There are several points in the Big Book where it is made explicit what the individual must do to avoid drinking and therefore death. Taken together, these constitute the essence of the AA programme, though other elements are presupposed (Step One) or necessary concomitants (Step Ten). The essence can be captured under six headings.
The third of these:
HARMFUL CONDUCT
Lesser known is this item: behaviour that harms others, whether deliberate or unrepentantly permitted, leads to drinking.
“If we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let God take us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson. If we are not sorry, and our conduct continues to harm others, we are quite sure to drink. We are not theorizing. These are facts out of our experience.” (Chapter 5, Big Book)
I know I’m acting harmfully when I justify myself.
Only what is indefensible clothes itself in defence.