Chapter 7, entitled Working With Others, from the 2nd edition of Alcoholics Anonymous was originally published in 1955. Again, few changes were made to this chapter between the first and second editions, but its powerful message of “You can’t keep it if don’t give it away” resounds in the practical instructions presented in this chapter for helping others achieve sobriety. Indeed to this day, solid members of AA recognize the vital importance of working with others in order to stay sober themselves, whether or not the people they work with maintain sobriety.

Bill W. realized this fact early in his own sobriety. In a Grapevine article from 1958 he wrote, “In the first six months of my own sobriety, I worked hard with many alcoholics. Not a one responded. Yet this work kept me sober. It wasn’t a question of those alcoholics giving me anything. My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive.”

Howard L, sober since January 1988, presents an inspired reading of the Big Book and encourages listeners to revisit earlier podcast episodes that feature the main chapters and stories in the First Edition of the Big Book. Enjoy listening on our website, BigBookPodcast.com, or download and subscribe to the podcast for free at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. If you have a minute, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Also join our facebook group, Big Book Podcast Listeners, where you can share your thoughts and experiences with fellow listeners.