Uncharted Waters
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Port Orchard. Wa
Posts: 5
Uncharted Waters
Hello. I am finally publicly saying what I have known for a long time. I am an alcoholic. 12 hrs since my last drink. My concern is I don't want to publicly announce this to my family & friends as I am afraid of not only the scrutiny, but the pressure associated with it. I am continuously told that I am not an alcoholic. That if I am they must be too. This logic allowed me to be in denial for a long time. Is it ok to stop drinking without the public admission? Just say I'm refraining for weight loss, health, designated driver, etc?
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
Welcome to SR Zen. I believe it's absolutely possible to quit without publicly announcing anything. The only person who can decide if you are an alcoholic is you, so as long as you are true to yourself that is all that matters. It's perfectly acceptable to just say no thanks or I'm not drinking to whomever might ask, your motivations are really not of their concern.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 8,637
I agree. Many of my friends / associates / family know that I've quit drinking. I haven't even used the word 'alcoholic' with any but a select very very few.
There's no need to lay claim to a label or trumpet your decisions to the masses. You will probably find it very helpful to gradually ensure that people close to you start to understand that you now choose not to drink, but you can use whatever the heck explanation makes you comfortable.
My body needs a break
I no longer really enjoy drinking
I've come to the conclusion that life is joyous in its own right
I don't like alcohol
I don't do that anymore
Whatever....
It's YOUR sobriety. Do what works for you.
There's no need to lay claim to a label or trumpet your decisions to the masses. You will probably find it very helpful to gradually ensure that people close to you start to understand that you now choose not to drink, but you can use whatever the heck explanation makes you comfortable.
My body needs a break
I no longer really enjoy drinking
I've come to the conclusion that life is joyous in its own right
I don't like alcohol
I don't do that anymore
Whatever....
It's YOUR sobriety. Do what works for you.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Port Orchard. Wa
Posts: 5
Yup. 12 hrs sober. Not 12 yrs. But with all the support I'm getting here, 12 yrs of sobriety seems much more attainable. Thank you all so much for your insight. Life is good. Am full of gratitude for all your compassion & insight
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