The AA Preamble – contd

Now we will consider the introductory phrase: “Alcoholics Anonymous”. This should be a clue as to our 'target market' ie. alcoholics, and how we conduct ourselves generally, and in the public sphere. Although our sole membership requirement is that a potential candidate should have a “desire to stop drinking” (self-determined and self-diagnosed) it should be evident that AA deals only with chronic problem drinkers who have an established alcohol addiction and who are unable to return to what might be termed 'normal' or 'social' drinking. We are not talking about those who have an 'acute' problem, who may have developed some difficulties along the way but are able to moderate their alcohol consumption subsequently. For the former case there is really only one sure solution currently available: complete lifelong abstinence from alcohol in any quantity and in any form. For the latter there may be a number of possible treatment options none of which involves such drastic action. Accompanying lifelong (physical abstinence) there is a need also for the individual concerned to evolve some form of attitude adjustment to avoid the possibility of relapse. AA offers ONE method for developing such a change of perspective: the 12 step recovery programme. It should be mentioned here that AA makes no claim to a monopoly on recovery. Individuals within AA might make such assertions. Fortunately neither they nor anyone else speaks for the fellowship. We have no gurus (but our membership does include those who THINK they are). We deal ONLY with the alcohol problem and with no other type of addiction nor are we qualified to offer any advice on these. We have but one primary purpose as stated in our preamble.

Now we come to the the question of anonymity. This is elaborated upon in the 11^th and 12^th of AA's Traditions: 

“Eleven—Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.” (short form) 

“11.—Our relations with the general public should be characterized by personal anonymity. We think A.A. ought to avoid sensational advertising. Our names and pictures as A.A. members ought not be broadcast, filmed, or publicly printed. Our public relations should be guided by the principle of attraction rather than promotion. There is never need to praise ourselves. We feel it better to let our friends recommend us.” (long form) 

“Twelve—Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” (short form) 

“12.—And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.” (long form)

For our part we regard Tradition 11 merely as a specific application of the general principle outlined in Tradition 12. There are some in AA (circuit speakers, 'gurus', Big Book 'experts' and other assorted 'snake oil' purveyors) who believe that it is sufficient merely to adhere to the letter of these traditions rather than their spirit. There are others who don't bother to restrain their egos even to this modest degree (you know who you are!). The principle of anonymity is pivotal to AA's philosophy and where practised proves to be our greatest strength, where not – our most serious flaw. What AA does NOT need are the services of the propagandists, dogmatists, fundamentalists, promoters and other essentially narcissistic personalities. What AA does need is the ordinary member who gets on with his or her life doing what needs to be done, helping newcomers where help is requested and all without any fanfare or fuss! Remember that bit in the Just for Today card about doing someone a good turn and not getting found out?

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous … and still anonymous themselves!)