Big Book Study

Work Booklet

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 Table of Contents
Big Book Goals - 2
List of Musts - 5
List of Promises - 7
The Goose Story - 9
What Happened? - 10
Questions on the Preface and the Forewords - 14
Disease Concept of Alcoholism Diagram - 16
Original Dr. Silkworth Letter - 17
Questions on the Doctor’s Opinion - 18
Questions on Bill’s Story - 20
Questions on There is a Solution - 22
What is the Solution? Diagram - 24
Questions on “More About Alcoholism” - 25
Step 1 Worksheet - 27
Questions on “We Agnostics” - 28
Worksheet on Step 2 - 30
Road Chart to Decision Diagram - 32
Spiritual Structure Diagram - 33
Original How It Works Manuscript - 34
Worksheet on Step 3 – 37
Basic instincts of self - 39
Introduction To The 4th Step – 40
Glossary of Words for Step 4 & 5 - 44
Inventory Comparison Chart –45
Resentment Chart – 46
Irrational Fears Handout - 47

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 Fears Inventory Chart - 48
Step 4 Guidelines on Sex Problems - 49
Sex Conduct Inventory chart - 50
Other Harms Chart - 51
Questions on Step 4 - 52
Questions on Step 5 - 54
Step 6 Handout - 56
Step 7 Handout - 56
Step 8 & 9 Handout - 57
Questions on Step 8 & 9 - 58
Three Dimensions of Life Diagram - 60
Questions on Step 10 - 61
Questions on Step 11 - 63
How to get Effective Results from Prayer - 65
How to Listen to God - 66
Step 11 Checklist - 71
God has a Plan - 72
Desiderata - 73

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 Musts in the Big Book
1. Must carry the message Pg. XVI 47. We have to live it Pg 83
2. Must surely come from Pg. XXIII 48. Must remember it takes time Pg 83
3. Must tell others Pg. XXIII 49. Must carry the vision Pg 85
4. Must believe Pg. XXIV 50. Must have constant God thoughts Pg 85
5. Must have depth and weight Pg XXVI 51. Must take more action Pg 85
6. Must be grounded in higher power PgXXVI 52. Must be careful not to worry Pg 86
7. Must stop Pg XXVII 53. Must not miss the experience Pg 89
8. You must help me Pg XXVII 54. Never force yourself Pg 90
9. Had to be paid Pg 14 55. Family must decide how to Pg 90
10. Must turn it over Pg 14 56. Had better use everyday language Pg 93
11. The absolute necessity Pg 14 57. Faith must be accompanied Pg 93
12. Imperative to work with others Pg 14 58. Never talk down Pg 95
13. Faith has to work Pg 16 ` 59. Must decide for self Pg 95
14. There will have to be Pg 19 60. Must desire Higher Power Pg 95
15. Our very Lives Pg 20 61. Never avoid these Pg 97
16. Must have this thing Pg 29 62. Must avoid arguments Pg 99
17. Had to fully concede Pg 30 63. Must make amends Pg 99
18. Has to be smashed Pg 30 64. Must improve old relationship Pg 99
19. Must be no reservation Pg 33 65. Must progress daily on path Pg 100
20. Have to throw Pg. 42 66. Have to stop fighting anything Pg 103
21. Must find higher power defence Pg. 43 67. Spouse must never tell Pg. 111
22. Must find spiritual basis of life Pg. 44 68. Must wait for readiness Pg. 113
23. Had to find a power Pg. 45 69. Must start anew Pg. 114
24. Had to be abandoned Pg. 48 70. Must not embarrass or harm Pg. 115
25. Had to ask ourselves Pg. 52 71. Family must avoid dissension Pg. 117
26. Had to stop doubting Pg. 52 72. Never forget Pg. 117
27. Had to fearlessly face Pg. 53 73. Spouse must not expect too much Pg. 118
28. Had to search fearlessly Pg. 55 74. Must redouble spiritual efforts Pg. 120
29. Must be rid of selfishness Pg. 62 75. Must shield from temptation Pg. 120
30. Had to have Gods help Pg. 62 76. Family must realize convalescing Pg. 127
31. Had to quit playing God Pg. 62 77. Must not overconcentrate on finances Pg.127

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32. Had to get down to Pg. 64 78. Material wellbeing never precedes Pg. 127
33. Had to be free of anger Pg. 66 79. Must remember to share respons.Pg.127
34. Must master resentments Pg. 66 80. Must work with fellow Pg. 130
35. Must be willing to grow Pg. 69 81. Absolutely insist on Pg. 132
36. Must make amends Pg. 69 82. Has to go an spiritual basis Pg. 135
37. Must be entirely honest Pg. 73 83. Must convince family Pg. 135
38. Must confess ( if religion requires) Pg. 74 84. Must stop drinking Pg. 141
39. Must be hard on self Pg. 74 85. Must undergo change of heart Pg. 143
40. Must not postpone step 5 Pg. 75 86. Must decide for self Pg. 144
41. Must lose fear of creditors Pg. 78 87. Must be honest Pg. 145
42. Must be willing to make amends Pg. 79 88. Must get along sober Pg. 152
43. Must not shrink Pg. 79 89. Must find a way out Pg. 153
44. Must take action Pg.80 90. Must keep alive spiritually Pg. 156
45. Must keep sober Pg. 82 91. Must help others Pg. 159
46. Must take the lead Pg. 83 92. Must rely on God Pg. 164

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 The Big Book Promises
1. We have recovered Pg. XIII
2. To show we have recovered Pg. XIII
3. Our way of living Pg. XIII
4. Nearly all have recovered Pg. 17
5. They have solved Pg. 17
6. But there exists an understanding Pg. 17
7. Having shared a common peril Pg. 17
8. Discovered a common solution Pg. 17
9. We have a way out Pg. 17
10. Recovered from a hopeless condition Pg. 20
11. But for the grace of God Pg. 25
12. There is a solution Pg. 25
13. Saw that it really worked Pg. 25
14. Rocketed into a fourth dimension Pg. 25
15. The absolute certainty Pg. 25
16. Accomplish those things Pg. 25
17. Has proved to be Pg. 28
18. A new life has been given Pg. 28
19. Showing how we recovered Pg. 29
20. Which will solve your problem Pg. 45
21. Never exclusive or forbidding Pg. 46
22. Repeatedly proven among us Pg 47
23. The humanly possible Pg. 50
24. Direction flowed into them Pg. 50
25. Deep down within us Pg. 55
26. You cannot fail Pg. 55
27. Restored to all Pg. 57
28. When we drew near Pg. 57
29. Rarely have we seen Pg. 58
30. But there is one Pg. 58
31. Having had a spiritual Pg. 60
51. We are going to know Pg. 83
52. We will not regret Pg. 83
53. We will comprehend Pg. 83
54. We will see how Pg. 84
55. That feeling of uselessness Pg. 84
56. We will lose interest Pg. 84
57. Self-seeking will slip away Pg. 84
58. Outlook upon life will change Pg. 84
59. Insecurity will leave us Pg. 84
60. We will intuitively know Pg. 84
61. We will suddenly realize Pg. 84
62. They will always materialize Pg. 84
63. Sanity will have returned Pg. 84
64. We react sanely Pg. 85
65. That our new attitude Pg. 85
66. We are not fighting it Pg. 85
67. In a position of neutrality Pg. 85
68. Problem has been removed Pg. 85
69. Begun to sense the flow Pg. 85
70. How the right answers come Pg. 86
71. Becomes a working part Pg. 87
72. It works, it really does Pg. 88
73. Life will take on Pg. 89
74. To watch people recover Pg. 89
75. You will presently live in a new Pg. 100
76. To leave you with the feeling Pg. 104
77. You can be quite hopeful Pg. 110
78. Spectacular and powerful recoveries Pg. 113
79. The power of God Pg. 114
80. Their road will be smoother Pg. 114
81. Will have created Pg. 115
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32. New and triumphant arch Pg. 62
33. All sorts of remarkable Pg. 63
34. He provided what we need Pg. 63
35. We began to lose our fear Pg. 63
36. Was felt at once Pg. 63
37. To match calamity with serenity Pg. 68
38. We commence to outgrow fear Pg. 68
39. The right answer will come Pg. 69
40. We have begun to learn Pg. 70
41. Once we have taken Pg. 75
42. We can look the world Pg. 75
43. We can be alone Pg. 75
44. Our fears fall from us Pg. 75
45. We begin to feel the nearness Pg. 75
46. Begin to have a spiritual experience Pg. 75
47. Drink problem has disappeared Pg. 75
48. Walking hand in hand Pg. 75
49. Rarely do we fail Pg. 78
50. We will be amazed Pg. 83
82. Barriers will disappear Pg. 115
83. No longer be self-conscious Pg. 115
84. Your new courage will do wonders Pg. 115
85. Tension will be lessened Pg. 115
86. A path which led to the discovery Pg. 116
87. He can solve your problems Pg. 116
88. Lack of fear Pg. 116
89. A better way of life Pg. 117
90. Alcohol is no longer a problem Pg. 119
91. You will awaken to a new sense Pg.119
92. Your lives will be fuller Pg. 120
93. You will lose the old life Pg. 120
94. The key to life and happiness Pg. 124
95. A great sense of purpose Pg. 130
96. Progress will be rapid Pg. 134
97. Progress will be rapid Pg. 134
98. Marvelous results Pg. 134
99. You will find release Pg. 152
100. Great events will come to pass
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 The Goose Story

Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in a “V” formation,
you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way.
It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird
immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71%
greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. (People who share a common direction
and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are
travelling on the trust of one another.)

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying
to go it alone, and quickly gets into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the
bird immediately in front. (If we have as much sense as a goose we will stay in formation with
those who are headed in the same direction we are going.) When the lead goose gets tired, he
rotates back in the wing and another goose flies to the point. (It pays to take turns doing the
hard jobs, with people or with geese flying south.) The geese honk from behind to encourage
those up front to keep up their speed. (What do we say when we honk from behind?)

Finally (now I want you to get this), when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and
falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They
stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and they then launch out on their
own or with another formation to catch up with the group. (If we have the sense of a goose,
we will stand by each other like that.)

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 What happened?
That question is being asked by a lot of alcoholics lately. What happened to our high success
rate? 30 and 40 years ago, we were keeping 75% or more of the alcoholics who came to us for
help. Today, we aren’t keeping even 5%. What happened?

What happened to that wonderful A.A. group that was around for 20, 30 or 40 years? There used
to be 50, 75, 100 or more at every meeting. It is now a matter of history - gone! More and more
groups are folding every day. What happened?

We hear a lot of ideas, opinions and excuses as to what happened, but things are not
improving. They continue to get worse. What is happening?

Bill W. wrote,

“In the years ahead A.A. will, of course, make mistakes. Experience has taught us that we need
have no fear of doing this, providing that we always remain willing to admit our faults and
to correct them promptly. Our growth as individuals has depended upon this healthy process
of trial and error. So will our growth as a fellowship.

Let us always remember that any society of men and women that cannot freely correct its own
faults must surely fall into decay if not into collapse. Such is the universal penalty for the failure
to go on growing. Just as each A.A. must continue to take his moral inventory and act upon it, so
must our whole Society if we are to survive and if we are to serve usefully and well.”
(A.A. Comes of Age, pg. 231)

With so very few finding lasting sobriety and the continued demise of A.A. groups, it is obvious
that we have not remained willing to admit our faults and to correct them promptly.

It seems to me that the Delegate of the Northeast Ohio Area, Bob Bacon, identified our mistakes
and our faults when he talked to a group of A.A.’s in 1976. He said, in essence, we are no longer
showing the newcomer that we have a solution for alcoholism. We are not telling them about the
Big Book and how very important that book is to our long-term sobriety. We are not telling
them about our Traditions and how very important they are to the individual groups and to
Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole. Rather, we are using our meeting time for drunkalogs, a
discussion of our problems, ideas and opinions or “my day” or “my way”.

Having been around for a few years, and reflecting on what Bob Bacon had to say, it appears
that we have permitted newcomers to convince the old-timers that they had a better idea.

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They had just spent 30 or more days in a treatment facility where they had been impressed with
the need to talk about their problems in Group Therapy Sessions. They had been told that it
didn’t make any difference what their real problem was, A.A. had the “best program.” They
were told that they should go to an A.A. meeting every day for the 1st 90 days out of treatment.
They were told that they should not make any major decisions for the 1st year of their sobriety.
And what they were told goes on and on, all of which are contrary to the Program of Alcoholics
Anonymous!

Apparently, what they were told sounded pretty good to the A.A. members who were here when
the TC clients started showing up at our meetings. And a lot of the A.A. members liked the idea
of the treatment centers because the centers provided a place where they could drop off a serious
drinker, if he/she had insurance. That eliminated some of the inconveniences we had been
plagued with before; having to pour orange juice and honey or a shot of booze down a vibrating
alike to help them “de-tox”.

When A.A. was very successful, the folks who did the talking in meetings were recovered
alcoholics. The suffering and untreated alcoholics listened. After hearing what it takes to
recover, the newcomer was faced with a decision; “Are you going to take the Steps and recover
or are you going to get back out there and finish the job?” If they said they “were willing to go
to any length”, they were given a sponsor, a Big Book and began the process of recovery by
taking the Steps and experiencing the Promises that result from that course of action. This
process kept the newcomer involved in working with others and the continued growth of our
Fellowship. Our growth rate was approximately 7% and the number of sober members of
Alcoholics Anonymous doubled every 10 years.

With the advent of the rapid growth of the Treatment Industry, the acceptance of the success
with alcoholics by the judicial system and endorsement of physicians, psychiatrists,
psychologists, etc., all kinds of people were pouring into A.A at a rate that we had ever dreamed
possible. Almost without realizing what was happening, our meetings began changing from ones
that focused on recovery from alcoholism to “discussion or participation” types of meetings that
invited everyone to talk about whatever was on their mind. The meetings evolved from a
program of spiritual development to the group therapy type of meeting where we heard more and
more about “our problems” and less and less about the Program of Recovery by the Big Book
and the preservation of our fellowship by adhering to our Traditions.

What has been the result of all this? Well, never have we had so many coming to us for help.
But never have we had such a slow growth rate which has now started to decline. For the first
time in our history, Alcoholics Anonymous is losing members faster that they are coming in and
our success rate is unbelievably low. (Statistics from the Inter-Group Office of some major cities
indicate less than 5% of those expressing a desire to stop drinking are successful for more than 5

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years; a far cry from the 75% reported by Bill W. in the Foreword to Second Edition.) The
change in the content of our meetings is proving to be death-traps for the newcomer and in turn,
death-traps for the groups that depend on the “discussion or participation” type meetings.

Why is this? The answer is simple. When meetings were opened so that untreated alcoholics
were given the opportunity to express their ideas, their opinions, air their problems and tell how
they were told to do it where they came from, the confused newcomer became more confused
with the diversity of information that was being presented. More and more they were
encouraged to “just go to meetings and don’t drink” or worse yet, “go to 90 meetings in 90
days”. The newcomer was no longer told to take the Steps or get back out there to finish the job.
In fact, they are often told, “Don’t rush into the Steps. Take your time”. The alcoholics who
participated in the writing of the Big Book didn’t wait. They took the Steps in the first few days
following their last drink.

