As I understand artists like Eminem and many others, who have been part of AA, they go to the meetings, and talk their story. Share their experiences and etc.
I understand many of them are already public but still I am sure they share some sensitive stories there.
Of course in AA everyone is a friendly family community, but how is it possible that people don’t gossip about stuff after? Especially having a celebrity on their meeting?
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The clue is in the name – alcoholics *anonymous*. It’s a sort of unwritten rule that what’s said in that safe space, stays in that safe space.
If you’re part of the club, you’re part of the club. There is no hierarchy in AA, there *is* anonymity, and generally, if you have chosen to participate in AA, you have eaten a serving or two of humble pie, and you respect the stories and anonymity of your peers.
I imagine people do get their stories leaked occasionally, but some of the fundamentals of AA are anonymity and not bringing information that you hear in the room out of it.
I am currently 7 months sober and attended a meeting last year when I was trying to quit, and just so happened that a current famous movie actor was in that meeting too. He never announced who he was or anything, but he definitely did not shy away from sharing his personal story.
I don’t share his name or story out of respect for him and the program, and I imagine most other people are the same way.
Honestly- there are also non sanctioned AA meetings where approved guests are able to attend. These meetings are often with high profile persons and celebrities. There are meetings like this in Palm Beach FL for example.
Edit: Source- Someone I knew went to said meetings. Thx 4 the upvotes. First post that took me out of lurking 🤣
A core part of AA is never revealing other members identities. Hence why you may often hear “my name is [first name] and I’m an alcoholic” but never last names.
It’s like fight club!
What’s the first rule of fight club?
There is also something to consider, AA is not the only addiction treatment option and those who wish to make such a change in their life may choose to go to therapists or in-patient centers for treatment.
While everyone would be welcome at an AA meeting, it may pose a threat to the anonymity of other members and draw unwanted attention to the group. So a person wanting the group therapy experience may need to work things out first.
Not all AA or other 12 step meetings are “open” in the traditional sense. There are meetings that aren’t publicized and essentially invite only. If you’re a famous person who is publicly trying to get sober or coming out of fancy rehab, another famous person will invite you to a meeting that isn’t advertised. I know a number of sober politicians and they have their own meetings that aren’t advertised to the general public.
Edit: totally forgot about that west wing episode! But, yeah, that’s real! I work with a recovery community center (not the same as 12 steps but still about helping folks live without substances) and we have some big wigs on the board who talk about their membership in a “secret club” and how Bill W saved them. They don’t make their meeting public but make that they go to meetings public. I will say, if anyone reading this is trying to get sober, AA is not the only option and different groups have different vibes. A recovery community center has more options and is always a good place to start.
When you’re in AA, you come to view everyone else in AA as just another alcoholic. All the traditions of the fellowship underscore this idea. It’s why everyone introduces themselves by saying “My name is X, and I am an alcoholic.” Who you are outside the rooms is meaningless inside — and what you say in the rooms stays there.
Famous people in AA can’t really hide their identity. People know who they are. But it just … doesn’t matter. Their story isn’t yours to tell, and you wouldn’t imagine sharing it outside the rooms. You just _wouldn’t._ If you’re the kind of person who would go around violating people’s anonymity and repeating what you heard in the meetings, you’re just not going to be in AA in the first place.
Private substance abuse treatment for the wealthy is very available. You can be ‘in AA’ and not have to go to a meeting with randos.
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