Core recovery literature
12-Step programs are self-supporting and open to all. The documents below contain the foundational principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Every PDF is formatted for standard US letter printing (8.5 × 11 inches) and optimized for clean readability on mobile, desktop, or print.
Featured AA Literature Downloads
The 12 Steps of AA
PDFThe foundational spiritual and practical principles for personal recovery from alcoholism. Clean printable 1-page reference.
The 12 Traditions of AA
PDFThe organizational guidelines governing group unity, meeting autonomy, non-affiliation, and personal anonymity.
The AA Promises
PDFThe famous Ninth Step Promises from Chapter 6 of the Big Book (pages 83–84), describing the freedom and serenity of recovery.
AA Big Book (4th Ed.)
Full Book PDFComplete text of Alcoholics Anonymous (Fourth Edition). Includes the original 164 basic text pages, preface, and personal stories.
How to Use These Study Materials
Whether you are attending your first 12-Step meeting or celebrating years in recovery, having physical, printable copies of core literature provides immediate focus during meetings, step study groups, and daily morning reflections.
Working with a Sponsor
Most individuals work through the Twelve Steps sequentially with the guidance of a sponsor—a member who has already completed the steps and maintained continuous sobriety. Having the text of the steps and the Big Book readily accessible allows you to highlight passages, take notes, and complete written inventories required in Steps 4, 8, and 10.
Meeting Group Display and Group Conscience
The Twelve Traditions protect the autonomy and spiritual identity of individual meeting groups. Printing the Traditions allows meeting secretaries and group conscience leaders to display them alongside the Twelve Steps during weekly gatherings.
Find Local or Online Meetings
Reading literature is one component of recovery; connecting with active peer support is the other. Use our nationwide directory to locate meetings in your area or join 24/7 Zoom gatherings: