are without defence against the first drink (drug, obsessive-compulsive act)
(Based on your log list, is this your experience - yes-no?) (AA p. 24) The idea (lie) that
somehow, someday they will control and enjoy their drinking (using, acting out behaviour) is the
great obsession of every abnormal drinker (user, obsessive-compulsive). Over any considerable
period we get worse, never better. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death5 (AA p. 30).
(Based on your loser list is this your experience - yes-no?)

You are now properly armed with the facts about yourself.

The Good News: There is a solution… (AA p. 25). If you are as seriously alcoholic (addicted) as
we were, we believe there is no middle-of-the-road solution (Would you agree yes-no?). We were
in a position where life was becoming impossible (Based on your loser list, is life becoming
impossible? yes-no?), and if we had passed into the region from which there is no return through
human aid (Based on your log list, are you beyond human aid? yes-no?), we had but two
alternatives: One was to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable
situation (see my loser list) as best we could; and the other, to accept spiritual help. This we did
because we honestly wanted to, and were willing to make the effort (AA p. 25-26). (Are you
ready to accept spiritual help and are you willing to make the effort - yes-no?) ...and strange as
this may seem to those who do not understand—once a psychic change has occurred, the very
same person who seemed doomed, who had so many problems they despaired of ever solving
them, suddenly finds themselves easily able to control their desire for alcohol (drugs, acting-out
behaviour), the only effort necessary being that required to follow a few simple rules (our
recovery recipe). (AA. p. xxix) (See Appendix I - Wheel of Misfortune)
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The Essentials of Recovery

Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path (recipe). Those who do
not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program
(recipe), usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with
themselves... We thought we could find an easier softer way. But we could not... (Based on your
log list, is this your experience - yes-no?) Half measures availed us nothing. (AA p. 58-59)

Of alcoholics who came to A.A. and really tried, 50% got sober at once and remained that way;
25% sobered up after some relapses, and among the remainder, those who stayed on with A.A.
showed improvement. Other thousands came to a few A.A. meetings and at first decided they
didn't want the program. But great numbers of these—about two out of three—began to return as
time passed (AA p. xx).

We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness,
honesty and open mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.
(AA p. 568)

Our understanding as one addict working with another addict:

Willingness: Are you willing to show-up and do the work - (yes-no?)

Honesty: Will you answer questions honestly with a simple yes or no - (yes-no?)
Open mindedness: Will you lay aside any prejudices, experience the program and assess the
results for yourself - (yes-no?) “When I know I don’t know, then I know I’m ready to know!”

Our job is to explain our approach and win their confidence.

But the ex-problem drinker (addict) who has found this solution (our recovery recipe), who is
properly armed with facts about them self, can generally win the entire confidence of another
alcoholic (addict) in a few hours. Until such an understanding is reached, little or nothing can be
accomplished. (AA p. 18)

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That the person who is making the approach has had the same difficulty (see your log & loser list),
that they obviously know what they are talking about, that their whole deportment shouts at the new
prospect that they are a person with a real answer, that they have no attitude of Holier Than Thou (we
are not saints, preachers, crusaders or mission makers), nothing whatever except the sincere desire
to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay (big book sponsorship is free), no axes to grind (no windy
arguments or frothy debates), no people to please (no grovelling), no lectures to be endured (we don't
run your life)—these are the conditions we have found most effective. After such an approach many
take up their beds and walk again. (AA p. 18-19)

If they do not want to stop drinking (using, acting out), don't waste time trying to persuade them. You
may spoil a later opportunity (AA p. 90). The more hopeless they feel, the better. They will be more
likely to follow your suggestions (recovery recipe). (AA p. 94)

Most alcoholics (addicts) have to be pretty badly mangled before they really commence to solve their
problems. (Is this your experience - yes-no?) (AA p. 43) We, in our turn, sought the same escape
(recovery recipe) with all the desperation of a drowning person. (AA p. 28)
(Based on your loser list, Are you desperate - yes-no?)

…we favor hospitalization for the alcoholic (addict) who is very jittery or befogged… is imperative
that their brain be cleared before they are approached, as they have then a better chance of
understanding and accepting what we have to offer. (AA p. xxvi-xxvii)

If you have decided you want what we have (a recovery recipe - yes-no?) and are willing to go to any
length to get it (to follow the recipe - yes-no?)—then you are ready to take certain steps. (AA p. 58).
Ask them (newcomer) if they want to quit (drinking, using, acting-out) for good (yes-no?), and if they
would go to any extreme to do so (Will you thoroughly follow the instructions in the Big Book of A.A.
- yes-no?). If they say yes, then their attention should be drawn to you as a person who has
recovered. (AA p. 90)

When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was
nothing left for us, but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet. (AA p. 25)
(Are you now ready to pick up your simple kit of spiritual tools - yes-no?)

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Step 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
(A.A. p. 59)

Lack of power, that was our dilemma (yes-no? - when in doubt, see your log & loser list). 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's exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to
enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which will solve your problem. (AA p. 45)

What seemed at first a flimsy reed (a Power greater than ourselves), has proved to be the loving and
powerful hand of God. A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, "a design for living" (a recovery
recipe) that really works. (AA p.28) In nearly all cases, the newcomer's ideals must be grounded in a
power greater than themselves, if they are to re-create their lives. (AA p. xxviii)

…deep down in every man, woman, and child, is the fundamental idea of God6. It may be obscured by
calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power
greater than ourselves, and miraculous demonstrations of that power in human lives, are facts as old as
humankind itself. We finally saw that faith in some kind of God was a part of our make-up, just as much
as the feeling we have for a friend. Sometimes we had to search fearlessly, but God was there (See Fish
Story7). God was as much a fact as we were. We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last
analysis it is only there that God may be found. God was so with us. We can only clear the ground a bit. If
our testimony helps sweep away prejudice (See Dog Story8), enables you to think honestly, encourages
you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway (yes-
no?). With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you (AA p.
55). Some of us grow into it more slowly. But God has come to all who have honestly sought God. When
we drew near to God, God disclosed Itself to us! (See Michelangelo Story9) (AA p. 57) With few
exceptions our members find that they have tapped an unsuspected Inner Resource which they presently
identify with their own conception of a Power Greater than themselves. (AA p. 567-568)

Step 2 Instruction:

We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. "Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe,
that there is a Power greater than myself?" (yes-no?) As soon as a person can say that they do believe, or
is willing to believe, we emphatically assure them that they are on their way. It has been repeatedly
proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.
(AA p. 47)
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Step 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we
understood God. (A.A. p. 59)

We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection. Our description of the alcoholic
(addict)... our personal adventure before and after make clear three pertinent ideas:

a. That we were alcoholics (addicts) and could not manage our own lives.
(Based on your loser list, is this you - yes-no?)
b. That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism (addiction).
(Based on your log list, are you beyond human aid - yes-no?)
c. That God could and would if God were sought.
(Are you willing to believe - yes-no?)

Being convinced (of a, b, c), we were at Step Three, which is that we decided to turn our will and
our life over to God as we understood God. Just what do we mean by that, and just what do we do?

The first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a
success. (Based on your log & loser list, are you convinced your life run on self-will is hardly a
success - yes-no?) (AA p. 60)

Selfishness, self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles. Driven by a hundred
forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and
they retaliate. Sometimes they hurt us, seemingly without provocation, but we invariably find
that at some time in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us in a
position to be hurt.

So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and the
alcoholic (addict) is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though they usually do not think so.
Above everything, we alcoholics (addicts) must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us!
God makes that possible. And there often seems no way of entirely getting rid of self without
God’s aid. Many of us had moral and philosophical convictions galore, but we could not live up
to them even though we would have liked to. Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness
much by wishing or trying on our own power. We had to have God's help.

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Belief in the power of God, plus enough willingness, honesty and humility to establish and
maintain the new order of things, were the essential requirements. Simple, but not easy; a price
had to be paid. It meant destruction of self-centeredness (A.A. pp 13-14).