Thank God, there are those in our fellowship, like Joe and Charlie, Wally, etc., who have
recognized the problem and have started doing something about it. They are placing the focus
back on the Big Book. There have always been a few groups that would not yield to the group
therapy trend. They stayed firm to their commitment to try to carry a single message to the
suffering alcoholic. That is to tell the newcomer that “we have had a spiritual awakening as the
result of these Steps and if you want to recover, we will see that you have a sponsor who has
recovered and will lead you along the path of the 1st 100 laid down for us”. Recovered
alcoholics have begun founding groups that have a single purpose and inform the newcomer that
until they have taken the Steps and recovered, they will not be permitted to say anything in
meetings. They will listen to recovered alcoholics, they will take the Steps, they will recover and
then they will try to pass their experience and knowledge on to the ones who are seeking the kind
of help we provide in Alcoholics Anonymous. As this movement spreads, as it is beginning to
do, Alcoholics Anonymous will again be very successful in doing the one thing God intended for
us to do and that is to help the suffering alcoholic recover, if he has decided he wants what we
have and is willing to go to any length to recover, to take and apply our Twelve Steps to our lives
and protect our Fellowship by honoring our Twelve Traditions.

There is a tendency to want to place the blame for our predicament on the treatment industry and
professionals. They do what they do and it has nothing to do with what we in Alcoholics
Anonymous do. That is their business. That is not where to place the blame and is also in
violation of our Tenth Tradition. The real problem is that the members of Alcoholics
Anonymous, who were here when the “clients” understand that our Program had been firmly
established since April 1939; and that the guidelines for the preservation and growth of our
Fellowship were adopted in 1950; that they must get rid of their new “old ideas” and start
practicing the Twelve Steps Program of Alcoholics Anonymous as it was given to us; that until
they had taken the Steps and recovered, they had nothing to say that needed to be heard except

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by their sponsor. But that didn’t happen. To the contrary, the old-timers failed in their
responsibility to the newcomer to remind them of a vital truth: “Rarely have we seen a person
fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or
will not completely give themselves to this simple program.” We have permitted untreated
alcoholics and non-alcoholics to sit in our meetings and lay out their problems, ideas and
opinions. We have gone from, “Rarely have we seen a person fail” to “Seldom do we see a
person recover”.

So there we are. We have had 30 years of unbelievable success by following the directions in
the Big Book. We have had 30 years of disappointing failure by wanting to hear from everyone.
We not have something to compare.

We now know what the problem is and we know what the solution is. Unfortunately, we have
not been prompt to correct the faults and mistakes which have been created by what would
appear to be large doses of apathy and complacency. The problem we are trying to live with is
needlessly killing alcoholics. The Solution, the Power, greater than ourselves, that we find
through our Twelve Steps, promises recovery for those who are willing to follow the clear-cut
directions in the Big Book.

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 Questions on the Preface
And the Forewords
If applicable, please reference page & paragraph

1. What is a textbook?

2. What was the purpose of writing the Big Book?

3. What is the MAIN purpose of the book?

4. What are the four absolutes of the Oxford Group?

a)
b)
c)
d)

5. When was the first A.A. group started?

6. What did Bill realize he had to do to save himself?

7. What is VITAL to recovery?

8. Who was the first person Bill shared the “disease concept” with?

9. What are the two (2) Alcoholics Anonymous?

a)
b)

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10. What has been left unchanged in the four (4) different editions of the Big Book?

11. Who wrote the book and how did they come up with a solution they could all agree on?

12. What three (3) things does the book do?

a)
b)
c)

13. In 1955, what was the percentage of alcoholics (who really tried) that sobered up?

14. Why is it important that we have the program from the Big Book?

15. What is the A.A. program?

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 Questions on the Doctor’s Opinion
If applicable, please reference page & paragraph

1. What was the Doctor’s opinion?

2. When was it accepted by the medical profession?

3. What is a normal drinker?

4. What is an abnormal drinker?

5. How many types of alcoholics are listed?

6. What do all these types have in common?

7. Explain the “Phenomenon of Craving” in an alcoholic?

8. What is an allergy? _

9. What is the allergic reaction to alcohol?

10. What is the only relief from the “Phenomenon of Craving?”

11. Why do men and women drink?

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12. Why is the Doctor’s opinion so important?

13. The Doctor gave us the problem (Step 1). Explain:

14. What is the “alcoholic life” to the alcoholic?

15. What did the Doctor say was the answer?

16. What was needed to produce this change?

17. Unless what happens is there very little change?

18. Who has to become the expert of alcoholism?

19. What are the three characteristics of the disease?

a)
b)
c)

20. What is an obsession of the mind?

21. Write out cycle of alcoholism?

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 Questions on Bill’s Story
If applicable, please reference page and paragraph

What are the two reasons for Bill’s Story?

a)
b)

2. What did Ebby bring to Bill?

3. What were the revolutionary measures and drastic proposals?

4. What did Bill realize could happen if he accepted the proposals?

5. What was the novel idea Bill’s friend suggested?

6. What was required of Bill to make a beginning?

7. What was the foundation Bill needed to build what he saw in his friend?

8. Find where Bill did the steps before he wrote the book:

9. What did Bill think was the answer, and what was not?

10. Describe Bill taking Step 1:

11. “Liquor ceased to be a luxury…” Explain what this refers to:

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12. Where did Ebby find recovery?

13. Describe where Ebby talked of his recovery: _

14. Describe where Bill took Step 2:

15. Describe where Bill becomes open-minded:

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 Questions on There Is A Solution
If applicable, please reference page and paragraph

1. What is the first part of the solution?

2. What holds the fellowship together?

3. What does the fellowship share?

4. What will not hold us together?

5. What is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism?

6. What is the all-enduring bond?

7. Where does the main problem of the alcoholic center?

8. What do we have no defense against?

9. What is the solution?

10. What did Dr. Jung say was the nature of a vital spiritual experience?

11. What did the first 100 people identify as a power greater than themselves?

12. What does not take the place of the necessary vital spiritual experience?

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13. What was the design for living that worked?

14. What were the two purposes of this chapter?

a)

b)

15. What question is it The Purpose of this Book to answer?

16. What do I have to do? How do I get over the hopeless state of mind and body?

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 Questions on “More About Alcoholism”
If applicable, please reference page and paragraph

1. What is the purpose of this chapter?

2. What was the purpose of the three stories?

3. What is the Great Obsession of every ABNORMAL drinker?

4. What is an Obsession?

5. What is the Obsession of the Alcoholic?

6. What will not cure Alcoholism?

7. Describe the symptoms of the disease?

8. What alone can only defeat us?

9. What is the ONLY defense against the first drink?

10. What did Fred say about letting go of old ideas?

11. What have we alcoholics LOST?

12. What is the BAFFLING feature of alcoholism?

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13. What is INSANITY?

14. The potential alcoholic will be unable to stop drinking on the basis of what?

15. Define the powerlessness in this chapter?

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Step 1 Worksheet

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 Questions on “We Agnostics”
If applicable, please reference page and paragraph

1. What is in every man, woman, and child?

2. What is our Dilemma?

3. What is the MAIN objective of this book?

4. Where do we find this power?

5. What are the facts as old as man himself?

6. On what proposition do these men and women strikingly agree on?

7. What makes the revolutionary change in their living and thinking?

8. What flowed into them as a result of this?

9. Why couldn’t we accept much on faith?

10. What forces us to be open-minded on spiritual matters?

11. What proposition do we have to fearlessly face?

12. What does our testimony help us do?

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13. Explain: What is sure to come:

14. What two alternatives do we face?

15. Explain the reference to willpower in this chapter.

16. How do they define alcoholic in this chapter?

17. What might we observe about Spiritual Minded People?

18. How do we grow in faith?

19. What is the purpose of this chapter?

20. What is the foundation?

21. What is the cornerstone?

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 Worksheet on Step 2
If applicable, please reference page and paragraph

Step 2 “Came to Believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

A. “Came to Believe”- Define the following:

1. Open-mindedness

2. Letting go of old ideas:

3. Willing to change beliefs:

4. What is an atheist?

5. What is an agnostic?

B. “A power greater than ourselves”- Define the following:

1. What is our dilemma?

2. What is the main purpose of this book?

3. What is our problem?

4. What do we need to start with?

5. Where do we find this power?

6. How do we prove it is there?

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7. What are the three pertinent ideas?

a)

b)

c)

C. “Can restore us to sanity”- Define the following:

1. Why do we need to be restored to sanity?

2. What cannot arrest alcoholism?

3. What are “indispensable?”

4. What is being sober?

5. What is the definition of “sobriety?”

6. Where did we get Step 2 from?

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 Original Manuscript Version of
How it Works
From the Pre-Publication copy of the Big Book (1939)

Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our directions. Those
who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this
simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest
with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been
born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a way of life which
demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who
suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have
the capacity to be honest.

Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what
we are like now. If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any
length to get it, then you are ready to follow directions.

At some of these you may balk. You may think you can find an easier, softer way. We
doubt if you can. With all the earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and
thorough from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result
was nil until we let go absolutely.

Remember that you are dealing with alcohol- cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help
it is too much for you. But there is one who has all power- that one is God. You must find
him now.

Half measures will avail you nothing. You stand at the turning point. Throw yourself
under His protection and care with complete abandon.

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 Now we think you can take it! Here are the steps we took, which are suggested as your
program of recovery.

1. Admitted we were powerless over alcohol- that our lives have become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care and direction of God as we
understood him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely willing that God remove all these defects of character.

7. Humbly, on our knees, asked him to remove our shortcomings- holding nothing back.

8. Made a list of all people we had harmed, and became willing to make complete amends to
them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure
them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our contact with God, praying only for
the knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual experience as the result of this course of action, we tried to carry
this message to others, especially alcoholics, and to practise these principles in all our affairs.

You may exclaim, “What an order! I can’t go through with it. “Do not be discouraged.
No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these
principles. We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.

Page | 35
The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress rather
than spiritual perfection.

Our description of the alcoholic, the chapter to the agnostic, and our personal adventures
before and after, have been designed to sell you three pertinent ideas:

a) That you are alcoholic and cannot manage your own life.

b) That probably no human power could have relieved your alcoholism.

c) That God can and will.

If you are not convinced on these vital issues, you ought to re-read the book to this
point or else throw it away.

Page | 36
 Worksheet on Step 3
If applicable, please reference page and paragraph

Step 3- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we
understood him.

Define the following:

1. What is a decision?

2. What is the problem?

3. What are the Three Basic Instincts of Life?

a)

b)

c)

4. What are the Three Manifestations of Self?

a)

b)

c)

5. What is our will?

6. What is our lives?

7. What are we going to let God direct?

8. What does “Let go and Let God?’ mean?

9. What is the action of the decision?

10. What is MY understanding of God? (Keep it Simple)

Page | 37
11. What is God’s will for me?

12. How do I know what God’s will is?

13. What is the Big I Factor?

14. What are the four obsessions of the mind?

a)

b)

c)

d)

15. What are the four expressions of self, self-bondage?

a)

b)

c)

d)

16. What is the keystone to the arch we will walk through as a free man?

Page | 38
 BASIC INSTINCTS OF ONE WHICH
Social Instinct
Companionship - Wanting
to belong or be accepted
Prestige - Wanting to be
recognized, or to be
accepted as a leader
Pride - An Excessive and
unjustified opinion of
oneself, either positive (self-
love) or negative (self-hate)
Self-Esteem - What we
think of ourselves high or
low
Personal Relationships -
Our relationships with other
human beings and the world
around us
Ambitions - Our plans to
gain acceptance, power,
recognition, prestige etc
Resentments
Feelings of indignant
displeasure or persistent ill
will at something regarded
as a wrong insult or injury.
CREATE SELF
Security Instinct
Material - Wanting money,
buildings, property,
clothing, etc. In order to be
secure in the future
Emotional - Based upon
our needs for another
person or persons. Some
tend to dominate, some are
overly dependent on
Ambitions - Our plans to
gain material wealth, or to
dominate, or to depend
upon others
SELF
WRONGS
Fear
Feelings of anxiety,
agitation, uneasiness,
apprehension, etc.
Sex Instinct
Acceptable- Our sex lives
as accepted by society,
God’s principles or our
own principles
Hidden – Our sex lives that
are contrary to either
Society, God’s principles
or our own principles
Ambition – Our plans
regarding our sex lives
either acceptable or hidden
Harms or Hurts
Wrong acts which result in
pain, hurt feelings, worry,
financial loss, etc.
Page | 39
 FOURTH STEP INVENTORY
Introduction to the 4th Step Inventory Workshop

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE 12 STEPS?

1. To help us discover and establish a conscious relationship with a Power greater than ourselves.

2. To help us improve our conscious relationship with a Power greater than ourselves.

3. To produce the personality change necessary for our recovery.

4. To provide a design for living - that can help us be happy, comfortable, and at ease, living an enjoy-
able life of purpose, with peace and harmony with ourselves, with others, and with God as we
understand Him, growing in understanding and effectiveness, serving and helping others -
without the use of alcohol or other drugs.

The precise instructions for taking the 12 Steps is contained in the book, Alcoholics

Anonymous. “To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main

purpose of this book.”

-- From the Forward to the First Edition of the book, Alcoholics
Anonymous

There is much more to life than being physically sober. There is much more to sobriety than
having the obsession for alcohol removed. Sober isn’t much fun - unless we can learn to be happy and
sober. To be happy and sober requires emotional sobriety. The Fourth Step is our first action step
towards physical and emotional sobriety.

We are in a process to recreate our lives. We made a decision to give up our old plans for living
and to try A.A.’s 12 Step Plan for Living. The Fourth Step is our first action step. It is here that we know
whether or not we really took Steps 1, 2 and 3.

Step Four is a fact-finding and fact-facing process. We are searching for “causes and
conditions.” We want to uncover the truth about ourselves. We want to discover the attitudes, thoughts,
beliefs, fears, actions, behaviors, and the behavior patterns - that have been blocking us, causing us
problems and causing our failure. We want to learn the exact nature our “character defects” and what
causes us to do the unacceptable things we do - so that once they are removed - we can acquire and live
with new attitudes, thoughts, beliefs, actions and behaviors for our highest good, and for the highest good
of those with whom we come in contact. This prepares us to live a life of purpose - where we can be in
maximum fit condition to be of service to others. And, by taking inventory and learning the exact nature of
our wrongs - we will be able to recognize when we might be slipping
into our old way of life - and headed for new problems, and possibly relapse.

If you doubt that you have any problems -- just think back to the last time that you felt restless,
irritable and discontented. Remember when you got angry - with your self or with another person.

Page | 40
Remember the last time you were disturbed. Remember the last time you had a problem or troubles.
The last time you felt uncomfortable and not at ease in a situation. What was it? Whom was it with?
What happened?

Everything contained in the Fourth Step Inventory Worksheets is directly from the book -
Alcoholics Anonymous. The worksheets were created by using the precise instructions in the Big Book
to make taking the Fourth Step as easy and simple as possible. All page numbers in this Fourth Step
Inventory Workshop, refer to the third edition of the book - Alcoholics Anonymous. If you are using the
fourth edition -- make sure you are on the correct page.

Quotes from the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous © Alcoholics Anonymous, Everything else: From the 4th Step
Work- shop with Dallas B. Step12.com - © 2007 - Available at www.Step12.com -- or from Dallas B. (479) 522-
4391

Page | 41
 FOURTH STEP INVENTORY INSTRUCTIONS
Note: I suggest that you take this step with a qualified sponsor. A qualified sponsor – is someone
who has taken ALL 12 Steps precisely following the directions as they are defined and described in
the Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous. IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO DO THIS STEP ALONE. Be sure
your Sponsor is present and leading you through this Step as you take it. (That’s one of the reasons
that we have sponsors! And, it is your sponsors job to lead you through this Step)

1. Be sure that you have taken Steps One, Two and Three.

3. If you are using the forms that I provided to you, or if you’re not using the forms, remember: The columns
go from TOP to BOTTOM. Not straight across. Example: Column 1, (left column) list all the names, people,
principles, things, etcetera, that go in this first column, top to bottom. DO NOT move to the second column
until column 1 is complete. Then, when you do column 2, go top to bottom, not straight across, until you
have completed column 2. Do the same with each successive column. Top to Bottom. Not straight across

4. Read page 58 through 63 of the Big Book (up to the last paragraph). Note each place you see the word
“self” and “selves” and the compounds of those words. (Example “self-seeking, self-reliance” etcetera).

