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44 Quotes from the AA Big Book Regarding the Newcomer

Writer's picture: Matt HanleyMatt Hanley
  1. "Listen to him with patience and understanding, for he is the voice of a human being in pain." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  2. "Make him feel at home, let him know that he has come to the right place." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  3. "Let the newcomer know that he has nothing to be afraid of, that we are all in this together." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  4. "Speak to the newcomer in a friendly and accepting manner, and let him know that he is among friends." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  5. "Remember that the newcomer is not looking for perfection in us, but for a sense of belonging and acceptance." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  6. "We understand the newcomer's fears and doubts, and we offer him reassurance and encouragement." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  7. "The newcomer should be reminded that the AA program is a lifelong commitment, and that the work of recovery never ends." (Chapter 11, "A Vision for You")

  8. "The newcomer should be made to feel welcome and valued, for he is an integral part of the AA community." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  9. "The newcomer should be given time and space to find his own way in the AA program, and to discover his own path to recovery." (Chapter 5, "How It Works")

  10. "The newcomer should be encouraged to seek out a sponsor, someone who has been through the AA program and can offer guidance and support." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  11. "We have a message for the newcomer, and it is a message of hope and liberation." (Chapter 2, "There Is a Solution")

  12. "The newcomer will find in AA a new way of life, one that is free from the tyranny of alcohol." (Chapter 2, "There Is a Solution")

  13. "We urge the newcomer to be completely honest with himself and with others, for honesty is the cornerstone of recovery." (Chapter 5, "How It Works")

  14. "The newcomer should be reminded that the AA program is a journey, not a destination, and that the journey is taken one day at a time." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  15. "The newcomer has to believe in a Power greater than himself, and in his ability to live a better life." (Chapter 5, "How It Works")

  16. "The newcomer must be willing to accept suggestions, including the idea of a Higher Power." (Chapter 5, "How It Works")

  17. "The newcomer should be encouraged to attend meetings, listen, and share his thoughts and feelings." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  18. "The newcomer will hear the stories of other alcoholics and be comforted by the fact that he is not alone." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  19. "The newcomer must have a spiritual awakening, which can bring about a fundamental change in his life." (Chapter 11, "A Vision for You")

  20. "The newcomer should remember that he is embarking on a great adventure, one that will bring him peace, serenity, and happiness." (Chapter 11, "A Vision for You")

  21. "The newcomer will come to understand that he is not alone, that others have faced similar struggles, and that there is hope for recovery." (Chapter 11, "A Vision for You")

  22. "The newcomer should be encouraged to be patient and not expect immediate results." (Chapter 11, "A Vision for You")

  23. "The newcomer should be reminded that the AA program is a process, not an event." (Chapter 11, "A Vision for You")

  24. "The newcomer should be assured that, as he continues on his journey, he will experience a profound transformation in his life." (Chapter 11, "A Vision for You")

  25. "We are average Americans. All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented, as well as many political, economic, social, and religious backgrounds." (Chapter 1, "Bill's Story")

  26. "When the newcomer says, “I don’t believe I can recover,” he is thinking of the past, not of the future." (Chapter 2, "There Is a Solution")

  27. "Most of our experiences are not extreme. That is why we can speak to you, the newcomer, with such understanding and confidence." (Chapter 2, "There Is a Solution")

  28. "Our hope is that all men everywhere will learn from us, not how to drink, but how not to drink." (Chapter 2, "There Is a Solution")

  29. "We, who have recovered from serious drinking, are miracles of mental health." (Chapter 2, "There Is a Solution")

  30. "We do not stand on the hilltops shouting in triumph, nor are we stampeded by failure." (Chapter 2, "There Is a Solution")

  31. "The newcomer may think that his drinking is all that different from that of other people." (Chapter 3, "More About Alcoholism")

  32. "The newcomer is the fellow who has just come to realize that he has a drinking problem." (Chapter 4, "We Agnostics")

  33. "The newcomer is open to conviction and willing to try." (Chapter 5, "How It Works")

  34. "To the newcomer, the book promises release from alcoholism, if it is followed to the letter." (Chapter 5, "How It Works")

  35. "The newcomer may feel that he is the only one in the world with such a hopeless case." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  36. "The newcomer is a person in whom the spiritual malady has been arrested." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  37. "The newcomer has everything to gain and nothing to lose." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  38. "We know what the newcomer is thinking and feeling. We understand his confusion." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  39. "Our advice to the newcomer: get a sponsor, find a home group, and work the steps." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  40. "The newcomer should know that he is not alone." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  41. "We have walked the walk. We know what the newcomer is going through." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  42. "We offer the newcomer our experience, strength, and hope." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  43. "The newcomer is the lifeblood of our society." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

  44. "The newcomer is always welcome in Alcoholics Anonymous." (Chapter 7, "Working with Others")

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