The Worst Vice is 'Advice'

AA ADVICE

Page 125 of the Big Book has some good advice on not giving advice: 

“We find it better, when possible, to stick to our own stories. A man may criticize or laugh at himself and it will affect others favourably, but criticism or ridicule coming from another often produces the contrary effect. Members of a family should watch such matters carefully, for one careless, inconsiderate remark has been known to raise the very devil. We alcoholics are sensitive people. It takes some of us a long time to outgrow that serious handicap.

The bottom of page 18 also touches on this concept when discussing how to best approach someone you want to help

...that his whole deportment shouts at the new prospect that he is a man with a real answer, that he has no attitude of Holier Than Thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endured - these are the conditions we have found most effective.

Taking responsibility for our own attitudes, actions, and neglects is far more difficult than managing and directing other people's lives. 

Giving advice to another, for example, is much easier than practising what we preach. If we would apply our advice to our own lives, we would have less time to criticize, correct, or interfere in someone else's difficulties. Moreover, we would be amazed at how many alternatives we have within our own grasp that could solve, or at least alleviate, the problems in our lives. “ 

ADVICE occurs 16 times (Definition from Merriam-Webster Online)

advise

advised
adviser 

1. ... advice. 12 and 12 p.135, Tradition Two

When sorely perplexed, the group inevitably turns to them for advice.

2. ... advice. BB p.70, How It Works

We avoid hysterical thinking or advice.

3. ... advice. BB p.73, Into Action

We have seldom told them the whole truth nor have we followed their advice.

4. ... advice. BB p.96, Working With Others

Having had the experience yourself, you can give him much practical advice.

5. ... advice. BB p.121, To Wives

We realize that we have been giving you much direction and advice.

6. ... advice. BB p.133, The Family Afterward

One of the many doctors who had the opportunity of reading this book in manuscript form told us that the use of sweets was often helpful, of course depending upon a doctor's advice.

7. ... advice about their affairs which we aren't ... 12 and 12 p.111, Step Twelve

Perhaps we try to give them advice about their affairs which we aren't really competent to give or ought not give at all.

8. ... advice and accept direction could we set ... 12 and 12 p.59, Step Five

Only by discussing ourselves, holding back nothing, only by being willing to take advice and accept direction could we set foot on the road to straight thinking, solid honesty, and genuine humility.

9. ... advice as the sprees got closer together. BB p.106, To Wives

We began to ask medical advice as the sprees got closer together.

10. ... advice from the Foundation that it could ... 12 and 12 p.148, Tradition Four

By his eloquence he allayed all fears, despite advice from the Foundation that it could issue no charter, and that ventures which mixed an A.A. group with medication and education had come to sticky ends elsewhere.

11. ... advice is. 12 and 12 p.60, Step Five

The benefit of talking to another person is that we can get his direct comment and counsel on our situation, and there can be no doubt in our minds what that advice is.

12. ... advice is given for his family also. BB p.90, Working With Others

This advice is given for his family also.

13. ... advice is rejected, or when it is ... 12 and 12 p.111, Step Twelve

Then we are hurt and confused when the advice is rejected, or when it is accepted and brings still greater confusion.

14. ... advice, judges no one's conduct, issues no ... 12 and 12 p.134, Tradition Two

The committee gives no spiritual advice, judges no one's conduct, issues no orders.

15. ... advice of others may be by no ... 12 and 12 p.60, Step Five

While the comment or advice of others may be by no means infallible, it is likely to be far more specific than any direct guidance we may receive while we are still so inexperienced in establishing contact with a Power greater than ourselves.

16. ... advice or suggestions from more experienced members, ... 12 and 12 p.173, Tradition Nine

This doesn't mean an A.A. won't take advice or suggestions from more experienced members, but he surely won't take orders

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Our thanks to the member who sent this info to us

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here