5. There are four parts to your Inventory. They are to be taken in the precise order as numbered below:

1. Resentments 2. Fears 3. Sex Conduct 4. Harms ToOthers

6. Now, read page 63 (starting with the last paragraph) - through page 71 of the Big Book.

7. Complete the four different Inventory sheets that have been provided to you. Follow the instructions on
each of the sheets. Use additional copies of the sheets when necessary. DO NOT complete the
columns left to right -- they should be completed from TOP to BOTTOM in each column, before going
to the next column.

8. Refer to the “Prompt Sheets” to jog your memory -- if you get stuck.

9. Ask questions if you are unsure of anything! Prepare for a long talk with your sponsor.

10. In this Fourth Step Inventory we are searching for our grosser handicaps. Personal inventories will become
part of a life-long process. Later, in our Tenth Step Inventories, our objectives are not only to keep our
“house clean and in order” -- correcting mistakes and errors when they occur -- but also to grow in
understanding and effectiveness. At that point many of us find it interesting to discover in greater depth a
knowledge and understanding of ourselves, our instincts, impulses and drives. In our Daily 10th & 11th
Steps, we will begin to look at the “Assets and Liabilities” in our lives which will provide a simple “Design for
Living” that we’ll use to “Recreate our lives.”

Naturally, there will come to mind additional things that you will feel that you should have included in your
Fourth Step, that were left out. Don’t worry about it. If you take these Steps as they have been layed out, and
you have been thorough to the best of your ability at the time that you took them -- you will have plenty of time
later on to revisit the Fourth Step, using the 10th Step Inventories. And, you’ll be able to do it SOBER!!!

You are learning to use our “Spiritual Tools” for the first time. You will use them daily (hopefully) for the rest of
your life. .......... as you trudge the road of happy destiny, with a new peace, serenity, attitude, and new outlook
on life!

Quotes from the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous © Alcoholics Anonymous, Everything else: From the 4th Step
Workshop with Dallas B. Step12.com - © 2007 - Available at www.Step12.com -- or from Dallas B. (479) 522-4391

Page | 42
 4th Step Notes, Definitions and Instructions -- continued.

Self Esteem - How I think of myself

Pride - How I think others view me
Pocketbook - Basic desire for money, property, possessions, etc.
Personal Relations - Our relations with other people.
Emotional Security - General sense of emotional well being
Sex Relations - Basic drive for sexual intimacy
Selfish, self-centered, egotistical - “It’s about me!”

Ambitions - Our goals, plans and designs for the future. Ambition deals with
the things that we want. In examining our ambitions we notice that we have the
following types:

Emotional ambitions. Our ambitions for Emotional Security. Our “feelings”.

Material ambitions - Our ambitions for “Our pocketbook.” Our ambitions
towards physical and financial well-being.
Social ambitions - Our “place or position in the herd.” Our ambitions of
how others view us. Our ambitions towards what people think about us.
Sexual ambitions - Refers to ambitions for sex relations. Does this really
need a definition?

Quotes from the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous © Alcoholics Anonymous, Everything else: From the 4th Step Work-
shop with Dallas B. Step12.com - © 2007 - Available at www.Step12.com -- or from Dallas B. (479) 522-4391

Page | 43
 Glossary of Words used in
Step Four and Five
EXACT Very accurate, methodical, correct

NATURE The essential characteristic of a thing

WRONG Acting, judging, or believing incorrectly

FAULT Something done wrongly, an error or mistake

MISTAKE To understand or perceive wrongly

DEFECT Lack of something necessary for completeness - same as shortcoming

SHORTCOMING Falling short of what is expected or required - same as defect

SELF-CENTERED Occupied or concerned only with one’s own affairs - same as selfish

SELFISH Too much concern with one’s own welfare or interests and having little or

no concern for others - same as self-centered.

SELF-SEEKER A person who seeks only or mainly to further his own interests

DISHONEST The act or practice of telling a lie, or of cheating, deceiving, stealing etc.

FEAR A feeling of anxiety, agitation, uneasiness, apprehension, etc.

FRIGHTENED A temporary or continual state of fear

INCONSIDERATE Without thought or consideration of others

Page | 44
Page | 45
FOURTH STEP INVENTORY: RESENTMENTS © 1987 - 2005 www.Step12.com, from 4th Step Workshop with Dallas B. Last updated 7/06/05
Read from bottom of page 63 through 65 of the Big Book before beginning.

1. Column 1: Page 64: “In dealing with resentments, we set them on paper. We listed people, institutions or principles with whom we were angry.” (Complete column 1 from top to bottom. Do nothing with
column 2,3,4 until column 1 has been completed.
2. Column 2: Page 64: “We asked ourselves why we were angry.” (Complete column 2 from top to bottom. Do nothing with column 3 & 4 until column 2 has been completed.
3. Column 3: Page 65: “On our grudge list we set opposite each name our injuries. Was it our self-esteem, our security, our ambitions, our personal, or sex relations, which had been interfered with? “
(Complete each column within column 3 from top to bottom. Starting with Self-Esteem and finishing with Sex Relations. Do nothing with column 4 until column 3 has been completed).
4. Column 4: Page 67: “Referring to our list again. Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done, we resolutely looked for our own mistakes. Where had we been selfish, dishonest, self-seeking and
frightened? Though a situation had not been entirely our fault, we tried to disregard the other person involved entirely. Where were we to blame? The inventory was ours, not the other man’s.”

I’m resentful at: The Cause What part of self was hurt Where was I to blame?
or threatened?

Personal Relations
Emotional Security

Sex Relations

Inconsiderate
List the names of people Why am I angry? The exact nature of my

Self-seeking
Self Esteem

Pocketbook

Frightened
Dishonest
Institutions or principles with wrong. Be specific.

Ambitions
whom we were angry.

Selfish
Pride

Page | 46
 Examples of Fears of the Mind
(Irrational Fears)

- Of being yourself
- Of not being accepted and loved
- Failure
- Success
- Of death or dying
- Of what people will think or say
- Of being “found out”
- Of not getting what we want
- Of not realizing our ambitions
- For our sex lives (not enough, not the right kind)
- Of losing control or being controlled
- For material or security loss
- For our families
- Of institutions (police, courts, church, Revenue Canada, etc.)
- For our self-worth
- That our self-righteous pride or ego will be hurt
- Of making a decision
- Of intimacy

*Fear is all about tomorrow. (What if? What’s coming?)

* Guilt is fear of yesterday. (What happens if people find out?)
Fear is having more faith in evil, than we have in God

Page | 47
FOURTH STEP INVENTORY: FEARS Copies available at www.Step12.com or from Dallas B. (479) 522-4391 © 1987 - 2005 Step12.com - Updated: 7/05/05
Read from bottom of page 67 through 68 of the Big Book before beginning.
1. Column 1: Page 68: “We reviewed our fears thoroughly. We put them on paper, even though we had no resentment in connection with them.” (Complete column 1 from top to bottom. Do nothing with
column 2, 3, 4, 5, until column 1 has been completed.
2. Column 2: Page 68: “We asked ourselves why we had them.” (Complete column 2 from top to bottom. Do nothing with column 3, 4, & 5, until column 2 has been completed.
3. Column 3: Page 68: “Wasn’t it because self-reliance failed us? Self-reliance was good as far as it went, but it didn’t go far enough. Some of us once had great self-confidence, but it didn’t fully solve the
fear problem, or any other. When it made us cocky, it was worse. “ (Complete each column within column 3 from top to bottom. Do nothing with column 4 until column 3 has been completed).
4. Column 4: What part of self does the fear affect? (Complete each column within column 4.
5. Column 5: Page 68: “We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. At once, we commence to outgrow fear.

