For those of you who aren't in a Twelve Step fellowship, please bare with me here.

To all AA members, this comes from your own literature.

To all NA members, this applies to you as well.

In the introduction to our Basic Text as it refers to AA, it states... " We follow the same path as with a single exception. Our identification as addicts is all-inclusive with respect to any mood-changing, mind-altering substance". Therefore the only difference between AA and NA is this single exception. The Steps and Traditions are the same.

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"Anonymity". Just the mention of the word brings forth controversy. Although it really shouldn't. Most controversy comes when folks don't really know the basis or the foundation of a particular fact or statement. Today I intend to set the record straight on "Anonymity". For those of you who think you have been ordained by God almighty to be the guardians of the Traditions, read the following very carefully, you just might learn something. The following comes from the book.. Dr. Bob and the Good Old-timers. AA General Service Conference Approved literature.

Warren recalled, "He {Dr. Bob} said there were two ways to break the anonymity Tradition: (1) by giving your name at the public level of press, or radio; (2) by being so anonymous that you can't be reached by other drunks."

"Since our Tradition on anonymity designates the exact level where the line should be held, it must be obvious to everyone who can read and understand the English language that to maintain anonymity at any other level is definitely a violation of this Tradition."

" The AA who hides his identity from his fellow AA by using only a given name violates the tradition just as much as the AA who permits his name to appear in the press in connection with matters pertaining to AA."

" The former is maintaining his anonymity above the level of press, radio, and films, and the latter is maintaining his anonymity below the level of press, radio, and films--whereas the Tradition states that we should maintain our anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films."

Page 264-265

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So there you have it. I suppose the best way to clear up an issue is to go right to the source, something we rarely do these days because let's face it --we like to stir stuff up. It makes us feel good about ourselves to think we know it all.

So the next time you see a church flyer sitting on the same table as an AA or NA flyer, the next time someone uses their last name in a meeting, or the next time you hear someone tell a person who is not in the program that they are a member of AA or NA, don't get your self all upset. Take a deep breath and remember what the 11th Tradition is really saying, stick to the facts, go to the horses mouth and keep your opinion out of it. And if you can understand the English language, you have the ability to truly understand what has been written in this Tradition.

One more thing. None of us are the almighty guardians of the Steps and Traditions. We are to practice these principles in all our affairs, but God is the Guardian not us. if we will remember that then all will be well.

Have a teachable day.

Monty "man"