Ep 116 - Why Do People In AA Practice Anonymity

“Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.”

 This is one of the most important traditions guiding Alcoholics Anonymous.  So important, it's the other “A” in “AA.”  The idea of anonymity is that the member and fellowship is protected.  There has been stigma for decades with alcoholism, that it's not a medical condition, but a moral failing.  Anonymity gives the person looking for recovery the protection and comfort to get sober without accusation.  

 Everyone has seen the celebrity announcing their sobriety, only to be caught publiclly drunk.

 It can cause AA headaches.

 Looking online, there are more and more people who don't want to be anonymous.  They want to be out there and want to be a example that others thinking of dropping the bottle.

 Is the idea of anonymity past its time?  Or is this critical to a successful recovery journey.  It's a very controversial topic and we think you'll love this discussion.