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Living Sober
This practical 92-page booklet demonstrates, through simple examples, how A.A. members throughout the world live and stay sober one day at a time. Originally published in 1975 and revised and updated in 2012, this A.A. General Service Conference-approved publication has helped untold thousands of alcoholics, especially many in early recovery, face “life on life’s terms,” and live as a sober person within a given day and “just for today.” From the preface to the book: “So not drinking at all—that is, staying sober—becomes the basis of recovery from alcoholism. And let it be emphasized: Living sober turns out to be not at all grim, boring and uncomfortable, as we had feared, but rather something we begin to enjoy and find much more exciting than our drinking days. We’ll show you how.”
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1975
877 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
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February 18, 2011This was one of my first building blocks in my foundation of sobriety. i have since read most AA literature and my life is AMAZING today! One Day At A Time, I have not found it necessary to have a drink since 12-24-99. Something is definitely working!
October 1, 2018
Helps me greatly in my recovery.
August 27, 2016
to continue my trend of reading about drunks and junkies, this book was recommended to me. short, simple, and quite refreshing for everyone methinks, not just the addict. not a how-to per se, but a reminder that living well takes dedication. I'm constantly struck by how many principles and writings for addicts strike a chord across humanity -- everyone gets sad, not all drink. everyone gets angry, not all use. everyone gets bored, but some find interesting ways to fill their time.
February 19, 2023
Truly a banger
July 30, 2015
I think there is some merit in this book which is giving alcoholics some tips on how to stay sober in everyday life. However, there is way too much reliance on these "tips" and not enough pointing toward the fact that if the newcomer is not going to work the 12 steps his/her recovery will be precarious to say the least and relapse will be inevitable. You cannot stay sober on tips like "keep hold of your glass of ginger ale at a party so you won't accidentally pick up someone else's glass of alcoholic beverage and drink it down".
That won't keep anyone sober.
That won't keep anyone sober.
October 10, 2022
Although we had done a lot of drinking, many of us never felt drunk, and were sure we almost never appeared or sounded drunk… We knew lots of people who drank more than we did, and people who could not handle their drinks at all. We were not like that. So the suggestion that we should “stay sober” was almost insulting.
Living Sober is the booklet that basically prefaces the A.A. Big Book and A.A. as an organization, so current and future members, as well as supporters and curious individuals can understand the lifestyle of sobriety as recommended by Alcoholics Anonymous.
As is usual with any of my A.A. literature, mine is now highlighted and penned after just the first read. I’m sure there will be many more read-throughs and more insightful knowledge highlight-worthy. Living Sober really breaks down the A.A. lifestyle and slogans that are often heard in meetings from oldtimers, which is helpful for anyone fairly new to the program or interested. For me, it felt like a phone call with my sponsor, who is somehow way more calm, cool, and collected and in touch with her Higher Power to an extent that is ungraspable to me in this moment. The booklet splits up these slogans to make sense in an alcoholic’s daily life or situations that are bound to arise while trying to get and stay sober.
Definitely something that will stay in constant rotation for me while I continue in the program, at least as a quotable reference to remind myself why I do what I do and where I used to be.
Living Sober is the booklet that basically prefaces the A.A. Big Book and A.A. as an organization, so current and future members, as well as supporters and curious individuals can understand the lifestyle of sobriety as recommended by Alcoholics Anonymous.
As is usual with any of my A.A. literature, mine is now highlighted and penned after just the first read. I’m sure there will be many more read-throughs and more insightful knowledge highlight-worthy. Living Sober really breaks down the A.A. lifestyle and slogans that are often heard in meetings from oldtimers, which is helpful for anyone fairly new to the program or interested. For me, it felt like a phone call with my sponsor, who is somehow way more calm, cool, and collected and in touch with her Higher Power to an extent that is ungraspable to me in this moment. The booklet splits up these slogans to make sense in an alcoholic’s daily life or situations that are bound to arise while trying to get and stay sober.
Definitely something that will stay in constant rotation for me while I continue in the program, at least as a quotable reference to remind myself why I do what I do and where I used to be.
