Why I break my anonymity?

by

Jeffrey Taylor

I am often asked by radio/TV hosts and press professionals on why I break my anonymity in promoting my book, A Gentleman Drunk, and my life as a recovering alcoholic. To understand the issues, one has to go back to the original concept fostered by the AA founders, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob, in 1935.

In Alcoholics Anonymous, I learned very quickly that "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all Our traditions, ever reminding us to place Principles Before Personalities." And, for many years I stayed anonymous, until a friend of mine died and I could not reach him at his deathbed because I did not know his last name. From that point on, I questioned the value of Anonymity in this era of the Internet.

My research indicates that Bill W. broke his anonymity in the late 30s when he felt that it was good for the group. AA did not agree with him and Bill eventually went back to keeping his full name out of the press.

Bill W., at a national conference, said, "It should be the privilege of each individual AA to cloak himself with as much personal anonymity as he desires. His fellow AAs should respect his wishes and help guard whatever status he wants to assume"

My two sponsors, one in Arizona and one in Utah, tell me that it is O.K. for me to break my anonymity but not break someone else's. Since I am in the public eye with my books and websites, I prefer to let people know that I am a recovering alcoholic and that I can help them and their friends. This way I am always open and honest about myself and do not have to remember who I told about my battle with alcoholism.

My wife, Toby, is a member of Al-anon and I tell her to tell people about our life so that they too can talk to people who are dealing with the same issues that we do as husband and wife.

I never charge for my time and do not make any money from my willing to help others. The only cost is $10 for my book, A Gentleman Drunk, which covers my printing, distribution and shipping costs.

I attribute my sobriety to a variety of programs and do not rely totally on AA principles to keep me sober. I do not speak on behalf of AA nor wish to say that they are the only way to recover and live with alcoholism. I acknowledge that they were the first program and more than 160 programs have developed as a result of their God-inspired wisdom.

To each his own.