When I talk to my friends about why I don't drink, I have found that with a lot of them, I tell them it's because of my seizure medication, which I started around the time that I quit. I justify it by saying that I'm not lying...I mean, I'm not supposed to drink while taking them. But, still, I feel rather secretive. Are you all up front with everyone, telling them about your addiction?
Hi there. Before I moved away, the whole town, literally, already knew why I'd quit drinking, so that was easy for me.
In a new town, making new friends---I shared with those I trusted, and told others I had allergies to alcoholic drinks. As time has gone by, if it even comes up at all, I tell people I simply cannot drink because drinking causes me to travel long distances...
My feelings are that you do whatever makes you comfortable. It really isn't anyone else's business. I'm old enough, I ceased worrying about others opinions in that area, but it did matter to me when I was still young. It's like, if I was diabetic, I wouldn't tell everyone that I gave myself daily shots, unless I was close enough to them that it mattered. So do what your heart tells you. Often, people who have known you for a while may already know and not need to be told. Anonymity is just that. Do what is kind to yourself. Wren
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"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
I have only told a few of my close friends that I go to AA. To everybody else I have told them that I'm not drinking because I have developed an allergy to alcohol. It was slightly difficult at first as a lot of people knew that I was a 'heavy drinker', but at the end of the day it is my decision and it's what I feel comfortable with.
I know some people in AA who are very honest and up-front about being alcoholics. and I know some folk who don't tell people except their closest friends. It has to be what you feel happy with saying to people as it is your recovery.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
In the beginning of my sobriety I told no one about AA. If I needed to get out of someone offering me a drink, I said, "thanks, no. Doctor's orders" (DR. Bob that is) with a grin.
Over a year later, there have been some I've told, but in the last 5 yrs of my drinking career I pretty much gave up all my friends & the ones I still hung out with were only "drinking buddies" not folks I'd spend time without drinking ( raising my bottom there).
I don't hide it, but I dont' advertise it either. I think anyone who knows me and has 1/2 a brain could easily put 2&2 together.
You do & say what makes you comfortable. I don't think anywhere in the BB it says we have to tell anyone?!
-- Edited by Doll at 08:04, 2006-08-19
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
raising my bottom there). 