The Mistakes That Are Killing Alcoholics Anonymous
By bob k.
After a slow start, the Jack Alexander article in the March 1st, 1941 edition of the Saturday Evening Post made AA a national institution. The newish mutual aid society quadrupled in size by the end of that year. A period of impressive growth continued for several decades and the organization spread out to many other countries. AA has year-by-year estimates of its total membership numbers. In 1992, worldwide membership peaked at 2,489,541. Since then, Alcoholics Anonymous has been shrinking based on the group’s own figures which can be viewed at aa.org.
There have been new editions of the 1939 book Alcoholics Anonymous published in 1955, 1976, and 2001. Little has been changed other than the personal stories. Total sales of the Bigga Booka are in the range of forty million. The Forewords to the Second, Third, and Fourth Editions gush proudly about the society’s growth. Obviously, for a group dedicated to helping people, the more that are helped, the better.
Had AA been able to simply sustain its “market share” over the years since 1992 with an increase in the worldwide membership that matched the 30% increase in population, current numbers would be in the neighborhood of 3,500,000. Instead, we see an estimated membership of 1,967,613 in 2021. No figures have been released for 2022, 2023, or 2024. Given an undeniable pandemic effect, those numbers are not going to be good. It may be that the latest figures are being held back.
What are the most egregious of AA’s mistakes?
- If It ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
The “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude rests at the very core of AA’s troubles. The “ain’t broke” part is simply put forward as fact with no thought of examining possible evidence to the contrary. The sad truth is that Alcoholics Anonymous is broken. The “don’t fix it” part expresses the absolute resistance to any sort of significant alteration. In a club where much boasting takes place about members’ former state of selfishness, there’s an easily detectable “It’s working for me so screw you” sentiment coming from the “ain’t broke” crowd. “If X, Y, or Z drives them away, alcohol will bring them back.” What percentage actually comes back? Further, should we not be bending over backwards to not drive prospects away?
The explosive growth of secular AA in recent years demonstrates the benefit of not alienating large chunks of the target market with increasingly unpalatable chit. Rock on, Zoom Babies!
There’s a new edition of the Bigga Booka coming later this year, or in 2026. Given the twenty-five year life span of the last two editions, the Fifth will carry us to mid-century. Nothing will be changed other than several of the stories. Some much needed revenue will be generated but a great opportunity will be lost. The prospect in 2026, 2036 and 2046 will be expected to slog his way through a book crafted in the generation of his great-great-grandparents. What the heck is a “whoopie party?” What does it mean to be “as boiled as an owl?’
Those are minor problems in comparison to the condescending treatment of women in “TO WIVES” and of secularists in “WE AGNOSTICS.” “TO EMPLOYERS” and “THE FAMILY AFTERWARD” are increasingly out-of-date. It’s a Gawdly book being offered to an increasingly un-Gawdly audience.
A rewrite is probably impractical. We need a new book ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY. Given AA’s speed of getting things done, we could easily have that ready by the twenty-second century.
- One Size Fits All
The program as presented in the book Alcoholics Anonymous is purported to be the exact path for all alcoholics. Whether sixty or sixteen, male or female, straight or gay, power driver or shrinking violet, one and all are urged to follow the Bigga Booka’s precise directions. What’s offered is a single path to wellness. One size fits all.
If you think you are an atheist, an agnostic, a skeptic, or have any other form of intellectual pride which keeps you from accepting what is in this book, I feel sorry for you. Why, thank you so much Doctor Bob, AA co-founder, returnee to the flock, and devoted follower of JC. Perhaps some newcomer pissed on his corn flakes that day—he’s sounding a bit “dry drunk-ish.”
The world of the self-publishing era tells a story different from the “one size fits all” message. In We’re Not All Egomaniacs, Beth Aich asks if someone with a shame-based personality has the same need for ego deflation as an overly ambitious attention seeker such as Bill Wilson. That seems unlikely. The Bigga Booka was written by men for men – the working title was One Hundred Men.
Authors before Beth have suggested that women need to significantly modify the 12-step process. Others reject the formula in its entirety. For a variety of reasons, Quit Like A Woman by Holly Whitaker is an interesting read.
Secular translations of AA’s formula are plentiful. Never before has there been so much assistance in taking what one wants and leaving the rest. Although freethinking authors like Jeffrey Munn and Glenn Rader generally adhere to the number twelve for steps, the entire God business is jettisoned. Are people staying sober in the Higher Power-less world? Damn right they are.
