The journey to recovery is long and you will likely encounter many challenges along the way. However, not everyone is entitled to know that you are in recovery, regardless of how genuine and well-meaning they may seem. In this piece, we’ll look at people you should tell about your recovery journey. More specifically, we consider the following:
- Whom should you tell
- The best time to disclose such information
- When to Keep it to yourself
Whom should you tell?
Family
Your family is probably the first group of people who noticed something wrong with you. You may have amends you need to make up for, and sharing your recovery journey with them would be best.
Lover/ person you are dating
An older couple might not have an issue opening up and telling their partners about their recovery process. The other partner is usually the main driving force behind their decision to quit their addictive habits. For new couples, it would be wise to share the information with them and hope they will be understanding and helpful. When getting to know each other, you cannot predict their course of action, but it would be best to let them make an informed decision on whether or not to continue with the relationship.
Colleagues/Co-workers
Most people prefer keeping their social and work lives separate. However, the two can crossover in different situations, such as a work party or retreat. You can decide to refrain from saying anything or turn them down with a simple “I’m not drinking tonight.” It won’t work every time, so you gauge who would be best to share such information with depending on your colleagues. If something feels off, it would be best to trust your gut and keep such information to yourself.
Friends
Some of our friends can even count as family. Most of them probably even knew you had a problem, and it might not be a big surprise if you decide to tell them. For newer friends, you might not know that well, be patient and don’t over-divulge if you decide to share such information. Just inform them that you are in recovery from your addiction.
The best time to disclose such information
Depending on your relationship with the people around you, you must gauge when to divulge such personal information. You must also know how much to say and what to leave out. When it comes to family, full disclosure might be the best option. Inform them as soon as possible as, most times, they are the ones who will probably be at your side all through the journey. If you are dating someone, inform them early on in the relationship. It would seem deceitful to tell them of your recovery much later when you’ve already gotten to know each other quite well. Old-time friends are also a reliable group to whom you can disclose small bits of information at a time. Questions are bound to rise. Answer if you want to, but do not compromise if you are not ready yet. When it comes to the workplace, you can inform your boss or supervisor as you may need their approval to go for meetings and recovery sessions. For your colleagues, only share when you are ready.
When to Keep it to yourself
- Do not go off trying to fix addicts. People don’t like being told. Such a journey is personal so let them make their own decision.
- New acquaintances are pleasant since they don’t know about your past, but oversharing and giving them such information might not be the best idea.
- In the first stages of a relationship, it would be best to keep the information to yourself. Not everyone is open-minded, so it would be best to understand their views in life before disclosing your recovery.
- When you get that gut feeling, remain quiet.
If you feel that you need help to recover from your addiction, you can always call our number 844-844-3463. Our counselors are available 24/7 and will be willing to help you anytime.