What Am I Afraid Of? Why do I have the fear? Which Part of Self Have What Part of Self Does We ask for the fear
I Been Relying On Which The Fear Affect? to be removed
Has Failed me?

“Perhaps there is a better way-

List the names of people we think so. For we are now on

Emotional Security

Personal Relations
Institutions, principles or Why am I afraid? a different basis; the basis of

Self-confidence
trusting and relying upon God.

Sex Relations
anything else that you fear.

Self-discipline
Self-reliance

Self Esteem
We trust infinite God rather

Pocketbook

Ambitions
than our finite selves. We are

Self-will
in the world to play the role He

Pride
assigns. Just to the extent that
we do as we think He would
have us, and humbly rely on
Him, does He enable us to
match calamity with serenity.
We never apologize to
anyone for depending upon our
Creator. We can laugh at those
who think spirituality the way of
weakness. Paradoxically, it is
the way of strength. The verdict
of the ages is that faith means
courage. All men of faith have
courage. They trust their God.
We never apologize for God.
Instead we let Him demonstrate,
through us, what He can do.
We ask Him to remove our fear
and direct our attention to what
He would have us be. At once,
we commence to outgrow fear.”

Fear Prayer:
“God, please remove my fear
of and direct my
attention towards what you
would have me to be.”

Page | 48
 Step 4 Guidelines on Sex Problems
(Questions to ask myself honestly)

Where have I been Dishonest?

An example of dishonesty is having sex relations with another person while married or going
steady. (If answer is yes, list the person or persons I have harmed by my conduct and the cause).

Did I ever arouse Jealousy?

An example of arousing jealousy is giving excessive attention to another person while married or
going steady? (If answer is yes, list the person or persons I have harmed by my conduct and the
cause).

Did I ever create Suspicion?

An example of creating suspicion is deliberately staying out late or doing things to make my
marriage partner or my steady wonder what’s going on. When my partner asks, I become
evasive, creating suspicion. (If answer is yes, list the person or persons I have harmed by my
conduct and the cause).

Did I ever create Bitterness?

An example of creating bitterness is going out with another person while married or going
steady, even though no sex relations were involved, a jealousy or bitterness developed in my
marriage partner or steady. (If answer is yes, list the person or persons I have harmed by my
conduct and the cause).

Have I been Selfish?

An example of using sex selfishly is to ask myself honestly if I give myself sexually expecting
certain results or material gains from my partner. Do I put a price tag on my sex relations? Do I
have sex only when I want it? Do I make a martyr of myself? (If answer is yes, list the person
or persons I have harmed by my conduct and the cause).

Page | 49
FOURTH STEP INVENTORY: SEX CONDUCT © 1987-2005 www.Step12.com from 4th Step Workshop with Dallas B. Last update: 07-05-05
- Read from bottom of page 68 through 70 of the Big Book before beginning.
1. Column 1: “We reviewed our own conduct over the years past.” (Complete column 1 from top to bottom. Do nothing with column 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, until column 1 has been completed.
2. Column 2: “We did we do?” (Complete column 2 from top to bottom. Do nothing with column 3, 4, 5, 6, until column 2 has been completed.)
3. Column 3: “We list the exact nature of our shortcomings. “ (Complete column 3 from top to bottom. Do nothing with column 4, 5, 6, until column 3 has been completed).
4. Column 4: Did we unjustifiably arouse jealousy, suspicion or bitterness? (Complete column 4 from top to bottom. Do nothing with column 5, 6, until column 4 has been completed).
5. Column 5: “Who did I harm? (Complete column 5 from top to bottom. Do nothing with column 6, until column 5 has been completed).
6. Column 6: “What should I have done instead?” (Complete column 6 from top to bottom).

Who Was It? What did we do? What is the exact nature of Did I Who Did I Harm? What should I have done
my wrongs, faults, mistakes, unjustifiably instead?
defects, shortcomings. arouse:

“We asked God to mold our ideals and

Was this relationship selfish?

help us to live up to them. We remem-
bered always that our sex powers were
God-given and therefore good, neither

Was I Inconsiderate?
to be used lightly or selfishly nor to be

Was I Self-seeking?
despised and loathed.” Page 69

Was I Dishonest?
Was I Selfish?
“To sum up about sex: We earnestly
We list the people with We ask ourselves what we did Who was

Bitterness?
pray for the right ideal, for guidance in

Suspicion?
Jealousy?
whom we have harmed? each questionable situation, for sanity,
experienced sexual and for the strength to do the right
conduct. thing.” Page 70

Page | 50
FOURTH STEP INVENTORY: PEOPLE WE HAVE HARMED © 1987 - 2005 www.Step12.com - From: 4th Step Workshop with Dallas B. Last update: 7/06/05
BE SURE TO do this page just like the other inventory pages. One column at a time, top to bottom -- NOT straight across
Big Book, page 70, paragraph 3 “We have listed the people we have hurt by our conduct, and are willing to straighten out the past if we can.”
Note 1: -- On those pages 58-63, you’ll find examples of attitudes and defects that cause us to fail in our relationships and often fuel self-seeking conduct that harms others.
Note 2: “Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. Trying to avoid this humbling experience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost invariably they got
drunk. Having persevered with the rest of the program, they wondered why they fell. We think the reason is that they never completed their housecleaning. They took inventory all right, but hung on to some
of the worst items in stock. They only thought they had lost their egoism and fear; they only thought they had humbled themselves.
.... Coming to his senses, he is revolted at certain episodes he vaguely remembers. These memories are a nightmare. He trembles to think someone might have observed him. As fast as he can, he pushes
these memories far inside himself. He hopes they will never see the light of day. He is under constant fear and tension-that makes for more drinking.” Page 73 -- Alcoholics Anonymous

Who Did I Harm? What did I do - or fail to do? Which part of self caused the harm? What is the nature of my wrongs, What should I have
faults, mistakes, defects? done instead?

Playing God - Trying to control others.

Lack of Self- discipline / Self-control
Pride - Defiance - Independance
Pocketbook - Material Security

Self-centered-ego-centric
Personal Relationships

Financial Ambitions
Emotional Security
Self Esteem - Ego

Freightend / Fear
Sexual Ambitions
Social Ambitions

Inconsiderate
Self-seeking
Self-reliance
Who was harmed by What did I do - or, failed to do

Dishonest
my conduct? that caused the harm? Self-will

Self-pity

Selfish

Page | 51
 Questions on Step 4
If applicable, please reference page & paragraph

1. What is an inventory?

2. What words did Bill use for searching, and for fearless from page 64?

3. What is the intended meaning of moral in the wording of Step 4?

4. What are we searching for?

5. True or False: We list our assets as well as our liabilities. Page:

6. What are the three (3) categories of Step Four?

a)
b)
c)

7. What is the definition of resentment?

8. Why is resentment the “number one” offender?

9. True or False: We straighten out mentally and physically, then spiritually.

10. How many columns are there for our resentment inventory?

11. True or False: Anger is the dubious luxury of alcoholics. Page:

12. What page is the resentment prayer(s) on?

13. What are the four main defects we look for in column #4?
a)
b)
c)
d)

Page | 52
14. In the fear inventory, what types of fears are we asked to specifically look at?

