Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43641 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 575 pages

Customer Reviews

Historic and pivotal
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of this book in addressing the age-old problems of alcoholism and other addictions. Prior to its publication in the late 1930s, the vast majority of alcoholics and addicts simply died from the direct or indirect consequences of their condition. Their decline and destruction commonly caused untold suffering to all those who were close to them.

Since that time, increasing numbers of people have been recovering from these disorders and leading happy, purposeful, productive and successful lives. Nowadays, in the anonymous fellowships throughout the world, there are literally millions of people whose restoration to life and sanity is directly attributable to the Twelve Step programme first articulated by the authors of this 'Big Book'.

It is true that, since the early days of the pioneers of recovery, we have learned a great deal more about the nature of addiction. They predicted that this would happen. It is also true that we no longer share all of the cultural assumptions of the original authors. Nevertheless, no more effective way of dealing with addictive disorders has yet been found.

This seminal book is essential reading, not only for people who suffer from any kind of addiction, but also for all professionals who work with them.

Every person who is in recovery is a walking miracle and owes an incalculable debt of gratitude to the authors of this book. I speak as one of those who, from personal experience, knows this to be true.

A respected, essential grandparent
It's difficult (and it would be stupid!) to argue with a method that's helped thousands recover from the brink. For this reason alone, AA's "Big Book" should be required reading for anyone who even suspects they have a problem with alcohol (and, for that matter, for anyone who deals with alcoholics in any capacity).

At the same time, it's easy to be put off by the outmoded, evangelically-nuanced text. Don't be. Treat it as you would a respected grandparent -- their ideas, methods and experience are absolutely valid; it's just that their way of expressing things hasn't kept up with contemporary thought and society..

AA's a "spiritual rather than religious" fellowship, it says. Sometimes this is hard to bear in mind -- the vast majority of AAs talk of a God who is evidently Judao-Christian. If you're not of this tradition, don't let that put you off -- and don't let the book's condescension regarding agnostics and atheists put you off either! People of all religions and none (and this includes active agnostics and atheists) have benefited and continue to benefit from AA as a viable means to become and, crucially, remain sober.

From a hopelessly drunk malcontent to a sober, able life. That's what putting into practice the core message of this book has done for me. Perhaps it doesn't work for everyone; but everyone who's searching for help with their drinking can only benefit from reading this book and trying its methods.

life saving
A book that saves life,what more can you say.There are no words to review such a book,through regular attendance at AA meetings and practising the principles outlined in this book i have not had a drink in over four years,perhaps more of a surprise is that i no longer want a drink and am living very happily without one.All this from despairing suicidal drunk who craved alcohol as soon as he woke up.