Document Overview
While the Twelve Steps provide a program of personal recovery for the individual alcoholic, the Twelve Traditions govern the life, unity, and fellowship of the group as a whole. They explain how groups maintain independence, decline outside money, and preserve spiritual anonymity.
The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous
- Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.
- 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.
- The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
- Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
- Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
- 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.
- Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
- Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
- A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
- Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
- 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.
- Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
📄 Print Specifications
Formatted for US letter printing (8.5 × 11 inches). Ideal for group conscience binders, meeting room literature tables, and intergroup service committees.
📥 Download Printable 12 Traditions PDF (Free)Why the Traditions Matter
In the early years of Alcoholics Anonymous, groups frequently faced disputes over money, property, leadership, and affiliation with hospitals or political causes. Bill W. and early members formulated the Twelve Traditions to safeguard the fellowship from internal division and commercial exploitation.
Key Principles in Daily Practice:
- Singleness of Purpose (Tradition 5): A meeting exists solely to help the alcoholic seeking sobriety, preventing meetings from becoming therapy sessions or political forums.
- Self-Support (Tradition 7): Passing the basket for voluntary contributions ensures meetings remain beholden to no outside donors or commercial interests.
- Anonymity (Tradition 11 & 12): Anonymity guarantees personal privacy for newcomers while preventing any single individual from becoming the public "face" or spokesperson of AA.