So I recently spent a stint in a detox facility after a few bingers (which were not the first) i obviously had to come clean to my supervisor and at this point im sure everyone at my workplace knows. So far everyone has been supportive and not mad at all. But there’s still that underlying guilt and shame of showing my face again knowing they all know what I did. How does one proceed to try and act as if nothing happened ? And not get any special treatment etc? Just thoughts. Thanks all
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Welcome here. I hope you can get over the shame and caring what others think of your past events. That was yesterday. Today is the new you. Keep on the sober path and do the right things and before you know it you will be living in the now with only few reminders of what use to be. Hope to see you around often.
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You can flip your thoughts around this and see yourself as an example of doing what’s best for your health and wellbeing. We often don’t know what others might be struggling with alone and you might help someone else make changes and get help that they’ve been hesitant to for themselves. You’ve done a brave thing to get help for yourself. Hugs your way. You’re not alone!
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Don’t. Something did happen. You acknowledged yourself you had a problem. You took appropriate action. Behaviour of a grown up. You say everybody knows so there’s nothing to hide. And you’re met with acceptance and support which is great. Now proceed with the same maturity. You’re doing great! Welcome to the forum. Succes in your sober journey.
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You’re probably admired more than anything else.
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All that matters is you took the steps to get help for your addiction problems and to help with your mental health and physical health and life. Seems like you have a job that is supportive. Don’t worry about what anybody thinks. We live in a world now where everybody has a family member or friend Or somebody we know that is struggling with drugs or alcohol. I don’t feel there is as much stigma or judgment anymore in this world with that. Just go in and do your best at your job and take things one day at a time. Make your number one focus recovery and everything else will fall into place.
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I can relate to how you’re feeling from a similar experience. I got my 2nd DWI at night after working that afternoon. The cops asked where I worked(for some reason), and got my story twisted so in the newspaper write up it sounded like I was drinking at work and picked up right after. It was 7 hours later! I was so worried going to work the first time, I ended up having a panic attack. The GM called me to his office where I immediately apologized for making them look bad(bc it’s a country club). He didn’t even care about that. He told me he’d support me if I thought I needed to get help(which at the time, I didn’t 
) I was a mess after this. I continued drinking and even blacked out at work a couple times(going into work not knowing what you did or said the shift before is beyond terrifying 
). Everyone knew what I was.
The point is, when I did finally quit(5 years later), they were all super supportive and happy for me. To have that support at work helped so much, especially in the beginning. I’m forever grateful I shared my recovery with them 
The only way past this is through it. There’s no way to know what will happen, but I guarantee it won’t be nearly as bad as you think. It never really is, is it? Welcome 
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
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Everybody is going through something. Keep your head up and let your work speak for itself. You’ll do great! Welcome to TS. 
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Hi Robert and so glad you’re here! My boss said prior to rehab, “get the help you need and come back to us”. Wonderful guy and all my peers and coworkers were happy for me on getting/ being sober & working a program of recovery.
I was and am clear headed again, more helpful to all my patients and now armed with the knowledge of my alcoholism, I knew I could do better than before. I no longer was, or had to be, the actor and I do still talk freely about my disease to anyone who is wanting to understand it from my personal knowledge or feels they are on that slippery slope. Especially those who come in for care. I’m pretty good at spotting my own kind…
We get to come clean, move forward and help others. No shame in that, just freedom my friend!
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Thank you all for the encouraging words. They mean a lot. Truly. I found after spending all day yesterday at work that some of the my coworkers also struggle with addiction. So thank you all it helped get me through a tough day yesterday. Staying strong.
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Isn’t it funny that we’re so afraid of others judging our prior “indiscretions”, that we’re willing to add to the list of dishonorable acts that could provide a basis for even harsher judgement?
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Glad to hear it. I’ve found too that in situations where people know, they usually try to understand and help. I’ve never found someone who holds it against me (at least, not anyone who really matters to me professionally or personally).
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