The word anonymity means namelessness and the
principle behind the word is selflessness. The purpose of
anonymity is to ensure that the spirit of the many prevails
over the selfishness and self-will of the individual.
Anonymity prevents anyone from becoming known as the
spokesperson or leader of MA. There is no room for
rationalizing that we are doing MA a great service by
breaking our anonymity.
Humility expressed by anonymity is the greatest
protection our fellowship has. The spirit of anonymity
means that we give up any desire we have for personal
recognition. We have learned that the price of spirituality
and serenity is self-sacrifice.
As individuals, we had to change our behavior and
give up our old ideas in order to recover. We had to
sacrifice marijuana. We had to let go of our “ISMs” — I,
Self, and Me. We had to learn humility and give up pride.
Then we gave time and energy to carry the message of
recovery to other marijuana addicts.
Groups must also make sacrifices to survive, just as
individuals do. The Twelve Traditions are a list of the
sacrifices we make in order to preserve the unity of the
society. We have to keep in mind that 100% anonymity is
as vital to the life of MA as being 100% clean is to the life
of the individual member.
Anonymity is not intended to keep us from
identifying ourselves publicly as marijuana addicts,
provided we are guided by the Eleventh Tradition. Nor is it
intended to prevent us from avoiding the stigma that may be
associated with that label. We have learned that there is
nothing shameful about being addicts who accept our
disease honestly and continue to take positive action
towards recovery.
In fact, many people find their way to our program
because they are attracted to the positive changes they have
witnessed in their friends who are members of MA. These
people learn of us through conversations with members.
Some meetings are even open to people who are not
addicted to marijuana so they can see what MA is all about.
Within the fellowship, anonymity is also necessary;
we must take special care to remember the adage, “What is
said here stays here.” When we allow discussion outside of
the meetings about another member’s intimate secrets, trust
will be lost because that story is being circulated throughout
the community.
Discussing identities and the contents of stories
outside meeting rooms is gossip. By engaging in gossip we
turn our focus away from the principles of the program and
instead focus on the personalities involved. This derails our
quest for serenity. What we receive from stories are not the
specific details of each other’s history but the experience,
strength, and hope each of us has gained from our separate
journeys in recovery.
We cannot afford to alienate members. When
someone comes to Marijuana Anonymous they are often
attracted by the word “Anonymous.” Knowing anonymity
will be respected helps the newcomer make a commitment
to recovery.
Putting principles before personalities means that we
listen to God’s will for us and do what is right no matter
who is involved. We practice the spiritual principles of
honesty, humility, compassion, tolerance, and patience with
everyone, whether we like them or not. Anonymity in
action makes it impossible for personalities to come before
principles because our spiritual foundation becomes more
important than our individual egos.