This is the how and the why of it. First of all, we had to quit playing God. It didn't work. (Would
you agree - yes-no?) Next, we decided that hereafter in this drama of life, God was going to be
our Director (yes-no?). God is the Principal; we are God’s agents. Most good ideas are simple,
and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to
freedom. (AA p. 61-62)

Step 3 Promises

When we sincerely took such a position, all sorts of remarkable things followed. We had a new
Employer. Being all powerful, God provided what we needed, if we kept close to God and
performed God’s work well. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in
ourselves, our own little plans and designs. More and more we became interested in seeing what
we could contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we
discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of God’s presence, we began
to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn. (AA p. 63)

We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready; that we could at last
abandon ourselves utterly to God - yes-no? (AA p. 63) Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be
of maximum service to God and the people about us (AA. p. 77). (See Appendix III).

We were now at Step Three. Many of us said to our Maker, as we understood God: "God, I offer
myself to Thee -- to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of
self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear
witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will
always!" (Then meditate on what is God's will for you today?)

Step 3 Instruction (Every morning - Are you willing to do this - yes - no?)
If you can answer yes, then let us take this prayer together and we will have taken step three.

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Step 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. (A.A. p. 59)

(Getting right with myself) …Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which
is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though our decisionStep 3 was a vital
and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face,
and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us. Our liquor (drugs, obsessive-
compulsive behaviour) was but a symptom. So we had to get down to causes and conditions. Therefore,
we started upon a personal inventory. This was Step Four…We took stock honestly. First, we searched out
the flaws in our make-up which caused our failure. Being convinced that self, manifested in various ways,
was what had defeated us, we considered its common manifestations. (AA p. 63-64)

Manifestation 1: Resentment is the "number one" offender (See Appendix II). It destroys more alcoholics
(addicts) than anything else. From it stem all forms of spiritual disease, for we have been not only
mentally and physically ill, we have been spiritually sick. (Would you agree - yes-no?)

Causes and conditions, defects of character, short-comings, flaws in our make-up, the root of our troubles,
bondage of self, cited in the BB, p. xxv - 164).
__pride __insincerity __hate __inconsideration __irresponsibility
__vanity __dishonesty __antipathy __anti-social __careless
__egotistical __lying __loathe __uncommunicative __unreasonableness
__self-pity __exaggeration __despise __slander __apathy
__morbidness __self-delusion __overbearing __gossip __martyr
__jealousy __self-centeredness __lethargy __prejudice __fanatical
__envy __self-justification __impatience __criticism __squandering/squander
__suspicion __callousness __fear __ridicule __obstinacy
__selfishness __cruelty __worry __cynicism __stubbornness
__self-seeking __anger, grudge __cowardice __diffidence (shyness) __maudlin (self-pityingly,
__selfishly __rancor __intolerance __servility (grovelling) tearfully sentimental
__unthinking __crankiness __lust __scraping (quarrelsome)
__unjust __bitterness __infidelity

When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically. We alcoholics
(addicts) are sensitive people. It takes some of us a long time to outgrow that serious handicap (liability)
(AA p. 125). In dealing with resentments, we set them on paper. We listed people, institutions or
principles with whom we were angry (Column 1). We asked ourselves why we were angry (Column 2). In
most cases it was found that our self-esteem, our pocketbooks, our ambitions, our personal relationships,
(including sex) were hurt or threatened. (Column 3) So we were sore. We were "burned up." On our
grudge list we set opposite each name our injuries. Was it our self-esteem, our security, our ambitions, our
personal, or sex relations, which had been interfered with? (Column 3) (AA p. 64-65) We went back
through our lives. Nothing counted but thoroughness and honesty. When we were finished we considered
it carefully. (AA p. 65)

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Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done (Column 2), we resolutely looked for our
own mistakes (Column 4). Where had we been selfish, dishonest, self-seeking and frightened?
(Column 4) Though a situation had not been entirely our fault, we tried to disregard the other
person (Column 1) involved entirely. Where were we to blame? (Column 4) The inventory was
ours, not the other person's. When we saw our faults we listed them (Column 4). We placed them
before us in black and white. We admitted our wrongs (Column 4) honestly and were willing to
set these matters straight (Column 5). (AA p. 67)

Manifestation 2: We reviewed our fears thoroughly (5 Columns). We put them on paper, even
though we had no resentment in connection with them. We asked ourselves why we had them
(Column 2). Wasn't it because self-reliance failed us? (Column 4) (AA p. 68)

Manifestation 3: We reviewed our own conduct (all harms to others, including sex conduct)
over the years past. Where had we been selfish, dishonest, or inconsiderate? (Column 4) Whom
had we hurt? (Column 1) Did we unjustifiably arouse jealousy, suspicion or bitterness? (Column
2) Where were we at fault (Column 4), what should we have done instead? (Column 5) We got
this all down on paper and looked at it. (AA p. 69)

Step 4 Instruction: If we have been thorough about our personal inventory, we have written
down a lot. We have listed and analyzed our resentments (5 Columns). We have begun to
comprehend their (Column 4) futility and their fatality. We have commenced to see their
(Column 4) terrible destructiveness. We have listed the people (Column 1) we have hurt by our
conduct (Column 4), and are willing to straighten out the past if we can (Column 5)… If you
have already made a decisionStep 3, and an inventoryStep 4 of your grosser handicaps, you have
made a good beginning. That being so you have swallowed and digested some big chunks of
truth about yourself. (AA p. 70-71)

Note: It is not necessary, for newcomers to talk about every resentment or selfish act, or each
person they have ever lied to or harmed for the inventory to be thorough. The objective is to get
to "causes and conditions.” Sometimes it takes only a few incidents to make clear which short-
comings have kept the newcomer blocked from an intimate, two-way relationship with the "One
who has all power." (Wally P. Back to Basics)

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RESENTMENTS: We were usually as definite as this example: (p. 65, A.A. 4th Edition)

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 (Blocks) Column 5 (Power)

People, The Cause This affects, Where am I at fault? How can I set matters
Institutions & threatens, hurts Where am I to blame? straight?
Principles or interferes What are my Identify assets to strive
Why am I angry? with my…self- mistakes? for i.e. humility, trust,
Towards whom esteem, Identify character intimacy, honesty,
am I angry? security, defects, liabilities, contentment,
ambitions shortcomings, blocks generosity, love, faith,
pocket book, i.e. false pride, lust courage, zeal,
relationships jealousy, dishonesty, forgiveness,
(including sex) envy, greed, fear, sloth, unselfishness, patience,
selfishness, impatience, responsible
irresponsible, hate
Mr. Brown His attention to my Sex relations Anger/Resentment Acceptance,
(Resentment) wife. Self-esteem Dishonesty & Infidelity Forgiveness, Love
Told my wife of my Ambitions Lust, False Pride, Honesty & Faithfulness
mistress. Pocket book Selfishness Self-Seeking Intimacy, Humility,
Brown may get my Security Jealousy & Suspicion Unselfishness
job at the office. Irresponsibility Helpfulness to Others
Fear of divorce, losing Trust, Be Responsible
my job, no sex, etc. Faith, Courage
Mrs. Jones She's a nut -- she Personal Anger/Resentment Acceptance,
(Resentment) snubbed me. relationships False Pride Forgiveness, Love
She committed her Self-esteem Jealousy & Suspicion Humility
husband for Intolerance, Selfishness Trust, Tolerance,
drinking. Irresponsibility Unselfishness
He's my friend. Fear of rejection Be Responsible
She's a gossip. Faith, Courage
My employer Unreasonable -- Self-esteem Anger/Resentment Acceptance,
(Resentment) Unjust -- Security False Pride Forgiveness, Love
Overbearing -- Pocket book Dishonesty, Stealing Humility
Threatens to fire me Ambitions Greed, Laziness, Sloth Honesty & Restitution
for my drinking and Selfishness Generosity, Action,
padding my expense Self-seeking Zeal, Unselfish
account. Irresponsibility Be Helpful to Others
Fear of losing his job Be Responsible
Faith, Courage
My wife Misunderstands and Personal Anger/Resentment Acceptance,
(Resentment) nags. relationships False Pride Forgiveness, Love
Likes Brown. Sex relations Jealousy, Suspicion Humility, Trust
Wants house put in Security Dishonesty, Infidelity Honesty, Faithfulness
her name. Irresponsibility Be Responsible
Fear of divorce, no Faith, Courage
money, being unworthy

