The twelve Steps
These are original plain-language descriptions written for the game. The wording used by Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous is in their own literature, which you can read free through the Reading Room.
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The twelve Traditions
The Steps keep the member well; the Traditions keep the group well.
- Tradition 1
The group comes first, because no individual recovers well from inside a collapsing group.
- Tradition 2
Leaders serve; they do not govern. Decisions belong to the group conscience.
- Tradition 3
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.
- Tradition 4
Each group runs its own affairs, except where it affects other groups or the fellowship.
- Tradition 5
Each group has one primary purpose: to carry the message to the person still suffering.
- Tradition 6
Groups do not endorse, finance or lend the name to outside enterprises.
- Tradition 7
Every group is fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
- Tradition 8
The fellowship stays forever non-professional, though service centres may employ staff.
- Tradition 9
The fellowship is never organised, but service boards are responsible to those they serve.
- Tradition 10
No opinions on outside issues, so the name is never drawn into public controversy.
- Tradition 11
Attraction rather than promotion, with personal anonymity kept in public media.
- Tradition 12
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation: principles before personalities.