Tradition 10

Tradition 10 is designed to protect the reputation of the 12-Step programs from becoming involved in any arguments, fights, or controversies, even ones that seem like good causes or worthy endeavors.  The goal of Tradition 10 is to keep the message of recovery simple, clear and on target with our primary purpose. We can’t afford to risk the program’s reputation, survival, and well-being of members over an issue not directly related to the program’s message of recovery. That goal should always focus on staying clean and sober and helping others to recover. Certain issues might seem related to staying clean, sober, and helping others until we take a closer look. An example might be supporting the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). What could be more important than our mothers and more relevant to recovery than the crusade against drunk driving? However, Tradition 10 makes it clear that the 12-Step recovery programs have no official position regarding MADD. Our primary purpose is not to support mothers nor crusade against drunk drivers. Prospects to 12-Step recovery might not have had the best of relationships with their mothers or they might feel unwelcome to the program if they were ever arrested for drunk driving. MADD solicits donations from the public and has recognized leaders. What if a scandal hit this organization? How would 12-Step recovery’s reputation survive if it endorsed any outside issues including MADD? Tradition 10 even makes clear that the 12-Step program has no opinion on the best way to recover, but rather the 12-Step programs are a path we follow and works for us. Distraction from the primary purpose and having opinions on related and unrelated issues would risk alienating members, especially the newcomers. Survival of the fellowship is more important than any cause.