15. How many columns do we use for our fear inventory?

16. What page is the prayer for fear on?

17. How many columns do we use for our sex conduct inventory?

18. What are the five questions we subject ourselves to for each situation?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

19. What page(s) do we find a prayer for our sex relations?

20. What is a quick checklist for determining God’s will?

21. Should we empower people to determine what is right as far as sex is concerned?

22. If sex continues to be a problem for us, what does the book tell us to do?

23. What is the implied fourth and last category of our inventory?

24. What are the instructions for the last category?

25. How soon after Step three should we start our Step four inventory?

Page | 53
 Questions on Step 5
If applicable, please reference page & paragraph

1. When do we do Step Five?

2. Name two (2) other words or phrases for “nature of our wrongs”.
a)
b)

3. What is the common denominator of all these words or phrases?

4. Why is a solitary self-appraisal insufficient?

5. What is the best reason for doing this step?

6. What do we have to do if we expect to live long or happily in this world?

7. Who do we take this intimate and confidential step with?

8. Can we do this step with anybody?

9. Is there any specific “rule” with regards to this step?

10. What would be the only reason to postpone this step?

11. True or False: We do not bring our written inventory to our Step Five. We do it from
memory to the best of our ability. Page:

Page | 54
12. What do we explain to the person who is going to hear our inventory?

13. Why do we have to explain this to that person?

14. List seven (7) promises from Step Five.

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

15. True or False: We return home after Step Five and review the first five proposals for a
month. Page: .

16. True or False: Before doing Step Six we should attend seven sober dances.

17. What is the first of four questions on the bottom of page 75?

18. Complete this sentence: We are only as sick as our

19. When do we look at Step Six?

Page | 55
 Step 6
“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character”

We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable.

h) Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are
objectionable? YES NO _
i) Can He now take them all - every one? YES NO
j) If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.
YES NO

NOTES:

Step 7
“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings”

When ready, we say something like this:

“My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you
now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness
to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.”
We have then completed Step Seven.
Now we need more action, without which we find that “Faith without works is dead”.
Let’s look at Steps Eight and Nine.

NOTES:

Page | 56
 Steps 8 and 9
My list of all persons I have harmed (hurt) and to whom I am willing to make amends.
(A sincere desire to set right the wrong!)

Step 8 Step 9
Names from Step 4 Inventory Date of Direct Amend

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

Additional Harms since Step Four

1.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Remember - “It was agreed at the beginning, we would go to any lengths for victory over
alcohol.”

Page | 57
 Questions on Step 8 and 9
If applicable, please reference page & paragraph

1. When do we do Step 8?

2. The Big Book says we have our Step 8 list already. Explain:

3. What do we now need to do with this information?

4. If we are not willing to do this, what does the book tell us to do?

5. Fill in the blanks:

a) Steps 1, 2, & 3 are designed to change our
b) Steps 4, 5, 6, & 7 are designed to change our
c) Steps 8 & 9 are designed to change our

6. What is the definition of amends?

7. What is the purpose of making amends?

8. In order to achieve this purpose what do we have to do?

9. What could happen if we don’t do our utmost to straighten out the past?

10. Should we talk about God or our spiritual discoveries with people we have harmed?

11. True or False: We also discuss the other person’s faults Page:

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12. List two (2) or more common types of amends that are used as examples in Step 9.
a)
b)

13. If we owe money, how should we approach our creditors?

14. What do we do if we are concerned about a negative consequence of a particular amends?

15. True or False: We do not secure consent from other people who might be affected by an
amends. Page: _

16. Where in the book does it reference domestic amends and what is the rule?

17. True or False: Our words mean more than our actions. Page:

18. What if someone on our list cannot be seen?

19. Can we ever delay making an amends?

20. What words does the text use to summarize Step 9?

21. What do we receive from “sweeping off our side of the street”?

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 Questions on Step 10
If applicable, please reference page & paragraph

1. What is the function of Step 10?

2. What are we trying to be more effective at?

3. What are we supposed to continue to watch for?

4. Which sentence in the text specifically refers to:

a) Step 4
b) Step 6 & 7
c) Step 5, 8, & 9

5. True or False: Step 10 is a daily application of Steps 4 through 9? Page:

6. List three (3) promises from Step 10:

a)

b)

c)

7. Are we ever cured of our alcoholism?

8. List the two (2) musts from Step 10:

a)
b)

9. What is the proper use of the will according to Step 10?

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10. “If we have carefully , we have
begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us.”

11. What is the Step 10 “code”?

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 Questions on Step 11
If applicable, please reference page & paragraph

1. Define prayer:

2. Define meditation:

3. What does the book tell us to do when we retire at night?

4. Give three (3) examples of questions we can ask ourselves?

a)
b)
c)

5. What do we do upon awakening?

6. True or False: Before we begin, we ask God to direct our actions. Page:

7. What do we especially ask for?

8. “Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God….?
Explain:

9. What do we usually conclude the morning meditation with?

10. Fill in the blank: “We may ask for ourselves, however,

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11. What do we never do?

12. Should we always have our morning meditation alone?

13. True or False: We should not make use of other helpful books; the Big Book is all you need.
Page:

14. What do we do when we are agitated or doubtful?

15. How do we remind ourselves of Step 3?

16. True or False: We alcoholics are disciplined. Page: _

17. True or False: Faith is all we ever need. Page:

18. Fill in the blank: “Faith ”

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 How to get Effective Results from Prayer
Set aside a few minutes every day. Do not say anything. Simply practice thinking about God.
This will make your mind spiritually receptive.

Then pray orally, using simple, natural words. Tell God anything that is on your mind. Do not
think you must use stereotyped pious phrases. Talk to God in your own language. He will
understand it.

Pray as you go about the business of the day - on the subway, on the bus or at your desk. Utilize
minute prayers by closing your eyes to shut out the world and concentrating on briefly on God’s
presence. The more you do this every day the nearer you will feel God’s presence.

Do not always ask when you pray, but instead affirm that God’s blessings are being given, and
spend most of your prayers giving thanks.

Pray with the belief that sincere prayers can reach out and surround your loved ones with God’s
love and protection.

Never use a negative throughout in prayer. Only positive thoughts get results.

Always express willingness to accept God’s will. Ask for what you want, but be willing to take
what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.

Practice the attitude of putting everything in God’s hands. Ask for the ability to do your best and
leave the results confidently to God.

Pray for the people you do not like or who have mistreated you. Resentment is blockade number
one of spiritual power.

Make a list of people for whom to pray. The more you pray for other people, especially those
not connected with you, the more prayer results will come back to you.

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 How to Listen to God
These are a few simple suggestions for people who are willing to make an experiment. You can
discover for yourself the most important and practical thing any human being can ever learn -
how to be in touch with God.

All that is needed is the willingness to try it honestly. Every person who has done this
consistently and sincerely has found that it really works.

Before you begin, look over these fundamental points. They are true and are based on the
experience of thousands of people.

1. God is alive. He always has been and He always will be.

2. God knows everything.
3. God can do anything.
4. God can be everywhere - all at the same time. (These are the important differences between
God and us human beings).
5. God is invisible - we can’t see Him or touch Him - but, God is here He is with you now. He
is beside you. He surrounds you. He fills the room or the whole place where you are right
now. He’s in you now. He is in your heart.
6. God cares very much for you. He is interested in you. He has a plan for your life. He has an
answer for every need and problem you face.
7. God will tell you all that you want to know.
8. God will help you do anything that He asks you to do.
9. Anyone can be in touch with God, anywhere and at any time, if the conditions are obeyed.

These are the conditions:

- To be quiet and still

- To listen
- To be honest about every thought that comes
- To test the thoughts to be sure that they come from God
- To obey

So, with these basic elements as a background, here are specific suggestions on How to Listen
to God:

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1. Take Time
Find some place and time where you can be alone, quiet and undisturbed. Most people have
found that the early morning is the best time. Have with you some paper and pen or pencil.

2. Relax
Sit in a comfortable position. Consciously relax all your muscles. Be loose. There is no hurry.
There needs to be no strain during these minutes. God cannot get through to us if we are tense
and anxious about later responsibilities.

