confessions

[greeneyes]

I find them to be quite difficult. At first. Then cathartic. Green bean fessed up yet again. It is so comforting to do that and have support on the other end. I have yet to experience anything else. I am grateful for that when I tell my friends.

[AlwaysWishing]

confessions

Me too! It is strange that telling others has not yet been the bad experience I had built it up as being. The support is amazing, especially when you slip and they are still there, picking you back up.

I'm so glad you've had good experiences with telling others! I read in some psychology book somewhere that the more social connections we develop, the more likely we are to have success. Not just with addictions but with other anti social behaviors.

It's wonderful that you sound so positive!

[Dolly Sunshine]

confessions

They are very difficult. You are not alone.

[tlrgs]

confessions

doesnt it feel good . good for you. keep it up you are getting there

[tea]

confessions

I found that I had to be very careful who I fessed up to about this, yes my true friends have been supportive although still a little wary (?), one person at work I told looked absolutely gleeful, I could see it in her eyes that she possibly 'had' something on me. Mostly support though but as with everything else I feel I have to proove myself and my dignity and soberness is really annoying to some !!!! Just a wee cautionary tale to you that not everyone out there will be in your corner although of course I hope they are.

Lx

[Dolly Sunshine]

confessions

tea;292258 wrote: I found that I had to be very careful who I fessed up to about this, yes my true friends have been supportive although still a little wary (?), one person at work I told looked absolutely gleeful, I could see it in her eyes that she possibly 'had' something on me. Mostly support though but as with everything else I feel I have to proove myself and my dignity and soberness is really annoying to some !!!! Just a wee cautionary tale to you that not everyone out there will be in your corner although of course I hope they are.

Lx

OMG!!! A person at work who I told was oh so supportive...but he had the gleeful look in his eyes. Now even after months if I have an allergy attack or don't sleep well he sends me an email asking if I'm drinking again. It's hard with alcoholism...if you have cancer and are in remission and you look bad people don't assume you have cancer back. With drinking if someone knows it is their first thought that you are drinking again. You are always having to prove yourself.

[greeneyes]

confessions

Oh no. uh- uh. I'm talking VERY close personal friends (3) and my sister. And the guy at the gym, who has to know in order to help me. And we discussed confidentiality. My MD doesn't even know. That must really feel along the lines of betrayal. To put ourself out there and continue to be judged. :upset:

[livingfree]

confessions

same

I agree with Tea - I told a handful of people some very personal information - they used it against me later when they needed amino - not that we want to be "closed" - but do be careful - Very close trusted sources only.

Looken' good out there Beaner

[Dolly Sunshine]

confessions

I'm very proud of you Greenie.

[greeneyes]

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I felt uncomfortable for a moment there. Began to fret. But I know these people will respect my confidentiality and support me (as MWO friends do) and that is the only thought I will send to the universe. And it will be so.

[livingfree]

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Oh beaner - sorry

It shall stand!! Didn't want to worry you beaner - I was just taking a trip down memory lane --- sorry I'm back!

[Lefty]

confessions

Good for you, greenie. When I told hubby I was going to rehab, he was so relieved. But I have told almost no one. I haven't told my mom (she lives in another state) because she has been in and out of rehab countless times. She doesn't drink but takes multiple psychoactive drugs which she thinks are just fine because her doctor prescribes them. She can't get through the day without xanax. If I were to tell her, I'd have to hear endless rehashes of her fights with addiction. I don't have the energy to make my struggle become all about HER.

I have two close friends that I told..both heavy drinkers...one is a full blown alcoholic and not functioning very well. She was MAD at me. She hasn't spoken to me since I told her two weeks ago. Intellectually, I get it...she's losing a drinking buddy and my facing up to the problem makes her have to think about her own. But emotionally, it feels like abandonment. My other friend was very supportive and loving..but alas...she is in Australia.

[greeneyes]

confessions

Lefty, I recall one time a close friend told me another friend went to stay with a sick relative or something like that. A long time later that friend who was missing in action told me about rehab which is where she really was. It's sad we have to bear the shame on top of the addiction. Smokers get rounds of aplause and we get odd looks. Or so it seems to me. Except for this site and some special people in my life. Best of luck to you girlie! :goodjob: AND the first friend (who is one of my best friends) was upset and when I put it together, it was about loosing a drinking buddy. I tried to tell her I was having a problem and she did her best to discount my concerns. Not to discredit her friendship, but I don't see her very much any more and it makes me sad. Birds of a feather flock together as my mom used to say. I'm trying to learn how to fly again. You will too.