The Third Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a philosophy and set of principles that guide the members of the organization in their quest for abstinence from alcohol and recovery from alcoholism. While the specifics of the Third Tradition may vary depending on the individual AA group and its culture, the core beliefs are generally aligned with the following summary:
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Desire Is All You Need: TheThird Tradition emphasizes that the only thing that is needed for recovery from alcoholism is a desire to stop drinking. This concept is rooted in the belief that the power of the universe is available to care for us if we only have one desire: to stay sober.
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Simplicity and Perspective: The Third Tradition encourages individuals in recovery to simplify their lives by focusing on sobriety and取消了 all other desires. This is achieved by turning over our will and our lives to the loving care of God as we understand him or her.
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Service and Giving: The Third Tradition also highlights the importance of serving others and giving to those in need. As members of AA, we are reminded that our experiences and testimonies can be a powerful tool for helping others overcome their addictions.
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Nonconformity: The Third Tradition suggests that the alcoholic malady is characterized by a resistance to conforming to the laws and conventions of society. In recovery, we are encouraged to embrace our rebellious nature and not be afraid to stand out.
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No Membership Rules: AA has no membership rules, as it is open to anyone who desires to stop drinking and seek recovery. There are no requirements or expectations for joining the organization beyond a desire to quit drinking.
Overall, the Third Tradition of AA emphasizes the importance of simplicity, gratitude, service, nonconformity, and openness to all who seek a chance at recovery. By embracing these principles, members of AA can find the strength and support they need to overcome their addictions and lead fulfilling lives of sobriety and fulfillment.