This is spelled out in Tradition 5.
Each member has a personal reason for coming back week after week.
But as agroupthey have but one purpose, to reach out to others who are still suffering.
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An old-timer was once asked why he kept coming back after all these years.
His answer was simple.
“Because there was someone there for me when I came through those doors.”
They know that so you can stay sober, they must help the next peer through the door.
Old Timers
Some old timers say that they don’t need the meetings anymore.
But even if they don’t need the meetings, the group still needs them.
The first part of the tradition asks members “to help families of alcoholics.”
This doesn’t mean give them money.
Listening is very important.
It can help you feel you are not alone.
She notes that some people are very fragile, and the smallest thing can interrupt their serenity.
Share your strength with them.
The fourth section of this tradition asks you to encourage and understand yourrelativewho’s also struggling with AUD.
This may be easy to do when that person is in recovery but more difficult during a relapse.
you’re able to, however, be understanding, realizing thatalcoholism is a disease.
you’re able to still love the person and hate the disease.
When they say hurtful things, learn not to take it personally.
Think: “It’s the disease, not him, that’s saying this.”
The final part of the Fifth Tradition is “welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics.”
Welcoming newcomers at meetings is part of this tradition.
The chair of the meeting can welcome the newcomers, but other members should do so as well.
In giving comfort to families, you feel better yourself.
Let someone know that you understand.
Focusing on someone else instead of feeling sorry for yourself can help you get healthier.
It deals with love, understanding, comforting, and working the steps.
It can easily be applied to achieve harmony in other areas of your life.
