Rules Of 12 Step Recovery Programs

When considering attendance at 12 step recovery programs, it’s important to obtain a basic understanding of program rules and guidelines. In this entry we will seek to outline these regulations to prepare you for your visit.

Truth be told, there is only one true requirement for AA membership: The desire to stop drinking. This tradition is #3 of the 12 traditions outlined throughout the Alcoholics Anonymous program, and is commonly read aloud during each meeting. If you’re just beginning your recovery, you may not be aware of the power these traditions hold; you may not have even known they existed prior to reading this!

The best way to comprehend the traditions is through comparison to the 12 steps. Where as the 12 steps apply to the individual; the 12 traditions apply to the group as a whole.

While this lonely tradition may seem fairly self explanatory, there is more to it than initially meets the eye. Tradition #3 entails a member’s desire to quit drinking, making the declaration of being an alcoholic, and placing a focus on the alcohol addiction even in cases where the individual is addicted to multiple substances.

“Desire” is a tricky little point to focus on. What one member perceives as desire may not do the trick initially… It may actually be more of a wish that anything else. In order to get the most out of a 12 step program addiction, members commit themselves full-heartedly to the process.

This doesn’t go to say that someone perceiving desire is not welcome to receive alcohol addiction help; Desire does not designate a promise, but rather a high level of intent. What may initially begin as wishful thinking or a desire perception may ultimately blossom into full-fledged desire with time. As such, it’s important to understand that AA membership takes little more than a declaration of membership. However, the true and potential results of the program will only be realized with dedication and “true” desire from an individual intent on improving their own situation.