Are any of you in recovery?
Question by Monkey: Are any of you in recovery?
I went into treatment for alcohol abuse and was gone 9 months. I am having difficulty adjusting to society after being in a controlled enviroment. My bf told people about it only because he was proud of my decision to do this. Most people are nice and support my recovery. Some people that I don’t know that well seem to use my recovery to ask questions that are too personal and down right nosy. I am just asking any recovering person how you can handle this with politeness because I have been so close to yelling at some people, but I need to deal with this. I would appreciate honest replies from people who have gone on this same journey that I both love and hate.
Best answer:
Answer by Messykatttt
Hi. I haven’t gone through it personally, but I’m a substance abuse counselor and lived through a lot with family members.
First, I’m sure you’ve figured this out, but your BF, while well intentioned, did the absolute worst thing he could have done. And, unfortunately, that is a big part of your issues now — you’re having to explain things to people you weren’t necessarily ready to talk to about it. Please make sure he understands that he cannot do this sort of thing again – an important part of early recovery is testing the waters and learning how to live in a drinking world. He sped up your timetable and took some of this away from you.
For now, I would distance myself from people who are too nosy. If you’re like many people, you will ultimately reach a point where you find some of the questions flattering because there is definitely a lot of curiousity about this issue. In fact, many of those who appear “nosy” are probably asking because they have a friend or family member they’re wondering about….you know the drill!
So, for now, restrict yourself only to those closest to you and with whom you feel comfortable. If there’s a big party that’s unavoidable, make a quick appearance, be friendly and then leave.
Also, I’m sure you know this but it is imperative that you find a local support group, whether it’s AA or another program or even sober groups that get together just for fun or sport. Part of what you’re going through is that you feel abnormal around these people who don’t “get it”. And you need to spend some time with those who do – it makes a lot of difference.
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