HISTORY OF AA
When was the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous first published?
1939
What’s a common reason people isolate even when they’re lonely?
Shame or fear of judgment
Myth or fact: You can’t get addicted to weed.
Myth – Cannabis Use Disorder is real and can cause withdrawal, cravings, and emotional instability.
What’s my (Vanessas) Phone number?
949-371-9344
TAKE A PICTURE AND REMEMBER IT!
What feelings often hides underneath anger?
Pain, embarrassment, hurt, sadness
Who wrote the Big Book?
Bill Wilson with the help of Dr. Bob
What’s it called when someone stays super busy, tries to control everything, or avoids slowing down because sitting still feels unsafe?
Trauma response – staying in survival mode
Myth or fact: If someone is revived with Narcan, they’re safe and don’t need to go to the hospital.
Narcan wears off in 30–90 minutes, but the drugs can stay in the system longer and cause another overdose.
What’s the most cliché thing a clinician says after you pour your heart out?
“How did that make you feel?”
What’s it called when you feel nothing at all — not happy, not sad — just numb?
Emotional detachment or dissociation
When was the very first AA meeting held?
June 10, 1935
What’s one sneaky sign of depression people don’t always notice?
Irritability
Myth or fact: If I’m sober from my drug of choice, I’m still in recovery—even if I use other substances.
Myth – Substituting keeps addiction alive.
What do people in meetings usually say when you start trauma dumping?
“You should call your sponsor.”
What’s the feeling that shows up as judging others harshly, but is really about feeling not good enough yourself?
Insecurity — disguised as judgment or comparison
Where was the first AA meeting held?
Akron, Ohio (specifically at the home of Henrietta Seiberling, where Bill W. met Dr. Bob)
What does emotional dysregulation feel like?
Overreacting, overwhelmed, mood swings
Myth or fact: Just because you’re in a program means you’re getting better.
Myth – Showing up is only part of it. About 40–60% of people relapse at some point, especially without full engagement or support.
How can you tell someone isn’t working a program, even if they’re sober?
They’re a dry drunk — angry, blaming, and emotionally stuck.
What’s it called when you constantly see yourself as the one being wronged, even when you play a part in the problem?
Roughly how many people has AA helped worldwide?
Over 2 million members globally, across 180+ countries (based on AA World Services estimates)
Why do people self-sabotage when things go well?
Fear, low self-worth, trauma
Myth or fact: If you're on Suboxone or Methadone, you're not really sober.
Myth – MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) is evidence-based recovery. Recovery isn’t about what others approve of — it’s about safety, stability, and personal growth.
What’s the recovery version of “new year, new me”?
( a term everyone says when they get into treatment)
“I’m really gonna take it seriously this time.”
What’s it called when something now reminds you of something painful from the past and causes a big emotional reaction?
A trigger — often tied to unresolved trauma or inner child wounds