Eating Disorders Anonymous’ original members had such deep respect for AA experience that they adopted, with only slight modification, all of AA’s Twelve Traditions.

Our distinct experiences in recovering from our eating disorders, however, led these same original members to interpret not only the Twelve Steps but the Twelve Traditions to more specifically address EDA members and groups. Thus, much like the Steps of EDA, the Traditions of EDA are both consistent with and different from those of AA.

Tradition One

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon EDA unity. Eating Disorders Anonymous is a “we” program. United we stand; divided we fall. EDA groups are effective in carrying the message of recovery to individual EDA members because we are united in our commitment to our common purpose, consistent in our use of the Twelve-Step program of recovery, and allied in adhering to our common Traditions. Without the support of EDA, many would not have found recovery at all, and many more would have died. We want the hand of fellowship and support to be there whenever anyone needs it.

Tradition Two

For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority— a loving God as God may be expressed in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern. When making decisions that affect an EDA group or EDA as a whole, EDA’s servant leaders use a democratic process called a group conscience. In a group conscience, each participant consults their own conscience and votes as they think best serves EDA’s primary purpose: to carry the message of recovery to those who still suffer.

Tradition Three

The only requirement for EDA membership is a desire to recover from an eating disorder. To deny EDA membership to anyone could be to pronounce their death sentence. Hence, the only prerequisite for EDA membership is the individual’s desire for recovery. We never turn anyone away who is trying to recover from an eating disorder.<

Tradition Four

Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or EDA as a whole. Each EDA group manages its own affairs, but every group is part of the EDA fellowship. Each group must be careful to not cause harm to EDA as a whole. Thus, special consideration must be taken in matters beyond the scope of the immediate group. We work together, while remaining separate.

Tradition Five

Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message of recovery to others with eating disorders.
We freely give away what others have given to us. People struggling with eating disorders need hope to be able to make any progress in recovery. EDA members strengthen and build recovery by sharing their experience, strength, and hope with others who still suffer. Each EDA group serves as a channel for the message of recovery, helping newcomers and “old-timers” alike.

Tradition Six

An EDA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the EDA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, or prestige divert us from our primary purpose. To involve our fellowship in issues outside the direct scope of our primary purpose is to distract us from carrying the EDA message to those who still suffer. To best serve our primary purpose, we hold no affiliation to external organizations or activities.

Tradition Seven

Every EDA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. EDA subsists solely on voluntary donations from its members. Financial contributions from outside our fellowship would distract from our primary purpose and undermine group autonomy. Each EDA group is responsible for its own expenses, while carrying a prudent reserve.

Tradition Eight

EDA should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers. We do not give or receive payment for Twelve-Step work. While we support EDA members in their individual pursuit of professional help, we are not a professional organization. EDA employs workers when necessary to maintain the essential functions that support our fellowship.

Tradition Nine

EDA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. The EDA fellowship is grounded in guidance based on experience. We avoid giving directions or ultimatums lest we risk defiance and competition between members and groups. Since our experience proves that service work is essential for recovery, we extend opportunities for our members to be of service within the EDA fellowship.

Tradition Ten

EDA has no opinion on outside issues; hence the EDA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. EDA does not take sides in any debate. A foundation of neutrality and acceptance allows us to remain focused entirely on our primary purpose.

Tradition Eleven

Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need to maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, film, and web. Our fellowship gains membership by demonstrating EDA principles in our daily lives and by sharing our message of recovery within our groups. We focus on the EDA program rather than on individual members. Each member serves as an active guardian of our fellowship.

Tradition Twelve

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. Our fellowship is grounded on a foundation of tolerance and love. Personal distinction does not interest us. We gather with the single goal of carrying the EDA message of recovery, irrespective of our personal opinions. True humility is achieved through the principle of anonymous service. We place priority on principles, not personalities.