Having shame about my alcoholism hindered my recovery. Once I embraced it made it an integral part of my identity I was able to move on from my life as a drinker. That said I don't preach it and no one really knows unless they ask me but I feel so much better about myself knowing I'm an alcoholic instead of regretting it. I'm not saying you need to tell it on the mountain but if you hide it from others you can easily break your commitment.