Myth #9: Do I Have to Call Myself an Alcoholic?

Decoding Nine Myths About Recovery

In my novel, Stay Sober and Save the World the Cave Woman Way, Cave Woman and Sylvia (or Sil) develop an epistolary relationship with each other. The letter writing continues, as you’ll see below.

Myth #9 People must tell the world they are an alcoholic or an addict

Dear Cave Woman,

Recovery is embarrassing. People worry their bosses, colleagues, loved ones, or family will find out and use it against them. Do people have to tell everyone they’re in recovery?

Honestly, you can do whatever you’d like. You can tell the whole world or tell no one. And again, from earlier, telling everyone everything is not a requirement for a successful recovery. Recovery isn’t confession. People can say they're on a health kick, which they are. A healthy kick with some amazing health benefits that reverberate throughout entire ecosystems. Do you want me to—

No, no, let's keep that for later.