May 20, 2017
Really great introduction to AA and its overarching program and principles. Very straightforward and focuses on important mental, emotional and physical strategies for maintaining sobriety. It's made me excited to read the Twelve by Twelve, as well as the Big Book!!
September 22, 2022
Great book for me early into my sober journey. I started the book on day 13 and am now on day 40 without alcohol. I feel like this one should be recommended more often to newcomers— even possibly before the Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book”— because the advice is sound, actionable and written with the non-AA member in mind. It also does a great job explaining AA for the uninitiated or those with misconceptions. Lastly, I liked the tone of “some of us did this to get sober, some of us didn’t”. I have seen in more than one meeting a sort of “my way or the highway” attitude from members which really just is unapproachable, and not accurate because everyone is on their own path.
February 14, 2022
My A.A. sponsor and I have been reading through this book and will finally finish it on Friday. The content contains many great suggestions on how to continue living the sober life. This is considered a maintenance book for those who are already sober. The A.A. "Big Book" is better suited for those who are trying to get sober. Wherever you are on the journey of sobriety, this book is a must-read. Enjoy!
May 29, 2019
It's a good primer, but the language (binary at the best of times, often just entirely male- centred) is sorely out of date and means it, much like most program literature, badly needs an update.
November 13, 2008
A simplistic, possibly too much so, quick & easy read on living sober. It gives a lot of good advice, is broken up logically & often. Probably a good book for many to start with & it really isn't limited to alcoholics. I think anyone who has an addiction or even issues in their life could get a lot out of it.
October 13, 2017
This book is pathetic I tore up our group's copy. watered down weak AA and obviously authored by the many heavy drinkers who lurk in AA. Not for Real Alcoholics. avoid it like the plague and use the AA basic text for your recovery.
November 15, 2009
I have several friends with addiction issues and have wanted to know more about AA and the support it offers.
July 30, 2011
This little book SAVED my LIFE!!!! What more can I say, just feel free to ask me for the DETAILS. I'll be happy to share more about my comment.
January 25, 2015
great help
Here is a little book with big and small was to begin and continue to live the 12 step program.
Here is a little book with big and small was to begin and continue to live the 12 step program.
February 18, 2015
Very informative. Filled with great advice for recovering alcoholics and their families
May 29, 2015
This was a very straight forward and simple book on tried and true strategies on staying sober. Will be reading again, and again!
January 5, 2019
Simple tips u can do to try to stay sober.
August 10, 2019
Very helpful booklet for those who have become sober and are looking for new ideas and ways to live without booze. Great reminder for those who have years of sobriety.
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May 13, 2023A good little book that is helpful for those taking a break from alcohol.
October 5, 2024
-El beber ya no significa para nosotros música, risa y flirteo. Significa enfermedad y tristeza-.
Algunos de nosotros tuvimos una o dos recaídas antes de lograr una sobriedad segura. Si a ti te pasa esto, no te desesperes. Muchos de nosotros, después de pasar por estas experiencias, hemos llegado finalmente a disfrutar de una sobriedad sólida y serena. Ten presente que el alcoholismo es una afección humana sumamente grave, y que como en cualquier otra enfermedad, puede haber recaídas. La recu- peración no deja de ser posible.
Aun después de ciertos contratiempos, si sigues queriendo recuperarte y estás dispuesto a probar nuevas estrategias, nuestra experiencia nos ha convencido de que estás encami- nado, junto con centenares de miles de compañeros, en un viaje hacia un destino sano y feliz.
Esperamos verte entre nosotros en persona. Sea cual sea la senda que sigas, junto con nosotros o a solas, vas acompañado de nuestros mejores y más sinceros deseos.
Recuerde que, como todo alcohólico que se está recuperando, su reacción automática a las sensaciones desagradables será la de buscar un alivio químico, y de usar más cantidad de la recetada. Busque soluciones no químicas para las molestias y dolores de su vida cotidiana.
Vive! Preocupate de tu propia vida. A nuestro parecer, mantenerse sobrio abre las puertas de la vida y la felicidad. Vale la pena sacrificar muchos rencores y disputas...
