When you struggle with alcohol or drug addiction, you might go to great lengths to hide your problem. This can include drinking or doing drugs on the sly or lying to loved ones about taking these substances. While it’s understandable that you don’t want to worry your loved ones, it’s important to realize that being secretive about your addiction is preventing you from getting the help you need from a 12-step recovery program or another form of addiction recovery.
Why Do People Keep Secrets?
Those who struggle with addiction often keep this a secret for different reasons. Hiding this kind of problem allows them to continue drinking or taking drugs without anyone interfering or trying to stop them. Others are worried that admitting they have a problem will cause their loved ones to reject them or put friends and family members under a lot of stress. Some might not believe they truly have an addiction, although they’re aware enough to realize that loved ones might frown on their behavior. This causes them to drink or do drugs in secret and hide any evidence that they have a problem.
Do These Secrets Cause Harm?
Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying that “you’re only as sick as your secrets,” which calls attention to the importance of being honest about addiction. When it comes to drug or alcohol addiction, keeping secrets can be harmful. When you hide your problem from loved ones or even from yourself through self-deception, you’re making it harder for you to move toward sober living. In order to get help, you’ll need to admit you have a problem and be willing to turn to friends and family members for support. When you keep secrets about your addiction, your loved ones can’t provide you with the social support you need. You’ll also be much less likely to seek treatment through an addiction recovery program.
How Can I Stop Keeping Secrets?
The best way to stop being secretive about your addiction is to make a commitment to being honest. When you’re honest with yourself and with loved ones about your struggles, your chances of achieving sober living become much higher. You and your loved ones can work together to get you into a 12-step recovery program or another type of addiction recovery program, so you can get the help you need to lead a happy, healthy life.