Every day, addicts of all kinds struggle in one of the most strenuous and stressful fights of their lives. Whether on drugs, alcohol, or an entirely different substance, addictions are the source of many negative experiences and feelings. From tension to anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, fear, and hopelessness, addiction can feel like an emotional prison.

On top of these feelings, many addicts choose to keep their addiction exclusively to themselves. Because of this, countless victims struggle to maintain their relationships with friends, co-workers, parents, siblings, or even their spouse. Though it may typically be out of shame or fear of rejection, this simultaneously complicates the situation due to isolation.

While opening up does not cure you overnight, doing so can alleviate many problems. Trust not only lifts a huge burden off your shoulders but gives you great support to look towards.

Bringing Up Your Addiction

Taking the first step is always difficult in any endeavor. You may constantly face doubt, trying to find the “right time,” but it may never come on its own. You will always need to act first and on your own terms, whether or not you are truly comfortable with it.

What is crucial to remember in recovery is that few confrontations or discussions will ever go perfectly or even smoothly. The road to recovery is a bumpy one that requires patience and effort from both ends. You can start the conversation at a specific location, over the phone, or even simply on the couch together. In the end, what matters most is that you are open and honest about the circumstances.

Seeking support is your ultimate end goal, but there are bases you want to cover before the big talk. Make sure you give an appropriate heads-up to your audience beforehand by giving an idea of what the topic is; you do not want to surprise them or catch them off guard. By giving them a chance to prepare, you can keep the discussion as calm as possible. But most of all, you should be direct and straightforward—get to the point, do not sugarcoat the subject, and prepare yourself for potential reactions.

Taking Feedback

Though taking the first step to open up is especially challenging, accepting feedback afterward can be just as difficult. Whether you reach out to a parent, spouse, close friend or family member, chances are they will be someone dear. Receiving tough feedback from anyone can be hard, but especially with people that you are close to. Initial reactions can typically be rough but are important to clear up and understand.

Always be willing to give time to process, but also be open to the likely criticisms. Hearing these criticisms from important individuals can be pivotal and help you realize what you need to do. Nevertheless, do not let a negative reaction discourage you or regret confiding in them.

Understanding your situation may be just as hard for them as it was for you to confess. Always allow time for them to hurt, process, and recover from it.

Moving Forward

The road to recovery can feel like scaling a mountain; but by confessing to someone, you have already made great progress. In opening your door, you have let someone in to begin forming your support circle. Allow them to be a pillar of support for you to lean on and keep them involved in your recovery.

By disclosing your addiction, you have made a powerful statement. In doing so, you prove your willingness to recover and share your efforts with others. Opening up may not go smoothly and requires enduring painful times, but doing so opens many doors to recovery. Not only will you not need to endure it alone, but you can also share your recovery experience with someone important.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, contact a local Treatment & Rehab alternative in Tennessee. You might be interested in Discovery Place’s own treatment center alternatives, such as our 30 Day Residential Addiction Alternative Recovery Program or our Long Term Alternative Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media