Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of individuals who have的共同 purpose of staying sober and aiding others achieve the same goal. According toAA's Fourth Tradition, the only primary purpose of an AA group is to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers. This tradition highlights the essence of AA's existence and the importance of staying focused on the primary purpose.
What is a group in AA?
AA groups consist of two or more alcoholics who have a primary purpose (some may add that all they need are a resentment and a coffee pot) and one primary purpose. The group itself does not have personal problems, but members may still impact the community in other ways, such as educating the local community about alcoholism, communicating with local health practitioners, and providing a community of mutual support for other alcoholics.
Why is Tradition V necessary?
Tradition V ensures that the primary purpose of the AA group remains strong and impactful. It shows up when members share facts, narratives, or other anecdotes about their lives other than to illustrate the application of the program, or if they share negative emotions to secure temporary relief. Sharing about politics, social issues, therapy, religion, yoga, other people, other groups, etc. can negatively impact the efficacy of carrying the AA group's message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Traditions V and VI detail how members should share and apply AA's message, which is through their personal experiences and service to the community.
What, then, is an alcoholic?
According to AA's First Tradition, anyone who honestly finds himself unable to quit drinking or has little control over the amount he or she takes is probably an alcoholic. The Second and Third Traditions outline the conditions for an alcoholic, which include the inability to completely quit drinking or having little control over the amount consumed, and the desire to stop drinking although unable to do so. These conditions are meant to encompass anyone who has a desire to stop drinking but can's.
Who still suffers?
This applies to alcoholics who have yet to find AA, newcomers who have yet to recover, and longer-sober people who are suffering. By applying tradition V, members share the AA message to these individuals, allowing them to receive guidance and support. Sharing about politics, social issues, therapy, religion, yoga, other people, other groups, etc. can negatively impact the efficacy of carrying the AA group's message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Therefore, tradition V emphasizes that members should share the AA message in a way that is focused on the primary purpose and avoids negative influences.
In my own life, my purpose is broader than the AA group's purposes, but it encompasses my contribution to it. This requires me to stay close to myHigher Power and "perform his work well" (Alcoholics Anonymous, 63). I have two-fold mission first outlined in Step Twelve: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, 1) we tried to carry this message to alcoholic(s), and 2) practice these principles in all our affairs. My purpose is to contribute to the AA community and help others achieve sobriety.
Conclusion
AA's tradition 5 emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the primary purpose of helping alcoholics achieve sobriety. Understanding and applying tradition V helps members share the AA message in a way that is focused on the primary purpose and avoids negative influences. By sharing from personal experiences and engaging in service, members can make a positive impact on the lives of those still suffering from alcoholism.