In the context of Alcoholics Anonymous and its foundational text, the Big Book, a state of self-satisfaction or uncritical contentment with one’s recovery progress can be detrimental. This often manifests as a perceived lack of need for continued effort in maintaining sobriety, leading to diminished engagement with the program’s principles and practices. An individual might, for instance, cease attending meetings regularly, stop working with a sponsor, or neglect the daily practice of self-reflection and amends-making.
Such an attitude presents a significant obstacle to sustained recovery. The Big Book emphasizes ongoing vigilance and active participation in the program as essential components of maintaining sobriety and achieving personal growth. Ignoring this can lead to relapse or a stagnation in personal development. Historically, the AA program has stressed the importance of consistent effort and humility, warning against the dangers of resting on one’s laurels in the recovery process. Overconfidence undermines the very principles that enabled initial success.
