Being in recovery can be exciting, whether you are new to it or have been sober for years. However, knowing when or if you should begin sharing your sobriety with new people who enter your life can be challenging. Initiating the conversation can be difficult. Many may become uncomfortable with the topic if it is not something they have dealt with in the past. However, it does not always have to be an awkward conversation.
Sharing your sobriety with others is personal and something you should never feel pressured to do. However, sharing your story at the right place and the right time can be cathartic and help you bond with new people in your life. NorthStar Transitions can help you learn to navigate discussing your recovery with others. You can learn how to be comfortable, respond to complex reactions, and openly discuss why you do not drink or do drugs.
Being weary about telling others about your sobriety is normal, but harboring it like a secret can harm your long-term recovery. When we keep things secret — particularly things that trouble us — they fester and worsen. The only way to heal is by being open and honest about our struggles with ourselves and the people in our lives. That does not mean every new person you meet on the street has a right to know about your recovery. However, it does mean we must become more comfortable talking about it.
The most likely place you will begin sharing your sobriety is at a recovery meeting. Whether you attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or a different support group, sharing is part of the experience. The reason support group meetings are helpful is because you learn from the experiences of others. As time goes on, new individuals will learn from your experiences too. However, outside of a support group, it can be tough sharing your sobriety with new people for a number of reasons.
In hindsight, the risks of sharing your sobriety are limited. The most significant risk is not knowing how someone will react to your story. This is a common occurrence when individuals in recovery start dating. There is no sure way to know how your date will respond to the fact that you are in recovery. The hope is they will be compassionate and understanding, but as many of us know, that is not always the case.
Another risk is that you may experience stigmas or stereotypes. For instance, sharing your experience may cause people to treat you differently upon returning to work after treatment. Thankfully, federal laws can help protect jobs for individuals recovering from addiction. However, that does not change the ignorance of some people. Accepting these responses is an unfortunate reality, but that does not mean you can not use your story to change the hearts of these individuals.
Despite the fears and risks of sharing your story, there are several benefits. Sharing your sobriety is twofold. Not only does it help you, but it helps others. By sharing your recovery journey, you offer individuals new to recovery hope, motivation, and inspiration to seek or maintain their own sobriety. You may even become a sponsor or mentor to someone. However, sharing your story is cathartic to your process too.
You are not required to share your recovery upon meeting someone new, whether on a date, at work, or in a social setting. However, sharing offers an opportunity to bond with others. These bonds help widen your support network.
In addition to widening your support network, another advantage of sharing your story is that it keeps you accountable. When others know about your situation, it offers motivation to stay sober long-term.
Recovery does not have to become your entire identity but is a prominent part of you. That means it should be something you are comfortable sharing. But how can you become more comfortable discussing your sobriety?
Time in treatment is meant to prepare you for life afterward. That includes learning communication skills, especially in regard to sobriety. Here are some ways to become more comfortable sharing your recovery with new people today:
Becoming comfortable sharing your sobriety is a big step. For help taking that next step, contact NorthStar Transitions today.
Sharing your sobriety with others can be scary. There are unknowns about how people will react, the judgment you may face, and how these will impact your recovery. However, despite fears or potential risks of sharing your story, the benefits can be rewarding. Not only is it cathartic for you and can widen your support system, but it can help others new to recovery and help educate others and reduce the stigmas surrounding addiction recovery. Though it will be challenging initially, you can become more comfortable discussing addiction with the right communication skills and practicing in support group meetings. For help sharing your sobriety with others today, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400.
