The people who recover in this fellowship are not different from anyone else. They are not the strongest, the most disciplined, or the most enlightened. They are not immune to fear, ego, or doubt. They are simply the ones who became willing—willing to get honest, willing to follow direction, and willing to admit that they couldn’t fix this by themselves.

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Addicts Anonymous is built on thirty-six spiritual principles: Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Service. These are not rules. They are not theories. They are spiritual tools that allow us to live free—first from addiction, then from the self-centered fear, dishonesty, and isolation that addiction created in us.

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We don’t claim to have invented these principles. They’ve been passed down to us, lived by thousands, and adapted here for anyone suffering from addiction in any form.

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We begin with the Twelve Steps. These are the actions we took to break free from the patterns that were destroying our lives:

 

The Twelve Steps of Addicts Anonymous

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1. We admitted that addiction controlled our lives and made them unmanageable.

2. We recognized that recovery required a power beyond our own willpower.

3. We made a choice to surrender to this power and commit to a new way of life.

4. We took an honest look at our past actions and their consequences.

5. We acknowledged our mistakes and shared them with someone we trust.

6. We became willing to let go of self-destructive behaviors.

7. With humility, we committed to living with integrity and accountability by abandoning our shortcomings.

8. We recognized those we had harmed and became willing to make amends.

9. We took action to repair the damage, except when doing so would cause harm to them or others.

10. We continued self-reflection, admitting and correcting mistakes as they happened.

11. We sought ongoing growth through reflection, discipline, and connection.

12. We carried this message to other addicts and lived these principles in all areas of life.

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These are not steps to be studied. They are to be lived. Taken in order. Practiced daily. Each one builds on the last, and none of them can be skipped if we want the results we promise.

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But the Steps alone are not enough to keep us well. We don’t just recover as individuals—we recover in community. And if we don’t learn how to stay connected, how to work together, how to stay grounded in humility and unity, we risk losing what we’ve been given.

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That’s why we also practice the Twelve Traditions—not as rules, but as spiritual boundaries that keep our fellowship strong and focused:

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The Twelve Traditions of Addicts Anonymous

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1. Our recovery thrives on unity—personal freedom depends on a strong community.

2. The health of our group comes before individual recognition or authority.

3. The only requirement for belonging is a desire to recover from addiction.

4. Each group is self-governing, except where it affects others in recovery.

5. Our primary purpose is to help addicts find freedom from addiction.

6. We remain independent from outside organizations, avoiding conflicts of interest.

7. We are fully self-supporting, relying on contributions from within our community.

8. Our service to others is a responsibility, not a profession.

9. Leadership is based on service, not personal power or control.

10. We take no position on outside issues, staying focused on recovery.

11. We practice humility in public relations, valuing attraction over promotion.

12. Anonymity reminds us that principles matter more than personal status.

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These Traditions are how we stay free together. They protect our purpose. They keep us out of drama, division, and ego. They teach us how to belong without dominating, how to lead without controlling, and how to serve without needing credit.

And then there’s service—the thing that sustains all of this.

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Carrying the message is more than a suggestion. It’s how we stay free. But it has to be done with responsibility, clarity, and integrity. That’s why we also practice the Twelve Concepts of Service. These are the principles that guide how we organize ourselves, make decisions, and serve the fellowship at every level:

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The Twelve Concepts of Addicts Anonymous

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1. The foundation of our service structure is built on trust, unity, and shared responsibility.

2. Leadership is a duty of service, not control—our trusted servants guide rather than govern.

3. Each group holds the authority to make decisions for itself, as long as it doesn’t harm the collective mission.

4. Conscious participation is essential—every voice matters in shaping our service efforts.

5. Our mission is best served when responsibility is clearly defined at every level.

6. The authority of those in service comes from the trust of the groups they support.

7. Accountability is key—each service body must answer to those it serves.

8. Our service structure should always remain efficient, flexible, and driven by our primary purpose.

9. Good leadership is guided by humility, integrity, and the willingness to compromise.

10. Our service efforts should avoid unnecessary rules, ensuring decisions are made in the spirit of recovery.

11. We rely on clear communication and transparency to keep our mission strong.

12. In all we do, we prioritize unity, selflessness, and the principles that guide lasting recovery.

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