One of the most frequently referenced passages in Alcoholics Anonymous literature appears on AA page 62 of the Big Book: “Selfishness – self-centeredness! That, we think is the root of our troubles.” This line has become central to understanding AA’s perspective on alcoholism and recovery as outlined in the twelve steps and twelve traditions.
This page is about a positive outlook and creating a more balanced approach to life sober. Alcoholics in sobriety realize the importance of staying aware of how their selfishness and self-centeredness can put them in danger of drinking. The benefits and satisfaction of basically practicing humility can keep a recovering person from getting lost. In America and around the rest of the world, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous has helped many find personal growth.
Understanding the Big Book’s Message
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous serves as the foundational text for AA members worldwide. Page 62 appears in “How It Works,” which outlines the twelve steps and the recovery process. The passage identifies self-centeredness as the fundamental character defect underlying alcoholism.
The text explores how selfishness manifests in a hundred forms throughout an alcoholic’s life. The Big Book describes how self-seeking, self-pity, and self-delusion drive destructive behaviors. According to the text, these manifestations create problems of their own making that no amount of moral and philosophical convictions can solve through willpower alone.
Self Will Run Riot
AA page 62 introduces “self will run riot”—the idea that alcoholics operating on their own power make decisions based on self-interest without regard for others. The Big Book presents this as an extreme example of self-centeredness taken to its conclusion.
The text describes how someone thinks society exists to serve their needs. When reality fails to match expectations, hurt, resentment, and disappointment arise. According to AA philosophy, this mindset keeps alcoholics trapped.
The Big Book uses an outlaw safe cracker who possesses moral and philosophical convictions galore, but whose self-centered nature leads him to justify taking life wrongly. The text argues that neither intelligence nor principles matter when self-will dominates. Even someone wishing to live morally finds intentions undermined by the rule of self-centeredness.
Selfishness Beyond Active Drinking
The page 62 passage doesn’t limit the discussion of selfishness to active alcoholism. The Big Book suggests character defects of self-centeredness and fear persist after stopping drinking. Achieving sobriety addresses physical aspects but doesn’t automatically resolve underlying personality traits.
This has significant implications for the recovery journey. Stopping drinking represents only the first step. The recovery process must address root causes through the twelve steps. Many AA members report that destructive moments in sobriety arise from allowing self-centeredness to rule their thinking, not from alcohol itself.
The Twelve Steps Address Selfishness
The twelve steps represent AA’s solution to self-centeredness. Each step addresses different aspects of self-will and self-seeking. The steps guide members through acknowledging their inability to control alcohol through their own power, seeking help from a higher power, examining past behaviors, making amends, and developing new patterns.
Steps One through Three particularly address self-will. Step One asks alcoholics to admit powerlessness—acknowledging self-will has failed. Step Two introduces a power greater than oneself. Step Three involves turning one’s will over to God as each person understands it. These directly challenge the self will run riot described on page 62.
Later steps continue addressing selfishness through self-examination and service. Step Twelve emphasizes helping others—moving members from self-seeking toward contributing to the community.
AA Meetings and Community
AA groups and AA meetings provide structure for applying page 62 principles. Members share experiences, strength, and hope. This community approach reduces isolation, provides accountability, and creates opportunities for service—all countering self-centeredness.
The twelve traditions emphasize principles over personalities and common welfare. These traditions create a framework where self-seeking gives way to concern for the group. Members participate in something larger than themselves, which AA suggests helps combat the selfish nature of alcoholism.
Spiritual Practice in AA
The Big Book’s solution centers on spiritual awakening and connection to a power greater than oneself. The text positions spiritual practice as essential to overcoming self-will. God makes sense of challenges and provides direction that self-will cannot, according to page 62.
AA doesn’t prescribe specific religious beliefs but stresses developing a spiritual connection. Practical application involves replacing decisions based on self-interest with decisions aligned with spiritual principles. Instead of asking “What do I want?” the recovering person considers “What is the right thing to do?”
Recovery Versus Sobriety
Page 62 underlies an important distinction between being sober and being in recovery. Sobriety refers to not consuming alcohol. Recovery represents a broader transformation in thinking patterns, behaviors, and relationships.
Someone can maintain sobriety while operating from self-centered motivations. Relationships remain troubled, anger persists, manipulation continues—the “dry drunk” situation. True recovery involves actively working to overcome selfishness through the twelve steps, meetings, spiritual practices, and service.
Daily Practice and Progress
Overcoming selfishness requires daily attention. Many members develop morning routines including prayer, meditation, and setting intentions. Evening practices involve reviewing the day and planning amends where needed.
The concept of “progress, not perfection” runs throughout AA philosophy. The goal isn’t perfect unselfishness but maintaining awareness and making consistent effort. When mistakes occur, the process involves acknowledging them and recommitting to spiritual principles of the program.
Application in Modern Recovery
Principles from AA page 62 continue influencing recovery approaches beyond AA. Many treatment programs recognize that addressing character issues proves essential for lasting recovery. The emphasis on service, spiritual development, and honest self-examination appears across different recovery philosophies.
At Turning Point of Tampa, we recognize the role twelve-step programs play in recovery. Our 12-Step Integration program introduces clients to AA principles while respecting that each person determines their own path. We help clients understand concepts from page 62 and explore how these insights apply to their situation.
The Ongoing Nature of Recovery
Page 62’s message reinforces that recovery work never ends. The risk of self-will reasserting itself remains present regardless of sobriety length. This explains why long-term AA members continue attending meetings and working steps years into recovery.
Character defects require ongoing management. The difference in recovery is having tools to address challenges without alcohol and with awareness of how selfishness contributes to difficulties. Recovery frames personal growth as a journey rather than a fixed state.
Success isn’t measured solely by sobriety length but by overall life quality, relationship health, and ability to live according to spiritual principles rather than selfish impulses. Understanding that alcoholism involves characteristic patterns of self-centered thinking shapes how recovery is approached.
Support for Your Journey
Understanding AA page 62 principles provides valuable insight, whether exploring recovery for the first time or strengthening existing foundations. Recognizing that selfishness contributes to alcoholism helps explain why comprehensive treatment addresses more than physical aspects of substance use.
At Turning Point of Tampa, we provide treatment acknowledging the psychological, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of addiction. Our programs help clients examine patterns of thinking and behavior, developing new approaches supporting long-term recovery and wellbeing.
If you or a loved one struggles with alcoholism, we’re here to help. Call 813-882-3003 to speak with our team 24/7. We can answer questions about treatment, verify insurance, and help you understand what path might work for your situation.
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6227 Sheldon Road, Tampa, Florida 33615\
Phone: 813-882-3003 (24/7)\
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Recovery is possible. Whether you find your path through AA or another approach, what matters is taking that first step toward healing.