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FEARS: We were usually as definite as this example:

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 (Blocks) Column 5 (Power)

People, The Cause This affects, Where am I at fault? What should I have
Institutions & threatens, hurts Where am I to blame? done instead?
Principles Why am I fearful? or interferes What are my mistakes? Identify assets to
with my… strive for i.e.
Who or What am I Identify character humility, trust,
afraid of? self-esteem, defects, liabilities, intimacy, honesty,
security, shortcomings, blocks i.e. contentment,
What am I afraid ambitions false pride, jealousy, lust, generosity, love,
of losing or not pocket book, dishonesty, envy, greed, faith, courage, zeal,
getting? relationships fear, sloth, hate, forgiveness,
(including sex) selfishness, impatience unselfishness,
patience
Fear of no control Other people make Self-esteem Arrogance Humility
mistakes and are Security Intolerance Tolerance,
incompetent - if I Ambitions Inconsideration Acceptance
want anything done Pocket book Bullying, Abusive Considerate of
right I must do it Business Selfishness Others
myself! Relationships Self Seeking Kindness & Courtesy
Jealousy, Suspicion Unselfishness
Irresponsibility Be Helpful to Others
Fear of not getting what I Trust
want. Fear of being taken Be Responsible
advantage of. Faith & Courage
Fear of Rejection My parents were Self-esteem False Pride - self- Humility
never there for me. Security loathing Unselfish
My wife left me. Ambitions Selfish Be Helpful to Others:
It hurts when people Pocket book Self-seeking motives: recognize and
reject me. Relationships center of attention, validate others
People don't seem to Sex recognition, validation, Be Responsible and
like me. approval from others Accountable
Irresponsible - people Congruence &
pleasing and martyring Honesty
myself. Trust
Dishonesty Faith & Courage
Suspicion
Fear of being unworthy,
invisible, unacceptable

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HARMFUL CONDUCT (Including SEX): We were usually as definite as this example:

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 (Blocks) Column 5 (Power)

People, How did I harm What did I Where am I at fault? What should I have
Institutions & them? What did I affect, threaten, Where am I to blame? done instead? How
Principles unjustifiably hurt or interfere What are my mistakes? can I set matters
arouse: with? (About straight?
Whom have I them) Identify character Identify assets to
hurt? Jealousy? defects, liabilities, strive for i.e.
Suspicion? Self-esteem, shortcomings, blocks i.e. humility, trust,
Bitterness? security, false pride, jealousy, lust, intimacy, honesty,
ambitions dishonesty, envy, greed, contentment,
pocket book, fear, sloth, hate, generosity, love, zeal,
relationships selfishness, impatience, forgiveness,
(including sex)? etc. unselfishness,
patience
Spouse Had an affair, Self-esteem False Pride Humility
(Harmful Sex I unjustifiably Sex relationships Lust Intimacy
Conduct) aroused jealousy, Security Infidelity, Dishonesty Faithfulness, Honesty
resentment, distrust. Ambitions Selfishness Unselfishness
She felt inadequate, Pocket book Self Seeking Be Helpful to Others
betrayed, unworthy, Inconsideration Consideration
and unloved. Irresponsibility Responsibility
Fear of no sex, intimacy, Faith, Courage
divorce, being alone
Employer Padded the expense Pocket book Dishonesty, Stealing Honesty
(Harmful account. Slandered Self-esteem Selfishness Restitution
Conduct) their name. I Business Self-seeking Unselfishness
unjustifiably Relationships Slander Be helpful to others
aroused, anger, Irresponsibility Speak well of others
resentment and loss Blame Responsibility,
of money. Anger/Resentment Accountability
Greed Forgiveness
Fear of poverty, not Generosity
paying my bills, Faith, Courage
unworthiness, etc.

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Step 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our
wrongs. (Column 4) (A.A. p. 59)

(Getting right with myself) …Having made our personal inventory, what shall we do about it? We

have been trying to get a new attitude, a new relationship with our Creator, and to discover the

obstacles in our path (Column 4). We have admitted certain defects (Column 4); we have

ascertained in a rough way what the trouble is; we have put our finger on the weak items in our

personal inventory (Column 4). Now these are about to be cast out. This requires action on our

part, which, when completed, will mean that we have admitted to God, to ourselves, and to

another human being, the exact nature of our defects (Column 4). This brings us to the Fifth Step

in the program of recovery.

This is perhaps difficult, especially discussing our defects (Column 4) with another person… If

we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking, using, or acting-out. (AA p.72) We must

be entirely honest with somebody if we expect to live long or happily in this world. Rightly and

naturally, we think well before we choose the person or persons with whom to take this intimate

and confidential step …which requires confession must, and of course, will want to go to the

properly appointed authority whose duty it is to receive it. Such parts of our story we tell to

someone who will understand yet be unaffected. (AA p.74) (criminal matters—see a lawyer;

mental-emotional issues—see a therapist; medical issues—see a doctor; financial matters—see

an accountant, tax lawyer, debt counsellor; moral matters—see a spiritual advisor/sponsor)

Step 5 Instruction

...talk to the right person. It is important that they may be able to keep a confidence; that they

understand and approve what we are driving at; that they will not try to change our plan. When

we decide who is to hear our story, we waste no time. We have a written inventory and we are

prepared for a long talk…We pocket our pride and go to it, illuminating every twist of character

(Column 4), every dark cranny of the past (Are you willing to do this - yes-no?). (AA p.74-75)

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Step 5 Promises
Once we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are delighted. We can look the world in
the eye. We can be alone at perfect peace and ease. Our fears fall from us. We begin to feel the
nearness of our Creator. We may have had certain spiritual beliefs, but now we begin to have a
spiritual experience (Preacher Story10). The feeling that the drink (using, acting-out) problem has
disappeared will often come strongly. We feel we are on the Broad Highway, walking hand in
hand with the Spirit of the Universe. (AA p 75)

My Moral Inventory Checklist

Self-will (Column 4) Step 4 & 5 God's will (Column 5) Steps 8 & 9
(NO POWER) Bondage of Self (POWER!) ...May I do thy will always

My liabilities, blocks, character defects… Spiritual principles to strive for…

__False Pride, Arrogance, Self-loathing __Humility

__Bigotry, Misogyny/Misandry, Rudeness __Respectfulness, Courtesy, Politeness
__Jealousy, Distrust, Suspicion __Trust
__Envy, Coveting __Contentment, Gratitude
__Selfishness __Unselfishness
__Self-seeking (self-centered motives…) __Helpfulness to others
__Dishonesty, Stealing, Lying, Exaggeration __Honesty, Integrity, Restitution
__Intolerance, Inconsideration __Tolerance, Acceptance, Tact
__Greed __Generosity
__Lust, Infidelity, Philandering __Intimacy, Faithfulness, Chaste
__Hate, Anger, Resentment __Forgiveness, Love
__Sloth, Laziness, Procrastination __Activity, Zeal, Promptness
__Impatience __Patience
__Fear of...(rejection, no control, authority, etc.) __Faith, Courage
__Irresponsible, Blaming, Enabling, Martyring __Responsible, Accountable
__Vulgar Talk, Immoral Thinking __Purity, Kindness
__Gossip, Slander, Vilifying __Praise the good in others
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________

My resume as an untreated addict! My job description under God’s employment

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Step 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character (Column 4).
(A.A. p. 59)

(Getting right with God) …we find a place where we can be quiet for an hour, carefully
reviewing (meditate and reflect) what we have done (All 5 Columns). (AA p. 75)

Is our work solid so far? (yes-no?) Are the stones (Steps 1-5) properly in place? (yes-no?) Have
we skimped on the cement put into the foundation? (yes-no?) Have we tried to make mortar
without sand? (yes-no?) If we can answer to our satisfaction, we then look at Step Six.
(AA p. 75)

Step 6 Instruction

We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable. Are we now ready to let God remove
from us all the things (Column 4) which we have admitted are objectionable? (AA p. 76)
(Do you see how futile, fatal and destructive Column 4 is in your life - yes-no?)

