When can I stop disclosing?
by Alissa
I have been in recovery for 5 years. At what point is it okay to quit disclosing my addiction as a prerequisite to a doctor, employer, etc. without feeling like a jerk.
I feel like it is a stigma and wonder if not disclosing is a desire for privacy or denial. :/
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Disclosure or Pricacy?
Congratulations on being in recovery for five years! The one thing about battling addiction is that once you come out of the other side of the tunnel, you are so much stronger than you were before. As for disclosure, if it is necessary and a requisite for a job, you may not have a lot of choice. As for your doctor, if it is a part of your medical history, then it’s history. I have not had a cigarette in 20 years, but I still consider myself a “smoker.” I don’t drink, but I have an enormous predisposition to drink far beyond excess. It’s part of my history. I don’t feel compelled to shout it out. There is a stigma attached to addiction/alcoholism. Recovery people are the greatest and it’s too bad the world doesn’t see that. If you’re a jerk, then I’m one too. |
