We're Not All Egomaniacs

Adapting the Twelve Steps for Alcoholics with Low Self-Esteem

By: Beth Aich

Narrated by: Kristi Leonard

Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Some people come to Alcoholics Anonymous feeling terrible about themselves and are told, bewilderingly, that their problem is too much ego and a lack of humility. Bill W., who wrote most of the AA literature, described himself as an egomaniac. He put his own needs and wants ahead of others, was grandiose, felt entitled, and thought he was all-powerful. He called this the alcoholic personality type and designed a program to crush the ego as the foundation of sobriety. It worked for him and millions of other alcoholics like him, and he deserves great credit.

But what about alcoholics who normally put others' needs before their own and see themselves as less-than, unentitled, not enough, defective, impostors, or losers? Their egos need building, not deflating. This book reframes the 12-step program so people with low self-esteem can grow to feel better rather than worse about themselves. Each step includes exercises to build and strengthen the person's sense of self, to grow from a place of feeling unlovable into a strong sober person, no longer dependent on alcohol or external validation to feel good.

This groundbreaking book opens the door for people who feel less-than to find a comfortable sobriety in AA rather than trying to force themselves into Bill's shoes when they just don't fit.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Beth Aich (P)2023 Beth Aich

A life changing book!

Of all the 12 step and AA-related books, this one is my favorite. The information and perspective are significantly different from anything I have encountered so far. It gives acknowledgment and support to those who don’t fit traditional AA's idea of the “alcoholic personality” - self centered, lacking empathy and humility, etc. This book is for those who may, in contrast, lack self confidence, be overly self-critical, and who may be more attuned to the needs of others than to their own. It also takes a secular approach. I love this book and can’t recommend it highly enough.

Awesome

This book is a must read. I couldn’t put it down.I could relate so much to Beth’s book.

The BB really ignores the people this author addresses

Big book is a great book and has helped and whole numbers of alcoholics however, it was written by a person who had a tremendous ego with few self-esteem issues. The author of this book addresses the thousands and thousands marginalized by the big book.