Can God now take them all (Column 4)—every one? (AA p. 76)
(Are you now ready to have God remove all of your defects of character - yes-no?)

When I argue for my character defects, congratulations I get to keep them!

If we still cling to something (Column 4) we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.
(AA p. 76)

When you can answer yes, then you will have taken Step Six.

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Step 7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings (Column 4). (A.A. p. 59)

(Getting right with God) …When ready, we say something like this:

"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.

I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character… ”God, please remove
my…” (list the character defects you identified in your column 4 inventory)… which stands in
the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows.

Grant me strength..."God, strengthen my…” (list spiritual principles to strive for you identified
in your column 5 inventory...) ...as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen

Step 7 Instruction (Every evening - Are you willing to do this - yes - no?)

We have then taken Step Seven. (AA p. 76)

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Step 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to
them all. (AA p. 59)

(Getting right with others) …Now we need more action, without which we find that "Faith without
works is dead." Let's look at Steps Eight and Nine. We have a list of all persons we have harmed and to
whom (Column 1) we are willing to make amends - yes-no? We made it when we took inventory - yes-
no? (AA p. 76)

(Step 8) List Persons and Institutions (Column 1) I (Step 9) What I should have done instead (Column
have harmed and to whom do I need to make a 5)
direct amends? What did my conduct (Column 4) What do I need to do to straighten out the past?
arouse (Column 2)? How did I affect them? What behaviour will convince them more than my
(Column 3) words?

(Example) Spouse (Relationship Conduct) (Column 1) Show appreciation and respect to my spouse by being
Infidelity, dishonesty, inconsideration, selfishness, self- faithful, honest, and unselfish and helpful. I will
seeking. (Column 4) I affected their self-esteem and sex practice intimacy and be considerate of my spouse's
relationships. (Column 3) I aroused bitterness, jealousy, needs and desires. I will spend more time with my
resentment. and feelings of inadequacy (Column 2 - spouse. I will help out with the household chores and
harm done to others). expenses. I will practice these principles on an ongoing
basis. I will ask this person what more can I do to right
the wrong I have done.

(Example) Former employer (Column 1) I was angry I will forgive this person. I will admit all my wrong
and resentful and was verbally abusive. I was dishonest. doings and make restitution on what I stole. I will stop
I slandered their name to others. I stole from this slandering their name and speak well of them to others.
person. (Column 4) I affected their pocketbook, I will ask this person what more can I do to right the
relationships and security. (Column 3) I aroused wrong I have done.
feelings of resentment and loss of money (Column 2 -
harm done to others).

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Step 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would
injure them or others. (AA p. 59)

(Getting right with others) …Sometimes we hear an alcoholic (addict) say that the only thing
they need to do is to keep sober or clean. Certainly they must keep sober or clean, for there will
be no home if they do not. But they are yet a long way from making good to those whom for
years they have so shockingly treated (AA p. 82). The rule is we must be hard on our self, but
always considerate of others. (AA p. 74)

We subjected ourselves to a drastic self-appraisal.step 4 (yes-no?) Now we go out to our fellows and repair
the damage done in the past. We attempt to sweep away the debris (harm done) which has accumulated
out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we haven't the will to do this, we ask
until it comes. Remember it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths (yes-no?) for victory
over alcohol (drugs, obsessive-compulsive behaviours). (AA p. 76)

Item 1 - Resentments

Probably there are still some misgivings (yes-no?)…The question of how to approach the person we
hated will arise. It may be they have done us more harm than we have done them and, though we may
have acquired a better attitude toward them, we are still not too keen about admitting our faults (Column
4). Nevertheless, with a person we dislike, we take the bit in our teeth. We go to them in a helpful and
forgiving spirit (Column 5), confessing our former ill feeling and expressing our regret (Column 4).
Under no condition do we criticize such a person or argue...We are there to sweep off our side of the
street...Their faults (Column 2) are not discussed. We stick to our own (Column 4). (AA p. 76-78)

Anger/Resentment Forgiveness Prayer

This was our course: We realized that the people (Column 1) who wronged us were perhaps spiritually
sick. (Would you agree - yes-no?) Though we did not like their symptoms (Column 2) and the way these
disturbed us (Column 3), they, like ourselves, were sick too. (Would you agree - yes-no?) We asked God
to help us show them the same tolerance, pity, and patience (Column 5) that we would cheerfully grant a
sick friend. When a person offended we said to ourselves, "This is a sick person. How can I be helpful
(Column 5) to this person? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done." (AA p. 66-67)

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Item 2 - Money (See an accountant, debt counsellor)
Most alcoholics (addicts) owe money (yes-no?) We do not dodge our creditors…Arranging the
best deal we can we let these people know we are sorry. We must lose our fear of creditors no
matter how far we have to go, for we are liable to drink (use, act-out) if we are afraid to face
them (AA p. 78).

Item 3 - Criminal Offences (See a lawyer)

Perhaps we have committed a criminal offence which might land us in jail if it were known to
the authorities (yes-no?)…Although these reparations take innumerable forms (Column 5), there
are some general principles which we find guiding. Reminding ourselves that we have decided to
go to any lengths (yes-no?) (follow the recipe) to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be
given strength and direction to do the right thing (Column 5), no matter what the personal
consequences may be. We may lose our position or reputation or face jail, but we are willing. We
have to be. We must not shrink at anything. (AA p. 78-79)

Remove Fear Prayer

Instead we let God demonstrate (Column 5), through us, what God can do. We ask God to
remove our fear and direct our attention to what God would have us be (Column 5). At once, we
commence to outgrow fear. (AA p. 68)

Item 4 - Sex Relationships

The chances are that we have domestic troubles (yes-no?) Perhaps we are mixed up with women
(others) in a fashion we wouldn't care to have advertised (AA p. 80-81). We subjected each
relationship to this test—was it selfish or not? (AA p. 69)

Prayer for Sex Amends

We asked God to mold our ideals (Column 5) and help us to live up to them…In meditation, we
ask God what we should do about each specific matter. The right answer will come, if we want
it…We earnestly pray for the right ideal (Column 5), for guidance in each questionable situation,
for sanity, and for the strength to do the right thing. If sex is very troublesome, we throw
ourselves the harder into helping others. We think of their needs and work for them. This takes us
out of ourselves. It quiets the imperious urge, when to yield would mean heartache.
(AA p. 69-70)
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Step 9 Instruction

Before taking drastic action which might implicate other people we secure their consent. If we
have obtained permission, have consulted with others (criminal matters—see a lawyer; mental-
emotional issues—see a therapist; medical issues—see a doctor; financial matters—see an
accountant, tax lawyer, debt counsellor; moral matters—see a spiritual advisor/sponsor) asked
God to help and the drastic step is indicated we must not shrink. (AA p. 80)

Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead. We must take the lead. A remorseful
mumbling that we are sorry won't fill the bill at all… The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to
live it… Our behavior (Column 5) will convince them more than our words. We must remember
that ten or twenty years of drunkenness (addiction) would make a skeptic out of anyone.

