Join us as Joe McDonald reads and expands on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, offering deeper understanding and practical advice for those on their recovery journey. In this Step 1 AA session, we explore Bill’s experiences that illuminate the bewildering and erratic nature of addictive behavior. Bill’s story highlights the gradual consequences of addiction that may seem insignificant to the person struggling but appear catastrophic to their loved ones. Evictions, repossessions, missed opportunities—these are the signs of life’s unmanageability. Reflecting on these shared experiences, Joe asks, “Have you ever been asked to leave places or had opportunities slip away because of addiction?”

Bill’s story reminds us that the struggles we face are not isolated but deeply connected to the powerlessness over substances and the unmanagea ...