Balancing Sobriety and Social Life: How Much Should You Share?
Episode Overview
Understand why you drank to aid in recovery. Balance honesty with privacy when disclosing sobriety. Navigating social situations can be challenging but manageable. Stigma and misconceptions about addiction still exist. Professional environments may vary in their acceptance of sobriety.
"You're not giving something up. You're putting down something that hurts you from being the great person you were meant to be".
In Episode 60 of Stairway to Redemption, host Benyi Johnson is joined by his dear friend Rich for a candid discussion on the topic of 'Full Disclosure' in recovery. Rich, a recurrent guest, brings his unique perspective to the table as they explore how much one should share about their sobriety journey with others.
The conversation is both light-hearted and deeply reflective, touching on personal experiences and the challenges faced when deciding how much to reveal about one's sobriety in various social settings. Rich shares his own journey of hitting two years and eight months of sobriety, reflecting on the milestones and revelations that have shaped his path. He emphasises that understanding why he drank in the first place was a crucial step in his recovery.
The duo also discusses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding addiction, and how these can impact one's willingness to disclose their sobriety status. The episode takes an interesting turn as Benyi recounts his recent trips to Bali and Australia, where he navigated social situations with old friends who were unaware of his sobriety. This real-life scenario sets the stage for a broader discussion on how to handle such encounters and the pressures that come with them.
The conversation also delves into the professional realm, examining whether disclosing one's sobriety at work can affect one's career. Rich and Benyi share their thoughts on the evolving acceptance of sobriety in today's society, noting that while some environments may be more understanding, others might still hold outdated views. By the end of the episode, you'll gain valuable insights into the delicate balance of sharing your recovery journey while protecting your mental and emotional well-being.
If you've ever struggled with how much to disclose about your sobriety, this episode offers a wealth of relatable experiences and practical advice. Tune in for an honest, humorous, and heartfelt conversation that sheds light on the complexities of living openly in recovery.