tsukiko--
I think you are right about having to go it alone makes it harder to be open to help later on.
My experience in 12-step programs has been different than most people here. I was discouraged from being open about my difficulties staying clean and now after years of staying silent about my struggle with addiction, I find I can only be honest online.
The idea of telling a living person that I sometimes have an urge to use is beyond me right now.