Put it on your calendar: Jul. 19, 2026 4P.M. St. Joseph's Hall, Cullman Group … [Read more...]
What are the principles behind the 12 Steps
Digging Deeper: The Principles Behind AA's 12 Steps Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is synonymous with recovery. For decades, its 12-step program has provided a lifeline to millions, serving as a spiritual and practical guide to reclaiming their lives from the grip of addiction. Yet beneath the familiar words of the 12 steps lies a less publicized but equally transformative foundation: the spiritual principles that correspond to each step. Quietly embedded in AA’s literature and culture, these … [Read more...]
The Power of Preparation: Understanding the Path to the 9th Step Promises in Recovery
The journey of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is often described as a transformative process marked by profound personal change and spiritual awakening. Central to this journey is the 9th Step, which involves making direct amends to those who have been harmed by one’s alcoholism. In this step, the promises—hopeful visions of life renewed—are said to come true. However, these promises are not immediate; they result from careful preparation and sustained effort. Understanding why this … [Read more...]
Index of 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, 12 Concepts
Serving the 3 Legacies The 1728 Sponsorship concept in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is deeply connected to AA's Three Legacies: Recovery, Unity, and Service. These legacies form the foundation of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of World Service, integrated in the 1728 Sponsorship approach. Recovery 12 Steps: Guides personal recovery and spiritual growth. Unity 12 Traditions: Ensures the unity and cohesion of AA groups, fostering a supportive community. Service 12 … [Read more...]
1728 Sponsorship: A Comprehensive Approach to Guiding Recovery
What Is 1728 Sponsorship? The 1728 Sponsorship concept within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) integrates the principles of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of World Service to provide a comprehensive framework for guiding recovery. This approach emphasizes a holistic and balanced application of AA's foundational elements, ensuring thorough support for individuals seeking sobriety. The term "1728" comes from the product of these three sets of twelve principles (12x12x12=1728). This … [Read more...]
Box 459 Will No Longer Be Printed
Dear friends, Over the last several years we have greatly reduced the distribution of the newsletter Box 459 in print format. Not unlike at other organizations, this transition began in 2020 largely due to the need to cut costs. Previously, we printed more than 100,000 copies of each issue and mailed more than 50,000 to members in service. Currently, about 3,000 copies per issue are printed and mailed to approximately 200 members in service. In addition, the total number of paid … [Read more...]
2025 International Convention Short Survey
The International Convention is being held in the summer of 2025 in Vancouver, Canada. In this 60-second survey, you can help the AA office make the right decisions. … [Read more...]
Bill Dotson: The Man on the Bed and Alcoholics Anonymous Number Three
Bill Dotson, known as "Alcoholics Anonymous Number Three," played a pivotal role in the early history of AA, marking a significant milestone in the fellowship's development. His story is one of transformation, hope, and the enduring power of mutual support in overcoming addiction. Early Life and Struggles Bill Dotson was a prominent lawyer and city councilman in Akron, Ohio. Despite his professional success and active involvement in his community, Dotson's life was marred by severe alcoholism. … [Read more...]
Ebby Thacher: The Man Who Brought the Message to Bill W.
Ebby Thacher, often overshadowed in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), played a crucial role in forming the fellowship by bringing the principles of the Oxford Group to his old friend, Bill Wilson. Ebby’s story is one of early influence, personal struggle, and a complex relationship with sobriety that offers a profound lesson on the challenges of addiction and recovery. Early Life and Connection with Bill W. Born Edwin Throckmorton Thacher on April 29, 1896, in Albany, New York, Ebby … [Read more...]
Self-Pity: A Barrier to Lasting Sobriety
Self-pity is one of the most insidious obstacles to lasting sobriety. Both Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), frequently discussed the detrimental effects of self-pity on alcoholics. In the pages of the Big Book, "Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers," and various articles in the Grapevine, they highlighted how self-pity can sabotage recovery efforts. Understanding how self-pity manifests, recognizing its symptoms, and learning how to banish it are crucial … [Read more...]
News from AA World Services
AAWS Highlights Business of the Board from the March 2024 AAWS, Inc., Board of Directors meeting. Click the image (or here) to download the PDF and learn about what your World Services Board has been doing. … [Read more...]
Willingness: The Keystone of Lasting Recovery
When we talk about recovery from alcoholism, the conversation often turns to various strategies, support systems, and therapies. However, at the heart of all these discussions lies a single, pivotal concept: willingness. Without it, the journey to sobriety can feel like an insurmountable mountain. With it, that mountain becomes a series of manageable steps. The First Step: Acknowledging the Problem The first step in any recovery process is the willingness to admit a problem. This might seem … [Read more...]
The Sex Inventory: Unveiling a Path to Healthier Relationships in Recovery
The journey through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is deeply personal and often challenging. The Fourth Step is particularly daunting among the many steps, requiring individuals to take a "searching and fearless moral inventory" of themselves. Within this step lies the sex inventory, a critical yet often uncomfortable examination of one's sexual conduct and relationships. Talking about sex is difficult for many, and discussing it with a sponsor can be even more challenging. … [Read more...]
Print the New Email Registration Flyer
The Email Registration Flyer has been prepared for your group so they can quickly sign up for the District 2 email list. This list is set up to ensure that everyone in our district is informed about upcoming events and AA news. It's simple to do. If you're at your computer, download the flyer here. Or click the image to download the flyer. … [Read more...]
Effective Sponsorship: The Backbone of Recovery
The concept of sponsorship in Alcoholics Anonymous has evolved into one of the most vital components of the recovery process. A sponsor is not just a guide through the Twelve Steps but a mentor, confidant, and friend who shares their experience, strength, and hope to help others achieve lasting sobriety. Understanding the historical evolution of sponsorship and the tangible benefits of effective sponsorship helps to understand its crucial role in recovery. The Origins of Sponsorship in AA The … [Read more...]