Big Book
12 Steps
Recovery Concepts
What would you do?
Myth or Fact
100

What is another name for the book Alcoholics Anonymous? 

The Big Book 

100

What is the main focus for step 1? 

Admitting we are powerless over alcohol and that our lives have become unmanageable. 

100

If someone keeps telling themselves "i don't have a problem," despite repeated consequences from using, What recovery concept might this represent? 

Denial 

100

You are having a strong craving and thinking about using. What's one healthy thing you could do instead of acting on the craving?

  • Call someone
  • Talk to staff
  • Attend a meeting
  • Leave the triggering environment
  • Distract yourself
  • Use a coping skill
  • Reach out to sober support
100

“AA is just about going to meetings.”

MYTH 

Meetings are part of A.A., but the program also includes the Twelve Steps and fellowship/support.

200

What is the primary purpose of the Big Book?

To explain the AA Program and share how early members recovered from alcoholism. 

200

Step 2 involves coming to believe that what can help restore us to sanity? 

A Power greater than ourselves

200

What does "powerlessness" mean in the context of Step 1? 

Knowing that you can’t control your drinking or stop on your own.

200

Your friend says:

“I know I have a problem, but I don't need treatment. I can stop whenever I want.”

Which Step could this situation relate to?

Step 1 — recognizing powerlessness/unmanageability.

200

“The Big Book contains the Twelve Steps.”

 FACT

The Steps are presented at the beginning of Chapter 5, “How It Works.”

300

In what year was the first Big Book published? 

1939

300

Which step involves making a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves? 

Step 4. 

300

What is a 'resentment'?

Holding onto anger, hurt, or bitterness about something that happened, often repeatedly thinking about it or allowing it to affect our behavior.

300

You realize you've hurt someone because of your addiction. You feel guilty and want to make things right.

Which Steps could be relevant?

Steps 8 and 9 — making a list of people harmed and making appropriate amends.

300

“You have to already believe in God before you can begin learning about the Twelve Steps.”

MYTH 

The Big Book includes a chapter titled “We Agnostics,” and A.A.'s Step 2 refers to a Power greater than ourselves. The exact wording and interpretation of spirituality can be approached in different ways within A.A.

400

What chapter of the Big Book contains the 12 steps? 

Chapter 5 -- "How it works"

400

Which step involves making a list of people we harmed and becoming willing to make amends? 

Step 8 

400

True or False:

Surrender means giving up on recovery.

False.

Surrender can mean accepting that what you've been doing isn't working and becoming willing to accept help or try a different approach.

400

You get angry at someone and immediately start thinking:

“Forget recovery. I'm going to get high.”

What could you do differently?

Recognize the emotional trigger, pause before acting, use a coping skill, talk to someone, and avoid making an impulsive decision while angry.

400

“The Twelve Steps are only about admitting that you have a drinking problem.”

MYTH

 Step 1 addresses powerlessness and unmanageability, but the Twelve Steps continue through self-examination, admitting wrongs, readiness to change, amends, ongoing inventory, prayer/meditation, spiritual development, and helping others.

500

Name 3 things you can find in the Big Book BESIDES the 12 steps

Bill's Story, Personal stories, The Doctor's Opinion, Information about alcoholism, Information about working with others, Information about making changes in recovery, Recovery guidance

500

What is the general idea behind Step 12?

After experiencing a spiritual awakening through the steps, carrying the message to other alcoholics and practicing the principles in daily life. 

Help others in recovery and practice what you’ve learned in your everyday life.

500

Someone says: “I don't need anyone. I can figure this out myself.”

What recovery concept could challenge this way of thinking?

Acceptance of the need for help, willingness to seek support.

500

Someone in recovery realizes they have hurt people because of their addiction. What should they do next?

 Take responsibility, try to make things right, and work on changing their behavior.

500

“The Twelve Steps are meant to be used only when someone is struggling with a craving.”


MYTH

A.A. describes the Steps as a program of personal recovery and as principles that can be practiced as a way of life.