[nandm]

The problem is clearly stated--we are alcoholic---our lives are unmaneable. We understand the severity of the problem which is that nohuman power could relieve our alcoholism. Faced with alcoholic destruction we have become willing to look in the direction of spiritual help. We have compared ou own experience with that of the authors and see the truth. Alcoholism has annihilated all things worthwhile in life or is in the process of doing so. All of our efforts to overcome this illness have failed. Convinced we do not possess the power to stop drinking, we are willing to go to any lengths to recover. We ask those who have recovered "What do we have to do?"

In the forward the authors promised that they would show us precisely how they had recovered (xiii:20. Following this, they said they would tell us specifically what we can do (20:4-5) and also that they would give us clear-cut directions how to do it (29:1). In "How it works" the authors present us with their program of recovery. Step by step they show us what they have done (59:8-60:1). The directions for Step One are on page 30:7. The directions for Step Two are on page 47:8-9. The directions for Steps Three and Four are given in "How it works."

In Step Three we are shown that the difficulties we experience in life are the result of a life based on self-will (60:16-63:7). We ares hown the reason we have been unable to live up to our own philosophical and moral covictions and are asked to make a decision to begin a new way of life (63:8-12). True to the authors' promise of taking clear-cut directions this new way of life begins with techniques for taking a fearless moral inventory of ourselves (63:18-64:3). As we begin the process of accessing this Power we find that there are aspects of our character that prevent us from recieving the help we need. To discover just exactly what these things in us are that block us from establlishing a new relationship with God is the purpose of the fourth step.

A.A. is a suggested program, not a program of suggestions. We can take it or leave it, but the authors warn us that taken half way this program will avail us nothing. IF we are willing to let go of all our old ideas and ask for God's protection and care with complete abandon, we are ready to begin.

Having conceded to our innermost selves that we are powerless over alcohol--that our lives are unmanageable, we find ourselves faced with the reality that we need help from a Power greater than ourselves if we are to survive. We come to believe as the authors have told us, that this power is available to us. Thus we ask God for protection and care.

The program of action is outlined (59:8-60:1). We are encouragaed to make progress towards the ideals set down (60:2-9). The conceptual basis for the first two steps are reiterated (60:10-13). We are given a method to determine if we are at the third step (60:14). The results of living a life based on self-will are described (60:16-64:3). The root of our troubles is disclosed (62:2-9). The severity of, and solution to our troubles is laid out (62:11-14). Why and how to find this solution is related (62:15-21). The benefits of applying this solution are promised (63:1-7). The directions for beginning the Third Step are given (63:8-13). The proper time to begin our Fourth Step, the attitude to adopt while working on it and the reasons this step is necessary is spelled out (63:18-64:3). The similarity between a business inventory and our moral inventory is shown (64:4-12). The directions for the first three colums of the Fourth Step resentment list are found (64:13-65:7). A pause in which to view the people we have been mad at in a new way is suggested (65:8-67:10). The instructions for the Fourth column of our resentment list are given (67:11-19). A method by which we may examine and begin to outgrow our fears is suggested (67:20-68:23). Our sex problems may be addressed by applying the program of action detailed (68:24-70:22). The chapter is summarized (70:17-23). The authors' hopes are related (71:1-3).