What is AA Anonymity in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous?

By now, most people are aware of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) but what does that second word imply? This discussion will focus on what anonymity is and why it is a central theme in the Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-Step based programs.

What Is AA Anonymity?

The word “anonymity” is defined as the state of being anonymous, but anonymity in AA has a deeper meaning. This word is primarily found within the 11th and 12fth traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The founding members of AA created the traditions to keep the primary purpose of AA in focus: helping people recover from alcoholism.

AA’s version of Anonymity is firmly rooted in the principle of humility. It reminds members that Alcoholics Anonymous is not meant to be advertised on a billboard; it is meant to be shared as a solution to alcoholism, through the sharing of lived experience and storytelling. It also seeks to create equity amongst members in the AA fellowship by asking them to set aside their personal beliefs, biases, or feelings about a specific person or situation, remembering that all members have a common goal, recovery. Finally, it seeks to create a safe environment by calling for confidentiality for all who attend. Let us look deeper at the two traditions that talk about anonymity, and the principles they support.

What Tradition 11 Says About Anonymity

Tradition 11: Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.

The founding members created this tradition to ensure that people who view themselves as AA members would not be tempted to present themselves as AA spokespeople. They did this for several reasons.

Humility

This tradition seeks to remind members that they are to practice humility when it comes to talking about their recovery. It asserts that no single person can represent themselves as knowing everything about Alcoholics Anonymous or having all the answers to recovery. There are no AA gurus, nor should there be. This tradition in its long form states “There is never need to praise ourselves. We feel it better to let our friends recommend us.” This tradition summons humility, expecting that a person who openly shares their recovery in any capacity needs to pause and check their motives. Are they trying to show the world, “look how amazing I am,” or are they expressing gratitude by demonstrating the recovery values of humility and honesty. Are they sharing their story to offer a new person hope?

Trusted Servants

The program of Alcoholics Anonymous is not about individual people. This is clear to some of the other AA traditions. For instance, the very first tradition states, “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.” Those early members knew it could be risky for someone to publicly identify themselves as the leader or spokesperson for AA, because no one is. Even those who assist in the structure and support of AA, are simply called “trusted servants.” They represent the group or committee they serve, not all of AA. Also, because substance use disorder recovery, like other chronic diseases, is not linear, and members may return to drinking. If a person implies that they “represent” AA and they return to drinking, the public may misinterpret this as proof that the program does not work, discouraging others to consider using the AA program.

Attraction not Promotion

This tradition focuses on the principle of attraction rather than promotion. The founders quickly learned that the humility of practicing active recovery has been more effective than proselytizing others and telling them they must join. Early members discovered that rather than marketing a “solution” to the world that they could more effectively demonstrate the positive outcomes of working an AA Program through action, living a life of recovery, and sharing their personal stories individually. When speaking with others, AA members are encouraged to use first-person language such as “this is what I did to stay sober” instead of “you should do this.” Over the years there has been a movement towards the public advocacy of recovery, and we will talk a little more about that at the end of this article. But to be clear, the advocacy of recovery is quite different than publicly claiming to be a spokesperson for Alcoholics Anonymous or even a member of AA.

What Tradition 12 Says About Anonymity

Tradition 12: Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Anonymity as a Spiritual Concept.

The founding members of AA believed that even the appointed “leaders” of an AA group needed to keep their individual opinions out of the decision making, but to instead rely on the “group conscious” when making decisions. The goal of this tradition was created to keep those who entrust Alcoholics Anonymous with their lives, feeling safe, supported, and secure, and to ensure that the stronger egos in the groups stayed in check. The AA literature, the 12 Step and 12 Traditions warns that early members “changed from AA members to AA show-offs” making the founding members realize they needed to create boundaries around interactions and confidentiality. Recovery needs are quite different for every individual and there is no one person that can tell another person that they have all the answers. The spirituality of a humble approach is the bedrock that all the Alcoholics Anonymous traditions rest upon.

Principles before Personalities

This tradition is meant to remind members that every person who attends AA deserves to be respected and valued regardless of stature, income, culture, fame, spiritual belief, or even level of willingness. This tradition, “repeatedly asks us to give up personal desires for the common good.” Humility is again referenced as the basis of this concept: the idea that a person with several years of recovery can indeed learn from someone with one day sober.

