[lovelynurse123]

I have not told anyone, except some classmates, that I'm in recovery. I'm so afraid that telling others about my addiction, and I'm afraid it will affect my career. What can I do? I want the world to know, but I still remain annonymous. I was so glad to see this forum. It makes me realize I'm not alone. I love the 12 steps, and what they have done for my life. I wouldn't be such a good nursing student if it wasn't for them. I think I feel bad that AA has done so much for me and I can't even tell anybody about it. 3 years next month!!If anyone has some experience, strength, and hope I'd love to hear about it. Thanks.

[caliotter3]

Can understand your desire to be open about your recovery but don't put yourself in the position of having to defend yourself. People who are in recovery programs involuntarily have trouble getting themselves together, getting and keeping jobs. People love to talk and gossip. You should not add fuel to the fire. Just share this info with your peer group in recovery. Don't put yourself out of the running for work before you've even got out of the starting block. Focus on your schoolwork when you are in school and around your classmates. And remember this, you can't remain anonymous and be open about yourself at the same time. You might have a slip of the tongue and mention someone else who doesn't want to be talked about. There will come a time when you can talk about yourself and not have to worry about repercussions, but that time is not now. Congratulations on your progress!

[VivaLasViejas]

CONGRATULATIONS to you on your 3 years in recovery!! That is a great accomplishment, and you deserve to feel good about yourself.

However, self-disclosure is NOT always necessary to continue on the road to recovery; in certain situations, it's probably not even advisable. No one should look down on you because of your status as a recovering addict, but the truth is, sometimes it happens, and in the world of work it's generally best NOT to self-disclose until you have been on the job for a time, and only then to those you can trust. It's absolutely nobody's business unless you make it so.

That said, I have found in the course of my career that my personal history of alcoholism can be a useful tool in helping others deal with their own addiction issues. There's nothing like the voice of experience, and I've shared my story with more than one patient in order to help them see that a) they are not hopeless losers, and b) they can have a great life in sobriety. And in 15 years in healthcare, I've not had a single person give me bad feedback about this........only good.

I am cautious about whom I share my history with, but when I do, it feels great when people tell me "YOU, an alcoholic? I'd never have guessed!" One thing that may help you is to absolutely refuse to be ashamed of your past; good AND bad, it's what made you who you are today, and there's no need to be embarrassed. The only reason I urge careful self-disclosure is that some people can't handle the truth, and they rely on old stereotypes to make judgments about others. So you need to choose your audience.............but never, ever be ashamed of who you are or where you've come from.

[Tweety]

First of all the "anonymous" part of AA really means you can't break another recovering persons anonymity, you can be as loud and proud as you personally want to be. Then again, there's that part about "attraction, not promotion". So you have watch your motives.

I was in recovery in nursing school and kept that fact to myself, although without recovery I wouldn't have been able to do it. I have since stayed anonymous, which helped during the two years I was "back out there rewriting my story". In the 11 years since, I've stayed anonymous by choice. However, I'm now comfortable and have 16 years with this employer and have a solid reputation, so that if it comes out I'll be o.k. I won't hide it if my anonymity is busted.

I agree with caliotter3 that when you're beginning nursing, and just trying to establish yourself, you don't want people to stereotype you one way or another with their judgements. So that's my advice to you is that you stay anonymous for now. However, it's your decision one way or another.

[TazziRN]

I am comfortable enough in my recovery that I almost don't care who knows. I do not advertise that I'm sober but I don't run from the subject, and with coworkers I am open about my story. To each his/her own, though. Being open is not for everyone, and I do not recommend it for someone in school or early in nursing. I've been a nurse for many years and have 14 years sober, so at this point I don't care who knows, but a student or a newbie can find it hard to get started if the wrong people know.