23. A "Back to Basics" book about Alcoholics Anonymous has emerged

By Tom O'Connell

AA began in Akron, Ohio, on June 10, 1935, and a new book about Alcoholics Anonymous was published in 1997 by an archivist who is also a recovering alcoholic. His book will refresh AA members' memories about the approaches taken with new members during the 1940s when AA had gained some maturity after its first decade of activity.

Written anonymously by Wally P., the book's title is Back to Basics: The Alcoholics Anonymous Beginners' Classes.  And it is a very clear explanation of the way newcomers were introduced to the Twelve Suggested Steps in the early days of AA.

AA was not designed to be a psychological and spiritual endurance test. It was developed to help troubled people achieve a spiritual awakening that would bring release from the devastating effects of alcoholism. But in spiritual growth movements there is a tendency to become more complicated with the passage of time. That's why AA co-founder Doctor Bob constantly suggested, "Keep it simple." He even had a simplified short version of the Twelve Steps that advised, "Trust God, clean house, and help others."

The writer of Back to Basics makes a case for returning to the early approach that worked very well for recovering alcoholics. And his book is well documented with quotes from AA literature, including pamphlets in use by various AA groups during the 1940s.

The author explains that in the 1940s, if a person with a drinking problem reached out for help, he would be guided toward a 3-day detox, and then his "sponsor" would accompany him through four one-hour weekly sessions during which all Twelve Steps were taken. "In many areas of the United States and Canada, these Beginners' Classes played a vital role in AA's initial 75% recovery rate," writes Wally P. 

Here are a few of author Wally P's insights based on thorough research: "Most early AA's never did a written Fourth Step." "The role of the 'sponsor' in early AA was limited. Many old-timers reported that the Group sponsored them..." "The sponsor's responsibilities were clearly defined." "In most areas, the newcomer classes were funded by the host Group."

The author of Back to Basics uses important quotes from AA's book "Alcoholics Anonymous," otherwise known as the "Big Book." An example: "...If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer." To do this a life-changing, spiritual transformation is needed. And AA is a vehicle for that transformation.

Wally P recalls how the Oxford Group, from which early AA sprouted, provided a way to spiritual growth for its members. It was based on honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love. AA co-founder Bill Wilson's friend Ebby, an Oxford Grouper, explained the life-changing Four Spiritual Activities to him shortly before his conversion: 1) Sharing and witnessing (AA's 4th, 5th, and 12th Steps; 2) Surrender (AA's 1st, 2nd and 3rd Steps); 3) Restitution (AA's 8th and 9th Steps); and 4) Quiet time and guidance (AA's 11th Step).

In Back to Basics, all Steps are clearly outlined, quoting the "Big Book." And the four one-hour weekly sessions are presented in a way that is very easy to follow. Here are some excerpts from the section on the 10th, 11th, and 12th steps:

"In Steps One through Three, we made the decisions that put us on the spiritual path. In Steps Four through Nine, we took the actions necessary to remove those things which had been separating us from God. Now, we're ready to grow into the promised Spiritual Awakening."

Then Steps Ten, Eleven, and Twelve are explained: (Ten) "Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it." (Eleven) "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out." (Twelve) "Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

One of the key quotes from the "Big Book" is, "Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house." Another one is "Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny...may God bless you--until then."

Back to Basics is a book that would be especially useful for AA members and their loved ones. And it would also be helpful to people wishing to understand alcoholism recovery better. Back to Basics is published by Faith with Works Publishing Company, 2581 West Camino Llano, Tucson, Arizona 85742-9074. Phone: (520) 297-9348. Fax: (520) 297-7230. Web site: www.aabacktobasics.com.

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