Aa big book defects of character

Aa speakers joe and charlie steps 5, 6, 7, and 8 the big book comes alive duration. Remember that as recently as dsmii, alcoholism and addiction were listed as personality disorders american psychiatric association, 1968. Breaking down step five of aa alcoholics anonymous. Now we can aim at the very best of all we know or can learn. How does alcoholics anonymous compare with the bible. It is during this step that you must be completely willing and ready to have the god of your understanding remove the character defects. Devora recently commented on the posts on unselfishness. The part of the book that discusses working on character defects is called into action for a reason. It is also valuable to read the big book for specific topics or subjects. So declares a wellloved clergyman who happens to be one of a. Ive always been curious as to the huge difference between the list of character defects between the big book and the 12 and 12.

The 12 steps of aa are the principles of the program that we practice, as listed in the big book, pages 59 and 60. Alcoholics anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers. It is the basic text of the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous, and has helped large numbers of alcoholic men and women, young and old, recover. Big book this pamphlet spells out taking step 4 as described in chapter 5, how it works from the big book, alcoholics anonymous. Since then, i have read many more spriitual books and have found more subtle definitions than what i read in the big book. Selfishness and character defects emotional sobriety and food. In the old days, these character defects were seen as the underlying psychodynamics that caused the addiction. Box 459, grand central station new york, ny 10163 website. Origins of moral inventory aa the original way group. Flaws in our makeup is perhaps the simplest definition of character defects in the big book. May 12, 2016 devora recently commented on the posts on unselfishness.

This is the step that separates the men from the boys. The big book serves as the foundation for the alcoholics anonymous 12step program, the worlds largest alcoholism support group. It made me realize i had never actually done the steps 6 and 7 as set out in the into action chapter of the alcoholics anonymous big book despite having been sober 12 years. Want jason wahler inperson for your next gathering. Our character is the sum total of moral traits, attributes, or qualities that make up our moral selves.

I thought, how am i going to pull off this character. Our goal is to study the steps as a friendly, focused group, and work them as the authors of the big book described. It is the basic text of the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous, and has helped large numbers of alcoholic men and women, young and old, recover as of december 2009, 30,664,881 copies of the big book have been sold or otherwise distributed source aa gso ny. Step six were entirely ready to have god remove all these defects of character. It is during this step that you must be completely willing and ready to have the god of. However the word ready is a reminder that we are prepared, open and available. Aas are often asked what is the difference between defects of character in step six and shortcomings in step seven. It is an open invitation to partner with our higher power and make a firm decision to let go of the character defects or flaws that have been in control for years. Destructive behaviors usually reflect underlying character defects, which is the engine that drives most of our offthewall actions. In depression, if self pitying behaviour continues, it can lead you to feeling overwhelmed, and helpless. The aa program of recovery is set forth in the twelve steps aa was founded in 1935 in akron, ohio.

Jun 22, 2018 aa speakers joe and charlie steps 5, 6, 7, and 8 the big book comes alive duration. Aa speakers joe and charlie steps 5, 6, 7, and 8 the big book comes alive. Ernest kurtz says this is the closest the book alcoholics anonymous comes to a definition of alcoholism. Twelve step prayers spiritual alcoholics anonymous cleveland. He said, in effect if you have a resentment you want to be free of, if.

Alcoholics anonymous aa is an international mutual aid fellowship with the stated purpose of enabling its members to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. She asked a great question on selfishness and our other character defects. Among the positive traits, aa highlights such virtues as acceptance. We wish to make the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous part of our. You could even find yourself with a new understanding andor awak. Step six of aas alcoholics anonymous twelve step program of recovery is all. I always wonder why bill and the writers decided to make such a drastic change. The 4th step inventory is a way of seeing how our character defects, or old worn out defenses, are personal stumbling blocks which can to be cleared out of the way in the steps that follow. Part of the rehab and recovery process for substance abuse means identifying our personal character defects and recognizing how we let our character defects hinder recovery. Wilson and smith developed aas twelve step program of spiritual and character development, which they believed was the key to breaking the bondage to alcohol. I feel so grateful and so appreciate when people comment on a post. Im still glad i did the simple put outlay in the aa book in my early sobrity though.

The inventory is of our defects, not our incidents. They had seemed so simple in the aa big book that i had searched around to repress my character defects some other way for several years. They characterize us, governing the way we conduct ourselves and live out our lives. Its only membership requirement is a desire to stop drinking. Breaking down step six of aa alcoholics anonymous jason wahler. The big book explains that we must make a list that includes all our resentments we have and have ever had, an account of sexual conduct and our fears. When breaking down step six i like to focus more on the word ready than entirely. The book alcoholics anonymous, aka the big book, is the basic text for the aa program of sobriety. Find all uses of this word in the big book alcoholics anonymous and the twelve steps and twelve. Defects of character alcoholics anonymous cleveland.

Then fear, in turn, generates more character defects. List of character defects for 12step recovery the symptoms of spiritual awakening set aside prayer 12step prayers index for the big book i am your disease promises of alcohol vs aa letting go acceptance was the answer the doctors opinion the 6 original steps in bill ws handwriting principles of the 12step recovery process recovery process. It is common to hear readings from the book at meetings. List of character defects for 12 step recovery work heres a list i found. Step 6 introduces the phrase defects of character, which requires some comment. But, i also thought, oh, man, im going to go for it. Self pity is a habitual behaviour that drags you into depression in depression, if self pitying behaviour continues, it can lead you to feeling overwhelmed, and helpless if you are suffering from alcoholism, or other addictions, selfpity has the potential to kill you selfpity a cry for help. Lydias character defect list visit her site for updated versions of this list.

