How do I tell People?

[infoloop]

How do I tell people I have a problem. I feel like I am the only one who knows I have a PA.I live alone(my room mate moved out recently but we kept different hours when he lived here so he didn't really know) I have many friends and a wonderful girlfriend ... I am lucky. But I am alone in this, I prided myself on hiding this part of me from people(double life). If anyone knows they never told me or thought it was no big deal. I have tried to tell my girlfriend twice long before I came here, In a way I wanted her to be mad, angry. Only she wasn't, It is strange, it was like she didn't understand what I was trying to say or maybe she thought it was no big deal. I think she just doesn't understand it is the size that it is maybe she thinks it is just every once in a while. I am not sure. I tried telling my brother once and it came to something like "everyone looks at p it is no big deal". I feel like I should share this with someone in real life and just don't know who or how and I don't know how to make them understand what I am dealing with. :-<

[Crisodian]

info,
Why not locate a local SAA or SA chapter? Then you would be able to interact with others which not only will be completely understanding of what you are dealing with, but also help support you on your path to recovery?

Telling others is hard. There are still a lot of misconceptions out there about PA/SA and I'm not surprised that you have come across a few who really don't grasp the magnitude of the addiction. It's admirable that you are willing and want to share what you are going through.

Peace,
~C~

[Newlifeman]

info,

Like to add on to Crisodian's advice: I was pointed to a program at our local church called "Celebrate Recovery". It is a small-group program dedicated to helping people recover from any/all addictions. We met once a week for worship with some time afterward to discuss our issue. They also had a 12 step recovery program based on Christian Faith where we worked specifically on our addictions.

This group was a lifesaver for me. I could talk about everything in total confidence and recieve encouragement....and accountability. Some things were tough love, but all from loving, caring people who had already been there. It was the work of this program which made me realize that there was more to this than just my P use, that there were other issues I needed to work on and change as well.

So, do some research and find an S, SA or Celebrate Recovery group to join. You don't have to stick with the first one you find, try them out and see which you feel the most comfortable with and then take a deep breath....and engage!