"use" in the Big Book

At the end of it, my reports to Wall Street procured me a position there and the use of a large expense account.

As matters grow worse, he begins to use a combination of high-powered sedative and liquor to quiet his nerves so he can go to work.

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.

Simply because it is impossible to explain what we see, feel, direct, and use, without a reasonable assumption as a starting point.

Neither is reason, as most of us use it, entirely dependable, Alco_9781893007161_6p_01_r6.qxd 8/13/07 10:55 AM Page 55

But we must not use this as a mere excuse to postpone.

We don’t use this as an excuse for shying away from the subject of God.

It is the proper use of the will.

Under these conditions we can employ our mental faculties with assurance, for after all God gave us brains to use.

Make use of what they offer.

When dealing with such a person, you had better use everyday language to describe spiritual principles.

There is no use arousing any prejudice he may have against certain theological terms and conceptions about which he may already be confused.

But be sure you use discretion.

Some day we hope that Alcoholics Anonymous will help the public to a better realization of the gravity of the alcoholic problem, but we shall be of little use if our attitude is one of bitterness or hostility.

An alcoholic of this temperament may be quick to use this chapter as a club over your head.

He will use that as an excuse to drink more.

Use your energies to promote a better understanding all around.

Suppose we tell you some of the obstacles a family will meet; suppose we suggest how they may be avoided—even converted to good use for others.

It is of little use to argue and only

Nothing will help the man who is off on a spiritual tangent so much as the wife who adopts a sane spiritual program, making a better practical use of it.

One of the many doctors who had the opportunity of reading this book in manuscript form told us that the use of sweets was often helpful, of course depending upon a doctor’s advice.

Meanwhile, we are sure a great deal can be accomplished by the use of the book alone.

After your man has gone along without drinking for a few months, you may be able to make use of his services with other employees who are giving you the alcoholic run-around—provided, of course, they are willing to have a third party in the picture.

Should you wish them above all else, and be willing to make use of our experience, we are sure they will come.

The use of spiritual principles in * This refers to Bill’s and Dr. Bob’s first visit to A.A. Number Three.

Hopelessness was written large on the man’s face as he replied, “Oh, but that’s no use.