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Talking about recovery can be stressful. The anxiety produced by stigmas surrounding words like “addiction” or “recovery” can make even bringing up the topic intimidating. However, talking about the stresses and progress that someone is making is crucial at any phase of the process. Learning who to tell about one’s recovery and how much information is appropriate for each person can be a delicate process. Talking about recovery will always be up to the individual who is going through the process themselves. They cannot only decide when and how to bring up the topic, but they can also choose for themselves who they are willing to discuss it with and what social circles may not benefit from knowing about their situation. Having several trusted individuals to discuss recovery with is essential, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has to know everything, or anything, if it may not benefit the situation.
The Decision is Always Up to You
While families and loved ones may already know about one’s recovery from the beginning, telling new parties is always up to the individual. For some, telling others about their recovery early on can help set expectations and avoid difficult situations from a lack of knowledge, such as being offered a beer on game night. Others may find stress in talking about the subject and may only want to address it if necessary to help quell continuing pressures or stresses. This approach may be used by those who wish to establish a relationship looking forward and avoid feeling like their past actions judge them. Either way, the decision is always up to each person, as is how much information someone decides to divulge. Just because someone has decided to talk about their recovery doesn’t mean that every detail must be explained. Even a passing mention can be enough to remove one’s self from a difficult situation.
Benefits of Avoiding the Conversation
In recovery, it is vital to have numerous support systems that both know of one’s journey through recovery and any daily trials or goals that they may have for themselves. However, there can also be benefits from avoiding a conversation about one’s recovery, provided that they have already established other outlets for their stresses. Avoiding the conversation and beginning new friendships or joining social circles can help someone prove the extent of their progress. By avoiding one’s past, they can better judge themselves and their relationships on their present self. Not only can this be a significant step in recognizing one’s self-worth, but it can also be a validating moment of their new sober identity outside of the recovery sphere. This approach can further help someone detach themselves from their past and instill the confidence needed to continue looking towards a bright, transforming future.
Families and Regular Supports
Families and loved ones may already be aware of the difficulties that recovery presents. However, sharing in both the struggles and successes of one’s recovery frequently can be very beneficial. Talking about recovery isn’t something that only happens once, and having a consistent outlet of supportive people can help someone track their progress. Discussing recovery can help each person work with their supports to modify traditions or practices as they continue to fine-tune their recovery. It is essential that someone have a safe space and trusted loved ones to share the more intimate details of recovery. While someone may not share this information with everyone, families, regular supports, and those in recovery themselves can all benefit from consistent and clear communication about one’s progress, as well as their struggles.
Going Out with New Friends
Going out with friends, even ones that someone had made outside of the recovery sphere, is still an essential part of recapturing one’s identity going forward. However, when going out, at least one other person present must be aware of one’s recovery to a certain degree. For some, this can mean bringing established support to social gatherings, while others may choose to confide a bit of information to newfound colleagues. Having in-person support during potentially stressful times can help sobriety remain at the forefront of someone’s mind and make tackling unforeseen stressors easier with the knowledge of a safety net to fall back on. These supports don’t need to know every detail of one’s recovery unless someone is more comfortable providing context, but telling someone about their recovery during high-risk times can make all the difference.
Talking about recovery is hard, but having the right supports to talk to can provide a much-needed feeling of safety through recovery. If you or a loved one struggles with an addiction and is ready to start talking about and taking control of your future, START UP RECOVERY can help you today. Your stay in our luxurious transformation living centers can be personalized to help you address your recovery intimately and effectively, all while providing a robust schedule of proven therapeutic approaches and life skills. Professionals, peers, and mentors all work in tandem to create a plan that highlights your strengths while also helping you confront your vulnerabilities. Your stay with us goes beyond sobriety and towards transforming your identity and setting your goals for the future. For more information on the various ways to create a plan for yourself or speak to a caring, trained staff member about your unique situation, call us today at (310) 773-3809.