There may be some wrongs we can never fully right (yes-no?). We don't worry about them if we
can honestly say to ourselves that we would right them if we could (yes-no?). Some people
cannot be seen - we sent them an honest letter. And there may be a valid reason for postponement
in some cases. But we don't delay if it can be avoided. We should be sensible, tactful, considerate
and humble (Column 5) without being servile (grovelling) or scraping (quarrelsome) (Column 4).
As God's people we stand on our feet; we don't crawl before anyone. (AA p. 83)

Step 9 Promises
If we are painstaking about this phase step 8,9 of our development, we will be amazed before we
are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not
regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will
know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience
can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest
in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude
and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We
will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize
that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. (AA p. 83-84)
(Do you want this experience in your life - yes-no?)

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Step 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted
it. (AA p. 59)

Step Ten suggests we continue to take personal inventory step 4 and continue to set right any new
mistakes step 8,9 as we go along. (Are you willing to do this - yes-no?) We vigorously commenced
this way of living as we cleaned up the past.step 9 (Are you willing to do this - yes-no?) We have
entered the world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness.
This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime. Continue to watch for
selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear.step 4 When these crop up, we ask God at once to
remove them.step 3,7 We discuss them with someone immediately step 5 and make amends step 8,9
quickly if we have harmed anyone. Then we resolutely turn our thoughts to someone we can
help.step 12 Love and tolerance (Column 5) of others is our code. (AA p. 84)

Step 10 Promises (Description of a recovered alcoholic/addict)

And we have ceased fighting anything or anyone, even alcohol (drugs, obsessive-compulsive
behaviour). For by this time sanity will have returned. We will seldom be interested in liquor
(drugs, acting-out behaviour). If tempted, we recoil from it as from a hot flame. We react sanely
and normally, and we will find that this has happened automatically. We will see that our new
attitude toward liquor (drugs, obsessive-compulsive behaviour) has been given us without any
thought or effort on our part. It just comes! That is the miracle of it. We are not fighting it,
neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of
neutrality safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been
removed. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is how we react so
long as we keep in fit spiritual condition. (AA p. 84-85)

Be mindful throughout your day and ask yourself, Am I living in column 4 (self-will - no power)
or in column 5 (God’s will - Power)? Remember to correct your course (Flight Story11).

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My Daily (Step 10) Personal Inventory
1) brush it off - let it go | 2) pause and pray | 3) put pen to paper

LIABILITIES to watch for: Check for each day for: Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
SELF-WILL (Column 4) NO POWER

1. Resentment

2. False Pride, Arrogance, Self-loathing

3. Envy

4. Jealousy, Distrust, Suspicion

5. Dishonesty, Lying, Exaggeration, Stealing

6. Selfishness, Self-Seeking, Self-Centeredness

7. Laziness, Sloth, Procrastination

8. Inconsideration, Intolerance

9. Lust, Infidelity, Philandering

10. Immoral Thinking, Vulgar Talk

11. Hate, Wrath, Anger, Irritability

12. Greed (money) or Gluttony (food)

13. Slander, Gossip, Spreading Rumors

14. Impatience

15. Fear of...

ASSETS to strive for: Check for each day for: Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
GOD'S WILL (Column 5) POWER

1. Forgiveness

2. Humility

3. Contentment

4. Trust

5. Honesty, Integrity

6. Unselfishness

7. Activity, Zeal, Promptness

8. Tolerance, Acceptance

9. Intimacy, Faithfulness, Chaste

10. Purity

11. Love, Kindness

12. Generosity

13. Praise Others, Look For The Good In Others

14. Patience

15. Faith, Courage

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Step 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God
as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to
carry that out. (AA p. 59)

Step Eleven suggests prayer (talking to God) and meditation (listening to God). (AA p. 85)

(Are you willing to do this - yes-no?)

Step 11 Instruction

PM Focus

When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest

or afraid? step 10 Do we owe an apology? step 8,9 Have we kept something to ourselves which should

be discussed with another person at once? step 5 Were we kind and loving toward all? What could

we have done better? Were we thinking of ourselves most of the time? Or were we thinking of

what we could do for others, of what we could pack into the stream of life? step 12 But we must be

careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection (Column 4), for that would diminish

our usefulness to others. step 12 After making our review we ask God's forgiveness step 7 and inquire

what corrective measures steps 8,9 should be taken. (AA p. 86)

AM Focus

On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day.

(Column 5) Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking step 3, especially asking that it be

divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives (Column 4) step 10. Under these

conditions we can employ our mental faculties with assurance, for after all God gave us brains to

use. Our thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane (Column 5) when our thinking is

cleared of wrong motives (Column 4). (AA p. 86)

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Mid-day Focus

In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine which

course to take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and

take it easy. We don't struggle. We are often surprised how the right answers come after we have

tried this for a while. (AA p. 86)

Remember to Check Your Motives

Self will test: Is it dishonest, resentful, selfish or fearful? (needs only 1 defect - Col. 4)

God's will test: Is it honest, pure, unselfish and loving? (must have all 4 principles - Col. 5)

We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day

what our next step (Column 5) is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such

problems. We ask especially for freedom from self-will (Column 4), and are careful to make no

request for ourselves only. We may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped. We are

careful never to pray for our own selfish ends. Many of us have wasted a lot of time doing that

and it doesn't work. (AA p. 87)

Step 11 Promises

As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or

action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to

ourselves many times each day "Thy will be done" (Column 5). We are then in much less danger

of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions (Column 4). We become much

more efficient. We do not tire so easily, for we are not burning up energy foolishly as we did

when we were trying to arrange life to suit ourselves. It works - it really does. (AA p. 87 - 88)

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Step 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this
message to alcoholics (addicts) and to practice these principles in all our affairs. (AA p. 60)

Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking (using,
acting out) as intensive work with other alcoholics (addicts). It works when other activities fail.
This is our twelfth suggestion: Carry this message to other alcoholics (addicts)! (Are you willing
to do this - yes-no?) You can help when no one else can. You can secure their confidence when
others fail. Remember they are very ill. (AA p. 89)

This seemed to prove that one alcoholic (addict) could affect another as no nonalcoholic (non-
addict) could. It also indicated that strenuous work, one alcoholic (addict) with another, was vital
to permanent recovery. (p. xvi - xvii, 4th ed.)

...I soon found that when all other measures failed, work with another alcoholic (addict) would
save the day. (AA p.15)

...the broker (Bill W. and the early old-timers) had worked hard with many alcoholics (addicts)
on the theory that only an alcoholic (addict) could help an alcoholic (addict), but they had
succeeded only in keeping sober (clean) themselves. They suddenly realized that in order to save
themselves they must carry their message to another alcoholic (addict).
(AA p.xvi, 4th ed.)

We have recovered, and have been given the power to help others (Starfish Story12). (AA p.132)

But if you are shaky you had better work with another alcoholic (addict) instead (AA p. 102).

Step 12 Promises
Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch
loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends -- this is an
experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it. Frequent contact with
newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives. (AA p. 89)

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A Vision For You

It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for
trouble if we do, for alcohol (drugs, obsessive-compulsive behaviour) is a subtle foe. We are not
cured of alcoholism (addiction). What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the
maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of
God's will (Column 5) into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee, Thy will (not mine)
be done." These are thoughts (Column 5) which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our
will power along this line all we wish. It is the proper use of the will. (AA p. 85)

We feel that elimination of our drinking (using, acting out) is but a beginning. A much more
important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations
and affairs (AA p. 19).

Thus we grow. And so can you, though you be but one person with this book (A.A. Big Book) in
your hand. We believe and hope it contains all you will need to begin. We know what you are
thinking. You are saying to yourself: "I'm jittery and alone. I couldn't do that." But you can (yes-
no?). You forget that you have just now tapped a source of power much greater than yourself. To
duplicate, with such backing, what we have accomplished is only a matter of willingness,
patience and labor (AA pp. 162-163).

