12 Traditions of NA -
Do You Know Them All?

Posted Jun 26, 2022

The 12 Traditions of NA are the group guidelines for Narcotics Anonymous.

These principles ensure that groups operate in a way that promotes unity and freedom. Without these traditions, NA might not even exist.

Let's take a look at the 12 Traditions of NA.

The 12 Traditions of NA

Tradition 1

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on NA unity.

Tradition 2

For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority— a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

Tradition 3

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.

Tradition 4

Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or NA as a whole.

Tradition 5

Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry the message to the addict who still suffers.

Tradition 6

An NA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the NA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, or prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

Tradition 7

Every NA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

Tradition 8

Narcotics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers

Tradition 9

NA, as such, ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.

Tradition 10

Narcotics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the NA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

Tradition 11

Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.

Tradition 12

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Why the 12 Traditions Are Important

If you've ever attended a meeting of Natcotics Anonymous, you are probably familiar with the 12 traditions of NA.

These traditions were created as a set of principles and guidelines for the way in which NA groups should operate as a whole.

Adherance to these principles promotes unity and freedom within a NA group.

These traditions also protect NA groups from outside forces that could harm the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous.

Without the 12 traditions, the NA program wouldn't be as successful as it is today at helping addicts achieve freedom from drugs.

Don't forget to check out The Beginner's Guide to Virtual NA Meetings, and don't let anything stand in the way of your recovery!