The “I’m sober” Convo

What were some avenues y’all used to tell your peeps about your newfound sobriety? Did you tell everyone you know at first? Just friends/family? I’m not concerned about anybody’s judgement, I just want to make sure it’s not an alienating conversation for either party involved. Thanks in advance!

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I find this to be a very personal decision. I have taken the approach to tell almost everyone. I even tell people who don’t know me well. I do this because 1) it helps keep me honest about myself, 2) you never know who you can help by sharing your story and 3) I hope to be able to do my part to help slowly change the stigma associated with alcoholics and addicts. However, I know many people who keep it to themselves for fear of judgement. I don’t think there is a right or wrong but I do think that if you elect to tell people, their view of you does not define you. Their perception is their problem.

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I lost all my friends in the process of me becoming sober. Nobody is left. My parents are still by me, and support me, but they kind of always had to…

One piece of advice I would recommend is at least with family being sure to tell everyone or ensure that some family members won't continue to share it with others without asking you first. My parents were the first to know about my sobriety mainly because they witnessed my rock bottom and my mom took it upon herself to start sharing that news with other members of the family without my knowledge until it got to the point where I was finally ready to tell people but didn't know who in the family knew vs who didn't. Friends were much easier and very accepting of the process. As far as work, I usually keep it to myself mainly because I never felt very comfortable sharing that much with an employer but besides work I am at the point where I will usually tell anyone especially if it could potentially help them

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I told friends and bluntly asked them to not tell my story to strangers that helped

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Most of the people in my life were relieved! :crazy_face:

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I never told any one cause it was my problem my struggles. And that to me is personal. Understand that yes your doing a good thing and people will root for you for making that choice. I did not want any one to know I had a problem. Many don’t understand and will use it and hold it against you. So it’s only my advise I only tell dose closer to you boyfriend husband mom dad. People you make contact on a day by day bases and care and love you. Every one else you can simply say I no thanks I’m good if they offer. With no explanation or get into details.

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Yeah Andrew I feel stopping for me his having a couple instead of a 12 pack or more not everyday I drink maybe now twice a month I don't get drunk though I'm thinking right now I should quit cuz I really don't need it it's just that bad side of me I was telling me in my head the voices I'm having a hard time with him right now

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There are 3 people that know I don't drink. I don't actively hide it, I just don't mention it. Nobody asks why I'm not drinking or any of that stuff anymore. Benefit of being in my 30s now, I guess.

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