The Evolution of Anonymity in 12 Step Fellowships: Does it Still Serve a Purpose?

A controversial topic within the recovery community, anonymity is a principle that varies greatly in its application and personal value. I’m talking specifically about anonymity within the 12 Step community.

Ask whether it has a place within that community today—as opposed to the 1930s, when Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was formed—and you may be met with some impassioned opinions.

Passion aside, does the application of 12 Step anonymity have a place in the wider addiction recovery movement today, given our advocacy to get people the help they need and fight the stigma attached to addiction? And in light of its varying application and controversy, is it a principle that is truly understood within the 12 Step community?

The Details of Anonymity in AA

The principle of anonymity was founded within AA, with Bill Wilson (its founding member) speaking of its importance in the Foreword of the First Edition of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939.

In 1946, the principle was expanded upon within AA’s Twelve Traditions. Two Traditions refer directly to anonymity:

• Tradition Eleven: “We need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.”
• Tradition Twelve: “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.”

Susan Cheever, author and writer, has written about this topic extensively. She explained the concept in an article as:

“Anonymity as described in the literature of AA has three parts: spirituality, community and personal identity, and public relations. They comprise a balancing act between AA members’ responsibility to help other alcoholics and their responsibility to the group and their own sobriety.”

But what exactly does anonymity mean in context today? Confidentiality, anonymity, and privacy are separate concepts: Anonymity relates to disclosing membership in a 12 Step fellowship when publicly speaking about recovery and revealing one’s full name. Confidentiality is about respecting those you see within a fellowship. Privacy is about what you share.

Clarifying the Meaning and Purpose of Anonymity

There is a widespread misunderstanding and misapplication of anonymity within 12 Step fellowships, which can inadvertently place personalities before principles.

I spoke to addictions expert Veronica Valli, who clarified the meaning and purpose of anonymity, and how it has been misapplied. She said:

“Anonymity has long been confused with secrecy. This has come about from a misunderstanding of the 11th tradition from the 12th Step fellowships. What it suggests is that members of Alcoholics Anonymous do not speak publicly about being members of AA. It does not state that we don’t talk openly about alcoholism or our own stories of recovery.”

“However, many members of AA believe it means we keep our alcoholism and recovery secret. This misguided belief has caused unintentional—but no less enormous—damage to the recovery movement. Because of this culture of secrecy, we have not been able to advocate for better treatment and resources.”

“Very simply put, you break the tradition when you say in the press, radio, film, or internet, ‘I’m John Smith. I’m a member of AA, and it saved my life.’ You do not break the tradition when you say, ‘I’m John Smith, and I’m an alcoholic who has now recovered.’ The difference between these two statements is profound.”

This point is echoed in the evolution of AA. Their General Service Organization amended guidance to this tradition:

“AA members may disclose their identity and speak as recovering alcoholics, giving radio, TV, and internet interviews, without violating the Traditions, so long as their AA membership is not revealed.”

Different Opinions, Different Views

In spite of this very clear guidance, opinions still vary widely among members of 12 Step fellowships when it comes to anonymity. Some reflect a more accurate understanding of the tradition’s intended application; others deliver their understanding with a dose of judgment or shame.

Common arguments include:

• Public identification is viewed as ego-driven. Some describe those who publicly identify as a member of a 12 Step fellowship and speak about their recovery as self-seeking or self-important.
• Relapse is seen as a reflection on the fellowship. Others worry that if someone publicly speaks about their recovery and later relapses, it will reflect badly on AA or the fellowship they identify with.
• Public visibility is treated as “spokesperson behavior.” Many believe that speaking about recovery while identifying as a member of a fellowship indirectly makes that person a spokesperson.
• Recovery work is questioned. Comments are sometimes made that writers who cover recovery are “selling their sobriety.”

There is also a belief that by everyone remaining anonymous, a sense of uniformity is gained, with no one person appearing more important than the next.

And there is often an overriding implication that these guidelines should be treated like rules, with statements such as: “You can’t pick and choose the application of the traditions—you wouldn’t do that with the Steps.”

The Contradictions and Complexities

Yet varying application has existed even within AA. Bill Wilson testified before Congress, and it was fully covered by the press. He did this to advance the cause of AA and make help more accessible. Was he called self-seeking and ego-driven?

William Moyers, author, advocate, Vice President for Hazelden, and instrumental in the formation of the Faces & Voices movement, believes protecting the anonymity of others is essential.

However, he doesn’t believe publicly sharing one’s own affiliation with an anonymous group is necessarily detrimental. He publicly disclosed his membership with a 12 Step fellowship in his memoir Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption. In that publication, he said:

“There was no way I could talk about recovery without talking about how I recovered—that it’s not a magic bullet or injection, that it’s a process, and that process is involved. I need people to understand that recovery is hard work, and that hard work is reflected in my program through the 12 Steps.”

The Evolution of Traditions

What is clear about the evolution of these traditions is that they were formed during a time when addiction was considered a disgrace, and those seeking help often felt profound shame.

Now, due to advocacy efforts to change public policy, reduce stigma, and improve access to treatment, we’ve made major strides. Organizations like I Am Not Anonymous, Faces and Voices of Recovery, and Fighting Addiction have changed the conversation and put a face to recovery. Not to mention the growing number of writers and bloggers who openly share their experiences of recovery.

And it’s working: more and more people are feeling less shame, speaking openly about being in recovery, and seeking help.

Whether we see anonymity as outdated or unnecessary, it should remain a personal choice afforded to anyone in recovery. And that choice, whatever it is, should be respected.

When personalities override principles, anonymity can become weaponized and used to silence those who make others feel uncomfortable with their activism and advocacy. That isn’t about anonymity; it’s about other people’s feelings and judgments.

Why Anonymity Still Matters (in Some Forms)

Anonymity is a necessity within the context of providing a safe space for someone to find recovery and for protecting those who work in professions requiring privacy.

Confidentiality and privacy, whether you consider them an arm of anonymity or not, are fundamental to the protection of members of 12 Step fellowships and the fellowship as a whole.

Of course, if you recover outside of AA, it is not suggested that you follow these principles.

When speaking to a reporter about the necessity of anonymity in AA, Susan Cheever said:

“We are in the midst of a public health crisis when it comes to understanding and treating addiction. AA’s principle of anonymity may only be contributing to general confusion and prejudice. When it comes to alcoholism and AA, the problem is very public, but the solution is still veiled in secrecy.”

Find Treatment That Supports Your Recovery

Whether you choose anonymity or public advocacy, recovery is deeply personal. Getting support shouldn’t be complicated. If you or someone you love is looking for help, Recovery.com makes it easier to find drug and alcohol treatment centers that match your needs, preferences, and goals. Explore trusted options, compare programs, and take the next step toward lasting recovery.