Working the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
Action details and examples from my experience passing on the steps as outlined in AA literature.
- jump directly to Step 1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5 -- 6 -- 7 -- 8 -- 9 -- 10 -- 11-- 12

4th Step action, printable pages from above linked page.
4th Step Parts - printable	Directions with examples	Worksheets
Our Life's Names -	html. --- .doc	html. --- .doc
Resentments -	html. --- .doc	html. --- .doc
Fears -	html. --- .doc	html. --- .doc
Sex -	html. --- .doc	html. --- .doc
Assets -	html. --- .doc	html. --- .doc
Above parts in one file - html - no printing page breaks. .doc- page breaks print each worksheet on separate page.	html. --- .doc	html. --- .doc
-- html files can PRINT from browser -- can SAVE as .html then OPEN later in browser to read or PRINT -- or OPEN saved file in .html editing (web page) software for computer entries. -- SAVE each page by name or anonymous code in a 4th step folder -- .doc files open in Microsoft Word and some other word processors for 4th step entries. -- can SAVE by name or discreet code in a 4th step folder.   PRINT as desired. Or, printouts can help layout good ole' pen and notebook 4th stepping.

AAs Big Book 3rd edition to p164
RogerG's story relevant to the AA's 12 step program

Picture below is a 4th Stepper writing. When picture was taken, we used 2 notebooks, one for the resentment (grudge) list per page 65 and the other for the analysis of our thinking and action, *Refering to our list again" (BigBook p67 3rd edition).

Step 4 action directions and examplesJanuary 2002 - For a few years now, I use one notebook to layout all 4th step parts. The top margin has ample room for the BB 3rd ed page 65 statement of resented act. Additional notebooks or pages are usually needed for the resentment part of this process during this inquiry of our life.

In this picture, a recovery sponsee "analyzes" a resentment. He is following directions of the original text of AA, still regarded by myself and many friends as gaining the most clarity about a disliked event. Some other 12 step programs suggest using this format to examine and improve thinking related to "underlying causes" of the addiction or disorder.

Big Book Step Study Group Website with listing of BBSS Groups that have descended from the original Hyannis, Cape Cod Group.

BBSS meeting Format, Rotation schedule of a complete cycle of steps.

About 1980, some Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA AAs founded a disciplined group for studying and working the 12 steps as laid out in the first 103 pages of the Big Book. There are now separate men's, women's and coed groups spun off from the original group in different parts of the world.

Definitions - Humility, Thorough,etc - Some dictionary definitions appear misapplied. During 28 sober years of witnessing many excellent, but also some tragic results, this definitions page hopefully clarifies the effective spirit of certain words. (D.O.S. updated March 13, 2009)
Spiritual Experience - an Appendix in the AABig Book.
Sponsorship - some life and death words from AA literature.
Pigeon - term used by AA cofounder Dr. BobS for sponsee.
Living the Traditions and Concepts as an individual. As we desire to grow in effectiveness, these thoughts improve behavior.
True Informed Group Conscience What it is and How to acheive it (html-printable)- (MSword-printable)
DEFENSES to recovery . Subtle behavior blocks to progress.
Boston Globe review 12/26/01, AA's Big Book 4th Edition -
    An eye moistening account of AA and it's basic text, the "Big Book", titled Alcoholics Anonymous.