It's kind of ironic because I was in such denial and very ignorant about addiction. I thought I didn't know anyone who was an addict. I knew a few people I assumed had "drinking problems."
At one point, I had such shame about our "little secret." What I have discovered over and over again is addiction has long tentacles. Once I was began being honest with myself and then others, I realized I had yet to meet a person unaffected by addiction, in one form or another. Very sad but very real.
And for those who judge or gossip....are most likely the ones hiding the biggest secrets of all. IMO