Sobriety has long held a philosophy of anonymity due to the shame and stigma which accompanies it. People who have had men addicted to drugs or alcohol in their families spoke about their family member on the hush hush. Alcoholics Anonymous was created to be anonymous so that the many men, and eventually women, who joined the fellowship couldn’t be persecuted in their jobs for their alcoholism. Today, there are many laws in place which prevent professional opportunities from discriminating against men who take time to go to treatment or live in recovery. Addiction is seen as a mental health issue and there are laws in place to protect those living with a mental health issue. Steadily, the same and stigma is being removed from the words “addiction” and “alcoholism”. The widespread crisis of the opioid epidemic has made it clear that addiction does not discriminate or belong to any one type of person in particular. Addiction can happen to anyone and when it does, it changes who they are entirely.
Thanks to the internet, we have an open forum in life for inclusivity, celebration, and education. The internet has cultivated a “PC” (politically correct) culture which is founded in humanity, empathy, and compassion. As the world learns more about addiction and alcoholism, the world has a greater empathy for those who are actively struggling and a greater respect for those who are actively recovering. Drugs and alcohol take lives. They could have taken yours. You are living your life differently today. Sobriety isn’t something you have to be ashamed of because you were addicted to drugs and alcohol once. You should be proud of your sobriety because you are not addicted to drugs and alcohol any longer.
You do not have to tell people that you are sober. At work, there is nothing legally binding you to opening up about your sobriety or your past with addiction. In your personal life, there are no rules, either written or unwritten, which says you have to disclose your sobriety. Talking about your sobriety and your history with addiction is entirely your choice.
There are, however, some benefits to being open about your sobriety and your recovery. We’ll talk about that in our next blog.
Recovery for men needs to be mind, body, and spirit. At Tree House Recovery we are building men from the ground up with sustainable changes to create a sustainable recovery. Call us today for information on our treatment programs and how we can help you find freedom from addiction: (855) 202-2138