Seven months into sobriety, I STILL haven't told my friends and family that I am an alcoholic - I have told only you nice people here at SR. But when I first FIGURED OUT that I am alcoholic is a few days into my sobriety, after reading so many of the posts here. I finally said to myself, "Hey, that is me". The realization, and acceptance, that I am an alcoholic is humbling, but it is also a big relief in a way. Knowing and accepting what the problem is has made dealing with it a lot less difficult.
Good luck, bonesofhope. I am glad you are here with us.