The Twelve Traditions of Al-Anon are a set of guiding principles and practices that have been developed by the Al-Anon Fellowship, an international organization of individuals struggling with alcoholism and their family members. These traditions provide guidance on how an Al-Anon group should operate, which is autonomously and without external influence. Here are the 12 traditions of Al-Anon:
Common Welfare First
Al-Anon emphasizes the importance of putting the_group's wel_fare first, noting that personal progress is more likely to occur when the group's goals and actions are aligned with全体成员's best interests.
One Authority, One Love
The group should have only one ultimate authority, which is a loving and caring God as expressed through the group's conscience. Leaders are seen as faithful servants, not rulers, and their role is to guide rather than command.
Autonomy within the Group
Each Al-Anon Family Group should be autonomous, meaning it operates independently from other groups or organizations. This autonomy allows groups to create their own rules and policies that reflect their specific needs and circumstances.
Purpose and Focus
The purpose of each Al-Anon Family Group is clear: to help families of alcoholics. This focus guides all group activities and interactions, ensuring that the group's efforts are targeted and meaningful.
No External Endorsement or Finance
The group should avoid endorsing, financing, or lending its name to outside enterprises. This rule is designed to keep the group focused on its spiritual mission and prevent finances from becoming a distraction.
Full Self-Support
Groups should be fully self-supporting, which means they should rely on their own resources rather than seeking external contributions. This financial strategy allows the group to maintain control over its destiny and ensure that its activities are free from monetary concerns.
Non-Professional Twelfth Step Work
Although Al-Anon Twelfth Step work should remain non-professional, service centers may employ special workers to assist with various tasks. These workers are appointed by the group and are subject to the group's discipline and authority.
Organizational Independence
The groups themselves should not beorganized; instead, they may create service boards or committees that are directly responsible to those they serve. This structure promotes independence and allows the group to maintain control over its own operations.
No Public Controversy
The group should avoid drawing unnecessary attention to itself or engaging in public controversies. This aspect of the Traditions is designed to maintain the group's confidentiality and protect the privacy of its members.
Personal Anonymity
The group's public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion. This approach aims to maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and television. The group recognizes the importance of maintaining anonymity in order to safeguard the identity of its members and focus on the spiritual elements of the program.
Anonymity as a Spiritual Foundation
Anonymity is considered the spiritual foundation of the Traditions. It serves as a reminder to Al-Anon members to prioritize principles over personalities and to avoid using their status within the group for personal gain or glory.
These traditions were established by the Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., which is responsible for their dissemination and implementation. The Twelfth Traditions are not just guidelines; they represent the core beliefs and价值观 of the Al-Anon Fellowship and serve as the spiritual foundation of their recovery program.
Understanding these traditions is essential for anyone who wishes to participate in an Al-Anon Group. By adhering to these principles, group members can work together towards a common goal: helping families of alcoholics achieve recovery and lasting sobriety.
In recent years, the Al-Anon fellowship has expanded its reach and now includes members from all over the world. The organization continues to grow and evolve, always looking for ways to better serve its members and share its message of hope and recovery. With its strong emphasis on tradition and spirituality, Al-Anon remains a vibrant and important resource for anyone seeking help with alcoholism and its related issues.
Finally, it is important to recognize that while the Twelve Traditions provide a framework for Al-Anon Group operations, they are not static rigidities. Instead, they are adaptable and can be modified to suit the unique needs and circumstances of each group. This flexibility is crucial for the Al-Anon fellowship to remain relevant and effective in meeting the changing challenges of addiction and recovery., the Twelve Traditions of Al-Anon are a powerful set of guidelines that guide the Al-Anon Fellowship in its work to help families of alcoholics. By following these principles, group members can work together towards a common goal of recovery and sobriety. Whether you are an individual seeking help for alcoholism or a family member of someone who struggles with alcohol abuse, the Al-Anon Traditions offer a roadmap for hope and healing.