Is Daily Reflections AA-Approved Literature?

The ability to discern between helpful and not-so-helpful advice is a crucial skill for AA members navigating the recovery process. While daily reflection as a general practice is a key component of recovery, you might ask yourself: Is Daily Reflections AA-approved literature?

The short answer is yes. The book Daily Reflections is Conference-approved literature published by AA World Services.[1] By “Conference-approved,” we mean that Alcoholics Anonymous has officially approved the book for publication.

What does this approval mean for you as an AA member? It means that you can trust that Daily Reflections will complement other materials provided to you by AA, forming a clear and cohesive approach to your recovery.

Understanding how this book is structured, why reflection is so important, and how to best incorporate reflection into your recovery can make this well-vetted resource even more effective.

What Are Daily Reflections?

Daily Reflections is a collection of quotes from AA literature and accompanying commentary from real AA members.[2] Published by AA World Services in 1990, this book contains 366 quotes and reflections. Each day of the calendar year, including leap years, gets one quote and its accompanying reflection.

For example, the entry for August 17th reads as follows:

“In many instances, we shall find that though the harm done to others has not been great, the emotional harm we have done ourselves has.”

-Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p.79

The reflection under the quote emphasizes the importance of sincerely apologizing to anyone you may have wronged who keeps triggering feelings of remorse in you. In addition to Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Daily Reflections also contains quotes from As Bill Sees It, Alcoholics Anonymous, and other approved literature.[3]

The structure of Daily Reflections is simple yet powerful. The commentary under each quote was not provided by a professional writer, but by an AA Fellowship member. This adds a layer of authenticity that speaks directly to the reader’s lived experience.

Why Is Daily Reflection Emphasized In AA?

Daily reflection has long been a cornerstone practice in the AA program because of its consistency and emphasis on mindfulness.

Research confirms the importance of daily reflection and other mindfulness practices for those battling addiction, highlighting the ability of this practice to promote the following benefits:[4]

• Stress and anxiety reduction
• PTSD symptom reduction
• Depressive symptoms

Staying ahead of these issues with a simple yet powerful reflection routine makes the addiction recovery process more comfortable. AA integrates reflection into its daily spiritual maintenance approach much like a doctor might prescribe a once-daily medication. Over time, this practice has a healing effect on both the individual and the community level.

Self-Reflection and Habit Formation

Taking a bit of time every day to reflect specifically on your behaviors and motivations is a valuable exercise for the brain. Self-reflection strengthens neural pathways involved in learning and reshaping habits.[5]

In other words, the very act of investigating the unwanted behavior is a major step towards forming new habits and altering old ones. Over time, this practice creates a daily refuge from cravings, relationship challenges, work-related stress, or any other elements that may encourage a relapse.

It’s difficult for many at first to face their drinking problem head-on, but daily reflections provide a healthy and gentle way to approach this hurdle.

Keeping It Communal

Daily reflection can be an intimate moment with yourself or a shared exploration with your fellow AA members. AA groups often opt to read a Daily Reflections entry aloud in meetings. When voiced in an environment of acceptance and mutual support, daily reflections make for excellent discussion starters.

Research has confirmed the benefits of group therapy for recovery from alcohol addiction. These benefits include the following:[6]

• Improved self-management skills
• More positive outlook on recovery
• Improved social functioning
• Increased treatment compliance
• Decreased relapse rate

As members discuss how each reflection relates to their experiences, they grow in fellowship and strengthen their bonds. This has become a tradition shared by thousands of members worldwide.

What Exactly Does “Conference Approval” Mean?

Understanding more about how AA’s content approval process works and what it means can help you formulate a clear approach to Daily Reflections and all other AA literature.

When a piece of content is Conference-approved by Alcoholics Anonymous, it means it was determined by AA’s General Service Office to align with AA principles. Not all works of literature reviewed or recommended in AA meetings are Conference-approved.

The approval process is extensive and often takes years. A selection of AA members across the United States and Canada review the work in question, applying a stringent set of standards. Reviewers will read and express their opinions at every major milestone within the production process.

When a piece of content is approved, members are given the following assurances:

• It aligns with AA principles: Nothing in the content will directly contradict the program’s core teachings

• It focuses on group participation: In addition to exercises and reflections to be practiced on a solo basis, Conference-approved material emphasizes the importance of fellowship in recovery

• It is an accurate, high-quality work: All Conference-approved material is meticulously vetted for accuracy as well as overall helpfulness
• It is internally and externally consistent: The throughline of the content should clearly reflect the Three Legacies of AA, which include Unity, Service, and Recovery

Alcoholics Anonymous doesn’t prohibit members from reading non-approved materials. Conference approval simply certifies that the approved work meets the above standards.

How Daily Reflections Are Integrated Into the Recovery Process

In the almost 100 years since its founding, Alcoholics Anonymous has adapted its methodologies to suit the modern world on many occasions. Today’s recovery landscape offers a dizzying array of resources, from smartphone apps to online support forums. Yet Daily Reflections maintains its relevance by addressing timeless aspects of recovery.

It’s best to think of daily reflection as a complementary treatment rather than a standalone solution. When aided by modern technology and paired with the right therapeutic approach, daily reflection is still a strong component in successful recovery.

Pairing Daily Reflection with Professional Treatment

AA members are often recommended a combination of therapies specially tailored to their unique needs. Common approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Group Therapy.

Professional treatment centers often encourage the use of AA-approved literature, including Daily Reflections, as a complementary treatment. Combining the above approaches with this practice covers the clinical and spiritual aspects of recovery.

Access Reflections Anytime, Anywhere

While reading your AA daily reflections is encouraged in clinical and group settings, modern conveniences make it easier than ever to access this content alone and on the go.

All of the readings are available on the official AA website. You can meditate on the current day’s reading exclusively or use the calendar to access entries for any other day of the year. If a last-minute schedule change threatens to interfere with your daily reflection time, you can access the content on your smartphone or any other web-enabled device as needed.

Finding Your Reflection Rhythm

There is no one-size-fits-all prescription regarding how and when you should read your daily reflections. Understanding how other AA members incorporate reflection into their recovery is helpful in establishing a healthy habit that works with your own routine.

Consider these approaches for making the practice as effective as possible for you:

Morning Meditation

Incorporating daily reflection into your morning routine is an excellent way to set a positive tone for the rest of the day. For most people, mornings offer a natural opportunity for clear-headed reflection. Starting your day in this way may make the difference between overcoming challenges and being overcome by them.

Evening Reflection

Some prefer to interpret their reflections within the context of the experiences they had that day. If this sounds like you, you may be more of an evening Daily Reflections reader. As you read, incorporate what you learned and experienced that day into each reflection.

With People You Trust

Sharing your reflections with sponsors, sponsees, home groups, or anyone else you can trust is always an excellent way to deepen your understanding of yourself. As you reflect together, take turns exchanging ideas, suggestions, and comments.

Finding Your Path to Lasting Recovery

Daily Reflections is more than a standalone self-help book. It is a foundational piece of a very well-coordinated and time-tested system that thousands of people have used to overcome alcohol addiction.

Because no two AA members are the same, this system contains many moving parts that can shift to provide the fully personalized care you need to uncover and overcome the motivations behind your addiction. In other words, pairing daily reflection with professional clinical assistance is crucial to achieving a sober way of life.

Delaying treatment will only allow the problem to worsen. If you need help with alcohol addiction, you are anything but alone. Find a reputable alcohol rehab center, meet people who understand what you’re going through, and reflect on the sustainable solution together.