My esteemed colleagues: What are your thoughts that anonymity in self-help groups such as AA or NA encourages the ongoing stigma of addiction? Naturally, if someone has done something illegal, I fully understand the need for anonymity, but in cases where that is not the issue, what is your opinion?
Loretta Collins
Sound very intresting to me... on one hand, the self-help group can provide the participants the a self-place where they can share openly on their situation and found other people like them. i belive that such place can reduce self-stigma.
On the other hand, as you said, the anonymity could maybe enhance self-stigma..
Hi Loretta,
You asked an interesting question. Anonymity is one of the foundations of AA and other 12-Step groups as well as being part of the group’s names. Anonymity is a layer of safety for members, especially those with little sobriety. However, anonymity is not the same as denial or withdrawing from life. Long term sobriety can bring with it improvement in self-concept which may give the alcoholic the courage to appropriately self-disclose to friends and family. However, it is never appropriate to break the anonymity of anyone else. If someone in recovery feels comfortable self-disclosing their own addiction, it is likely that the stigma has become less important as the program becomes more important. An alcoholic does not hide behind a veil of anonymity to hide their addiction. There has always been a stigma with potentially real consequences (loss of friends, loss of job, etc.). Long-term recovery brings rewards which were earned. Stigma is out of a person’s control. Even in long-term recovery, stigma is a reminder of what things used to be like which can trigger a visceral response. Stigma and discrimination often go together. If a person believes that stigma is directed towards them, the ability to function at higher levels can be reduced.
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