Tradition NA, commonly known as North American Society of Addicts, originated in the United States in the late 1950s as a fellowship of individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The organization's core philosophy revolves around abstinence as the primary treatment for addiction, with the goal of helping members achieve long-term recovery. Tradition NA emphasizes the importance of humility, the spiritual foundation of the organization, and living principles before personalities, meaning that members are expected to prioritize recovery goals over personal ambitions.
The Twelve Traditions of NA are the guiding principles that shape the culture and operations of the organization, which was established in 1958. These traditions are derived from the Serenity Prayer, which is often recited during NA meetings. Some of the most significant traditions include:
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The Common Welfare Principle: This tradition states that members' recovery is the top priority and requires unity of purpose on the part of the organization and its subcommittees. It emphasizes the importance of considering the common welfare in all decision-making.
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The Authority of a Loving God: In keeping with the tradition of non-professionalism, the organization follows a higher power, often referred to as a loving God, for guidance. This principle advises against the use of outside resources and supports the operation of the service centers without direct financial involvement from external sources.
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The Only Requirement for Membership: This tradition emphasizes the openness of the organization to any person seeking recovery and encourages a desire to stop using drugs as the fundamental criterion for joining.
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Autonomy and Cooperation: Each group within the organization is autonomous and operates separately from other groups, reflecting the spirit of cooperation and the need for clear communication among the various service committees.
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Carrying the Message to the Addict Who Still Suffers: This tradition highlights the organization's role in spreading the message of recovery to all addicted individuals, regardless of the specific drugs used, and emphasizes the importance of reaching as wide an audience as possible.
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Non-Affiliation and Non-Profit Status: The organization operates without affiliation with other organizations and maintains a non-profit status, reflecting its commitment to avoiding financial dependencies that could compromise its mission.
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Self-Sufficiency: Members are encouraged to support the organization without relying on external contributions, prioritizing the organization's goal of becoming entirely self-sufficient, which is essential for maintaining financial stability.
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Professionalism vs. Special Workers: The distinction between professionals and special workers is emphasized, with special workers bound by the organization's policies and the individuals they serve, rather than pursuing personal gain.
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Avoiding Controversy: The organization avoids getting involved in public controversies and expresses humility regarding its opinions on various topics, adhering to spiritual principles rather than taking positions on external issues.
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Personal Anonymity: The policy of maintaining personal anonymity in public information work is emphasized, recognizing that this is a crucial aspect of preserving the recovery experience and preventing potential conflicts.
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Respect for Traditions: The importance of respecting and upholding the Twelve Traditions is highlighted, which helps maintain the unity and spiritual focus of the organization.
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Public Relations Policy Based on Attraction: The public relations policy is designed to attract users by sharing the success stories of the organization and its members without making direct promotional promises.
These traditions reflect the core values and guiding principles of NA, which are essential for maintaining the organization's identity and its role in the recovery community.