Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Books

“A book is not just a book: it is sanity, it is happiness, it is a teacher, it is a therapist, and a best friend.” - Unknown

Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is an international fellowship where members support each other in maintaining sobriety and achieving lasting recovery. A.A. is well-known worldwide, partly due to the profound impact of its literature on persons seeking recovery. A.A.-related books are vital resources for understanding the principles, language, and recovery process of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In this blog, we shall identify and learn about Alcoholics Anonymous books and how they can change an A.A. member's life in relation to recovery and sober living.

Alcoholics Anonymous or A.A. reading material or A.A.-related books are, at the core, books to aid recovery from substance use disorders. They can enable a person struggling with alcohol addiction toward recovery by being the friend who will give a push in the right direction. True, alcoholism or alcohol use disorder requires comprehensive, personalized treatment and rehabilitation. Yet, Alcoholics Anonymous books can foster recovery, maintenance, and a sober lifestyle.

In addition to the above, A.A. recovery books offer practical advice for identifying harmful behaviors and replacing them with healthier patterns to maintain sobriety. Reading these books can likewise enhance the experience of the A.A. meetings and can benefit not just the person but the others involved as well. A.A. thrives on fellowship and community.

Alcoholics Anonymous books are not just self-help books. In fact, they can be used in treatment and rehabilitation programs. A healthcare provider or licensed therapist can use these books to help clients suffering from alcoholism or alcohol use disorder. They can use them to craft comprehensive treatment and relapse prevention plans.

In fact, A.A.-related books can also be recommended by healthcare providers to support clients in recovery. These can be empowering materials to read and can facilitate a client on their journey toward recovery and sobriety.

Alcoholics Anonymous books have been written to empower readers (and members) on their way toward recovery and sobriety. Here are some of the most influential A.A. recovery books that have helped countless persons on their recovery journey:

1. Alcoholics Anonymous: The eponymous book, also known as the "Big Book," was first published in 1939. It was largely responsible for A.A. becoming famous. It elucidates the concepts of recovery from alcoholism/alcohol use disorder. It also empowers the reader with the stories and journeys of men and women who overcame alcoholism.
2. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions: Originally published in 1952, it consists of 24 essays pertaining to the steps and traditions of A.A. These essays cover A.A.'s functions. They also clarify the steps and traditions that members use to recover from alcohol addiction.
3. Daily Reflections: It consists of a collection of 366 readings that the reader can read every day of the year. These readings are inspirational messages regarding sober living.
4. The Book That Started It All: The Original Working Manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous: This book sheds light on the history and foundations of A.A. It is an appeal to anyone suffering from alcoholism to try and test out the A.A. program.
5. Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age: A Brief History of A. A.: This book is the story of how A.A. grew and explains how the 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and the 12 Concepts for World Service evolved.

Alcoholics Anonymous has published several books that are informative, enlightening, and empowering. However, there are other books published by independent authors regarding their experiences with alcoholism and alcohol use disorder that can be equally informative, enlightening, and empowering. Some of these books are:

1. Dry: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs
2. Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
3. Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola
4. The Recovery Book: Answers to All Your Questions About Addiction and Alcoholism and Finding Health and Happiness in Sobriety by Al J. Mooney M.D., Howard Eisenberg
5. This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace
6. The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley
7. Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending America’s Greatest Tragedy by David Sheff
8. The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
9. Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood by Koren Zailckas
10. A Happier Hour by Rebecca Weller
11. Lit: A Memoir by Mary Karr
12. Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions by Russell Brand

Finding an A.A. that is the right one for you or your loved one is very easy. All you have to do is visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website, where you have to search for the A.A. meetings. Depending on what the need is, you can choose the A.A. meetings you wish to attend. For instance, while there are in-person A.A. meetings, there are also online A.A. meetings. There are also specialized A.A. meetings for women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and other specific groups.

At the NuView Treatment Center, you can easily search for A.A. meetings by using the AA. Meetings Near Me tool. The NuView Team of dedicated professionals is also available 24*7 to support persons in recovery and find the support they need for recovery, maintenance, and a sober lifestyle. For more details, reach out to NuView at (323) 307-7997 or email us at info@nuviewtreatment.com.

How Can Self-Help and Group Study Books Support Alcoholics Anonymous Members in Their Recovery?

Self-help and group study books are meant to inform and direct A.A. members in their journey toward recovery and sobriety. They are informative and empowering. They can enhance the experience of A.A. meetings. As A.A. believes in the sense of fellowship and community, reading self-help or group study Alcoholics Anonymous books can be useful to yourself as well as to fellow A.A. members.

Are the Discussion Topics at A.A. Meetings Predetermined, or Can You Suggest Something Like a Book Discussion or Review?

Discussion topics during A.A. meetings can be predetermined, yes. However, A.A. meetings are also open to suggestions. A member can suggest an interesting topic from A.A.-related books and see whether it gets accepted or not. Additionally, you can ask their local A.A. office to consider book reading, book discussion, or book review sessions as well.

Are Online Resources Available to Further Study the Alcoholics Anonymous Program and Principles?

Yes, online resources are available for further study on the Alcoholics Anonymous programs and principles. The Alcoholics Anonymous website provides comprehensive information regarding the program, history, functions, and so on. The Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office provides an extensive list of suggested readings for study. Furthermore, blogs and podcasts are also dedicated to A.A. and can be easily accessed online. Online forums and chat groups can also be informative resources to delve into.