I can only speak for my experience, and that it was an arduous process breaking through the denial, for my RAH and myself.
Then you have the guilt. Oh my heavens the guilt (or should I capitalize it?) in all the stories I hear in open AA meetings.
Denial is such a warm comfy place...letting go of it is a painful process.
Doesn't necessarily mean you are in for bad times, just that the process itself of seeking and succeeding in recovery is a roller-coaster ride of a different flavor.
That's why we F&F'ers have our own program...don't hesitate to give Al-Anon a try. Was a sanity-saver for me!
Take care, and welcome to SR. Keep coming back!
~T