Twelve-Step slang's definitions

earth people

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) speak for non-alcoholic/addicted persons.

Also referred to as normal people.

"I wish I was like that earth person who just left the bar with her drink glass still half full!"

by Twelve-Step slang November 17, 2004

running the show

(adverb) How devout members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) describe the attitude and actions of an alcoholic who is not following the principles of the Twelve-Step program and the Big Book.

They believe that this person does not "know how to take direction."

"Sandy still thinks she can drink only on weekends and stop during the week. She continues to run the show."

by Twelve-Step slang November 20, 2004

Big Book

The "bible" of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The book which is actually entitled simply "Alcoholic Anonymous," was written by Bill W., a New York stockbroker, after founding the group with Dr. Bob in a kitchen in Akron, Ohio.


Contains many first person accounts in narrative form of battles with the "cunning and baffling" drink. These narratives are replaced and updated with more contemporary drunkalogues periodically by the bureaucracy controlled from AA World Service Office (WSO) in New York City.

"I'm going to a Big Book study meeting tonight, as part of my 90 in 90."

by Twelve-Step slang October 24, 2004

slip

A relapse on alcohol or drugs, usually short in duration with minimal harm done. Contrasted with doing some homework.

"Oh, it just was a little slip, but now I'm going to meetings everyday and working a strong program."

by Twelve-Step slang November 7, 2004