Do you think it’s necessary to tell my parents that I had a drug relapse from my sobriety?

Published May 15, 2010

To start off with, I have sought help and am currently in a substance abuse treatment program. Thank God!

Secondly, I love my parents dearly and they’ve been very supportive in my recovery from prescription drugs and methamphetamine. However, I’m scared to tell them about this 4 month relapse after 2+ years of continuous sobriety. I know they’ll be concerned, most likely angry, and they’ll probably want to make a trip to come see me. At this time, I don’t want the added stress of seeing my parents in this phase of my recovery. I don’t want to hurt them needlessly, but as their son I feel they’d love to know I’m alright and am taking care of myself.

As I’ve been thinking about what action to take the quote, “You’re only as sick as your secrets”, caught my attention. I was basing the decision of not telling my parents from what it states in the 9th step, “Made direct amends to such people where ever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” I feel like I’d be hurting or injuring them with this information. My parents don’t support me financially and are not responsible for my drug treatment costs.

Lastly, I’ve been isolating myself from my parents by avoiding and not returning their phone calls.

I’m ready to do the right thing with regards to telling my parents. Any thoughts on what that right thing might be? Thanks!

Do you think it’s necessary to tell my parents that I had a drug relapse from my sobriety?

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