Alcoholics Anonymous
The "Big Book" – our basic text. Here you will find the instructions for the program of recovery.
🧭 Introductory
Preface, Forewords, and The Doctor’s Opinion — a great place to begin.
Preface (4th Edition)
Read the Preface to the Fourth Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. Learn about the history and growth of the AA fellowship.
Read →Foreword (1st Edition)
The original 1939 foreword to Alcoholics Anonymous. Understanding the core purpose of the recovery program.
Read →Foreword (2nd Edition)
Explore the Foreword to the Second Edition, detailing how Alcoholics Anonymous grew from a small group to a global movement.
Read →The Doctor’s Opinion
Dr. William Silkworth's medical perspective on alcoholism as an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind.
Read →📘 Chapters
The main text — the core chapters of the Big Book.
Bill’s Story (Ch. 1)
Chapter 1 of the Big Book: Bill Wilson's journey from hopeless alcoholism to founding Alcoholics Anonymous.
Read →There Is a Solution (Ch. 2)
Chapter 2 explains the fellowship and the common solution that allows alcoholics to recover together.
Read →More About Alcoholism (Ch. 3)
Chapter 3 discusses the 'illusion' that the alcoholic can one day drink like other people and why it must be smashed.
Read →We Agnostics (Ch. 4)
A chapter for those who struggle with the concept of God or a Higher Power. Find a path to spiritual recovery.
Read →How It Works (Ch. 5)
The core of the program. Read the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous as outlined in Chapter 5.
Read →Into Action (Ch. 6)
Practical directions for taking Steps 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 to maintain a spiritual experience.
Read →Working With Others (Ch. 7)
The vital importance of carrying the message to other alcoholics. Step 12 in practice.
Read →To Wives (Ch. 8)
Guidance for the partners and spouses of alcoholics to find their own recovery and understanding.
Read →The Family Afterward (Ch. 9)
Healing the family dynamic and rebuilding relationships after the alcoholic stops drinking.
Read →To Employers (Ch. 10)
Advice for business owners and managers on how to handle and help alcoholic employees.
Read →A Vision For You (Ch. 11)
The concluding chapter of the main text, offering a vision of the fellowship and future for the recovered alcoholic.
Read →✨ Personal Stories
Stories that bring the message to life through lived experience.