Resentment in AA — Why the Big Book Calls It the Number One Offender

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous calls resentment "the number one offender." It says that from resentment stem all forms of spiritual disease — and that the alcoholic who holds resentments is in grave danger of relapse. Strong words. But people who've been in recovery for years will tell you it's true.

Why Resentment Is So Dangerous

The word resentment comes from the Latin 'sentire' — to feel — with the prefix 're' meaning again. To resent is to re-feel. Every time you replay the injustice in your mind, you re-experience the original pain. The Big Book's prescription isn't to pretend the harm didn't happen. It's to understand your part, pray for the person, and free yourself from carrying it.

The Step 4 Resentment Inventory

The 4th Step inventory provides a specific format for working through resentments: list the person or institution, what they did, which part of self was affected (self-esteem, security, ambitions, personal or sex relations), and — crucially — your own part in the situation. This last column is where the freedom is.

AABlueBook's Digital 4th Step Guide walks you through this process privately and securely. The full Big Book is in your pocket with a 1930s dictionary to help you understand every word. Free year on iOS: bit.ly/aabfree. Android: FREEMONTHFL.