THE SOBER CLOSET
SHOULD I COME OUT?
You’re so very proud. You’re sober. It was hard getting there and staying there might very well be harder. But you’re sober. Your family is proud of you. And, perhaps a handful of close friends are too. But who else should know? Should you tell people at work? The neighbors? Should you just shout it to the world and post it? For many, this can be a really tough decision. Just the acknowledgment that you had a problem to begin with could be scary. Again, it’s a difficult decision and all of us need to work within our own comfort zones. But there are some pretty good reasons to come out of that sober closet if you’re interested in giving it a try.
Lifting the Weight. Carrying around such a secret can be taxing. You’ll drive yourself nuts wondering if that person knows, or this person suspects. Did they find out I went to rehab? Will someone see me heading into my AA meeting? At the end of the day we are who we are. Shame and guilt suck and you don’t need it. Isn’t it time to breathe again?
You’re Not Alone. When you open up about your recovery, you may very well be opening up to people you might never have suspected have shared your experience. Obviously, 12 step and therapy groups are great places to commune with others also in sobriety. But what about those you never knew have been there? What about your favorite childhood cousin who is now reaching out to tell you his story? Maybe you never suspected he had a problem. Maybe there is an old roommate you lost touch with who also found his or her into addiction and would like to lend support? There could be a lot of folks out there you know who might also be in the same addiction boat as you are.
You’re An Example. You yourself, like it or not, can serve as an example. By coming clean about your addiction and your recovery you could be an inspiration to others. One reason those in AA take those chips is to let others see that they too can get sober and live better.
And For You, I Have Iced Tea! Wouldn’t it be nice to go to a party or concert or ballgame without having people trying to get you to drink or use with them? If they know you are sober, and serious about it, problem solved. It might be surprising to know how many people will want to respect your sober boundaries and have some iced tea around just for you.
And when you’ve emerged from the sober closet, you’ve created a little army of recovery soldiers who will be there for you when times get tough, craving gets strong or temptation comes knocking. Use that support. That’s what they’re there for.
From your friends at www.commonbondrehabcenter.com and www.just4usgirls.net. Santa Clarita, CA.