The Twelfth Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) serves as a guiding principle for the organization, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on the group's primary purpose and avoiding outside endorsements or involvement with non-AA related enterprises or causes. The tradition specifically addresses the dangers posed by material wealth, including the potential for distractions and the risk of aligning with organizations that may seek to market their own treatments or therapies, thereby diverting the AA movement's focus away from its core mission of assisting alcoholics in achieving sobriety.
According to the Twelfth Tradition, AA groups should not endorse, finance, or lend their name to any outside organizations or causes. This policy is intended to protect the integrity of the AA program and ensure that the group remains focused on its spiritual goal of helping alcoholics recover from addiction. AA members are encouraged to prioritize their role in the program and rely on the support of other alcoholics rather than external resources or influences.
The Twelfth Tradition also encourages AA groups to operate independently and not be affiliated with professional treatment facilities or therapists. This decision is made to maintain the group's autonomy and prevent any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from associations with commercial entities. AA groups are advised to manage any property they may possess separately from the spiritual pursuits of the organization and avoid using the AA name in connection with non-AA related ventures.
In practical terms, this restriction means that AA groups should avoid participating in outside activities such as fundraising events, sponsorships, or advertising that may lead to confusion among alumni or the public about the nature of AA's services. AA members are also encouraged to refrain from discussing their personal finances or engaging in discussions about sex, money, or prestige in group settings, as these topics can distract from the core focus of the program.
Overall, the Twelfth Tradition of AA serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to the group's spiritual foundations while avoiding the distractions and commercial pressures that can threaten to divert the organization's focus from its core mission of helping alcoholics achieve long-term sobriety. By adhering to this tradition, AA groups can ensure that they remain an effective and impactful resource for alcoholics seeking help and support.
