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Is Living Sober AA Approved

Living sober is a challenge many people face when deciding to quit drinking. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a guiding light for people struggling with alcohol addiction for over 80 years. One of the core principles of AA is the importance of literature in the recovery process. So, the question arises, is Living Sober AA approved? 

Living Sober is a book written by Barry L. and published by AA World Services Inc. The book was first published in 1975 and has since been a popular choice for people looking to adopt a sober lifestyle. It is a collection of tips, suggestions, and personal stories that are meant to help people navigate the challenges of living without alcohol. 

The AA General Service Conference has approved the book of the governing body of AA. The conference reviews literature and approves it for use in AA meetings worldwide. The approval process is rigorous, and the literature must meet specific criteria in the Conference-approved Literature Handbook.

What is AA Approval

AA approval is an essential aspect of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. It means that AA has officially recognized and endorsed a particular approach, method, or resource as being consistent with its philosophy and practices. This ensures that individuals seeking recovery have access to high-quality, reliable resources consistent with AA’s guiding principles. AA approval is granted through a rigorous process that involves evaluating the approach or resource’s effectiveness, alignment with AA’s philosophy, and adherence to AA’s traditions. It’s essential to understand AA approval and seek out AA-approved resources to ensure the best chances of success in one’s recovery journey.

Understanding The 12 Steps and Their Role in AA Approval

The 12 Steps are a set of guiding principles that outline a spiritual path for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction through the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Understanding the 12 Steps and their role in AA approval is essential for anyone looking to achieve and maintain sobriety. Here is an overview of the 12 Steps:

  • We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable.
  • We believed that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
  • We decided to turn our will and lives over to God’s care as we understood Him.
  • We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
  • We admitted to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
  • We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
  • We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
  • We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
  • We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.
  • We continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
  • We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
  • Having had a spiritual awakening due to these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and practice these principles in all our affairs.

The 12 Steps provide a framework for individuals to address the underlying issues that contribute to their addiction and establish a foundation for a healthy, sober life. They focus on developing a spiritual connection with a higher power, self-examination, making amends, and helping others. AA-approved resources for living sober must align with the 12 Steps and other AA principles to be approved, as evaluated by AA members and addiction recovery professionals.

What Makes Living Sober AA Approved

Living sober is a vital aspect of recovery from alcohol addiction, and AA approval is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of a particular approach or resource. Here are some things that make living sober AA approved:

  • Alignment With AA’s Philosophy and Practices: AA-approved resources and approaches must be consistent with AA’s guiding principles, such as the 12 Steps, as well as its practices, such as anonymity and non-judgment.
  • Evidence-Based: AA-approved resources and approaches must have a proven track record of effectiveness in helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.
  • Adherence To AA’s Traditions: AA has established traditions that support its guiding principles, such as holding meetings in safe, welcoming spaces and avoiding outside influences that could distract from recovery. AA-approved resources and approaches must adhere to these traditions.
  • Peer-Reviewed: AA-approved resources and approaches are subject to rigorous review by AA members and professionals in addiction recovery to ensure they meet AA’s standards for effectiveness and adherence to its philosophy and practices.
  • Safety And Ethical Considerations: AA-approved resources and approaches must meet AA’s standards for safety and ethical considerations, such as providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals in recovery and avoiding any practices that could harm them.

The Benefits of Using Living Sober in Conjunction With AA

Living Sober and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are resources individuals can use to achieve and maintain sobriety. While they are separate entities, using them in conjunction can provide numerous benefits. Here are some reasons why using Living Sober in conjunction with AA can be beneficial:

  • Living sober can provide additional support and resources beyond what is available through AA meetings.
  • Living sober can offer practical tips and advice on navigating daily life without alcohol.
  • Living sober can help individuals develop new habits and coping strategies for managing triggers and cravings.
  • Living sober can guide rebuilding relationships and addressing the consequences of past alcohol use.
  • AA meetings can provide a sense of community and support through sharing experiences and connecting with others on a similar journey.
  • AA meetings can offer a structured approach to working through the 12 Steps and developing a spiritual connection with a higher power.
  • Living Sober with AA can help individuals stay engaged in their recovery and avoid becoming complacent.
  • Living sober can provide a resource for those who may not have access to regular AA meetings, such as individuals in rural areas or those with mobility issues.
  • Using Living Sober in conjunction with AA can offer a well-rounded approach to recovery, addressing both practical and spiritual aspects of sobriety.

Overall, using Living Sober in conjunction with AA can provide a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses both practical and spiritual aspects of sobriety while providing additional support and resources for individuals seeking long-term recovery from alcohol addiction.