If you are currently going through addiction treatment for a substance use disorder or preparing to, you may wonder whether you should tell your family about it. This can be a difficult decision to make, especially if they are not aware of your struggles with substance use in the first place. It is important to remember that who you decide to confide in regarding your treatment is entirely up to you and your comfort level. 

Additionally, you are not required to tell anybody if you do not want to. Some potential benefits could come with confiding in those closest to you, as they can help provide you with much-needed support during your recovery. If you are preparing to confide in your loved ones about treatment, take the time to consider what you are going to say and how you are going to say it. 

Planning Ahead for the Conversation 

It is normal to feel anxious before confiding in your loved ones about your addiction, especially if this is something that you have been hiding from them for a long time. You may worry that they will judge you or change how they view you. Remember, addiction is a disease, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Having a plan on how you will handle this interaction may help you feel less nervous. 

#1. Choose a suitable location: You will want to choose a private area where you will not be overheard. This should be a calm location with no distractions where both you and your loved ones will feel comfortable and secure. 

#2. Prepare for the conversation: Remember that your loved ones might need some time to process the information. This does not mean that they do not love you and will not be supportive of your recovery journey. It is simply an emotional conversation, and they may need to ask you some questions to better understand what is going on. 

#3. Put yourself in their shoes: Consider how you would feel if you were on the receiving end of this conversation. Many people do not fully understand what addiction is or how treatment works. Your loved ones may initially feel shocked, scared, or sad. If they have a negative reaction, do not allow this to discourage you from continuing with treatment. 

#4. Be as open and honest as possible: Telling the whole truth about your addiction and not trying to minimize it or lie about the details is critical to the conversation. Take the time to express how you are feeling and what your thoughts are going into treatment. It is ok to admit that you are scared or struggle with not knowing what to expect. 

#5. Consider setting up a follow-up discussion: After your loved ones have taken a few days to process what you have told them, they might have some questions or concerns that they want to talk to you about. Setting up a follow-up discussion is an excellent opportunity to address these concerns and ensure everyone is on the same page. 

#6. Do not be afraid to ask for help: Make it clear to your family and friends that you recognize you have a problem and want to take the right steps to get better. Explain to them what, if anything, they can do to help support you during this time. 

The Benefits of Talking to Your Family About Your Substance Use Disorder 

• If you have been hiding your substance use for a long time, it may feel liberating to finally come clean to those closest to you. For some people, it feels like a weight off of their chest to be honest and transparent with the ones they love the most. It can also feel like a crucial turning point to begin the recovery journey.
• Having a strong support group around you, especially in the early stages of addiction, is vital to recovery. If your family does not know what you are going through, then they will not be able to help you. If you are honest with them, you will have people you know you can turn to when you are struggling. 
• If your friends and family are aware that you are in recovery, they will know to avoid unintentionally exposing you to temptations. For example, they will know to avoid engaging in substance use in front of you or inviting you to bars or other locations where your sobriety may be threatened. 
• After telling your loved ones about your substance use and recovery journey, you will not have to lie about your whereabouts—like going to meetings or counseling—in the future. 

Talking to your loved ones about your decision to seek treatment for a substance use disorder can feel daunting. Revealing private information you have hidden for a long time may cause you to worry that it will change how they view you. While you are certainly not required to tell anybody that you are going through treatment if you are not comfortable, there are some benefits to doing so. By making your family aware of what you are going through, they can support you. It can also feel immensely liberating to finally be honest with those you love. When having this conversation, be sure to choose a private, comfortable location. You will also want to prepare yourself for their reactions and be as open as possible. If you are ready to seek treatment for a substance use disorder, our team at The Kimberly Center is here to help. Call (855) 452-3683 today to learn more about treatment options.