~VIVIENDO SOBRIO~. AA.
Algunos de nosotros tuvimos una o dos recaídas antes de lograr una sobriedad segura. Si a ti te pasa esto, no te desesperes. Muchos de nosotros, después de pasar por estas experiencias, hemos llegado finalmente a disfrutar de una sobriedad sólida y serena. Ten presente que el alcoholismo es una afección humana sumamente grave, y que como en cualquier otra enfermedad, puede haber recaídas. La recu- peración no deja de ser posible.
Aun después de ciertos contratiempos, si sigues queriendo recuperarte y estás dispuesto a probar nuevas estrategias, nuestra experiencia nos ha convencido de que estás encami- nado, junto con centenares de miles de compañeros, en un viaje hacia un destino sano y feliz.
Esperamos verte entre nosotros en persona. Sea cual sea la senda que sigas, junto con nosotros o a solas, vas acompañado de nuestros mejores y más sinceros deseos.
Recuerde que, como todo alcohólico que se está recuperando, su reacción automática a las sensaciones desagradables será la de buscar un alivio químico, y de usar más cantidad de la recetada. Busque soluciones no químicas para las molestias y dolores de su vida cotidiana.
Vive! Preocupate de tu propia vida. A nuestro parecer, mantenerse sobrio abre las puertas de la vida y la felicidad. Vale la pena sacrificar muchos rencores y disputas...
~VIVIENDO SOBRIO~. AA.
February 6, 2023
This book is a collection of short articles giving suggestions on how to stay sober. It is an official publication of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, but it does not discuss the 12 Step program of AA. Instead it gives helpful hints on how to stay sober, what to avoid, and how to create strategies for not drinking.
A good example is article 3 "Using the 24-hour plan". I won't reproduce the article but in summary they suggest living one day at a time, one hour at a time, even one minute at a time. Here is a paragraph from the much longer article:
"Even if we drank yesterday, we can plan not to drink today. We may drink tomorrow--who knows whether we'll even be alive then?--but for this 24 hours, we decide not to drink. No matter what the temptation or provocation, we determine to go to any extremes necessary to avoid a drink today."
Obviously it is not the whole of the AA Program but there are many practical issues regarding the program that can only be passed on by word of mouth or though a book like this one, Living Sober."
I've read articles from this book on occassion. I've not read the book straight through until now. I'm glad I did. I picked up a lot of interesting ideas.
I'll no doubt read this book again sometime in the future... but "who knows whether we'll even be alive then?" Eh? We'll see.
A good example is article 3 "Using the 24-hour plan". I won't reproduce the article but in summary they suggest living one day at a time, one hour at a time, even one minute at a time. Here is a paragraph from the much longer article:
"Even if we drank yesterday, we can plan not to drink today. We may drink tomorrow--who knows whether we'll even be alive then?--but for this 24 hours, we decide not to drink. No matter what the temptation or provocation, we determine to go to any extremes necessary to avoid a drink today."
Obviously it is not the whole of the AA Program but there are many practical issues regarding the program that can only be passed on by word of mouth or though a book like this one, Living Sober."
I've read articles from this book on occassion. I've not read the book straight through until now. I'm glad I did. I picked up a lot of interesting ideas.
I'll no doubt read this book again sometime in the future... but "who knows whether we'll even be alive then?" Eh? We'll see.
January 7, 2025
This thin paperback, published by Alcoholics Anonymous, is for those that have a few months or more of not drinking under their belts. It is written for those in their first or second year of recovery. Not drinking is supposed to become natural and easy, not to become some lifelong dreary struggle. Fellowship with other recovering and recovered alcoholics is part of the Alcoholics Anonymous way of life.
The book answers questions those new to not drinking might have about Alcoholics Anonymous. It also offers tips, practical methods, and sober habits for living without alcohol and breaking old destructive routines. Recovering alcoholics need to learn new ways of acting and thinking, so that they can let go of these old ideas.
