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Line 21: − + − + − One of the goals of Alcoholics Anonymous is to promote the idea that alcoholism is not a [[moral weakness]].<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=p9pp8Nv05lUC&pg=PA77&lpg=PA77&dq=alcoholism+moral+weakness&source=web&ots=NUswFo3Ico&sig=uvCDl3DO5sA0ZVe_G3xJDhiU1Dw#PPA77,M1Z Alcoholic Thinking: Language, Culture, and Belief in Alcoholics Anonymous]</ref> This is at odds with the opinion of 63 percent of Americans, who believe that alcoholism is a moral weakness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-136837521.html|title=See more articles from AScribe Health News Service: Stigma Persists Despite Scientific Evidence That Alcoholism Is Not a Moral Weakness}}</ref>+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
Alcoholics Anonymous has ONE primary purpose - to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers. We are not engaged in changing public policy or opinion on alcoholism.
The "higher power" cited in Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups does not necessarily refer to [[God]]. The phrase "God ''as we understood Him''" allows members to choose other gods or "powers" to help them in their recovery.
The "higher power" cited in Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups does not necessarily refer to [[God]]. The phrase "God ''as we understood Him''" allows members to choose other gods or "powers" to help them in their recovery.
==Character and morality==
==Guiding Principles==
The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.
1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority - a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
5. Each group has but one primary purpose-to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
6. An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance
or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
9. A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
==See also==
==See also==