There is a saying in recovery that “you are as sick as your secrets”. This philosophy is heard throughout the rooms of 12-Step meetings everywhere and if you have heard it, you may have cringed a little bit. To have to tell someone your deepest, darkest, and most classified information would be embarrassingly awful. You might have a few things that you had planned to just take to the grave with you because no one can ever know what you did.
This happens more than you know with people that are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Behavior that you would not normally do except under the influence, creates a ton of shame and guilt that gets pint up along with your secrets. Keeping your secrets intact will give power to the shame and guilt that keeps building up without any relief. The accumulation of all of this could make anyone feel insane enough to turn to drugs and alcohol.
If you want relief, tell someone. This does not mean that you would just tell any joe schmo. You would want to find someone that you trust. A person that you can be vulnerable with your secrets and in return they would be compassionate. Even though they might not have experienced what you have been through, they can still relate to the feelings of guilt or shame that has made you want to keep whatever you have been hiding hush hush.
Using a sponsor, a therapist, a pastor, or a priest are some of your best choices. These types of individuals are supportive and want your well-being. Your best bet is a sponsor in a 12-Step program because many times they have already done something very similar to what you have done in the spirit of “it takes one to know one”.
People that are in a 12-Step program that have stayed sober by working the steps have most likely released all their covert low down to a sponsor during a fifth step. If done thoroughly, you can get rid of everything that has bogged you down in exchange for the freedom that recovery promises. To stay sober, you must be willing to become completely honest with yourself and others to start the process of rigorous honesty. Holding anything back will continue to hurt you and make you more prone to relapse.
Due diligence in recovery can lead you to becoming an honest person with no secrets left to haunt you. Your shame and guilt will go away by cleansing your dirty secrets in recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drugs and alcohol, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center can help you to stay sober. Our 12-Step aspects and holistic therapy can be instrumental in helping you to adorn your soul in recovery.
Call us today:
844-720-6847
