AA Principles & Traditions

AA, short for Alcoholics' Anonymous, has a mission to reach alcoholics worldwide and encourage their sobriety. They believe that this is achieved through a group effort. Through their 12 principles and 12 traditions, they offer alcoholics hope for the future.

History

• In 1934 Bill Wilson, suffering with depression and serious alcoholism, underwent a deep spiritual experience that led to lifelong sobriety. AA was born. The AA traditions were first printed in 1946.

Traditions

• The 12 traditions are common welfare, the authority of a loving God, the desire to stop drinking, the autonomy of each group, sharing the message, the policy to not endorse other groups, the self-support of each group, the nonprofessional basis of the group, the creation of service boards, the policy to have no opinion on other issues, the policy to not promote the group but to attract others to it and the foundation of anonymity.

Principles

• The 12 principles are surrender, hope in a higher power, a decision to make a commitment, honest self-inventory, truth before God and others, willingness to correct character defects, humility, reflection, making amends, diligent correction of faults, focusing on God and service to others.