The Twelve Traditions of NA

We keep what we have only with vigilance, and just as freedom for the individual comes from the Twelve Steps, so freedom for the group springs from our Traditions.

As long as the ties that bind us together are stronger than those

that would tear us apart, all will be well.

Tradition One

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

Tradition Two

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 Three

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using

Tradition Four

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

Tradition Five

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

Tradition Six

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 Seven

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

Tradition Eight

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

Tradition Nine

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

Tradition Ten

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

Tradition Eleven

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 Twelve

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