"unless" in the Big Book

How often have some of us begun to drink in this nonchalant way, and after the third or fourth, pounded on the bar and said to ourselves, “For God’s sake, how did I ever get started again?’’ Only to have that thought supplanted by “Well, I’ll stop with the sixth drink.’’ Or “What’s the use anyhow?’’ When this sort of thinking is fully established in an individual with alcoholic tendencies, he has probably placed himself beyond human aid, and unless locked up, may die or go permanently insane.

It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.* That was great news to us, for we had assumed we could not make use of spiritual principles unless we accepted many things on faith which seemed difficult to believe.

Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us.

Unless one’s family expresses a desire to live upon spiritual principles we think we ought not to urge them.

The family may object to this, but unless he is in a dangerous physical condition, it is better to risk it.

Don’t deal with him when he is very drunk, unless he is ugly and the family needs your help.

If your man needs hospitalization, he should have it, but not forcibly unless he is violent.

Don’t, at this stage, refer to this book, unless he has seen it and wishes to discuss it.

Doctors are rightly loath to tell alcoholic patients the whole story unless it will serve some good purpose.

Unless your friend wants to talk further about himself, do not wear out your welcome.

Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover unless he has his family back.

If he is already committed to an institution, but can convince you and your doctor that he means business, give him a chance to try our method, unless the doctor thinks his mental condition too abnormal or dangerous.

Unless they actually need protection from their father, it is best not to take sides in any argument he has with them while drinking.

So we think that unless some good and useful purpose is to be served, past occurrences should not be discussed.

Another principle we observe carefully is that we do not relate intimate experiences of another person unless we are sure he would approve.

This means trouble, unless the family watches for these tendencies in each other and comes to a friendly agreement about them.

Unless the reason is understood, there may be an emotional upset.

Unless he took some drinks, he might not have the courage to scrape an acquaintance and would have a lonely week-end.