Protecting Anonymity: A Letter to the Media from Alcoholics Anonymous

To

Managing Editors, News Reporters and Photo Directors
Radio and Television Editors and Producers
Television Talk Show Hosts
Social Media Influencers, YouTubers, Podcasters, and Bloggers
Filmmakers and Content Creators

From

Public Information Committee of Alcoholics Anonymous

Subject

The Importance of Anonymity in Alcoholics Anonymous

At Alcoholics Anonymous, we deeply value the support of the media — including traditional press, radio, television, film and the ever-expanding digital landscape of social media, YouTube, podcasts and blogs — in sharing our message of hope and recovery. Your coverage has played a significant role in helping countless individuals find their way to sobriety.

We ask for your continued cooperation in respecting the anonymity of Alcoholics Anonymous members when featuring AA in your content.

Why Anonymity Matters

Anonymity is more than just a practice; it is a core principle of our Fellowship. It provides a safe space for individuals to seek help without fear of public exposure. Many active alcoholics hesitate to reach out for support if they believe their identity might be revealed. By honouring our anonymity, you help ensure that AA remains a welcoming refuge for those in need.

Our Requests to the Media and Content Creators

When covering stories that involve AA members, we ask that you:

• Use only first names when referring to AA members.
• Avoid publishing recognisable photos or videos of AA members.
• Refrain from identifying members through unique personal circumstances or events that could inadvertently disclose their identity.
• Be mindful when sharing recovery-related content on social media, ensuring that no individual is identifiable as an AA member.

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

AA is a Fellowship of individuals who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to help solve their common problem—alcoholism. We are:

• Not affiliated with any other organisation, though our Twelve Steps have been adapted by others.
• Entirely self-supporting, declining any outside financial contributions.
• Non-professional, relying on one alcoholic helping another rather than on professional counselling services.

A Tradition of Attraction, Not Promotion

AA’s public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion. This means we do not actively advertise or publicise our Fellowship but instead make our presence known through word of mouth and the help of supportive media coverage.

For this reason, we ask that no AA member be identified by full name, photograph, or video in any published, broadcast, or digital report. Additionally, we encourage AA members who share their stories publicly to do so in a general way that does not reveal personally identifiable details.

How You Can Help

We appreciate the role that media professionals, digital creators, and influencers play in raising awareness about alcoholism and recovery. If you are a professional or content creator seeking more information about Alcoholics Anonymous, we would be happy to provide additional resources. Please email us your postal mailing address, and we will send you relevant materials.

On behalf of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, we sincerely thank you for your understanding and support. Together, we can continue to provide a safe and anonymous space for those seeking recovery.

With gratitude,
The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous