Anonymity is a basic precept of twelve step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. At the close of many meetings of these groups, which are aimed at freeing people of addictions, the people present say together Who you see here, What you hear here, let it stay here. Of course, there is less than perfect adherence to this ideal, but for the most part, anonymity is respected.
Maintaining anonymity in addiction recovery programs serves several purposes. In the first place, it allows newcomers to feel more confident that their addiction problem isn't going to become public knowledge. Also, by insisting on anonymity, no one member of the fellowship can become an "AA spokesman" or a public member of Narcotics Anonymous. This helps keep egos in check and keeps individual members from gaining too much power.