Autonomy in Addiction Recovery

 

12 Step Programs and Autonomy Autonomy is one of the founding principles of groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. The 12 traditions guide the organization. A number of these traditions deal directly with autonomy including: Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole. Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers. Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. This is to prevent these outside entities from infringing on the autonomy of the organization. A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. This avoids bureaucracy and further encourages autonomy. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. This helps to encourage confidentiality which respects the autonomy of the individual.