The Twelve Traditions of Al-Anon
All of the over 300 12-Step programs in the United States follow a very similar 12-Step program. A lesser-known fact is that many of them also ascribe to a set of 12 traditions that unite them and connect them to other programs, whilst maintaining the integrity of each program.
In Al-Anon, some of these traditions address such important guidelines as remaining apart from politics, specific religious organizations, etc. They are to be self-sufficient, meaning that members work together to provide for their own meeting needs, without recruiting financial support from other organizations.
The 12 traditions require that, while remaining separate from Alcoholics Anonymous, they cooperate with this larger organization. This goal is important, in order to be able to work towards the common good of helping people affected by addiction and alcoholism.
Anonymity is perhaps one of the most important of the 12 traditions. This principle maintains the safety of the environment in the Al-Anon meetings, helping participants know that they can speak safely and freely, without fear of their private information being shared outside the meetings.
The second tradition reminds participants that leaders in the program are only servants to their fellow participants. The one recognized authority is a loving God, as that loving God is viewed or experienced by the group conscience. A higher power is just as important to family members of addicts and alcoholics, as it is to the addicts and alcoholics themselves.
The good of the group is placed, necessarily, over the good of the individual. While the goal is to help each individual that comes for support in Al-Anon meetings, the individual may not gain by being a detriment to the rest of the group. The hope is to empower individuals in the group by focusing on empowering the group as a whole.
While the 12 Traditions may seem strict at times, such as not allowing outside affiliation or financial support, the goal is to maintain the purity and integrity of the program. Because of these traditions, Al-Anon remains a self-sufficient and stable program, still offering free non-professional support to loved ones of addicts and alcoholics.
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Andera Clam / 16 Apr 2011 / 8:21 am
Keisha / 02 Jul 2011 / 10:31 am