The Courage To Be Honest (Episode 1)The Courage To Be Honest (Episode 1)
Relational Recovery
Host Wes Thompson and guest Matthew Demoyland talk about why honesty in addiction recovery is so difficult and how stigma and labelling affect identity. Their conversation focuses on the fear of judgement, family reactions and the need for courage to speak openly about unwanted behaviours.
7:18•1 Sept 2026
The Courage To Be Honest: Addiction, Stigma and Labels
Episode Overview
- Honesty in addiction recovery is challenging because it exposes vulnerability, shame and the reality of not having life under control.
- Mental health and addiction are described as two of the most stigmatised conditions, making open conversation feel risky.
- Labelling can replace a person’s fuller identity with a single negative trait, such as being seen only as "the addict".
- Stigma extends labels with stereotypes that may not be true, shaping how families and society respond to someone in addiction.
- Even well-meaning family members may treat a person differently after they admit a problem, which can deepen hurt and fear around being honest.
“On a negative side, labeling always replaces your most identifiable trait. And if that most identifiable trait is negative, then you become that thing.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This opening episode of *Relational Recovery* sets the tone by tackling one of the hardest parts of getting help: having the courage to be honest. Host Wes Thompson sits down with guest Matthew Demoyland from The Refuge Ministry in central Ohio, where they work with men aged 18 and older. Their chat focuses on why honesty in addiction recovery sounds simple on paper but feels brutal in real life.
You’ll hear them talk about how admitting a problem means facing shame, vulnerability and the fear of being seen as someone who doesn’t have it all together. Matthew shares how mental health and addiction are "two of the most stigmatized conditions that exist" and unpacks the role of labelling. Before addiction, he was known as the athletic, smart guy. After addiction, he was suddenly "Matthew, the addict".
He explains that "on a negative side, labeling always replaces your most identifiable trait," and once that trait is something people see as bad, it can swallow your whole identity. He also describes the sting of family reactions after he first said, "I have a problem." Even without any history of stealing, he noticed relatives watching their purses more closely at gatherings, simply because of his confession.
That quiet shift in how people treated him shows why honesty around addiction can feel risky, yet this conversation suggests it’s a crucial step towards real recovery and healthier relationships with self, others and God. If you’re wrestling with unwanted behaviours or worried how people will see you if you speak up, this episode offers a raw look at why telling the truth is scary and why it still matters.
What label are you carrying today, and is it time to talk honestly about the story behind it?
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