Language of the Program
The phrase “higher power” is intentionally broad to allow for this personal interpretation.
individual conception of God (or spirituality)
This chapter directly addresses agnostics and skeptics.
We Agnostics
This Tradition says the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Tradition Three
What is inability to stop once started?
The “phenomenon of craving” refers to this loss of control after initial use.
This step centers on developing hope through belief in something greater than oneself.
Step 2
This term describes the mental obsession that precedes physical relapse.
the obsession of the mind
This co-founder authored much of the Big Book and emphasized spiritual awakening.
This Tradition emphasizes voluntary contributions from members rather than public fundraising.
Tradition Seven
This term describes rationalizations that justify returning to substance use.
denial
his step is often considered the first major action step involving written self-reflection.
Step Four
What is moving to a new place to escape problems?
In program slang, a “geographic” refers to this ineffective strategy for recovery.
This doctor co-founded AA and contributed medical insight into alcoholism.
Bob Smith (Dr. Bob)
This Tradition focuses on anonymity as the spiritual foundation of all the Traditions.
This phrase describes the subtle return of old thinking patterns before relapse.
"stinking thinking" or mental relapse
This step connects willingness with action by beginning the process of repairing harm done to others.
Step Nine
This phrase describes taking responsibility for one’s role in resentments.
“looking at your side of the street”
This chapter specifically challenges the idea that intelligence alone can solve alcoholism.
We Agnostics
What tradition is this? (long form)
No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial issues—particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.
Tradition 10
This idea suggests that untreated emotional and spiritual issues can persist even without substance use.
emotional sobriety (or untreated alcoholism)
This step shifts the focus outward, emphasizing helping others as part of maintaining recovery.
Step Twelve
This term describes the mental obsession that precedes physical drinking.
obsession of the mind
This analogy compares alcoholics to people who repeatedly touch a hot stove despite being burned.
What Tradition is this? (long form)
Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. AA must continue to live or most of us will surely die. Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare follows close afterward.
Tradition One
This concept highlights that resentment is especially dangerous because it can lead back to drinking.
resentment as the “number one offender
This step requires willingness without yet requiring immediate change.
Step Six