AA has some good ideas hidden beneath the religious language. “Powerlessness” may not be the perfect word but many serious drinkers go to early graves because they refuse to accept the “total abstinence” solution. Quitting without help remains a solution with a low success rate. Having a support group is hugely beneficial. Self-examination seems a wise recommendation when coming from Socrates. An honest confession of foibles is at the heart of talk therapy and AA’s fifth step. Letting go is critical to anyone seeking peace of mind. What are making amends other than the exercise of the principle of justice? Helping others brings one into the community of mankind and supplies some much-needed self-esteem. Is connection the antidote to addiction? It certainly seems to play a critical role.
In the diligently researched Writing The Big Book : The Creation of AA, William Schaberg gets feisty in Chapter One by referring to Bill Wilson as a “mythmaker.” Possibly the most significant AA history book of all time was authored by an agnostic Buddhist. Isn’t that delicious!! The other contender for premier AA history publication is Not-God : A History of Alcoholics Anonymous. The book’s author, Ernest Kurtz (Harvard PhD in History) was a great supporter of the secular recovery movement and the AA Agnostica website.
- The Lawd’s Pray-uh
New thought author (The Sermon on the Mount) and early AA influencer Emmett Fox called The Lord’s Prayer: the most important of all the Christian documents. It was carefully constructed by Jesus with very certain clear ends in view… It is indeed the one common denominator of all the Christian churches. Every one of them, without exception, uses the Lord’s Prayer… its actual use probably exceeds that of all other prayers put together. Undoubtedly everyone seeking to follow the Way that Jesus led, should make a point of using the Lord’s Prayer, and using it intelligently, every day.
Given that Ernie Kurtz, mentioned above, stated that the average alcoholic would rather stay drunk than become religious, the use of Christianity’s Number One prayer in AA meetings is nothing short of ridiculous. Ridiculous.
It’s almost as if there’s some ludicrous prank being played out.
So, here’s what we’re going to do: First, we’ve tell everybody over and over again that “We’re spiritchewal NOT religious.” Then, get this, we’ll hold hands, bow our heads, and spew out (the Protestant version) of Christianity’s favorite prayer. Won’t that be a riot!! Hahahahaha!!
Will AA ever make significant changes? I predict that it will—approximately ten or fifteen years after it’s too late. The Sixth Edition may even have a chapter “TO SPOUSES.”
We may be nearing the time for sober secular folks to head for the door. The reality that we are still a relatively small group is unimportant if we continue to embrace the Zoom solution. It would be better to occupy a small life-raft than a huge sinking ship.
The author of today’s screed, bob k., has contributed many articles to AA Agnostica.org and has written three books – the latest being “Daily Reflections for Modern Twelve Step Recovery,” (January 2025) a reader specifically designed for secularists. “Key Players in AA History” (2015) has achieved sales twenty times that of the average self-published volume and is now in its Second Edition (February, 2023). “The Secret Diaries of Bill W.” (2023) offers a unique (fictional) look at AA’s principal founder.
For a PDF of today’s article, click here: The Mistakes That Are Killing Alcoholics Anonymous.
These pieces are recognized on this platform (and other secular desks) and make sense! They really do.
In addition to ‘the choir’ – they need to be repeatedly sent up and sideways through the AA ranks. Someone in establishment finances ought to perk up.
Can you share ideas for how to distribute so others can get fired up?
Well said, Bob. Thanx.
There is secular AA.
And there is non-secular AA.
Pass it on.
Thanx
Dave
This is a superb article. I love the “life raft…sinking ship” description and I will hopefully remember it as a reminder to keep going with secular AA. The reference to “some good ideas” from the beginning of AA are so true and they are an essential part of my staying sober without the need for a god.
Alcoholics Anonymous saved my life so I fear it’s decline. The longer I work this program the better able I am to look at the program objectively. I have come to understand many of the issues presented in this essay. I think it’s well organized and presented. More importantly I think these issues need to be brought into the light. I try to never miss a chance to share my understanding of the weaknesses as well the strengths of the program to newcomers. I always thought AA was meant to be secular and I’m constantly surprised by some factions’ close-mindedness. I remain an optimist and love being able to share my position without fear. Thanks for one of the best discussions I have read in a long time.
Great article! All true. What perhaps has to be pointed out is that our language is impotent. We use the AA to describe the whole when where do the mandates that groups follow like sheep come from? The GSO. If AA is ever going to become relevent The GSO has to be toppled. Direction from the top has to change. Yes, no more Lord’s Prayer. Yes, no more God talk. Yes, no more old timers ranting for 15 minutes in 12 step-ese. But will individual members have the courage to change the things they can? I’ve tried in my group with little jabs here and there and they go over the heads of the already indoctrinated cult followers. They want and need their GOD. The rest of us be damned.
HOLY “MAN THE LIFEBOATS” BATMAN!!! This is a feisty one!
