Recovery Concepts: Principles before Personalities

Mary Von Ohlen, holistic recovery coach, discusses the saying “principles over personalities” in addiction recovery. Understand what it means and why it’s suggested that we “put principles before personalities” and where this recovery concept came from in the original 12 step recovery literature of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Mary summarizes some of the history behind the 12th tradition which introduced the idea of “principles before personalities”; how it relates to the concept of anonymity and how and why that term has changed over the course of 12 step recovery history- including the role of stigma around alcoholism, the principle of humility, and preserving the effectiveness of 12 step groups as a whole.
Understand the difference between the 12 steps and the 12 traditions, but how this recovery concept “principles over personalities” can be practically considered on the individual level as well as with the organization itself.
Most importantly, Mary explains why putting principles over personalities can be a vital concept to the newcomer in early recovery, battling against the mental component of the disease of addiction which thrives on isolation and can tend towards any excuse to abandon an effective program of recovery.
Resources mentioned:
Original Alcoholics Anonymous book (still used today): amzn.to/2Qob7RY
The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions book (still used today): amzn.to/2zKqPkQ
Documentary “The Anonymous People”: amzn.to/2P4gSnC
Article discussing Charlie Sheen’s false comments about AA in 2011: bit.ly/2NgAjaY
Contact Mary for distance coaching or to arrange a speaking engagement-
[e-mail]
maryvono.com
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Please add your own thoughts, feelings, or questions related to this discussion on “Principles over Personalities” in the comments section below.

[@stephaniebessonlmt5279]

This is such great information Mary. You are a wealth of information. It’s so great you are getting this out there. ☺️

[@MaryVonO]

Thanks so much, Stephanie! It means a lot that the information resonates also with people who are not in the addiction recovery pond. ;)

[@bellebeauty67]

Thank you Mary, this was incredibly helpful for me today!!

[@tbote]

I felt the rooms of AA let me down. The fellowship is a concept. But we strive for progress nOt perfection. My sponsor told me to lead by example and do my part.

[@MaryVonO]

I hear you, Eric! That's true, all we can do is strive to do our own part and lead by example. Best to you on your path.

[@bellebeauty67]

Thank you Mary, this was incredibly helpful for me. Humbled beyond belief! Xo

[@MaryVonO]

Thanks for watching, Kathleen! I really appreciate the feedback. Wishing you the best on your path!

[@bellebeauty67]

Thank you Mary, this was incredibly helpful for me today!

[@MaryVonO]

I'm so glad! Thanks for letting me know, Kathleen! Hope you are staying well!

[@dianeibsen5994]

Hi Mary. Thank you so much for sharing. You have such beautiful thick red hair/auburn hair.
Just an idea have you ever thought about having bangs. Or alternatively a wispy Bob and if you like to keep the bangs. I think it would look very nice on you😊