The Foreword of Alcoholics Anonymous

[nandm]

Who are these Alcoholics Anonymous people? What do they have to offer me? What makes them think I am an alcoholic? Who are they to tell me what to do? What's their angle? What do they want from me? What are their motives? Are they religious fanativs or anti-booze lobbyists? How much do I have to pay them?

These are some of the questions we have when we first decide to look at what A.A. has to offer us. While we feel that perhaps we could use some help to quit drinking, we don't want to seek help from people who will look down on us, tell us what to do or try to force their beliefs on us. We especially don't want to be taken advantage of or charged a fortune.

The Forward is short and straightforward. The authors introduce themselves (xiii:1) and immediately disclose the purpose of the book (xiii:2). One reason why the authors choose to remain anonymous is explained (xiii:7-11). A description of the fellowship is given and the purpose of the fellowship is plainly stated (xiii:12-xiv:4). Readers are invited to contact the authors for help in developing a fellowship 9xiv:5-8).

The beauty of the Forward is that it addresses our concerns immediately. The authors explain who they are and inform us of their intentions. The fact that these people are so straightforward is a relief. Perhaps what they're saying is worth a closer look. It's refreshing to encounter people whose motives we feel we can trust.

[nandm]

Introduction: This book is a collaboration of the first 100 members of the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship, currently estimated at over two million members. Their expertise on this subject is substantiated by their recoveries.

Definition of Alcoholism: This definition of alcoholism as "a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body" is not too hard to identify with.

Purpose: They tell us clearly at the beginning what this book is all about.

Hope: The authors hope we will be convinced that this description of our problem is correct.

Explanation of Format: They tell us that they are going to present the material in an ancedotal manner. The fellowship is described.

Motives: The author's motives for writing this book are explained.

[nandm]

1.

We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are moe than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.

This book is not merely the opinion of one person as it relates the combined experience and knowledge of more than one hundred men and women.

In the very first sentance, the authors identify themselves as alcoholics and define alcholism as a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Using this definition, we can compare their experience to our own. Have we any hope of recovering from the state we are in?

One AA joked that they may have called the fellowship Alcoholics Anonymous because we are no longer so conspicuous.

2.

To show other alcoholics PRECISELY HOW WE RECOVERED is the main purpose of this book.

Rather than tell us what it is that we should do, the authors promise to show us how they have recovered.

Perhaps we can adopt their method of recovery. They promise they will be precise. The authors were careful when writing this book to choose the exact words to convey the ideas they intended.

The purpose of showing us how the authors recoverd is so that we may be helped by their experience. We can trust their motives.

*Definition
Precisely: accurate in every detail. Exact. Not varying in the slightest degree from the truth.

3.

For them, we hope these pages will prove so convincing that no further authentification will be necessary.

Do we need to prove true what the authors say by trying yet one more time to control our drinking or can we be convinced by comparing ourselves with them?

6.

And besides, we are sure that our way of living has its advantages for all.

Even if we are not alcoholic perhaps the authors can suggest a way of living that is more successful than the way we are living now.

8.

Being mostly business or professional folk we could not well carry on our occupations in such an event.

If established business and professional people can be alcoholic perhaps we could be also.

10.

When writing or speaking publicly about alcoholism, we urge each of our Fellowship to omit his personal name, designating himself instead as "A Member of Alcoholics Anonymous."

No one speaks for AA as a whole. This prevents well intentioned individuals from inadvertently damaging the reputation of AA.

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2.

The only requirement for membership is an honest desire to stop drinking.

Individuals are the only ones who can determine if their desire is honest or not. Though an honest desire is all that is required for membership there are specific things we must do to recover.

3.

We are not allied with any particular faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose anyone.

The authors are not allied with anyone else so there are no other organizations pulling the strings. They are not refomers or anti-alcoholic activists. They will accept us as we are and are not trying to force their beliefs onto us.

4.

We simply wish to be helpful to those who are afflicted.

They do not want our money. They do not require that we adopt any particular religious or political beliefs. They aren't going to tell us what to do, but only show us what they have done. We can trust their motives. If we want to quit drinking, we can join them.

*Note:
AA's current address is: Alcoholics Anonymous, PO Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163, USA

Source: Annotated AA Handbook
A Companion to the Big Book
by Frank D.

[nandm]

vii:12 to viii:4 (page number followed by sentance number)
The AA preamble was adapted from this paragraph by Tom Y., the Grapevine's first editor. This first appeared in the June, 1947, Grapevine. Questions as to who was to determine what an "honest desire" was led the 1958 General Service Conference to decide to remove the word "honest". Later, the General Service Board, at it's mid-summer meeting, ratified the decision and at that time the words, "AA has no dues or fees" was changed to "There are no dues or fees for AA membership". AA's third tradition allows that "the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking."


Source: Annotated AA Handbook
A Companion to the Big Book
by Frank D.

[nandm]

[CarolD]

Thanks for your dedication and hard work Judith

[Cathy31]

Originally Posted by nandm

3.
Do we need to prove true what the authors say by trying yet one more time to control our drinking or can we be convinced by comparing ourselves with them?

I love this part Judith...that merry-go-around of trying to prove 'them wrong' this book is a miracle...when I actually was LEAD to the book and READ IT (vs skimming it with glass of wine in hand God help me! ) it just clicked.

In Time Magazine Bill W was one the'top' people of the 20thcentury can't remember the exact terminology and AA was one of the miracles/greatest inventions...this is so true.

Thank you God for your Grace in my life that I can be sober today, live a better life and help other alcoholics and be of service to others. Thank you!!!

Cathy31
x

[nandm]

:ghug3