Letter sent to Alcoholics Anonymous – January 22, 2015
Dear [AA],
We thank AA for granting permission to Compulsive Eaters Anonymous-HOW for use of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of Service with the appropriate disclaimer (AA Literature Policy July 1998). We appreciate your generosity and respect the guidelines for use contained in your letter.
We are frequently asked by our members whether in reading AA literature a substitution of words is permissible, i.e., substituting the words “compulsive eater” for “alcoholic” or “compulsive eating” for “alcohol ” when reading Chapter Five at the beginning of a meeting or when reading from the Big Book or 12&12 in book study meetings We interpret the intent of your July 17, 1998, letter as a request not to verbally use such substitutions. However, we would appreciate clarification from AA in writing on this point to assist our fellowship in respecting AA’s position. May we have permission to adapt and to recite adapted AA literature in our meetings and special events?
CEA-HOW World Service Office
Response from Alcoholics Anonymous
January 23, 2015
The answer to your question, unfortunately, is no, you may not have permission to adapt and to recite adapted AA literature in your meetings and special events.
Sincerely,
Darlene G. Smith
Intellectual Property Administrator
A.A. World Services, Inc.