How does AA define insanity?

Asked by: Jaqueline White  |  Last update: April 11, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (35 votes)

First, we must give context to what is meant by insanity. Many alcoholics don't feel like they are insane. They may even feel like it is insane to ever label themselves as insane. However, it is commonly expressed that insanity means to repeat the same actions over and over, while expecting different results each time.

What is the definition of insanity in AA?

Call it a cliché, an old saw, a euphemism or a witticism, it's still applicable in describing addiction and alcoholism: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Around the rooms of recovery, it's most commonly heard in the 12 Step program Narcotics Anonymous.

What is the official definition of insanity?

1. 1590– The condition of being insane; a state of mind that impedes the ability to think, reason, or behave in ways that are considered normal, esp. one caused by mental illness.

What is page 86 of the Big Book?

Pg. 86 MORNING - Before we begin our day, “we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.” Pg. 86 MORNING - In thinking about our day, “We ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or decision.”

What is the false definition of insanity?

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” A favorite of politicians (and pretty much everybody else), this quote has been wrongly attributed to Benjamin Franklin as well as—but there's no evidence either of them said it.

The Definition of Insanity

22 related questions found

What falls under insanity?

Penal Code section 1026, et. Seq.

Legal insanity requires that the person, by reason of mental disease or defect was incapable of either: Knowing the nature of his or her act. Understanding the nature of his or her act. Distinguishing between right and wrong at the time of commission of the crime.

Is doing the same thing over and over again insanity?

'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ' According to a large number of inspirational mugs and posters, this famous quote comes from none other than Albert Einstein.

What is the AA resentment prayer?

"God, please help me to be free of anger and to see that the world and its people have dominated me. Show me that the wrongdoing of others, fancied or real, has the power to actually kill me. Help me to master my resentments by understanding that the people who wrong me were perhaps spiritually sick.

What page is rule 62 on in the Big Book?

In the book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions in Alcoholics Anonymous, on page 149, Rule 62 is described as, “Don't take yourself too seriously.” This passage is more about clearing up any wrongdoings with humility by moving on and getting into the solution.

What is Page 449 of the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous?

Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life's terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.” That's the answer. Acceptance.

What are the 4 types of insanity?

Different states have adopted different standards to determine whether an accused person is legally insane. These include (1) the M'Naghten Rule; (2) the "Irresistible Impulse" test; (3) the "Durham Rule"; and (4) the "Model Penal Code" test.

What is the hallmark of insanity?

The hallmark of insanity is the secret acquisition of private satisfaction at the expense of others, accompanied by a subtle de- ception of one's self and others with respect to the course of duplicity requisite to the covert pursuit of one's personal aims.

What makes someone sane?

A sane person is of sound mind and is mentally healthy. Sane people have good judgment, are reasonable, and can tell the difference between what's real and imagined.

What is the correct definition of insanity?

insanity. noun. in·​san·​i·​ty. 1. : unsoundness of mind or lack of the ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or that releases one from criminal or civil responsibility: as.

What is the insanity of the first drink AA?

We are without a defense against the first drink, wrote the authors of Alcoholics Anonymous in describing the 'insanity' alcoholics face when they seem to forget how devastating drinking quickly becomes after taking just one drink.

What are the 3 elements of insanity?

Each state's definition of insanity has similar core elements: the presence of a mental disease or defect, and a) the inability to control their actions as a result of that defect, and/or b) the inability to differentiate right from wrong as a result of that act.

What is the only rule of AA?

The only requirement for membership, straight from the AA website, is “a desire to stop drinking.”

Why is it called rule 62 in AA?

Rule 62 comes from the rules and regulations that were determined when the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous was created to try and inspire the people in recovery to have a common values, beliefs and lifestyles that they were working towards. The main takeaway from Rule 62 is “don't take life too seriously.”

Are you allowed to date in AA?

The official policy of Alcoholics Anonymous (as laid out in the Big Book) does not specifically close the door to dating in the early period of sobriety, but abstaining from relationships is an integral part of the conversation.

What is the number one offender in AA?

AA recognizes that resentment is toxic to our inner lives. The case is plainly stated in the Big Book: "Resentment is the number one offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else." A person mired in resentment has scant chances of recovering from addiction.

What is the AA pettiness prayer?

Keep us, O God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking. May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face - without self-pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous.

What is the bitter root of resentment?

Bitterness and resentment relate to anger. When we let anger at others or frustration at our situation fester and build up in our hearts, we can begin to develop bitterness and resentment. Often bitterness takes root when we are hurt by others or we think a situation we are put in is unjust or unfair.

What is the most famous quote ever said?

10 most famous quotes of all time
  • "I have a dream." ...
  • "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - ...
  • "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - ...
  • "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." -

What is an example of insanity?

For example, insanity may be exhibited by someone stabbing another person during a sleepwalking episode or trying to assassinate the president to impress a famous actress. Criminal insanity is a legal defense used by a criminal defendant to avoid being convicted of a crime.

Can insanity be reversed?

Treatment can involve both medications and psychotherapy, depending on the disease and its severity. At this time, most mental illnesses cannot be cured, but they can usually be treated effectively to minimize the symptoms and allow the individual to function in work, school, or social environments.