Our mission at One Day at a Time is to reduce substance abuse. We believe there is more than one road to recovery, and, generally speaking, we support whatever works.
We rely heavily on testimonials to make the case that recovery is something to be embraced not feared. Testimonials are a powerful tool, probably a little more so when full names are used.
To varying degrees, anonymity is always a factor, and we do not publish any testimonial without first reviewing it with the author and getting approval to proceed with a full name or first name and initial. We discourage the use of names of other people in testimonials and do not publish unsigned testimonials.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) stresses the need for anonymity in its 12 traditions. This has come to mean using first name and initial when members speak about an association with AA—i.e. “my name is Tom S. and I’m a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.” Use of the full name is acceptable when there is no reference to AA. Most people have many associations and as citizens are free to put their full name on any document they choose.
Celebrate Recovery, a rapidly expanding Christ-centered 12-Step program, aggressively promotes recovery to those who seek it, and putting a name on it, some feel, adds power. Still, some may prefer just first name and initial, and that’s okay.
As for the secular world, many universities are doing groundbreaking work on studies of the brain that will help in the treatment of addiction. Anonymity is not usually an issue in this area and is addressed on a case-by case basis.
We should also point out that One Day at a Time is not liable for any adverse personal experience a visitor to this site may have as a result of their choices. We are simply providing an easy place for our visitors to do their research. That said, we do pray for everyone’s recovery.