This is a great question and highlights the spiritual malady of addiction. Step four asked you to compile a moral inventory and step five asked that you share your wrongs with your chosen higher power and with a discreet person that you trust. Please do not write with questions about meetings click here for meeting info. Jan 08, 2020 breaking down step five of aa alcoholics anonymous we admitted to god, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. The character defects to be turned over to god are resentment prayer on page 552 of the aa big book. Character in big book alcoholics anonymous, 12 steps and 12. T his is the step that separates the men from the boys. These spiritual and character defects, says the program, are where we addicts must eventually focus if we are to stay sober and ever to be happy, joyous and free, and the twelve steps are designed to help the addict or alcoholic take these on, systematically and incrementally, but habitually, one day at a time. Alcoholics anonymous aa was founded in 1935 by bill wilson and dr.

Core character defects 4 study from the bottom of page 63 to the end of page 65 and then follow its instructions. The big book of alcoholics anonymous spends only a single paragraph on step 6. When the word optional is used in the worksheets, it means that the big book suggests doing this. List of character defects for 12 step recovery work realistic. Selfishness and character defects emotional sobriety and.

Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves reading. The big book is the most important piece of literature used by the group. Breaking down step six of aa alcoholics anonymous jason. Step 6 ready to remove defects of character youtube. Sometimes self pity arises when you feel unable to accept a situation.

If you are suffering from alcoholism, or other addictions, selfpity has the potential to kill you. Character in big book alcoholics anonymous, 12 steps and. Recovery is a journey of continued spiritual, moral, and emotional growth, and to practice these principles in all our affairs the path that takes us beyond physical to emotional sobriety and the happiness and freedom the program promises and we naturally long for. The big books way to be rid of resentment pages 63 67 instructions. He goes on to explain that any person capable of enough willingness and honesty to try re. Aa is nonprofessional, selfsupporting, and apolitical. Aa tells us and personal experience confirms that not drinking is not enough.

It can be used as a handy reference to big book of alcoholics anonymous 4th edition following the instructional flow utilized in the back to 40s five week program. Did you find your solution in the big book of alcoholics anonymous. Defects of character program theory alcoholics anonymous. Moral inventory became part of deep self surrender. We think we have done well enough in admitting these things to ourselves. Over the years many lists of virtues that correspond to each of the twelve steps and their underlying spiritual nature have been printed in local area aa newsletters and on pocket cards. This is a big misconception about alcoholics anonymous and one that causes some people to avoid. The big books way to be rid of resentment pages 63 67. For example, one can read it for all the character defects mentioned, or the promises made, or the times it. Fourth step inventory these fourth step worksheets use the wording from alcoholics anonymous the big book pages 6371. The big book serves as the foundation for the alcoholics anonymous 12step program. Check out what the big book of aa alcoholics anonymous says about working step five.

Defects in big book alcoholics anonymous, 12 steps and 12. If you got through both of those steps, good job on your achievement. As of december 2009, 30,664,881 copies of the big book have been sold or otherwise distributed source aa gso ny. Mar 31, 2012 these spiritual and character defects, says the program, are where we addicts must eventually focus if we are to stay sober and ever to be happy, joyous and free, and the twelve steps are designed to help the addict or alcoholic take these on, systematically and incrementally, but habitually, one day at a time. I liked scream of the banshee because it was a real challenge. Take each major character defect and write three to five.

These are meetings where the focus is on studying the big book. Sorting and rendering passages in the proprietary format of the 164 and more concordance does not in any way imply affiliation with or endorsement by either alcoholics. When the word optional is used in the worksheets, it means that the big book suggests doing this but does not suggest writing anything down. Outlining the steps and traditions that make aa famous, as well as numerous stories about recovering addicts who have been through the process, the big book has helped guide millions into a life of sobriety. Some members can recite passages without even looking at the text. Hes got all the defects of character that an actor loves to. Step five of aas alcoholics anonymous twelve step program is essential to the fundamental change of personality required to overcome an alcohol andor drug addiction.

My sponsor had me find a new way to drive to work every single day as part of step 6. Big book workbook is for those who are willing to grow along spiritual lines 60. Aa s big book calls alcoholism an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer. I also read the 12 x 12 and went to some 12x 12 study groups where we really see more of the problems of inventory. Four sentences that boil down to a single question. The sixth step of alcoholics anonymous is an excellent example of that point and is often seen as the step that separates the men from the boys or the women from the girls. Alcoholics anonymous has no opinion on outside issues. The 164 and more book, ebook, and web site are all concordances which display passages from the big book alcoholics anonymous, the twelve steps and twelve traditions, and the a. Self pity is a habitual behaviour that drags you into depression. Heres are two great step six activities that you can do alone or with your sponsor.

This brings us to the fifth step in the program of recovery mentioned in the preceding chapter. Driven by a hundred forms of fear, selfdelusion, selfseeking and selfpity. Jan 07, 2020 breaking down step six of aa alcoholics anonymous. I like that you describe more than just praying to have the defects removed but actually acting differently even though it went against the grain. Character defects are described in the big book as flaws in our makeup which caused. Step six of aas alcoholics anonymous twelve step program of recovery is all about the. Where are the steps outlinedlaid out in the big book. Step 6 is an important step in recovery for several reasons. Were entirely ready to have god remove all these defects of character. Breaking down step five of aa alcoholics anonymous jason.