Why is it called ___ annonymous?

Question

Like they call it 'alcoholic annonymous', 'narcotics annonymous', 'gamblers annonymous' and etc.

I mean when you stand up you say "hi my name is (insert name) and I'm an alcoholic" How annonymous is that? LOL

Answer 1

You don't even have to give your real name if you don't want to.

You are not required to sign in, or make yourself or your life made public.

You have complete control over how much, if any, of your life you want to disclose.

You are offered total anonymity. Which means it is all kept confidential.

Answer 2

Because your name is never given to anyone who is not there. People you know never learn that you go to the meetings.

Answer 3

You would have to attend a meeting to see the power of it. Some people you don't know all meet in a church basement or a empty shop, and one my one, they say," Hi, I'm Jim/Jane/George/Sally, and I'm a alcoholic/codependent/drug addict". Meetings have different formats, but we share our experience, strength and hope to help ourselves and others in recovery.

Answer 4

Like many of the previous answerers said, they don;t give last names. However, it's also because of the confidentiality. Basically, anything said in the meeting isn't spoken of outside the meating.

Answer 5

I guess its annonymous because you don't say your last name. And I don't think you have to stand up and say your name at all???

Answer 6

Because it's supposed to be like Vegas "what happens here, stays here"

Answer 7

They dont publish membership lists.

Answer 8

You don't say your last name and you don't give any information. Unless you want to give a first name. And you can't track anyone with only a first name.

Answer 9

cause you dont give your last name. ;)