One of the first things we learn in Al‑Anon/Alateen is that members are anonymous—but the program is not. If Al‑Anon Family Groups were anonymous, how would newcomers ever find us?
Because the program is not anonymous, Al‑Anon can have a public name, website, meeting listings, literature, phone lines, and service offices. This allows Al-Anon to work with professionals and share information with communities that need support for families and friends of alcoholics.
Tradition Twelve reminds us that anonymity is the spiritual foundation of the program, placing “principles above personalities,” and Tradition Eleven protects the anonymity of individual members while ensuring the program remains visible to the public.
What does this mean when carrying the message publicly? Members may use full names within the fellowship, but in all forms of public media—press, radio, TV, films, and the internet—personal anonymity is maintained by using a first name and last initial, a pseudonym, or remaining completely anonymous. When working with professionals, members are encouraged to provide full names and contact details for credibility. In non-media settings, such as health fairs or community presentations, members may choose to use their full names if they feel comfortable doing so.
For more guidance, see Why Anonymity in Al‑Anon? (P‑33), Attracting and Cooperating (S‑40), and the “Anonymity” section of the “Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies” in the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P‑24/27).
The Forum, September 2026
“Inside Al-Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.