Thanks for this, Taz.
When I began to admit to everyone around me that I was addicted and struggling to get off it, things changed. I spent my whole adult life hiding it and sneaking around to figure out ways to get my hands on my next fix. When I looked people in the eye and said I was working on my problem and I would get well - that's when things changed for me. It was so hard, though - I never wanted anyone to think badly of me - sad part is, they'd already been talking behind my back for a long time.
Now I'd like to try a meeting and actually - um - say something.