November, 2003

Anonymity

Traditionally, A.A. members have always taken care to preserve their anonymity at the "public" level: press, radio, television, and films.

In the early days of A.A., when more stigma was attached to the term "alcoholic" than is the case today, this reluctance to be identified - and publicized - was easy to understand.

As the Fellowship of A.A. grew, the positive values of anonymity soon became apparent.

First, we know from experience that many problem drinkers might hesitate to turn to A.A. for help if they thought their problem might be discussed publicly, even inadvertently, by others. Newcomers should be able to seek help with assurance that their identities will not be disclosed to anyone outside the Fellowship.

Anonymity lies at the heart of our Fellowship and assures our members that their recovery will be private. Often, the active alcoholic will avoid any source of help which might reveal his or her identity.

Alcoholics Anonymous is not affiliated with any other organization, although many have adapted A.A.'s Twelve Steps for their own use. A.A. is self-supporting, declining outside contributions; and we are non-professional, offering only the voluntary support of one alcoholic helping another.

© Copyright 2003 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

updated by Daragh | November 2003