Tradition 6 of N.A. | Narcotics Anonymous for Rookies

What is the 6th Tradition of Narcotics Anonymous Program?

Understanding Tradition Six in Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)

Introduction to Tradition Six

In Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.), the Twelve Traditions serve as foundational principles that safeguard the integrity, unity, and focus of the fellowship. The Traditions offer guidance to ensure that the fellowship remains true to its primary mission: helping individuals recover from addiction and maintain clean time. Among these, the Sixth Tradition is particularly vital as it sets the boundaries for the fellowship's involvement with external entities. The Sixth Tradition reads:

“An N.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the N.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, or prestige divert us from our primary purpose.”

This guiding principle ensures that Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) remains free from outside interference, allowing it to focus solely on helping addicts achieve recovery. The Sixth Tradition emphasizes autonomy and independence from outside organizations, reminding us that our primary responsibility is to those still struggling with addiction. This article will explore the creation, meaning, application, and significance of Tradition Six, as well as how it influences the daily practice of recovery for members of N.A.

The Creation of Tradition Six

Tradition Six was born from the experiences of early members of Narcotics Anonymous. In the formative years of the fellowship, the founders recognized that other recovery organizations faced serious challenges when they became entangled with outside businesses, organizations, or enterprises. These affiliations often led to complications such as financial troubles, conflicting agendas, or external pressures that diluted the core message of recovery.

As N.A. began to grow, the founders realized that in order to protect the fellowship’s mission, it was necessary to ensure that it remained self-sufficient and independent. Without this protection, there was a real risk that the focus of the fellowship could shift away from helping individuals recover from addiction, and instead become absorbed by the pursuit of money, property, or prestige. These external distractions could potentially cause division and confusion within the fellowship, detracting from the unity and support that is essential to the recovery process.

Thus, the Sixth Tradition was established as a safeguard. It ensures that Narcotics Anonymous remains centered on the goal of helping addicts achieve clean time and maintain their recovery. The tradition was designed to preserve the purity and autonomy of the fellowship, ensuring that it is not unduly influenced by external forces or interests.

The Meaning of Tradition Six

At its core, the Sixth Tradition serves to protect the integrity of Narcotics Anonymous by emphasizing the need for autonomy and independence from outside organizations. The key elements of this tradition are:

Autonomy: Narcotics Anonymous must operate independently from outside entities. By doing so, the fellowship ensures that it can maintain its focus on recovery without the distractions and conflicts that arise from outside influences. Groups, meetings, and members should avoid forming alliances with businesses, charities, or other enterprises that might seek to profit from the name and reputation of N.A.

Focus on Recovery: The primary mission of Narcotics Anonymous is to help individuals recover from addiction. By preventing associations with outside organizations, the fellowship can direct all its energy toward this goal. Tradition Six ensures that no other interests, whether they be financial or otherwise, divert the group from this essential task.

Preservation of Purpose: Tradition Six helps clarify the purpose of N.A. groups, meetings, and local meetings. By steering clear of outside ventures, N.A. preserves its core purpose—helping individuals with addiction recovery. This focus makes it easier for members to connect with one another, share experiences, and support each other in their journeys of recovery, without the complications that could arise from external business ventures.

Why Tradition Six is Vital to Recovery

The Sixth Tradition is vital to the continued success of Narcotics Anonymous because it helps preserve the purity and integrity of the fellowship. Without this tradition, N.A. might find itself distracted by financial interests or other external pressures. Here are the key reasons why Tradition Six is essential to recovery:

Prevents Conflicts of Interest: Without Tradition Six, members and groups could become entangled in relationships with outside businesses or organizations that have their own agendas. These conflicts of interest could compromise the fellowship’s ability to remain focused on its primary purpose: recovery. Tradition Six helps prevent such conflicts by ensuring that N.A. remains free from outside influences that might prioritize profits or prestige over the well-being of members.

Protects Fellowship Unity: Tradition Six also protects the unity of N.A. If external business interests were allowed to infiltrate the fellowship, it could lead to division among members. Some may be in favor of such affiliations, while others might oppose them. This division could create tension, undermining the supportive atmosphere that is crucial for recovery. By adhering to Tradition Six, N.A. maintains its unity and keeps its focus on helping each addict who walks through its doors.

Ensures the Purity of the Message: One of the greatest strengths of Narcotics Anonymous is the clarity of its message: that addiction is a disease, and that recovery is possible through a process of self-awareness, support, and spiritual growth. The Sixth Tradition ensures that no outside entity can dilute or distort this message. By avoiding affiliations with businesses or organizations that might have different goals, N.A. preserves the purity of its purpose and ensures that newcomers receive the message exactly as it was intended.

