2009 Hong Kong Area of Narcotics Anonymous, Inc. All rights reserved
Twelve Concepts for NA Service
The Twelve Traditions of NA have guided our groups well in the conduct of their individual
affairs, and they are the foundation for NA services. They have steered us away from many
pitfalls that could have meant our collapse. Our various service units serve, for example, they do
not govern; we stay out of public debate; we neither endorse nor oppose any of the many
causes
that our members may feel strongly about; our approach to addiction is a non-professional one;
we are fully self-supporting. The traditions have provided our fellowship with essential
guidance throughout its development, and they continue to be indispensable.
The Twelve Concepts for NA Service described here are intended to be practically applied to
our service structure at every level. The spiritual ideals of our steps and traditions provide the
basis for these concepts, which are tailored to the specific needs of our fellowship’s service
structure. The concepts encourage our groups to more readily achieve our traditions’ ideals,
and our service structure to function effectively and responsibly.
These concepts have been crafted from our experience. They are not intended to be taken as
the “law” for NA service, but simply as guiding principles. We find that our services are stabilized
when we conscientiously apply these concepts, much as our steps have stabilized our lives and
our traditions have stabilized and unified our groups. The Twelve Concepts guide our services
and help ensure that the message of Narcotics Anonymous is available to all addicts who have a
desire to stop using and begin practicing our way of life.
1. To fulfill our fellowship’s primary purpose, the NA groups have joined
together to create a structure which develops, coordinates, and maintains
services on behalf of NA as a whole.
2. The final responsibility and authority for NA services rests with the NA
groups.
3. The NA groups delegate to the service structure the authority necessary to
fulfill the responsibilities assigned to it.
4. Effective leadership is highly valued in Narcotics Anonymous. Leadership
qualities should be carefully considered when selecting trusted servants.
5. For each responsibility assigned to the service structure, a single point of
decision and accountability should be clearly defined.
6. Group conscience is the spiritual means by which we invite a loving God to
influence our decisions.
7. All members of a service body bear substantial responsibility for that body’s
decisions and should be allowed to fully participate in its decision-making
processes.
8. Our service structure depends on the integrity and effectiveness of our
communications.
9. All elements of our service structure have the responsibility to carefully
consider all view points in their decision-making processes.
10. Any member of a service body can petition that body for the redress of a
personal grievance, without fear of reprisal.
11. NA funds are to be used to further our primary purpose, and must be
managed responsibly.
12. In keeping with the spiritual nature of Narcotics Anonymous, our structure
should always be one of service, never of government.
