One of the challenges addicts face is explaining their addiction to their spouses and boss. While having the spouses informed about the addiction may seem simple and telling your boss about your addictions and experience with alcohol may sound awful, both are daunting.

This is because confessing addiction may turn your relationship sour with your spouse and cost you stigma and discrimination in your place of work. Nevertheless, the best thing to do is to confess your addiction to your spouse and boss. You can also get help from the best alcohol rehab center.

Confessing Addiction to your Boss

You need to understand one crucial fact, how you confess your addiction to your boss will determine whether or not you will be discriminated against or you will suffer continual stigma at your workplace.

• Make it very clear to your boss that your addiction is in the past and you’re moving forward and committed to remaining sober. If you’re undergoing a treatment program or therapy, let them know about it.
• Try to focus on the positive aspect of your journey, this doesn’t mean not acknowledging the challenges you’re facing but pointing out the success in your recovery and the skills that have brought you thus far.
• Explain away your triggers and the help you need to stay away from them. If you have triggers in your place of work, your boss should be well aware of that and should be able to make necessary arrangements for you.
• You should be well aware of your rights from the onset under the extant federal non-discrimination laws which are effective when disclosing your addiction to your boss. Knowing your right will protect you from being unnecessary discrimination.

Admitting Addiction To Your Spouse

As much as you may think your addiction is hidden from plain sight, you may be surprised that they pretty much know about it. One thing for sure is that there is a great possibility of the relationship changing but that shouldn’t dissuade you from admitting your addiction to your spouse. In the long run, they will be welcoming of the right steps you’re taking to overcome your addiction.

Plan Ahead

You don’t want to admit to addiction unprepared without having any tangible game plan, treatment, or therapy session at hand. The first thing you need to do is prepare your speech ahead, know what to talk about, when, and how to talk about it. Trust me, your spouse already knows about your addiction, they are just waiting and wanting you to come clean with it. So, don’t lie to them. Lay bare all there is to it, and write the speech down if you need to.

Choose A Comfortable Timing And Location For Them

You don’t want to start this type of conversation when you both just have a few moments to talk, it wouldn’t sound well with them. This is one of the important discussions you will likely have with your spouse and as such requires careful choice of words, appropriate time, and location. Also, you need to ensure that the time you’re picking will stay uninterrupted till you complete your discussion.

Be Open

Don’t lie about any details regarding your addiction, your wish to overcome the situation or the treatment plan you have in mind as your spouse is in a better position to assist you.

Talk About Triggers

Triggers can be anything from work stress, seeing alcohol at a family gathering, people or places, and situations that can trigger your substance use. This will ensure that by being aware of your triggers, your spouse will make every move to ensure that those triggers are not present in your immediate environment and could easily help you prevent relapses.

Listen

As this is a dialogue between two spouses, it’s not just about you talking. You two should have ample opportunity to speak your mind. It’s very important that you listen to their concerns, questions, and fears and should take them seriously. You both have the opportunity to learn and educate yourself about addiction and how to overcome the same.

Lastly, you should sincerely apologize to them. Your apology should reinforce how remorseful you’re about the harm and trauma you’ve caused your relationship.