Autonomy allows us to express who we are with integrity and convey a message: the truth of our own experience, in our own way.
Guiding Principles, Fourth Tradition, Introductory Reasoning
The autonomy mentioned in the Fourth Tradition resonates deeply with many of us in NA. We are people who tend to place quite a high value on self-determination. In active addiction, insisting on doing things our way often led to bad results, usually because “our way” had a lot to do with self-centeredness rather than integrity. In recovery, autonomy becomes an asset rather than a liability – as our Core Text puts it: "Our true value is to be ourselves."
It is the second half of the Fourth Tradition that keeps us on track: "except in matters affecting other groups or the NA as a whole." For NA groups, this means thinking about our role as part of the Brotherhood, not just what our own group wants. As independent recovering addicts, we balance our right to do what pleases us with our responsibilities to those around us: family, friends, Fraternity, and society. One way we begin to learn this balance is the way we share in gatherings.
"As a newbie, the sharing I did was extremely aggressive and put some people on edge," wrote one member. “My reasoning was 'Hey, that's me! After a while, I tried to imitate the way others were sharing, but it wasn't my voice and it always came out wrong.
Eventually, I became comfortable being myself while still considering the feelings of those around me. I finally started to connect."
If any group of people can spot a lie, it's addicts. Authenticity is an enduring message, whether it comes in the form of a spectacular performance or a subtle, gentle sharing. Whether we're trying to reach a still-suffering drug addict or save our own life, we're trying to find the right balance between autonomy and responsibility, freedom and self-control, self-determination and connection.
Being independent doesn't mean ignoring those around me. I will practice balancing personal freedom with social responsibility.
