If you’ve just gotten the NA Basic Text or the AA Big Book, you might be wondering:
Do I read it front to back?
Do I just open it randomly?
What am I supposed to do with this thing?
You’re not alone. These books can feel overwhelming at first. The good news? You don’t need to understand everything at once. You just need a simple way to start.
This guide will walk you through how to use these books in a practical, real-life way.
📚 What These Books Are (and Are Not)
The AA Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous)
Official title: Alcoholics Anonymous
It explains alcoholism, the 12 Steps, and how members recover. It also includes personal recovery stories.
Official site:
👉 https://www.aa.org
The NA Basic Text (Narcotics Anonymous)
Official title: Narcotics Anonymous
It explains addiction, recovery through the 12 Steps, and includes stories from members.
Official site:
👉 https://www.na.org
These books are recovery guides written by members of their fellowships.
They are not medical textbooks or therapy manuals.
🧭 Step 1: Don’t Try to “Study” It Like School
You are not being tested.
You are reading to:
See if you relate
Understand how recovery works
Learn practical actions
If something doesn’t make sense yet — keep going. Many people say the book “makes more sense” the second time through.
📘 Step 2: Where to Start Reading
If You’re Reading the AA Big Book:
Start with:
The Doctor’s Opinion – Explains the physical and mental aspects of alcoholism
Chapter 1: Bill’s Story – Shows what addiction and recovery look like in real life
Chapter 2: There Is a Solution – Explains how recovery works
Chapter 3: More About Alcoholism – Helps you identify if you relate
You do not need to read the personal stories right away unless you want to.
If You’re Reading the NA Basic Text:
Start with:
Who Is an Addict?
What Is the Narcotics Anonymous Program?
Why Are We Here?
Then move into the 12 Steps section
The early chapters help you understand the nature of addiction and the solution NA offers.
✍️ Step 3: Read Actively (Not Passively)
This is where the real value happens.
While reading, ask yourself:
Do I relate to this?
Have I experienced this?
What is this asking me to do?
You can:
Highlight
Underline
Take notes
Write reflections in a notebook
Recovery literature is meant to be applied, not just read.
🤝 Step 4: Use It With a Sponsor or Support Person
These books are most powerful when used with guidance.
Many people:
Read chapters together with a sponsor
Discuss specific paragraphs at meetings
Work through the Steps directly from the book
If you don’t have a sponsor yet, you can still start reading — but consider connecting with someone who has experience working the Steps.
👉 Find Meetings Worldwide:
AA: https://www.aa.org/find-aa
NA: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch
🔄 Step 5: Focus on the Action Sections
Both books describe actions that support recovery, including:
Admitting powerlessness
Taking inventory
Making amends
Helping others
The books are not just stories. They are instruction manuals for behavior change.
If you only read but never apply, you may not experience the full benefit.
🧠 What If I Disagree With Something?
That’s normal.
You don’t have to agree with every sentence to benefit from recovery. Many people:
Take what helps
Leave what doesn’t
Revisit confusing parts later
Focus on what resonates and what promotes growth, honesty, and accountability.
📱 Use Sober Sidekick While Reading
Reading recovery literature can bring up emotions, questions, or breakthroughs. Don’t process that alone.
🔘 Start a Reflection Post
Share what stood out to you.
👉 Tap Create Post
🔘 Search the Community
See how others interpret certain chapters.
👉 Use the Search Bar in the Home Feed
🔘 Message a Peer
Talk through something that feels heavy or confusing.
👉 Open Direct Messages
🔘 Explore Recovery Tools
Use structured exercises that align with the 12 Steps.
👉 Visit the Resources Section
🌍 International Access to These Books
Both fellowships offer literature in many languages worldwide.
Official websites:
Many countries also have local service offices where you can purchase literature in your native language.
⚖️ Important Disclaimer
This content is for informational and peer-support purposes only.
The AA Big Book and NA Basic Text are recovery literature created by their respective fellowships. They are not substitutes for medical care, detox services, psychological therapy, or professional treatment.
If you are experiencing:
Alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms
Severe depression
Suicidal thoughts
Medical complications
Seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services in your country.
Sober Sidekick does not provide medical, psychiatric, or crisis services.
🌱 Final Encouragement
You don’t have to understand everything today.
You don’t have to feel inspired every time you read.
Just keep showing up.
Read a few pages.
Talk about it.
Apply one small action.
Recovery is built one honest step at a time.