Given that AA is comprised of human beings that have subjective opinions, there is bound to be disagreement. This principle is a reminder that the common goal is sobriety, not being right. It calls for civility when there are disagreements. Every member’s interpretation of the 12 Steps of AA needs to be respected. For instance, what a “Higher Power” means to one person will certainly not be the same for another, but every member has the right to talk about their beliefs and have those beliefs honored. Everyone has the right to tell their story.

Confidentiality

The need for personal privacy around membership is essential for AA. The founders discovered that those seeking help often need a sense of discretion to feel comfortable, especially in early recovery when a person might feel the most shame. The stigma of use disorders has come a long way but still has a long way to go. No member has the right to disclose another person’s participation in AA. Often AA groups begin or end their meetings with the saying, “Whom you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here.”

Individually a member may disclose their participation in the AA fellowship to anyone they choose, but they should never share someone else’s participation in AA meetings, even if their intention is good. There are reasons beyond shame for why a person may want to remain anonymous. For instance, a person’s employment could be impacted by a disclosure that someone is seeking help for alcoholism. The focus on confidentiality in the fellowship also works to keep gossip at bay. It encourages members to talk to each other, not about each other.

Of course, AA is comprised of people who are in various stages of recovery and may still be struggling. Alcoholics Anonymous is a public organization with doors that are open to anyone seeking sobriety. What that means is that one is never fully guaranteed confidentiality when participating in Alcoholics Anonymous. Additionally, one may encounter challenges with individuals and their approaches, however, please know that as described in the traditions, no one person or meeting fully represents Alcoholics Anonymous. It is helpful to attend a variety of meetings and interact with a variety of members before you decide where and with whom to build your recovery support circle.

I will borrow one of my favorite sayings from a reading of the Narcotic Anonymous version of the Twelve traditions to summarize the goal of anonymity. “As long as the ties that bind us together are stronger than those that would tear us apart, all will be well.” Anonymity tempers those who might seek to use AA for personal gain. It encapsulates the idea that the common bond of recovery brings everyone together and that this bond is the central goal of Alcoholics Anonymous.

More on Advocacy and Anonymity

Over the years, people in recovery noticed that there were negative aspects to being so “anonymous.” The general interpretation of anonymity was that people should never explicitly state they are in recovery in the media, but this is a misinterpretation. AA’s traditions ask that people do not state their affiliation specifically with AA. As stated on their website, “A.A. members may disclose their identity and speak as recovered alcoholics, giving radio, TV, and online interviews without violating the Traditions so long as their A.A. membership is not revealed.” In fact, the founders of AA told their personal stories and were founding members of one of the first recovery advocacy organizations, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD).

Advocacy with Anonymity means you can share your lived experience anywhere; with anyone you choose to. You can simply identify yourself as a person in recovery and not say you are in AA. With so many support options available, some people in recovery do not utilize AA, but the point is to show others that there are solutions to the problem of substance use disorders and that recovery is possible. It also demonstrates that people do not have to be ashamed of having a disease nor of being in recovery from it. In 2024, there were over twenty-one million Americans who identified themselves as being in recovery from a substance use disorder, according to the presidential proclamation honoring National Recovery Month.

Bringing recovery into the light has led to a reduction in stigma, increased resources, awareness of those resources, and pro-recovery public policies. Recovering “out loud” or being open about it, has empowered individuals, helped more people seek help for their substance use disorders, and has educated the world that there is hope for recovery for everyone. We are living proof.

*A quick note to mention that AA may not be a fit for everyone. However, community support is an important part of use disorder recovery for most people. Check out our resource page for more options for community support.

FAQs on Anonymity in AA

The AA General Service Office estimates that AA had more than 2.1 million members in 2018. For every member, anonymity enhances privacy and makes it easier to share during meetings. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about anonymity to help you understand what it entails and why it’s beneficial to you as an AA member.

Am I allowed to tell other people I'm in Alcoholics Anonymous?

