Tradition 5
“Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.”
“Sobriety — freedom from alcohol — through the teaching and practice of the Twelve Steps is the sole purpose of an A.A. group.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 5
Tradition 5 keeps AA focused. Groups that drift from their primary purpose eventually stop being useful to the people who need them most.
What it means
“One primary purpose” — not therapy, not social activism, not community building, not fundraising. Carrying the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Everything else is secondary.
“The moment we put our work on a service plane, the alcoholic commences to rely upon our assistance rather than upon God. We are there to help him find a Power greater than himself.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 98
“The alcoholic who still suffers” — the newcomer, the person still drinking, the one who hasn’t yet found a way out. That person is the reason the group exists.
“Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 20
Why it matters
“The groups of A.A. have one primary purpose: to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. This is the heart of A.A. If we forget it, we lose our reason for being.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 5
AA has been approached countless times to expand its mission — to address other addictions, social problems, mental health. The answer is always the same: one primary purpose. Not because other causes aren’t worthy, but because dilution kills effectiveness.
“Shoemaker, stick to thy last! The A.A. groups found that they could not take on all the problems of the world.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 5
Common struggles
“Our group spends a lot of time on things other than recovery.” Tradition 5 is the gentle redirect. Social time, service projects, and fellowship are fine — but the meeting itself should stay focused on carrying the message.
“Should we let people share about problems other than alcohol?” Most groups allow it. The primary purpose is about the group’s mission, not a strict filter on what individuals share.
Speaker talks on Traditions
- Beginners Guide to Traditions — ACA Speaker Meeting
- Why Traditions Matter — Erin D, Jody O
- Service and Traditions in ACA Fellowship — ACA Speaker Meeting
Related tags
service · fellowship · tradition
All Traditions
Tradition 1 · Tradition 2 · Tradition 3 · Tradition 4 · Tradition 5 · Tradition 6 · Tradition 7 · Tradition 8 · Tradition 9 · Tradition 10 · Tradition 11 · Tradition 12