Cobfused about disclosure

I have completed my prerequisites, and am applying to my chosen 2yr BSN program which requires a personal statement written on a prompt the CoN selects. The prompt I've received asks me to name a specific challenge, and discuss the success and failure I've encountered in managing it.

I am a recovering addict with almost 15 years clean. I have been continuously very active in 12 step recovery this entire time, and am considering disclosing this "challenge" as the topic of my personal statement. Naturally, I am concerned about the stigma I may be bringing onto myself. The optimist in me wants to believe people will understand, and even appreciate the risk I am taking. The realist in me understands disclosure can never be retracted, and that good people, no matter how well intended, still have problems leaving behind preconceived notions formed over a lifetime.

I underperformed in college in my 20's, quitting school before graduation. I lacked the motivation and maturity college requires, and in retrospect was practicing active addiction at the time. Currently I am in my mid 40's, and have an excellent (3.87gpa) on all recent science and psych prereqs, and carved the time to achieve academically from the obligations I cherish including marriage, parenting, and running a business.

Certainly, I can find a selection of challenges to write on. However- addiction, recovery, and living life on life's terms is clearly the largest challenge I've faced. Given the depth of passion, gratitude, and conviction I feel, it's also probably the one I can write the best personal statement on. Please respond w/ your own personal experience regarding the costs and benefits of disclosure. I am confused and need help.