Telling Others About Your Addiction

1. Be careful: tell only those you trust. Addicts say that in deciding whether to tell someone, they key criterion is this: how do you trust that person?

2. Wait. Even after having decided to tell someone, take time to think over your decision before actually going through with it.

3. Know your motives. What payoffs do you seek? Do you want support or are you looking for approval?

4. Do it if you can help others with the same problem. Sharing with people who need to be in the program or who already are in the program helps them and the group as well as you yourself.

5. Remember, it is not necessary to tell many people at all. You don’t have to tell–even when people ask or pry.

6. You must tell your therapist, family and the people closest to you. It would be unfair to them if you did not share something this significant. Besides, these people are all vital to your healing process. You might consult your therapist about appropriate points to make in talking with your family and friends.

7. When in doubt, check with your sponsor and your group. They can provide the support you need to make safe decisions.

8. Mistakes will happen. All addicts tell someone they later wish they had not told. It is okay to make a mistake.