One of the major principles of sobriety support groups like AA and SOS is maintenance of confidentiality and anonymity. While I realize that it is possible that harm can come from certain people knowing that one has an addiction, there is also harm done in keeping the condition a secret.

One of the driving factors in any addiction is shame. And it’s shame that keeps the disorder out of sight and therefore out of support. Naturally there are people who are judgemental whose attitudes and words can increase the persons feellings of worthlessness, but for the most part, admitting the condition openly will REDUCE the shame. The person can now be okay and still have the condition without BEING the condition.

The whole idea of labeling someone an “alcoholic” is contrary to helping someone overcome shame. By wearing the label, the person now sees themselves as flawed, and in being flawed, one feels inadequate and less than human. How could being addicted to a substance not required for human survival be a flaw? It’s crazy.

Only by being accepted as one is can one overcome shame. If there is always something to hide, the shame will persist, and so will the addiction.