3. Tune In
Open your heart to God. Either silently or aloud, just say to God in a natural way that you would
like to find His plan for your life - you want His answer to the problem or situation that you are
facing just now. Be definite and specific in your request.

4. Listen
Just be still, quiet, relaxed and open. Let your mind go “loose.” Let God do the talking.
Thoughts, ideas, and impressions will begin to come into your mind and heart. Be alert and
aware and open to everyone.

5. Write!
Here is the important key to the whole process. Write down everything that comes into your
mind. Everything. Writing is simply a means of recording so that you can remember later.

Don’t sort out or edit your thoughts at this point.

Don’t say to yourself:

- This thought isn’t important;

- This is just an ordinary thought;
- This can’t be guidance;
- This isn’t nice;
- This can’t be from God;
- This is just me thinking…. etc.

Write down everything that passes through your mind:

- Names of people;
- Things to do;
- Things to say;

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- Things that are wrong and need to be made right.

Write down everything:

- Good thoughts - bad thoughts

- Comfortable thoughts - uncomfortable thoughts
- “Holy” thoughts - “unholy” thoughts
- Sensible thoughts - crazy thoughts

Be honest! Write down everything! A thought comes quickly, and it escapes even more quickly
unless it is captured and put down.

6. Test
When the flow of thoughts slows down, stop. Take a good look at what you have written. Not
every thought we have comes from God. So we need to test our thoughts. Here is where the
written record helps us to be able to look at them.
a) Are these thoughts completely honest, pure, unselfish and loving?
b) Are these thoughts in line with our duties to our family - to our community?
c) Are these thoughts in line with our understanding of the teachings found in our spiritual
literature?

7. Check
When in doubt and when it is important, what does another person who is living two-way prayer
think about this thought or action? More light comes in through two windows than one.
Someone else who also wants God’s plan for our lives may help us to see more clearly.

Talk over together what you have written. Many people do this. They tell each other what
guidance has come. This is the secret of unity. There are always three sides to every question -
your side, my side, and the right side. Guidance shows us which is the right side - not who is
right, but what is right.

8. Obey
Carry out the thoughts that have come. You will only be sure of guidance as you go through
with it. A rudder will not guide a boat until the boat is moving. As you obey, very often the
results will convince you that you are on the right track.

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9. Blocks
What if I don’t seem to get any definite thoughts? God’s guidance is as freely available as the
air we breathe. If I am not receiving thoughts when I listen, the fault is not God’s.

Usually it is because there is something I will not do:

- something is wrong in my life that I will not face and make right;
- a habit or indulgence I will not give up;
- a person I will not forgive
- a wrong relationship in my life I will not give up;
- a restitution I will not make;
- something God has already told me to do that I will not

Check these points and be honest. Then try listening again.

10. Mistakes
Suppose I make a mistake and do something in the name of God that isn’t right? Of course we
make mistakes. We are humans with many faults. However, God will always honor our
sincerity.
He will work around and through every honest mistake we make. He will help us make it right.
But, remember this! Sometimes when we do obey God, someone else may not like it or agree
with it. So when there is opposition, it doesn’t always mean you have made a mistake. It can
mean that the other person doesn’t want to know or to do what is right.
Suppose I fail to do something that I have been told and the opportunity to do it passes? There is
only one thing to do. Put it right with God. Tell Him you’re sorry. Ask Him to forgive you,
then accept His forgiveness and begin again. God is our Father - He is not an impersonal
calculator. He understands us far better than we do.

11. Results
We never know what swimming is like until we get down into the water and try. We never know
what this is like until we sincerely try it. Every person who has tried this honestly finds that a
wisdom, not their own, comes into their minds and that a Power greater than human power
begins to operate in their lives. It is an endless adventure.

There is a way of life, for everyone, everywhere. Anyone can be in touch with th eliding God,
anywhere, anytime, if we fulfill His conditions:

When man listens, God speaks.

When man obeys, God acts.

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This is the law of prayer

God’s plan for this world goes forward through the lives of ordinary people who are willing to be
governed by Him.

Written in the late 1930’s by John E. Batterson

(A personal friend of Dr. Bob’s - co-founder of A.A.)

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 STEP 11 CHECKLIST

When we retire at night, we constructively review our

day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest, or afraid?

PERSONALITY CHRACTERISTICS PERSONALITY CHRACTERISTICS

OF OF
SELF WILL GOD'S WILL

SELFISH AND SELF-SEEKING INTEREST IN OTHERS

DISHONESTY HONSETY

FRIGHTENED COURAGE

INCONSIDERATE CONSIDERATE

PRIDE HUMILITY-SEEKING GOD'S WILL

GREEDY GIVING OR SHARING

LUSTFUL WHAT WE CAN DO FOR OTHERS

ANGER CALM

ENVY GRATEFUL

SLOTH TAKE ACTION

GLUTTONY MODERATION

IMPATIENT PATIENCE

INTOLERANT TOLERANCE

RESENTMENT FORGIVENESS

HATE LOVE-CONCERN FOR OTHERS

HARMFUL ACTS GOD'S DEEDS

SELF-PITY SELF-FORGETFULNESS

SELF-JUSTIFICATION HUMILITY-SEEK GOD'S WILL

SELF-IMPORTANCE MODESTY

SELF-CONDEMNATION SELF-FORGIVENESS

SUSPICION TRUST

DOUBT FAITH

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 GOD HAS A PLAN…
God has a plan for me. It is hidden within me, just as the oak is hidden within the acorn,
or the rose with the bud. As I yield myself more fully to God, His plan expresses itself more
perfectly through me. I can tell when I am in tune with it, for then my mind and heart are filled
with a deep inner peace. This peace fills me with a sense of security, with joy, and a desire to
take the steps that are a part of the plan.

God’s plan for me is a perfect part of a larger plan. It is designed for the good of all and
not for me alone. It is a many-sided plan and reaches through all the people I meet. All the
events and people who come into my life are instruments for the unfolding of this plan.

God has chosen those people He wants me to know, to love and to serve. We are
continually being drawn to one another in ways that are not coincidental. I pray that I may
become a better instrument to love and to serve and that I may become more worthy to receive
the love and service of others.

I ask the Father within me for only those things which He wants me to have. I know that
these benefits will come to me at the right time and in the right way. This inner knowing frees
my mind and heart from all fear, greed, jealousy, anger and resentment. It gives me courage and
faith to do those things which I feel are mine to do. I no longer look with envy at what others are
receiving nor do I compare myself with them. Therefore, I do not cut myself off from God, the
giver of all good things.

God’s gifts to me can be many times greater than I am now receiving. I pray that I might
increase my capacity to give, for I can give only as I receive, and receive only as I give.

I believe that when I cannot do these things I desire to do, it is because God has closed
one door only to leave ajar a better and larger door. If I do not see that door just ahead, it is
because I have not seen, heard, or obeyed God’s guidance. It is then that God uses the trouble or
seeming failure which may result to help me face myself, and see the new opportunity before me.

The real purpose of my life is to find God within my own mind and heart, and to help my
fellowmen. I thank my Father for each new experience which helps me to surrender my will to
His will. For only as I lose myself in the consciousness of His great presence can His plan for
my life to be fulfilled.

To use this plan most effectively, read the words slowly, letting them sink deep into your
subconscious mind. Repeat favorite passages as prayers. Remind yourself that through God
there is a solution to every problem; personal, national and international.

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 Desiderata

Go Placidly amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in
silence… As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your
truth quietly and clearly: and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have
their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit… If you compare
yourself with others, you may become bitter or vain, for always there will be greater and lesser
persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your
own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time… Exercise
caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to
what virtue there is: many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism…
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of
all aridity and the disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass… Take kindly the counsel of the
years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in
sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of
fatigue and loneliness… Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a
child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And
whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe if unfolding as it should. Therefore be at
peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be… And whatever your labors or aspirations, in
the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its shame, drudgery and broken
dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

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