This book does not have to be read in order. It can be used as a reference book. I, on the other hand, read it from cover to cover. If this book interests you, you can take the tips you like and discard the rest. I found the book full of great ideas from focusing on being grateful to eliminating self-pity. It is not meant to replace the Big Book called Alcoholics Anonymous which is meant to help one with a drinking problem quit drinking.
The book answers questions those new to not drinking might have about Alcoholics Anonymous. It also offers tips, practical methods, and sober habits for living without alcohol and breaking old destructive routines. Recovering alcoholics need to learn new ways of acting and thinking, so that they can let go of these old ideas.
This book does not have to be read in order. It can be used as a reference book. I, on the other hand, read it from cover to cover. If this book interests you, you can take the tips you like and discard the rest. I found the book full of great ideas from focusing on being grateful to eliminating self-pity. It is not meant to replace the Big Book called Alcoholics Anonymous which is meant to help one with a drinking problem quit drinking.
April 29, 2019
Great little book outlining the basic steps one must take in order to find, keep, and maintain their own sobriety. Suggestions given in this book are mostly for newcomers, though would benefit anyone at any stage in their sobriety. Some of them were very practical like having something sweet on hand or getting to meetings, others were more philosophical such as eliminating self-pity and living the slogans. I got this book on probably my third meeting, I now have nearly 2 years and just finished reading it. Looking back, I wish I would have read it sooner, but I believe these things come into our lives when we are ready and are meant to have it.
October 27, 2023
I don’t relate to everything in this book and would give it a 4 star because of that (but thats not how I rate books). I gave this book 5 stars because of the potent information given here. a friend gave this book to me as we are both exploring sobriety. I am hesitant and have not gone to AA but would recommend this book to anyone trying to get and stay sober. not necessarily a “how-to-get-sober” book but it gives direction and pointers on how to live AFTER you’ve made the decision to not drink. it gave me the support I needed, to create a lasting foundation in my mind, of reasons to understand my alcohol abuse for what it is ~ a disease that is not my fault but within my control.
November 16, 2022
you'd get out of.It what you put into it.
This book is after you decide AA is your last chance to get sober and stay that way. The Alcoholics Anonymous book Is the beginning of your journey to sobriety. Once the 12 steps begin and you start progressing through the program, "Living Sober" really helps your recovery. Practical advice aids you in.finding your way back to heal yourself and the relationships you may have broken along the road
As a 5 years sober, recovering alcoholic, I can say this approach works.
This book is after you decide AA is your last chance to get sober and stay that way. The Alcoholics Anonymous book Is the beginning of your journey to sobriety. Once the 12 steps begin and you start progressing through the program, "Living Sober" really helps your recovery. Practical advice aids you in.finding your way back to heal yourself and the relationships you may have broken along the road
As a 5 years sober, recovering alcoholic, I can say this approach works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
Great read. Informative, confirmed what I suspected, and allowed me to feel seen/heard.
Idk if my country/town does actual AA meetings, but the information in this book has been enough to encourage my continued sobriety efforts. Validated my current strategies and gave me new ideas.
I recommend if you're curious about sobriety and/or want confirmation that your sobriety journey is valid - wherever you are in it
Idk if my country/town does actual AA meetings, but the information in this book has been enough to encourage my continued sobriety efforts. Validated my current strategies and gave me new ideas.
I recommend if you're curious about sobriety and/or want confirmation that your sobriety journey is valid - wherever you are in it
March 23, 2020
Excelentes sugerencias para hacer llevaderos los días de abstinencia después del último trago. La lucha constante entre la fuerza de voluntad y la obcesión por beber es un trabajo que no se debería luchar sólo. Además de otras cosas este libro puede ser una herramienta fundamental para ganar esa batalla.
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July 9, 2020The biggest question I had when I got sober was, "What do I do now?" Nothing I'd been doing was working, so I needed ideas about how to spend my time and fill my thoughts. Living Sober was a guide for my first year of sobriety and beyond.
August 17, 2023
Such a great, helpful book for people wanting to achieve sobriety, written by people who have walked those paths before them. I’ll be recommending it to people who might be searching for such advice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews