How to Tell Your Family About Your Sobriety

The most important step in recovery when you’re facing an addiction is realizing that you have a problem and need help. Once you’ve accomplished this, you may start looking for ways to find that help, and inevitably you may decide to tell your loved ones and those around you about your addiction and sobriety. This can be a daunting task, so consider a few tips to make these conversations go as smoothly as possible. Here’s how to tell your family about your sobriety.

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Honesty

It may be very scary to be truthful about your addiction and sobriety, but don’t be afraid. Being honest will help you convey the gravity of your situation and your earnest desire for healing to those around you. This is especially important if your addiction has hurt your loved ones in any way—honesty about your situation and your willingness to change will convey to them that you’re serious about sobriety.

Be honest about what life has been like for you lately and be sure to explain the pain that has led you to the point of wanting healing and sobriety. Don’t be ashamed of your journey—in admitting you’re struggling and asking for help, you’re taking a major step in self-realization and in pursuing health.

Ask For Help From Those Closest To You

When you tell family about your sobriety, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your loved ones may have been closely affected by your addiction and may be thrilled that you’ve come to the point of desiring their help and support.

That said, avoid being too general when asking for help. Some people get distressed when they don’t know exactly how to help a suffering person, especially a family member. Make it easier on both of you and have a list of ways they can help when they ask what they can do. This may include having them assist you in searching for treatment programs, looking for a nearby therapist who specializes in addictions, or helping you find other ways to help you get healthy.

Be Prepared For Various Reactions

Your family may or may not be receptive. Your addiction may have harmed them greatly or even in minor ways, and they may not be in a place to emotionally support you at this moment. Or, they may have trouble accepting that you have an addiction, or don’t understand or accept that addiction is truly a disease.

Be prepared and ready for responses like this, but don’t let it shake your confidence and resolve. Be ready to acknowledge their experience and perception of your own experience, but stand fast in what you know to be true. You don’t have to be swayed by your family’s inability to support or believe you.

Seek Support in Sobriety

Knowing how to tell your family about your sobriety is important, but the most imperative step is to seek support in your sobriety. The journey is made much more tolerable and possible when you have a strong support system surrounding you. This may be your family, a group of friends, or possibly even a sober living home for women like Magnolia Farm. If you feel that you need further assistance in maintaining your sobriety, join us in Hollywood, SC, to retake control of your life. You don’t have to do it alone.