When and How to Apply Tradition Six

The principles of Tradition Six apply not only to the functioning of N.A. groups and meetings but also to the daily lives of members. Here are a few ways that Tradition Six can be applied:

At N.A. Meetings: During N.A. meetings, the focus should always be on recovery. If there are discussions or proposals to partner with outside organizations, it is important to reflect on how such an affiliation might impact the group's primary purpose. Tradition Six calls for groups to avoid making decisions that might lead to external entanglements or distractions. Instead, members should direct their energy toward supporting one another in their recovery process.

In Personal Lives: In daily life, Tradition Six reminds members to remain vigilant about outside influences. When presented with opportunities to endorse or partner with businesses, charities, or other entities, it is crucial to assess whether such actions align with the primary goal of Narcotics Anonymous. The focus should always remain on recovery, not on financial gain, prestige, or any other interests that might divert attention from the fellowship’s core mission.

During Service Work: Many members serve in various capacities within Narcotics Anonymous, from organizing meetings to participating in service committees. Tradition Six is particularly important in these roles because members must be mindful of N.A.’s autonomy when making decisions about fundraising, outreach, or collaborations with outside organizations. Tradition Six helps ensure that the fellowship’s resources are used for the benefit of the members, rather than being funneled into outside ventures that may not align with N.A.’s mission.

Explaining Tradition Six to Other Members

Explaining Tradition Six to other members, especially newcomers, is essential to ensure that everyone in N.A. understands the importance of maintaining the fellowship’s autonomy. Here are some ways to effectively explain this tradition:

Simple Explanations: Tradition Six can be explained in straightforward terms: “N.A. doesn’t endorse or become involved with outside businesses or organizations because we want to stay focused on our primary purpose—helping addicts recover. By staying independent, we keep the fellowship pure and free from outside distractions.”
Provide Real-Life Examples: Sharing stories or examples of situations where outside affiliations have caused problems in recovery organizations can help illustrate the risks involved. For example, you might share how other organizations have faced financial struggles or division after entering into business partnerships, and how N.A. has avoided these issues by adhering to Tradition Six.
Encourage Open Discussion: Tradition Six is a topic that should be discussed openly in meetings. Encourage members to ask questions and express their thoughts about how this tradition applies to their experiences. Discussing the tradition in a group setting allows everyone to contribute their perspectives and helps build a collective understanding of its significance.

Living the Sixth Tradition in Everyday Recovery

Living the principles of Tradition Six in everyday recovery means making conscious choices that keep the focus on personal growth and helping others. Here are ways to apply the tradition in day-to-day life:

Maintain Focus on Recovery: Ensure that recovery remains the central focus of your life. Make decisions that prioritize your clean time and personal growth, such as attending meetings regularly, participating in fellowship activities, and seeking help when needed.
Avoid External Distractions: Avoid situations that may compromise your commitment to recovery, such as associating with individuals or organizations that may attempt to influence you for personal gain or recognition. Prioritize your well-being and the well-being of the fellowship above all else.
Support the Fellowship's Goals: Actively contribute to the success of Narcotics Anonymous by participating in meetings, supporting newcomers, and adhering to the principles of the fellowship. Your involvement strengthens the unity of the group and helps maintain the purity of the message.

Consequences of Ignoring Tradition Six

Failing to adhere to Tradition Six can lead to significant consequences for both individuals and the fellowship as a whole. If outside influences are allowed to interfere with the fellowship, it could result in:

Division Among Members: External affiliations often create factions within a group. Some members may support partnerships with outside organizations, while others may oppose them. This division can weaken the group and undermine its effectiveness as a recovery support system.
Loss of Trust: The foundation of Narcotics Anonymous is trust. Members trust that the fellowship is focused on recovery and is not influenced by outside business interests. Allowing outside entities to become involved can erode that trust, making members hesitant to fully engage with the fellowship.
Dilution of the Message: When external influences are allowed into the fellowship, the message of recovery can become diluted. The focus may shift from helping addicts recover to pursuing financial or prestige-related goals. This shift can confuse newcomers and lead them away from the core principles of recovery.

Conclusion

Tradition Six is one of the most important safeguards in Narcotics Anonymous. It protects the fellowship from the distractions and complications that arise when outside influences are allowed to infiltrate. By adhering to this tradition, members ensure that the fellowship remains true to its primary purpose: helping those who still suffer from addiction.

The Sixth Tradition is not just a set of rules; it is a guiding principle that upholds the integrity of Narcotics Anonymous. By focusing on recovery and avoiding external distractions, N.A. members can ensure that the fellowship remains a safe, supportive, and effective environment for everyone seeking freedom from addiction.

As members of N.A., it is our responsibility to uphold the values of Tradition Six in all aspects of our lives, ensuring that the fellowship remains a beacon of hope for future generations. By staying true to the tradition of autonomy and independence, we keep the focus on recovery, making sure that N.A. remains a powerful force for healing and transformation in the lives of those affected by addiction.