MY
THOUGHTS ON TRADITION FIVE
"Each group has but one primary
purpose - to carry it's message to the alcoholic who still
suffers."
Tradition
five is the one tradition that is the most misquoted of them all
Singleness of purpose does not mean we abandon the dual addicted
people or that we try to hold their experiences to alcohol only
Remember
when most of us got here, we didn't know what was really wrong
with us, it was only by sharing all of our stories, with others,
that we were able to receive help in our recovery.
Bill
W. said Many AA, s had the almost comical notion that they were
pure alcoholics-guzzlers only, no other serious problems at all,
when alcoholic ex-cons and drug users first turned up there was
much pious indignation. We built a fine-mesh fence right around
A.A.
"
What will people think? "Chanted the pure alcoholic. Happily
this foolishness has long since past..." (Or has it?) Does
the misunderstanding of singleness of purpose
Stand
in the way of dual addicted people getting help even today? Are
they treated less than not as good as others? Told what they can
talk about told to share just the part of their experiences
relating to alcohol
The
issue of singleness of purpose, in this ever-changing world,
could very well destroy us as a viable part of today's society in
the treatment of our disease. Lets stick to our primary purpose,
which is to reach out to help anyone affected with our disease
Accepting
change is the principle we use to stay sober. It's time we all
unite so we can all recover and help those who come after us.
Going into the twenty first century it is absurd to think we are
any better than the average addict of that other kind
Do
people who don't have a problem with alcohol belong in A.A.
probably not but they are welcome to attend our open meeting,
besides that we probably would not find a great many who are not
dual addicted in these times
Step
six said if we would gain any real advantage in the use of this
Step on problems other than alcohol we shall need to make a brand
new venture into open-mindedness. Yes we do work on problems
other than alcohol our character defects and shortcomings are
some
The
fellowship must give these people the same kind of unconditional
love, forgiveness, understanding and most importantly tolerance,
the same things we received, when we arrived at the doors of this
God given fellowship.
Tradition
one states "this we owe to A.A's future: To place our common
welfare first; to keep our fellowship united, for upon A.A. unity
depend our lives, and the lives of all those who will come after
us"
Tradition
two states "The "ultimate authority" is the
spiritual concept of the "group conscience" It’s
voice is heard when a well-informed group gathers to arrive at a
group decision.
The
presence a newcomers feel in the rooms is the same as the group
conscience it was real when they welcomed us in setting
absolutely no barriers rules or conditions" this should hold
true today, let's let everyone know it does.
Tradition
three shows us that we've thrown away all membership rules and
regulations that might keep you out. We want you to have the same
chance for sobriety that we had been given when we got to the
halls
"We
aren't a bit afraid you'll harm us, never mind how twisted or
violent you my be" we have decided to be "
inclusive.... never exclusive" powerful word “INCLUSIVE”
it means we turn nobody away from their chance for recovery
We
are alive because the road to A.A. stayed open to us. How will
the newcomer ever know? If they can't share their experiences at
meetings, like we were able to share give them a chance help them
to heal the past and work on the future.
"
Tradition five reminds us that " Groups should remember
their "one primary purpose" No matter how different our
own personal concerns, we are all bound together by one common
responsibility, to carry the message to the suffering
alcoholic" even if he is dual addicted the message is the
same.
DR
Bob said the four absolutes were the only yardsticks we had in
the early days, before the steps. I think the absolutes still
hold good and can be extremely helpful today
Almost
always, if we measure our decision carefully by the yardstick of
absolute honesty, absolute unselfishness, absolute purity, and
absolute love, then the answer can't be very far out of the way
