GIVING UP INSANITY
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for April 12.
When we talk about 'giving up insanity' in AA, we're pointing directly at Step 1 and the core problem described in the Big Book. The alcoholic's insanity isn't a clinical term—it's that stubborn refusal to accept that drinking will always lead to the same ruin. On page 37, we read: 'They are seldom mildly intoxicated. Always they are steadily drinking to a state of near-insanity, or—they are wholly apart from the world of real things.' [Page 37]. This insanity is the delusion that we can drink like other people, that next time will be different. Giving it up means surrendering to the truth: we cannot control alcohol, and our best thinking got us here. When we finally accept that, sanity begins to dawn. As page 84 promises, 'We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.' [Page 84] That's the sanity of reliance on a Power greater than ourselves. Giving up insanity is the heart of the first three Steps.
What is one belief about your drinking that you've had to 'give up' as insane—and how did letting go of that belief open the door to recovery?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for April 12?
The theme for April 12 is “Giving up Insanity.” When we talk about 'giving up insanity' in AA, we're pointing directly at Step 1 and the core problem described in the Big Book.
What is one belief about your drinking that you've had to 'give up' as insane—and how did letting go of that belief open the door to recovery?
[Page 84] That's the sanity of reliance on a Power greater than ourselves. Giving up insanity is the heart of the first three Steps. (Big Book: Chapter 3, pages 37-39, and Chapter 6, pages 83-85)