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Spiritual Foundation
Anonymity, as the spiritual foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous, is expressed in our Twelfth Tradition:
“Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.”
This is not about shame or being afraid to be seen.
Anonymity is about members putting unity and the AA fellowship itself, before their personal views and/or identity. In a world where charities are promoted by highly visible media and other personalities, this is a very different approach to public relations. This ensures every member is seen as of equal value.
Anonymity also means that no single members may speak on behalf of AA.
Anonymity is about Safety
Anonymity is essential to ensure that individuals feel safe in their recovery journey.
It’s not just a tradition within our Fellowship, but also a request to everyone — including family members, friends, community members, and professionals — to respect the anonymity of those in recovery.
For many alcoholics, the fear of being publicly identified can be a significant barrier to seeking help. By respecting anonymity, we help remove this obstacle and create a safe and supportive environment for everyone in AA. We kindly ask that no information be shared or disclosed that could identify an AA member — whether through names, photos, or unique personal details.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-supporting, non-professional organisation dedicated to helping people recover from alcoholism.
Anonymity is about Respect
By respecting anonymity, each of us can contribute to the wellbeing of alcoholics inside and outside our Fellowship, allowing them to feel secure in their journey toward recovery.
We may share our own surnames with whom and whenever we see fit, except in public media. AA members in service roles often need to use their full names when dealing with health, treatment, corrections, and other professionals. However, we should avoid sharing information that could identify another member.
