District One of Vermont | Alcoholics Anonymous®

Our Singleness Of Purpose 

Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose- that of carrying its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
 
Tradition 5, The Twelve Traditions Long Form

SINGLENESS OF PURPOSE AND 
PROBLEMS OTHER THAN ALCOHOL

Alcoholism and drug addiction are often referred to as “substance abuse” or “chemical dependency.” Alcoholics and nonalcoholics are, therefore, sometimes introduced to A.A. and encouraged to attend A.A. meetings. Anyone may attend open A.A. meetings. But only those with a drinking problem may attend closed meetings or become A.A. members. People with problems other than alcoholism are eligible for A.A. membership only if they have a drinking problem.

Dr. Vincent Dole, a pioneer in methadone treatment for heroin addicts and for several years a trustee on the General Service Board of A.A., made the following statement: “The source of strength in A.A. is its single-mindedness. The mission of A.A. is to help alcoholics. A.A. limits what it is demanding of itself and its associates, and its success lies in its limited target. To believe that the process that is successful in one line guarantees success for another would be a very serious mistake.” Consequently, we welcome the opportunity to share A.A. experience with those who would like to develop Twelve Step/Twelve Tradition programs for the nonalcoholic addict by using A.A. methods.

Information on Alcoholics Anonymous. AA World Services