Remember, recovery from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body is possible by working the
Twelve Steps, as directed in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, everyday. There is much
more work ahead, this is just the beginning. Remember not to get cocky or lazy.

Trust God, Clean House, Help Others.

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Appendix I - The Wheel of Misfortune

Appendix II - Responsibility/Accountability For and To

For MySelf To Others

RESPONSIBLE I am responsible FOR myself: I am responsible TO others:

Accountable
Proactive MY thoughts/thinking To be an effective: sponsor, mentor,
Centered / Leader MY feelings/emotions leader, teacher, parent, spouse,
Functional / Loving MY behaviours/action employer, friend, partner, trusted
Independent/Inter-dependent servant.
IRRESPONSIBLE I blame others for the way I think, I take responsibility for others:
Unaccountable feel and behave: I try to change other people's
Reactive / Uncentered "YOU" made me think that! thoughts, feelings, actions by:
Victim / Dysfunctional "YOU" hurt my feelings! people-pleasing, enabling,
Fearful / Codependent "YOU" embarrassed me! protecting, micro-managing,
"YOU" caused me to do that! manipulation, over-controlling,
avoiding, martyring ,
uncommunicative and bullying
behaviours

When I am irresponsible for myself or irresponsible to others, resentment is always the result!
And, RESENTMENT is the NUMBER ONE offender. (A.A. p.64)

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Appendix III - Spiritual Bootcamp

POWER: I had to nd a power greater than myself which will solve my problem.

Steps 8 & 9 Amends:

You, Me & God We Are Reborn
Spiritual Principles

Patient
I am of maximum
*Agape - Responsible
usefulness to God
Unconditional / Physically - Relaxed Active
and my fellows.
Spiritual Love Intimate
Emotionally - Calm
Generous
I make spiritual
Philia - Brotherly / Mentally - Serene Content
progress.
Sisterly Love Trusting
Spiritually - Centered
Humility
I am recovered from
Eros - Erotic / Helpful to others
a seemingly
Physical Love Unsel sh
hopeless state of
Forgiving
mind and body.
Honest

God's Will ! ! ! !
Step 3 Decision My Thinking " #My Feeling " #My Behaviour " #My Being

Self Will $ $ $ $
Dishonest
I am restless,
Resentful / Angry / Hateful
irritable, bored
Hurt & Threatened Sel sh
discontented,
Fear Self-seeking
ME Self-esteem Arrogant / Self-deprecating
depressed, anxious
ME ME ME I am always afraid Pocketbook (Money) Jealous/Suspicious
I harm others.
ME of losing what I Security Envious
I harm myself.
have or not getting Ambitions Greedy
what I want. Relationships Lustful
I succumb to the
Sex Slothful
desire again and I
Irresponsible
drink, use or act out.
Impatient

Step 4 & 5: A Moral

Bondage of Self Inventory of character
short-comings or defects

NO POWER: Lack of Power that was my dilemma.

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Appendix IV - MY RESENTMENTS: Use one sheet per resentment.
Come prepared to admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Column 1: Towards whom am I angry? A Person? An Institution? or a Principle?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 2: Why am I angry?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 3: This affects, threatens, hurts or interferes with my... (Circle all that apply)

Self-esteem Security Ambitions Pocketbook (Money) Relationships Sex

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 4: Where am I at fault? Where am I to blame? What are my mistakes? Identify causes and conditions,
defects of character, short-comings, flaws in our make-up, the root of our troubles, the bondage of self.

Selfish & Self-Seeking: What was my motive? What did I want? What keeps me tied to this resentment?

Fear: What Am I afraid of losing or not getting?

List and explain other defects of character? (i.e. false pride, arrogance, self-loathing, impatience, greed, laziness,
lust, dishonesty, irresponsibility, blaming, enabling, etc.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 5: What should I have done instead? How can I set these matters straight? What is God's will for me today?
Invert character shortcomings into spiritual principles. i.e. Selfish becomes Unselfish. Hatred becomes Love &
Forgiveness, Fear becomes Faith & Courage, Arrogance/Self-Pity becomes Humility.

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Appendix V - MY FEARS: Use one sheet per fear.

Come prepared to admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Column 1: Who or what Am I afraid of? i.e. rejection, failure, authority, no control, poverty, success, etc.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 2: Why Am I fearful?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 3: Fear affects, threatens, hurts or interferes with my... (Circle all that apply)

Self-esteem Security Ambitions Pocketbook (Money) Relationships Sex

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 4: Wasn't it because self-reliance failed us? Identify causes and conditions, defects of character, short-
comings, flaws in our make-up, the root of our troubles, the bondage of self.

Selfish & Self-Seeking: What was my motive? What did I want? What am I afraid of losing or not getting? i.e.
recognition, validation, success, money, reputation, etc.

What other fears arise out of this fear? i.e. I fear rejection because I fear I am not worthy of love.

List and explain other defects of character? (i.e. false pride, arrogance, self-loathing, impatience, greed, laziness,
lust, dishonesty, irresponsibility, blaming, enabling, etc.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 5: What should I have done instead? How can I set these matters straight? What is God's will for me today?
Invert character shortcomings into spiritual principles. i.e. Selfish becomes Unselfish. Hatred becomes Love &
Forgiveness, Fear becomes Faith & Courage, Arrogance/Self-Pity becomes Humility.

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Appendix VI - ALL HARMS INCLUDING SEX HARMS: Use one sheet per harm.

Come prepared to admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Column 1: Whom have I hurt?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 2: What did I unjustifiably arouse? jealousy, suspicion, bitterness, worry, fear, etc.?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 3: How did I affect, threaten, hurt or interfere with their... (Circle all that apply)

Self-esteem Security Ambitions Pocketbook (Money) Relationships Sex

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 4: Where Am I at fault? Where am I to blame? What are my mistakes? Identify causes and conditions,
defects of character, short-comings, flaws in our make-up, the root of our troubles, the bondage of self.

Selfish & Self-Seeking: What was my motive? What did I want?

Fear: What Am I afraid of losing or not getting?

List and explain other defects of character? (i.e. false pride, arrogance, self-loathing, impatience, greed, laziness,
lust, dishonesty, irresponsibility, blaming, enabling, etc.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Column 5: What should I have done instead? How can I set these matters straight? What is God's will for me today?
Invert character shortcomings into spiritual principles. i.e. Selfish becomes Unselfish. Hatred becomes Love &
Forgiveness, Fear becomes Faith & Courage, Arrogance/Self-Pity becomes Humility.

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Appendix VII - Our Notes, Commentary, Allegories, Analogies and Aphorisms
1 Since
May 27, 2007, this English Workbook has been translated in 12 different languages: French, Spanish, Dutch,
Swedish, Russian, Ukrainian, Punjabi, Yiddish, Arabic, Portuguese, Slovenian and Tamil.

2 The Baltimore, Maryland Drug Study: The relationship between sponsorship and abstinence, the study evaluated
NA/AA sponsorship over a 1-year period in a longitudinal study of 500 former and current injection drug users in
the inner-city of Baltimore, Maryland USA. Over the year, those who were “NOT SPONSORED” showed a 44.7%
abstinence rate and those who were “SPONSORED” showed a 39.1% abstinence rate, but 75% of those who
SPONSORED OTHERS maintained abstinence. (p. 296). Over the 1-year study period, having a sponsor in NA/AA
was not associated with sustained abstinence. There was no statistical nor substantial difference in sustained
abstinence rates between those NA/AA members without a sponsor and those with a sponsor…receiving of support
and direction by a sponsor seems ineffectual (p. 298). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being-a-sponsor
was very strongly associated with sustained abstinence (Crape et al., 2002 p. 298).

