FCErikaMc

I am anxious to tell my family that I decided to be sober ... I would love their support. I am just afraid they won't believe me because I said once before I was going to quit drinking and I lasted for only 4 months. Do I wait until I've been sober for a substantial amount of time to tell them, or do I just tell them now? Hmm...

MemphisBlues

Telling family members can be hard. since you told them once before and chalked up four months of sober time, maybe now is a good time to share that's a struggle?

Sometimes admitting we have a problem as opposed to boasting that we are licking the problem is a good way to ask for help.

Don't look at picking up again after four months as a defeat, but rather a small win on the battlefield. This is, for sure, a powerful malady we share.

I couldn't do it on my own. I had to be brought to my knees by addiction and picked up by others. Maybe your family can help you?

blueshades

If it helps you to tell them, I wouldn't hesitate. If worrying about the reaction of your family is a source of stress, you could always decide to hold off for now.

I would hope that you would have the strong support of your loved ones in this, no matter your past attempts. Do you have reason to believe that they would not be supportive?

hypochondriac

I would just tell them what you've told us Erika...

I had different problems telling family because they didn't believe I really had a problem. Family do not instinctively know the right thing to say so maybe just be prepared and confident that you can stay sober with or without their support x

bluegem

I don't think that you should feel ashamed about lasting four months last time... i think that's a long time and you obviously tried really hard last time...

as the others have said if you think they will help you to stay sober than it can only be a good thing to tell them x

FCErikaMc

Thanks guys! I appreciate the insight. I think it's just because they don't really think I have a problem - I was that good at hiding it, ugh. I'm just going to tell them and hope for the best. And if they don't support it, I've got SR.

flutter

Well you don't HAVE to tell them.. and you don't have to have their support (though it would be nice). Your actions will speak louder than anything you could say.

Weasel1966

I think you should tell them but not just say I am quitting.

Bring them into the process by explaining what it's like for you. That stopping is something that takes real effort. Maybe even have them available to share when cravings are there.

I believe that when people know what's it like they may provide better support.

Because this is more than just not drinking.

Best to you!

fallingtogether

I am too at this crossroad, although as aa has told me in the past, just let them see the difference.. That's what I am doing right now. Not making promises I can't keep, just letting the see the difference in me. They will see the changes and when I am ready to talk to certain relatives about it, I will. But in the meantime, I will just let them see the differences.