Should I tell my partner or friend I am a recovering addict?
24 Answers
Moderated by Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona
Updated: Sep 7, 2021
Anonymous
on
Nov 4, 2014
...read more
Every situation is unique, and I can only share my personal experience. That said, I am pretty open about the fact that I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. I don't think it's anything to be ashamed of, and I would rather people in my life know this fundamental thing about me. (It also avoids potentially awkward situations like someone offering me a drink.) People who would take issue with me doing the right thing and treating my disease of addiction are not the sort of folks I wish to be around today.
Dealing with alcohol or drug abuse?
Anonymous
on
Jan 2, 2015
...read more
If you feel that you should, just make sure that its at the appropriate time. Recovery is something to be proud of and should not be "shelved" as something to hide, its an accomplishment, a sigh of strength and not weakness.
Chiri
on
Oct 3, 2014
...read more
Being honest will take a huge weight of off your shoulders. You will feel better after this. You won't have the feeling that you keep something hidden.
SaraC13
on
Oct 31, 2014
...read more
Do whatever feels right for you at the moment just know that your past addiction does not define you.
JesseyJo
on
Nov 8, 2014
...read more
Yes, most definitely. It is always good to admit you're a recovering addict. If you can admit it, then you are definitely going down the right path. Never be ashamed. You recovered for a reason, and that is a huge change. Never be afraid to admit your biggest problems.
Inara92
on
Nov 7, 2014
...read more
Being honest about your addiction can make some situations less difficult to you, you could explain your triggers and create a more safe environment. nonetheless if you don't feel comfortable talking about it know that how much of yourself you decide to share it's only up to you!
ImperfectlyPerfect
on
Nov 10, 2014
...read more
Sometimes, honesty is really the best policy. No one can help you recover unless they know your struggles.
CMThornRose
on
Nov 11, 2014
...read more
It'd be best to be honest from the beginning as it won't confuse things later on. Either way it is more than likely to come out and if you keep it locked up it'll effect you in a very negative way.
leahlistens2
on
Feb 15, 2016
...read more
Part of recovery is having a support system. If you think it will help you on your path to recovery, Let people in to that world and allow them to help you stay on track.
amazingRainfall28
on
Feb 21, 2017
...read more
That is a very personal decision which in reality only you can answer.
Looking at the pro's and cons of telling them.
Why you would tell them?:Wanting to be honest. Having them their as support and ensuring they understand your situation. Beimg accepted for who you are.
Why wouldn't you tell them? : fear of being judged. People acting differently around you. Not wanting the pressure of others knowing incase you have a slip up.
Being honest with yourself about your reasons is very important when coming making this decision.
Honesty is really important in healthy relationships and you deserve to be accepted for who you are.
bouncyMist58
on
Nov 14, 2014
...read more
I think you should be open with your partner and friends about it....otherwise they may tempt you and not even mean to.
Lucipurroxie
on
Dec 24, 2014
...read more
I think being honest in any relationship is the most core building block to having a trusting relationship. Secrets can hardly stay secret for long.
joyfulForest37
on
Dec 24, 2014
...read more
this is totally your own choice.. but.. If your partner is your soul mate etc it may be they can give vital support to you if you need it , I know first hand that it was probably the best this thing i did though that is just me. Trusting somebody is very much a vital part of recovering and can help you trust yourself in making descisions later in life down the road
Anonymous
on
Apr 16, 2015
...read more
Yes you should always let someone know whom you are involved with you are a recovering addict. They need to know so they don't put you in situations that you could be triggers for you. That's being responsible for you own sobriety and staying accountable.
TheFilipinoHeart
on
Aug 10, 2015
...read more
Of course. You don't want to hide something very important to those guys right? I mean, you trust them and it's part of your relationship that no secrets are to be made.
Yahaans
on
Oct 26, 2015
...read more
Well usually it might be best to. Keeping a secret like that with your friend or partner might lead to a bigger problem later on. It might depend on your certain situation, but it seems for the most part, it is more risky to hide that your a recovering addict then to just tell them. It really does depend on your friend or partner too. In most cases they might find it ok. But I guess people can be difficult, different, and unpredictable, so you might have to be the judge of that. But overall, I think it's much better to tell them because it can create trust issues if you don't.
Anonymous
on
Nov 3, 2015
...read more
Yes! If you trust these people I feel it's best to talk about it so they can help you with your recovery, or at the very least, not put you in any kinda of situation where you may relapse.
Wishish
on
Feb 16, 2016
...read more
Absolutely,Honest is the best way to handle this. Giving someone the knowledge that they deserve, so they can make the decision,if they would like to continue the relationship.
StayStrongNeverLoseHope
on
Mar 28, 2016
...read more
You can tell whoever you like if you feel up for it, No one needs to know your business unless you think that person deserves to know.
UntilThen
on
Aug 8, 2017
...read more
If you would like them to help you with your feelings or you would like to open up then yes of course you should. But also know that you have no obligation to talk about it and if you don't want to share you don't have to.