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The First Tradition is not that confusing, really. After all, you wouldn’t attend a meeting of say Vegetables Anonymous only to declare that you’re a vegetable anda green bean, now would you? Why cling to the trifling ego trip of recovery uniqueness? That’s the kind of mindset which benefits no one. Would a dead person differentiate him or herself as being both a stiff anda corpse? Well, dead people usually don’t have to worry about such things. Still, mixed recovery messages can kill. Perhaps it won’t kill the anda, but others who are unable to clearly identify with a fellowship’s members and message, may not be as fortunate.

Today in one of my Facebook recovery groups there was a poll on the importance of singleness of purpose. The discussion following said poll neglected to address the very framework which outlines any 12-step recovery fellowship’s ground rules necessary for its operation. Please pardon the self-quote…

Singleness of purpose within any group, regardless of fellowship, is reflected in how well its members uphold the traditions of that fellowship. Thanks to all the modern treatment center programs that frequently mangle the traditions of all our fellowships, it’s no wonder that newcomers to our respective fellowships’ meetings are subjected to mixed messages. Traditions One and Five are very clear on the need for unity, and how I personally identify myself in any fellowship is a direct reflection of upholding those unity-based traditions. If I qualify as a “______ AND A _____” then I have done a disservice to the integrity and focus of that program. Read more at dopelessknitter.posterous.com