The History of the Twelve Traditions
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It is evident that the history of the Twelve Traditions was instrumental and essential in
the formation and development of the Alcoholics Anonymous organization.
The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous
The following represents the twelve traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous:
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Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.
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For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority-a loving God as He may express Himself in our
group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
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The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
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Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
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Each group has but one primary purpose-to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
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An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside
enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
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Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
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Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special
workers.
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A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly
responsible to those they serve.
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Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into
public controversy.
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Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain
personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
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Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles
before personalities.
source: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
| An estimated 6.6 million children under 18 live in households with at least one
alcoholic parent. |
The Origins of the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous
During its first decade, the early members of Alcoholics Anonymous developed a number of
practices and procedures that fostered the continuation of the informal structure of the
organization.
In 1946, in the organization's international journal entitled the Alcoholics Anonymous
Grapevine, the aforementioned principles and guidelines were documented by the founders and early members and
became known as the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.
It is apparent that the history of the Twelve Traditions was instrumental in the history of
the Alcoholics Anonymous organization.
| Alcoholism researchers claim that chronic alcoholics who cannot maintain their
sobriety should receive prescribed medications to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. By using
prescribed drugs, alcoholics are less likely to experience possible seizures or brain damage. |
The History of the Twelve Traditions: Conclusion
It can be stated with certainty that the history of the Twelve Traditions was
foundational and necessary in the creation and further development of the Alcoholics Anonymous
Society.
| Psychological addiction occurs when the cravings for a drug are emotional or
psychological. Individuals who are psychologically addicted usually feel overcome by
the desire to have the drug in question. These feelings are so powerful that in many
instances psychologically (and physically) addicted individuals will do almost anything for their
next "fix" including stealing, lying, and in some instances, killing. |
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