Communicate positively
Ian Stockbridge, a teacher at Mindfulness & Life Coach, says that we don’t have to share personal information about our addiction, especially with those we see for the first time in our lives or with people we don’t trust. Saying “I’m an alcoholic” or “I’m being treated for an addiction” is perhaps the hardest admission we’ve ever made. This is partly due to self-esteem, partly to fear of judgment. If you decide to come out on the topic of quitting alcohol or other psychoactive substances, remember that the way we conduct a conversation is more important than the phrases we use. Therefore, there is less drama, more calmness, and positiveness.
Perhaps someone will not understand you (not all people are in the subject) and will want to ask clarifying questions or ask how best to support you. If you don’t know what to answer or for some reason don’t want to go into details, don’t worry or panic, just say “don’t know” or “not ready to answer yet”.
[mashshare]
