Alcoholics Anonymous, affectionately known by members as "The Big Book," is the textbook for the original 12-step recovery program. Written by Bill W., founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and many of the first 100 members of the group, it was actually written by committee, with drafts of the book sent back and forth between Bill W's group in New York and Dr. Bob, the other founder of A.A., in Akron, OH.

Many long-time members of the Alcoholics Anonymous program regard The Big Book with the same esteem that others do the Holy Bible, considering it to be divinely inspired. Since the founders of the 12 step program began their spiritual journey of recovery in the Christian Oxford Group and borrowed many of that group's and other Christian group's principles in forming the 12 steps, it stands to reason that some would regard The Big Book with reverence.

The Big Book is divided into two main parts. The first part, known as the first 164 pages or the "original manuscript" explains the 12 step program and how it can be used to overcome the affects of alcoholism.

The first part of Chapter 5, titled "How it Works," contains the 12 steps and is usually read at the opening of every A.A. meeting worldwide.

The second part of the book contains stories written by some of the original members of A.A. relating their personal experiences with alcoholism and how they found a path to recovery. In the three editions of the book, some of these stories have been deleted and others added, but the message is the same -- the only way to fully recover from the effects of alcoholism is to practice the principles found in the 12 steps, which can lead to a "spiritual awakening" for the alcoholic.

For those whose lives have been changed by it, Alcoholics Anonymous has become more than a mere book -- it has become a life-long companion.