Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.
The most powerful attraction to 12-Step recovery is those successfully staying clean and sober as a result of the program. People stand up and take notice when they see people with drinking and drug problems get clean and sober and change into contributing members of society. These successful individuals follow a similar path that includes attending meetings regularly, getting and using a sponsor, and working the 12 Steps. Beyond remaining abstinent they also try to help others find recovery and strive to live life on a spiritual basis. We want the public to respect 12-Step programs and view them as a resource to recover from alcohol and drug use problems. Tradition 11 teaches us that we can’t make promises or promotional claims about the 12 Steps or present ourselves as representatives of 12-Step recovery. A temptation once getting clean and sober is to announce to the world this good news. We can certainly feel proud of ourselves and acknowledge these life-changing accomplishments. Most people are not impressed that we stopped doing something that they view as maladaptive behavior to begin with. From my point of view, I finally reached a point in life where I successfully stopped drinking or drugging and consider this fact my greatest achievement. This miracle happened thanks to the !2 Step program and a lot of help I received from other people just like me. By practicing Tradition 11 and personal anonymity, I can set aside my desire for recognition and approval of others for my success.