In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), there is a principle of anonymity and confidentiality, which is highly valued within the organization. The general rule is that members are encouraged to share their experiences, struggles, and feelings openly with others in the group, but they are not required to disclose specific details about their past "sins" or wrongdoings.
The focus in AA is on acknowledging and accepting one's past mistakes and learning from them to work towards a better, sober future. The sharing is meant to create an atmosphere of understanding, support, and empathy among members. However, the level of disclosure is entirely up to the individual, and they are not obliged to share anything they are uncomfortable discussing.
Breaking the anonymity and confidentiality rules is generally discouraged, as it is seen as potentially harmful to the individual and the group as a whole. Sharing someone else's story without their consent can be detrimental to their recovery journey, and it goes against the principles of trust and respect that AA aims to foster.
Regarding starting over with sobriety, AA does not have a formal system of resetting or restarting one's progress. If a member relapses or struggles on their journey, the focus is on offering support, understanding, and encouragement to help them get back on track. Relapses are common in addiction recovery, and the AA community aims to be supportive rather than punitive.
It's important to note that while AA has helped many people with alcohol addiction, it is just one approach to recovery, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help from addiction counselors, therapists, or treatment centers can also be beneficial.