Although we might argue with the “pack up and leave” conclusion—a solution with its own challenges—AA’s core problem is clear. The “We ain’t gonna change nuttin’” attitude sounds a death knell in a changing freakin world.
When AA was begun, American women had been voting for only 15 years and, please, have no doubt whatever that Lois Wilson, over those years, had been told who to vote for by her drunken husband. That we have a chapter “To Wives”in 2025 tells us all we need to know. What reasonable 30 year old, or 60 year old, can read our literature without laughing. Choose any conception of God as long as He is a Him!!
Great essay, bob k. You sound a lot like Bobby Freaken Beach.
We have started 3 secular meeting here in NE Conn. and SCentral Mass. including a very successful step meeting using the alternate Step book. The cure is to start more secular step meetings. I will not be stopped!
The “Lord’s Prayer” that so many AA groups recite to close their meetings is traceable to Matthew’s retelling of the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:9-13 (King James Version). Many defend/promote the prayer as coming (indeed comanded!) directly from God. Curiously, the text of the prayer is prefaced by the phrase “After this manner therefore pray ye: ….” Matthew 6:9. Which of course begs the question after WHICH manner? One need only scroll up a few verses to see.
“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”
Matthew 6:5-8
So, it seems to me that those devout AAers who gather together, join hands, and publicly proclaim their adoration of the Almighty are ignoring what Jesus actually taught, or at the very least are kinda cherry-picking….
Excellent and right on. I’ve been sober for 16 years. Stopped going, leading and sponsoring about the time Covid hit 2020. If there was an Agnostic group in my area of NJ or NYC I would consider going. Hope AA can save itself before its too late.
My last “bigga booka” meeting was November 2019. A young newcomer with a sweating red face was listening to all the prayer/god stuff and people saying how they couldn’t stay sober without Jesus, etc. He raised his hand and asked “Do I have to go to church?” I knew I couldn’t handle it anymore so I stood up and said “No!! You don’t!” I walked out. Not knowing what to do after that meeting I ordered Beyond Belief which is so powerful. There are no agnostic meetings close to me so I appreciate my Sundays on your website. Thank you!
See the same. You are so correct.
It can be disheartening to know that AA will trudge on, mirroring the dogmatic resistance to criticism to its teachings that one can find in religion. I am confident that I would not be thriving in my own recovery if it weren’t for grassroots alternatives like the ones you help to create and bring attention to.
In a world of exponentially accelerating change, it seems traditional AA may be structured in a way that cripples its ability to adapt.
Hence the importance of writings such as these to help be the “canary in the coalmine” to sound the alarm and to encourage people to embrace a more modern and inclusive language/culture of recovery.
Grateful for the meaningful actions you take to drive that process forward. Thanks for the thought provoking article.
Hey Bob,
Amazing article, entertaining, cutting, and informative. You my friend should be the one that leads us to the door. Thank you so much for all of the wisdom you have spread, and for your key roll in my sobriety. See you in the rooms!
I’m extrordinarily fortunate, and I make note of it every day. Almost all of my 34 years of sobriety in AA has been spent here in the Washington DC area, and I’ve very rarely felt quite as angry about the religiosity of the literature as Bob does. All the things he mentions in his post are discussed openly in literature meetings here, and all opinions are welcomed. Everyone seems to be pretty clear on when the texts were written, and if someone shares that they were “saved” by a deity, the next person is very likely to share that their experience is entirely different. As long as I’m allowed to believe what I like (Buddhist, by the way), and I am, I have no complaints with anyone else so long as they aren’t disruptive. We have, literally, hundreds of meetings here of all types, and so long as they do not affect AA as a whole, they can be run in any manner the group chooses. Many here say the Lord’s prayer but many do not. Nor am I concerned with AA growing or shrinking. All things change. My business is my own recovery and being of service to whoever I possibly can.
Good read
I agree with this view.
AA today is like a greedy and out of touch with reality corporation. It fears change and is mired in the past. Much like the political/economic system of this country. Change will come when social upheaval shakes the foundations of society and rocks established AA.
Great commentary, I will always be grateful to AA for getting me sober but I’ll always be aware of the places where we are falling short! FYI World Services in New York no longer says the Lord’s Prayer at their weekly meeting or business meetings!!
I’ve been astounded a few times in my life, and two of those instances come to mind after reading your piece, Bob.
One of them happened in my late 20s, towards the end of the 1970s. A series of events made me realize that most of my high school friends had shed their rebellious, anti-establishment phase and embraced a conservative mindset that prioritized following the money and always supporting the status quo. In short, we have all learned that baby boomers tend to get more conservative the older they become.
