Virtual Newcomer Packet
A.A. Promises
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.
9th Step Promises
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Pages 83-84
Four Sources of Guidance for the Newcomer
Get a Sponsor
The recovering alcoholic attends AA meetings and is mentored by other members of the fellowship who have practiced the Twelve Steps and applied the AA principles to their own lives.
Study the Books
The recovering alcoholic is also guided by the program, the Big Book, the Twelve Steps and their instructions.
Find A Higher Power
The recovering alcoholic establishes a relationship to a Higher Power, whatever its form, and trusts in the guidance of spirit.
Vision for the Future
The final source of wisdom comes from within: the recovering alcoholic must create a hopeful vision of the future, and find the determination to make it true.
A.A. Books
If you are new to Alcoholics Anonymous, here are some links and literature that will help you take advantage of all the A.A. Fellowship has to offer. The literature is available in printed form at any North Orange County Central Office or live meeting. You can also read it online by clicking the pictures below. Each one is linked to a PDF version that can read in your browser or download to your computer.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the “Big Book,” presents the A.A. program for recovery from alcoholism. First published in 1939, its purpose was to show other alcoholics how the first 100 people of A.A. got sober.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions explains the 24 basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Chapters provide an interpretation of these principles for personal recovery and the organization of the group.
