In stressing the equality of all Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members – unity is the common bond of their recovery from alcoholism – anonymity serves as the spiritual foundation of the fellowship.

At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics outside AA meetings rooms, a safeguard often of special importance to newcomers.

However, in their personal relationships with non-alcoholics – and those they think might have a problem with alcohol – AA’s may feel free to say they are recovering alcoholics.

Here, openness may help to carry the AA message. At the level of press, radio, TV and films, anonymity stresses the equality in the fellowship of all members.

It does this by putting the “reminder” brake on those who might otherwise exploit their AA affiliation to achieve recognition, power or personal gain.

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all traditions reminding us to place principles before personalities. The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014.