The other thing that shocked me is more recent. It’s because quite a few of my high school friends are passing away these days due to various age-related diseases. As I “catch up” with other friends at funerals and memorials, I’ve learned that three friends who were never particularly interested in religion when we were younger are now regular churchgoers (and I bet there are more that I do not know about).
Bob, what’s the connection between this and your piece? It’s all about numbers! I don’t disagree with anything you’ve written, but the delegates who vote at the General Service Conference for changes or maintaining the status quo are predominantly older, conservative-leaning Baby Boomers (and their equally conservative Generation X offspring). These individuals outnumber those of us who do not fawn over “the establishment” and its status quo loving ways.
Admittedly, Alcoholics Anonymous is making mistakes, as you rightly point out. However, the Conference decision-makers generally reflect the social characteristics of Baby Boomers and Gen X at large. Their numbers simply overwhelm us.
The Fifth Edition of the Bigga booka is coming soon without change. The nature of the delegates might be different ten years from now but I don’t think we’ll see a new Big Book earlier than 2045. Will it be updated then? Maybe. Maybe not.
Headed for the door. Went back a few years later. Out again. Was longing for community but cannot tolerate the god talk. I am in my 28th year of sobriety. No in person secular meetings near me in 3rd largest city in Illinois. I have started attending Universalist Unitarian. Have found people I fit in with there. I am grateful for AA Agnostica.
Brilliant ! I first came to AA in Australia in 1966 and currently have 26 years of abstinence . Whilst the hierarchy of Australian AA pay lip service to inclusivity they value their fundamentalist dogma above the lives of non believing alcoholics seeking help. Whilst secular members naively believe they are an accepted part of AA they will follow the fellowship over the cliff of irrelevance in the next decade or so .
Thank you Bob that was a good read I do agree with To the Wive’s that needs an update as does Working With Others that definitely needs a major over haul.The God business was a huge road block for me after excepting step 2 than reading the step 3 prayer it was like…..are you serious. I just excepted having an open mind and I read this.i kinda wanted to close the book and toss it.i wanted nothing to do with this God business..what really got me over this was just further down the page I read……the wording was quite optional….I changed all the God words to Spirit….I changed all the Him to It. Step 11. Prayer and Meditation to. talking and thinking. So I do agree with your point Bob. AA does need an updated Edition. At the same point of view.i am thinking that by leaving the wording as it is…that teaches me what AA is trying to suggest….True Tollerance.. all inclusive..doors of AA are open for the Agnostic. and the Fundamentalist. Now having said that Bob in the Chapter helping others I would never bring another Alcoholic into my home like they did in the early days and have them stay here…So I do see and understand your point of view…what helped me was that sentence. The wording was quite optional . Thank you Bob.. and I liked reading your other books…..The Secret..was. good. looking forward to more of your writings
Excellent article Bob.
Very timely for me. Trying to find a place where I’m truly comfortable right now.
Zoom is working well but has it’s drawbacks, Hollywood Squares etc. Credit to AA members on Zoom to save us during Covid lockdown.
It’s interesting that since Covid quite a few Trad meetings in my area are struggling with consistent members.
Fortunately I’ve found a meeting that seems ok with my being an atheist. They are not like most, just use the Responsibility Declaration to end the meeting. The rest of the Trad meetings still doing the ‘holdie handie prayer to the Big Guy’. I’d like to suggest that maybe the Muslim Prayer of Healing might work on a rotation with a Jewish or Buddhist version. I would be stretching the limits of Tradition Three to the limit.
My personal feeling is ‘ freeze the Big Book’. Open up AA to a selection of the various excellent books that are available. Let group conscious decide which book to use. Too radical change that would never be acceptable.
Demographics are changing, Church attendance is falling and Churches are closing. Church of Scotland has a website “Churches for Sale”.
I totally agree with Bob assessment. AA in it’s current rigid format is on a path unfortunately to extinction unless it changes. Seems unlikely that changes will be made in a timely manner.
So where’s the new comers to go to get the Alcoholic support that has helped so many.
Well written article that sums up my feelings about the current condition of the AA overall future.
Great Job as usual from Bob K.
Is it group conscious or conscience? Problem being with all the old guard in every room and still what I call the protestant privilege firmly in place, the still small voices won’t be heard or given any merit.
I’ve said for some time now that if AA doesn’t change it will become a small Christian organization. The sad thing is that many current AA members would be very satisfied if that were the outcome.
Even the founder of AA strived to open the door to more potential members as he gained in sobriety and wisdom. Hardcore members discount his later writing because I suppose they believe the Big Book was authored by the hand of a Christian God.
BOOM!!!! Very well stated, Jason.