The stories in this book originally appeared in the A.A. Grapevine, AA's international monthly magazine. AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, failures, successes, and hope with each other through group meetings and personal informal contacts. The aim of the program is to put members in contact with resources within themselves, within one another, and within God (as each person perceives the nature of God) that can help them abstain from drinking (the only successful means of coping with the disease of alcoholism). There are no dues or fees for AA membership; the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA is self-supporting through members' voluntary contributions. It is not allied with any sect, denomination, political organization, or institution and does not endorse nor oppose any political or social policies. Its sole aim is to help its members stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. The stories in this book are told by prison and jail inmates whose downfall and criminal offenses have been due in some measure to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. They describe how the influence of and their participation in AA changed their lives and their outlook for the future. The 12 steps and 12 traditions of AA are listed at the conclusion of the book.