3 The Big Book uses the word “recovered” 16 times.

1. View BB p.xxv ... recovered. BB The Doctor's Opinion, p.xxv This man and over one hundred others appear to
have recovered.
2. View BB p.17 ... recovered. BB There Is A Solution, p.17 Nearly all have recovered.
3. View BB p.29 ... recovered. BB There Is A Solution, p.29 Further on, clear-cut directions are given showing how
we recovered.
4. View BB p.90 ... recovered. BB Working With Others, p.90 If he says yes, then his attention should be drawn to
you as a person who has recovered.
5. View BB p.113 ... recovered. BB To Wives, p.113 He knows that thousands of men, much like himself, have
recovered.
6. View BB p.xv ... recovered alcoholics. BB Foreword to Second Edition, p.xv In that brief space, Alcoholics
Anonymous has mushroomed into nearly 6,000 groups whose membership is far above 150,000 recovered
alcoholics.
7. View BB p.132 ... recovered, and have been given the power ... BB The Family Afterward, p.132 We have
recovered, and have been given the power to help others.
8. View BB p.146 ... recovered, but holds a relatively unimportant job, ... BB To Employers, p.146 An alcoholic who
has recovered, but holds a relatively unimportant job, can talk to a man with a better position.
9. View BB p.xxxi ... recovered from a gastric hemorrhage and seemed ... BB The Doctor's Opinion, p.xxxi He had
but partially recovered from a gastric hemorrhage and seemed to be a case of pathological mental deterioration.
10.View BB p.20 ... recovered from a hopeless condition of mind ... BB There Is A Solution, p.20 Doubtless you are
curious to discover how and why, in the face of expert opinion to the contrary, we have recovered from a hopeless
condition of mind and body.
11.View BB p.xiii ... recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of ... BB Foreword to First Edition, p.xiii We, of
Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly
hopeless state of mind and body.
12.View BB p.133 ... recovered from serious drinking, are miracles of ... BB The Family Afterward, p.133 We, who
have recovered from serious drinking, are miracles of mental health.
13.View BB p.xvii ... recovered immediately and became A.A. number three. BB Foreword to Second Edition,
p.xvii Their very rst case, a desperate one, recovered immediately and became A.A. number three.
14.View BB p.xiii ... recovered is the main purpose of this ... BB Foreword to First Edition, p.xiii To show other
alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book.
15.View BB pp.44-45 ... recovered long ago. BB We Agnostics, pp.44-45 If a mere code of morals or a better
philosophy of life were suf cient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago.
16.View BB p.96 ... recovered, of their chance. BB Working With Others, p.96 He often says that if he had
continued to work on them, he might have deprived many others, who have since recovered, of their chance.

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There are generally two recovery genres: The “Recovered Addict” versus the “Recovering Addict” narrative.
Recovery stories are consequential for the person’s experience of recovery, since it seems that the telling and
retelling of an empowered “Recovered” narrative, with its clear beginnings, turning points, and felicitous,
institutionally condoned endings may well be critical for recovery to remain a stable condition in life. Such narration
articulates, but also facilitates, the teller’s consistent af liation with and appropriation of institutional master
narratives (Cain 1991). Alternatively, the telling and retelling of ambiguous “always recovering” narratives, in
which protagonists question received wisdom, ponder hypothetical life paths not actually pursued, and envision
abstinence as both good and bad, may perpetuate a cyclical life course in which relapse recurs and permanent
recovery eludes the narrator as protagonist (Shohet, Merav 2007).

Central to the 12 Step recovery culture is the personal story of the recovered addict—“Our stories disclose in a
general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now" (A.A. 2001:58). The Member's
personal story reinforces the figured world of 12 Step recovery. These narratives maintain the boundaries that
structure and empower the 12 Step recovery culture. By sharing their personal stories of "what they used to be like",
members identify as addicts. Their "war stories" convey important criteria for potential members to identify and
label themselves as addicts (Holland 2001:71). Furthermore, personal testimonies are significant to newcomers
because the storylines of recovered addicts objectify the central cultural elements of the 12 Step world, such as the
importance of attending meetings, getting a sponsor, helping other suffering addicts, doing service work for the 12
Step Group. By listening to the narratives of recovered members, newcomers learn the culture of 12 Step recovery.
The newcomer learns the model of a 12 Step testimonial by listening to other members and through telling their own
story, the newcomer comes to understand their own life as a member of a 12 Step program (Holland 2001:71). The
12 Step rhetorical language provides an attractive element that connects the newcomer to the 12-step culture and
assures them that the drinking/using/acting-out problem can be solved—resulting in behavioural transformations of
newcomers (Waldram 1997:74).

4The untreated addict is a like a dog that returns to its own vomit. This is a variation of Proverbs 26:11 — “Like a
dog that returns to his vomit is a fool that repeats his folly.”

4a The Log & Loser List. On page 92 of the Big Book it says, “Give them (newcomer) and account of the struggles
(failed strategies) you made to stop.” The “log list” represents a comprehensive list of all those failed strategies the
addict uses in an attempt to stop or curtail their addiction pattern. Moreover, a log list is a summary of the first 43
pages of the Big Book, including the Doctor’s Opinion which focuses entirely on Step 1 and that can take a long
time working one on one with a newcomer to complete. Taking a newcomer through the “log list” takes only a
minimal amount of time. As the newcomer checks off the “logs” they have “burned,” the Sponsor also shares the
“logs” they have tried and burned. When the newcomer and Sponsor both share their log list with one another an
identification develops and the newcomer realizes, “Hey I’m just as powerless as you and you’re just as powerless
as me, but you don’t do it anymore.” That’s a very compelling scenario to one who wants to stop but cannot.
Furthermore, the log list is a universal approach to identifying one addict with another. All addicts regardless of their
addiction pattern, be it drugs, alcohol, food, sex, love, fantasy, codependence, gambling, etc., they all burn the same
logs! Thus any addict can identify with any other kind of addict just by sharing their log list with one another.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the log list that drove us into the rooms. Many of us realized we had a problem but
somehow we could still function and live. It wasn’t until the pain and suffering became so great, so unmanageable
that we sought out a potential solution to what ailed us. The “loser list” records all the things we’ve lost when
drinking, using and or acting out. It is the “loser list” that motivates the addict to work the Steps. The log list tells
the newcomer they are powerless over their addiction pattern and the likelihood of relapse is very high. And, once
the untreated addict commences to the drink, use or act out again, the suffering addict goes on a losing spree pursing
their addiction pattern to “gates of insanity or death.” All addicts regardless of their addiction pattern, (drugs,
alcohol, food, sex, love, fantasy, codependence, gambling, etc.) lose the same things—externally and internally!
Thus any addict can identify with any other kind of addict just by sharing their “loser list” with one another. Lastly,
the log and loser list can now be used by the Sponsor as the newcomers “Rap Sheet,” their modus operandi (M.O.)
as untreated addicts. When a newcomer balks at any of our suggestions, we simply refer them back to their log and
loser list and ask them, “ What does your log and loser list have to say about that?”
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4b RAP Sheet: “Record of Arrests and Prosecutions.”

5 Alcoholics and drug dependent patients suffer a high risk of suicide. The incidence of suicide in 5 year follow-
up of untreated addicts was found to be 80 times that of the general population (Gelder et al., 1983:402). In my
experience of working with others, I have found that some alcoholics and addicts enter into what I call “SO-
DRIETY” where they can’t live with alcohol or drugs or their obsessive compulsive behaviour, but have no idea
how to live without it. So they enter into SO-DRIETY, never working a 12 Step program, just remaining abstinent
and progressively getting more restless, irritable, discontented, bored, depressed and anxious until the pain is so bad
that they either relapse or take their own lives by suicide.