Yes. The principle of anonymity dictates that you should never share anything about another member that you learned during an AA meeting. It doesn’t require you to hide your membership from the people you trust. In fact, according to the Alcoholics Anonymous 2014 member survey, 75 percent of members have told their doctors they’re in AA. However, this principle requests that members never present themselves as AA experts, by publicly representing AA or promoting their opinion on the way AA works — especially in the media. It is okay to talk about how AA has worked for you, but it is not okay to tell everyone they have to do it your way.

What if I run into someone I know when I'm with another AA member?

It’s your responsibility to safeguard the privacy of your fellow AA members. If you run into an acquaintance while you’re with another AA member, don’t mention that both of you belong to AA. The same applies if you see a neighbor or coworker in a meeting. You should never disclose to others that you saw them, even if you’re happy about it. It is always up to other members to decide if or when they want to reveal their membership.

How does anonymity benefit me?

As a member of AA, the principle of anonymity benefits you in several ways. First, you have the peace of mind of knowing other members won’t share your information with anyone else. That peace of mind may make you more comfortable sharing during AA meetings.

Second, anonymity creates a safe environment for all members. With everyone operating under the principle of anonymity, you can take comfort in knowing that your status as an alcoholic won’t be revealed unless you choose to share with others. This puts you in control of your recovery and your desire to stop drinking.

Finally, anonymity creates an atmosphere of trust among AA members. It reminds everyone that no one in a meeting is better than another, regardless of stature, differing opinions, or length of recovery. Everyone should be treated with respect. This helps create a safe environment for everyone. When you trust your fellow AA group members, you’re more likely to be truthful with them; and telling the truth about your addiction is the first step to recovery.

What should I do if I see someone famous at an AA meeting?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that more than 14 million adults have an alcohol use disorder. With so many Americans struggling with their alcohol use, there’s a good chance you may see a public figure at one of your AA meetings.

If this happens, the principle of anonymity still applies. You should respect confidentiality with anything the person shares during meetings, and you should also avoid asking for an autograph or asking the person questions about their work. Public figures should be treated just like any other AA member to ensure they receive the same benefits as everyone else.

Why is it difficult for some people to follow this principle?

Some people struggle with the principle of anonymity because they’re looking for a way to avoid admitting their own mistakes or confronting their own alcoholism. Others struggle with anonymity because they believe sharing information about AA is beneficial to others. For example, writer David Colman published an article in The New York Times admitting that he’s a member of AA, which inspired some people and angered others. This crosses into the territory of “attraction rather than promotion,” a concept in AA that the program should not be advertised as an organization, but rather, referred to through personal connections. Others may be disclosing their AA membership because they are proud of their success, but positive results in AA are best celebrated internally, with a measure of humility, according to AA’s Big Book.

How do some people follow this principle while also acknowledging their participation in the program?

People who feel it’s important to share that AA has helped them achieve sobriety often use shorthand to acknowledge their participation in AA, without coming out and saying they’re members. For example, people may say they’re “in the program,” or ask each other, “You do the thing?” You can also say “I’m in recovery” or “I am in long-term recovery,” which is now a general term for those speaking publicly about their sobriety without disclosing they are affiliated with any one type of program.

Do I have to say my full name and admit that I'm an alcoholic at AA Anonymous meetings?

When you attend an AA meeting, you should share only your first name. This helps protect everyone’s anonymity. Additionally, you’re not required to state that you’re an alcoholic.

If you feel uncomfortable at your first meeting, you can state your first name and say something like “It’s my first time here” or “I just joined Alcoholics Anonymous.” If you are unsure of your relationship to alcohol and just want to experience a few meetings, you can also attend “Open” AA meetings. AA meetings that are listed as “Open” are designated to be attended by anyone who is curious about AA, whether they have identified as an alcoholic or not.

You don’t have to feel ashamed about your alcohol use. If you need help to recover from alcoholism, contact FHE Health today, a treatment facility in Florida. We have a team of caring professionals available to discuss any AA questions you have, as well as your circumstances, to determine the best course of treatment.

References and Resources

https://www.aa.org/the-twelve-traditions

https://www.aa.org/aa-and-anonymity

https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/05/2024-20126/national-recovery-month-2024

https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Advocacy-with-Anonymity.pdf