ow Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism (also known as the BIG BOOK) describes how to recover from alcoholism. The author is a founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Bill W. and Dr. Bob. It is the originator of the seminal "twelve-step method" widely used to attempt to treat many addictions, from alcoholism and heroin addiction to marijuana addiction, as well as overeating, sex addiction, gambling addiction, and family members of alcoholics, with a strong spiritual and social emphasis. Alcoholics Anonymous (or the 'Big Book' as it is commonly called). It is the first text written about the experiences of the founders of the AA movement.