Big Book Discussion

Hey all! Im digging back into the big book and wondering, what part do you resonate with most, why and how has it impacted your journey?

Ill go first. For me, the stories in the personal accounts section really stand out. Hearing how others faced challenges similar to mine and found recovery gives me so much hope and perspective. It’s a reminder that im not special, im not unique and im not alone.

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Hey! For me, it’s the chapter “We Agnostics.” It opened my mind about the idea of a Higher Power and how it doesn’t have to fit into any specific mold or religion or practice. It gave me permission to define spirituality in a way that made sense for me, which was a huge relief and helped me move forward in recovery. But if I have to hear “it could be a doornob” or “it could be a show just find a higher power” I might lose it.

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Its funny how the doorknob reference is universal huh! Theres always someone with that response

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I heard “it could be a door knob” just last night. It must have deep roots since it’s so universal.

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Hey! That’s awesome you’re diving back into the Big Book—it’s such a solid move when you need some grounding. I like Chapter 5, How It Works. That part hits me every time, especially the section on honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. It’s like a gut check reminding me what I need to focus on to keep moving forward.
the personal stories are huge for me too. Seeing how people got through stuff that feels impossible sometimes makes me think, “Alright, if they can do it, I can too.” It’s wild how relatable some of those experiences are. Definitely keeps me connected.

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Pages 23 and 24 were the most life-changing for me. On 23, they talk about how, when honest, the person struggling has no idea why they continue using in the face of all the consequences. On 24, they talk about how we cannot bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week ago. In another words, when it matters most, we can’t recall the pain that comes with substance use.

Both helped me realize and understand all the bad “choices” I was making were actually the product of a disease I had little to no control over. That’s when I regained hope for a different life.

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Thats freedom man. To be free from that chain of pain and shame.

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