<p>how can alcohol anonymous group be anonymous?</p>
<p>From Wikipedia:</p>
<p>Anonymity
Originally anonymity was practiced as a result of the experimental nature of the fellowship and to protect members from the stigma of being seen as an alcoholic. The name Alcoholics Anonymous referred to the members, not to the message. If members made their membership in AA public and especially at the level of public media, then went out and drank again, it would not only harm the reputation of AA but threaten the very survival of the fellowship. Later, as a result of anonymity breaks in the public media by celebrity members of AA, Wilson determined that the deeper purpose of anonymity was to prevent alcoholic egos from seeking fame and fortune at AA expense.[70] Wilson also saw anonymity as a principle that would prevent members from indulging in ego desires that might actually lead them to drink again. Hence Tradition Twelve, which made anonymity a core spiritual requirement for AA.[71]</p>
<p>I would imagine part of it (especially the one starting on campus) is if a bunch of students come in and say they got wasted the night before, they won’t get in trouble.</p>