Al-Anon's Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions - First Printing from 1981 - ODJ
This book is the Al-Anon's Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions. This is the First Printing from 1981 with the original dust jacket.
Below you can read the Preface & Introduction to learn more about the book:
Preface:
“Al-Anon's Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are for people whose lives have been, or are being, affected by the alcoholism of a spouse, parent, child, other relative, or friend. The foundation of our program, these twenty-four statements have served as well by keeping us centered on our own purpose, independent of all other procedures, therapies and organizations.
The Twelve Steps of Al-Anon are the heart of the program in which the family of an alcoholic can find a new way of life in the fellowship of the Al-Anon Family Groups. The Twelve Traditions are the backbone of Al-Anon itself. They guard the unity of the fellowship on which individual help depends.
The Twelve Steps and Traditions, although spiritually oriented, are not based on a specific religious discipline. They embrace not only the philosophies of the Judeo-Christian faiths and the many religions of the East, but non-religious, ethical and moral thought as well; nor does the designation, "God" refer to a particular being, force or concept, but only to "God" as each of us understands that term. And so, those who do not subscribe to a particular faith can still find in this program a serene, fulfilling way of life, if they can believe in any Power greater than themselves.
In the years these Steps and Traditions have been studied and applied by the members of our fellowship, many among us discovered these guides had a far wider usefulness than in coping with alcoholism problems alone. They became our way of life, to help us at all times, in any situation. How well they served us depended on how we absorbed them, and how we used them. We have shared these experiences in this book and followed with one reflection and a story for each Step and Tradition. These are merely examples; there are as many stories as there are Al-Anon members.”
Introduction:
“It all began with the wives of early AA members who realized their own need for change. They came together while their husbands were at meetings, and as they waited, talked over their own difficulties and tried to help each other find solutions. In helping each other, they tried to apply AA's Twelve Steps to their own lives, each group making whatever changes it felt was necessary.
By 1950, some 87 groups and individuals had asked AA for listing in its directory. These requests were referred to Lois, the wife of AA's co-founder, who became the co-founder of the Al-Anon Family Groups. Lois and her friends set about unifying these groups and providing them with guidance and service.
It was soon apparent that there would have to be a program with which all groups were in agreement. The adaptation of AA's Steps in final form came about after a number of these scattered groups had been brought together as a unified fellowship under the name of "Al-Anon Family Groups." Thus, Al-Anon was born of a real need for sharing.
Although we were far too young and inexperienced as a fellowship to have established any Traditions of our own, we knew our unity depended upon living by some such guideline. Then the AA Traditions, also amended to fit the needs of Al-Anon, became part of the program.
In the early years, the only source of help for children affected by the drinking of others, was to attend Al-Anon and AA meetings. It was at these meetings with their parents that they learned about alcoholism and its effects on the family.
In 1957, a high school boy in California felt the need to talk with others who could identify with his sharing. Out of this need, other Al-Anon Family Groups were created and called "Alateen." As an integral part of Al-Anon, Alateen members follow the same program.”
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The book is in excellent condition. There is edge wear and small tears to the dust jacket.
Please view all of the photos for the conditions.