6 Intuition Analogy: Human evolution has given us fives senses through which we discern reality through precepts
which in turn are conceptualized and abstracted into an understanding of reality that has enabled us humans to
become the dominant species on the planet. However, there is also a sixth sense—intuition, a gut feeling, that
“spidey-sense” that subtly speaks to us. Have you ever had an intuitive thought or feeling and when you listened to
it, in hindsight it was exactly what you needed to do? Conversely have you had an intuitive thought or gut feeling
and didn’t listen to it and in hindsight found yourself saying, “Why didn’t I listen to that “friendly feeling” deep
down within me? Is this not the voice of the Divine trying to guide us safely along a path in life? And, what is great
about our Twelve Step program is we offer three spiritual tools: 1) a concept of a Power Greater than ourselves; 2)
Prayer by which we communicate to this reality deep down within us; and 3) Meditation whereby we can listen and
hear guidance from a Higher Conscience within.

7 Fish Story: This story is about being asleep versus being awake and was adapted from a story in Chuck C.’s book
“A New Pair of Glasses” on page 111. A couple of fish were hanging out in the ocean when a third fish swam by
saying, “Hey fellas, isn’t the water great!” and swam off. The one fish said to the other fish, “What is water?” The
other fish replied, “I don’t know, I’ve never heard of water.” “Lets go find out!” said the other fish. So the two fishes
swam the seven seas asking everyone they encountered, “Do you know what water is?” The answer was always the
same, “No I’ve never heard of water, what is it?” Why don’t the fish know what water is? They’re swimming in it!
It’s all around them, yet they are unaware of the water. The analogy applies to our Step Two: Came to believe in a
Power Greater than ourselves that could restore us to sanity. Most untreated addicts come into the rooms as barely
“toilet trained apes,” they eat, defecate and fornicate and that’s about all they can do. They are basically living in
their lower reptilian brains - pursuing their base desires, hand to mouth in flight or fight mode. They are unaware of
the presence of a Higher Power. Like the fish who are unaware of what water is, most untreated addicts are caught
up in the pursuit of happiness chasing their whims which often leads to either a hedonistic life or worse an addictive
one. Most untreated addicts are unconscious incompetents unaware of a deeper reality, never awakening to that sixth
sense, that intuitive knowing capable of solving the most baffling situations or problems. What is most amazing
about the Twelve Step program is it is a process of waking up, of raising one’s thought life to a higher level of
consciousness—a God Consciousness whereby the addict is able to connect to a power capable of easily controlling
their desire to drink, use or act out by fulfilling a new purpose in life—to be of maximum service to God and their
fellow human beings.

8 Dog Story: This is about witnessing the Higher Power at work. Mark Houston (Texas) an A.A. Sponsor who
passed away February 9, 2010 at the age of 63, used to tell a story of a man who goes duck hunting with his friend.
The man brings his dog along with him and when he shoots a duck it drops into the middle of the pond, whereby his
dog gets up and walks across the water, picks up the duck and returns with it. His buddy doesn’t say a word. He
shoots another duck which falls into the middle of the pond and once again his dog gets up, walks on the water,
picks up and the duck and returns with it and still his buddy doesn’t say anything. So finally he says to his friend,
“Hey do you see anything wrong with my dog?” And his buddy says, “Yeah, that dog can’t swim!”—missing the
miracle of a dog walking on the water. When we meet people in the rooms who are self-admitted addicts who were
once powerless over their addictions, but now seem to be able to easily control their desire to drink, use or act out
and have done so for many years—THATS THE DOG WALKING ON WATER! Let the testimony of others in the
rooms bear witness to God doing for them that which they could not do themselves. Thus, coupled with the ability to
think honestly and search diligently within ourselves, we start that process of coming to believe in a Higher Power.

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9 Michelangelo Story: “The Creation of Adam” a fresco painting by Italian artist Michelangelo di Lodovico
Buonarroti Simoni, which forms part of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, painted c. 1508–1512. This image signifies God
reaching out to Adam, straining to connect with humankind. You can see that God’s arm and finger is stretched taut.
Adam on the other hand is sitting on earth like a chaise lounge chair with his arm lackadaisically held out with his
wrist and fingers limp. One might suggest that Michelangelo is depicting the SLOTH of human beings in their effort
to connect to the Divine. M. Scott Peck, M.D. (1936 - 2005) an American psychiatrist and author, (The Road Less
Traveled) posits the notion of laziness as the original sin (Peck M. Scott. 1978:272). We, as human beings are too
lazy to initiate the efforts to make conscious contact with God. However when you look closely at Michelangelo’s
painting you can see that the distance between God’s finger and Adam’s finger is but an inch away signifying that
the Divine is very close. And, with The Twelve Step program — a program of “Faith with Works”—a program of
“Into Action” the addict can reach out and touch God and have a direct experience with the Divine Consciousness.

10 Preacher Story: A preacher is walking up the aisle of his church with pews on either side and he comes to one
pew with a husband on one side and his wife on the other side and several children between them. The preacher asks
the husband, “Are these your children?” The man replies, “I believe they are.” The preacher then asks the wife, “Are
these your children?” The wife replies, “I KNOW they are!” Is there a difference? Sure, short of a DNA test the
husband has only faith that the children are his, but the wife bore these children through her loins and knows by
empirical fact that they are her children. The preacher story illustrates the difference between having faith that there
is some kind of Higher Power at work in Step Two, but upon the completion of Step Five, the addict draws closer to
this Power through the work of a spiritual and moral inventory and begins to have a direct experience.

11Flight Story: Did you know that airplanes are off-course 90 percent of their flight time due to turbulence and
other conditions? Despite this fact most flights arrive at the correct destination at the intended arrival time. The
reason for this phenomenon is quite simple—the pilot and co-pilot are constantly conferring with one another,
communicating regularly with air traffic control as to the air-craft’s heading and location, and by continuously
checking in with the plane’s internal guidance system the pilot makes many course corrections so that the plane
arrives on time and at the intended destination. This is a great analogy for Step Ten: “Check yourself before you
wreck yourself.” I start my day with a Step Three prayer and meditation and make a decision just for this day that I
am going to do God’s will in all my affairs—with family, business, in the rooms of recovery and when I am in
public. As I execute my day under God’s employment it is important that I remain cognizant of my motives and
behaviours. Am I doing God’s will? I ask myself, Am I contributing to life OR am I thinking about myself 90
percent of the time. When I am off course I correct my actions through prayer, meditation, doing inventories,
discussing my defects with others, making amends when necessary and carrying the message to those that still
suffer. If I am diligent and employ a program of faith with works coupled with a no half measures attitude, I usually

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end my day on God’s terms. I conclude my day with the Step Seven prayer and meditation followed by a peaceful
sleep knowing that the my Higher Power is at work enabling me to easily control my desire to drink, use or act out.

12Starfish Story: Being recovered and given the power to help others it is not feasible that we can save every
suffering addict. Thousands are dropping into oblivion everyday. Many could recover if they had the opportunity we
have enjoyed. How then shall we present that which has been so freely given us? (A.A. p. 19). The starfish story
provides an answer. A couple folks are walking along the shoreline during low tide. It’s a very hot day and there are
thousands of exposed starfish suffering under the sun’s burning rays, drying them up and killing them by the
thousands. One fellow is constantly bending over many times picking up starfish and throwing them into ocean. The
other asks, “What are doing?” and he replies, “I’m saving the starfish.” The other fellow says, “Saving the starfish?
Look around you there are thousands of dead starfish and many more are going to die under this incredibly hot sun,
you’re not making any kind of difference so why bother?” To which the other fellow replied while picking up
another starfish, “I suppose you are correct in that assessment, but I think if makes a big difference to this starfish I
have right here” and tosses the starfish back into the ocean. We can’t save all the suffering addicts, but we can make
a difference by sharing our story of recovery and win the newcomer’s confidence so that we can take them through
the miracle of the Twelve Step program ONE ADDICT AT A TIME.

Bibliography
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) 2001. Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition. Alcoholics Anonymous World
Services Inc. New York.

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