Yes I did to both...holds me VERY accountable....but I also found out my family already knew before I even did.

Most of my family lives over 500 miles from me but when they came to visit me they knew. I never drank in their homes, didn't even hide anything to drink, so I believe that created a bit of confusion but when they saw me here, in my own home, my Mom just said 'we're concerned about what we're seeing here'. They know more than you think. When you're outdrinking most of your family then they do know. Often family is frightened to confront. Mine was not because my Mom's entire family line is littered with alcoholics except her. If you want to share with them, wait until you're sober and ready to really commit. It's heartbreaking to tell family you're going to quit and then they watch you keep drinking. I never told my family I was going to quit they just somehow knew I had even from a distance. However, if you want your family's support then tell them when you know you're done. That's my best advice. Blessings

Thank you Anne. They don't have any idea. I don't think they'll underdstand But I understand now. I am new to this whole process, but I am "coming home". I know now. I know what I have. I know what's wrong with me. I know the solution. I will get better I will.

people cant help you if they dont know you have a problem. telling the people closest to me made/makes it impossible for me to drink with them. checks and balances man. its not a bad thing.

dear, i did not have to tell them much. i'd made a fool out of myself too many times. however, my mom, still is leery of those aa people. she imagines that they are capable of anything disgraceful and tells me often to watch myself at those meetings. who knows? i could get pinned on a murder charge!

still, i haven't seen my nieces, sister-in-law (good catholic that she is) because in 1998 i talked about my disease and about aa and she found it terribly offensive so i was blackballed. for 12 years. the amusing part of it is her brother is a drunk married to great wealth (dosen't count then i guess) and the other sister is an ocd bulimic who keeps bags of vomit in her closet. except for that she keeps an excellent house i hear.....

This is a good question. I am plannng my quit day for Jan 1st and wasn't sure how I am telling people that I am no longer drinking. No one ever really sees my wasted or out of control (except my husband, who fully supports me quitting) but I am not sure how to tell people. I did mention it to 2 of my girlfriends recently that I am quitting for the New Year and they looked at me like I had 4 heads. Anyway, I am telling everyone it's part of my "get healthy plan" and I am quitting the booze. No one ever really makes me feel pressure except myself when I am out and it's offered to me. I want to learn to laugh and smile again while out at night and not half in the bag. Wine brings out my personality and makes me feel alive....but I know it's all false so I'll have somethings to learn while sober. I am looking forward to Jan. 1st (btw, I haven't been drinking much over the last week or so - maybe a glass of wine every couple of nights but that's it).

Let me know how your family reacts and/or what you say to them. I come from a long line of alcoholics and thankfully (too) none of my siblings suffer from this.....I noticed my fun 20-something partying has lingered now into my 30's and I don't want to live this way anymore. It sucks!! I welcome life with freedom from addiction! :)

To me, if you don't tell the people around you, then you are giving yourself an excuse to drink.

Like you say with your brother, he put the glass in front of you, therefore you could blame him. There is a word called 'no' you could have used.

All the people that are close to me know. Else, how could they have supported me??? In early days, we NEED that support.

Our HP does for us what we can not do for ourselves and that includes putting people in our paths to help us.

Tell them today.

Embarrassing to me. I feel everyone would watch my every step.

And in early days Rummy, would that be such a bad thing?

I needed everyone to watch my step. I needed everyone to help me. HP has people around us for a reason....I could not do this on my own.

Can you do it on your own? Nah, else you would be doing it already.

Does it matter what others think of you??? Sometimes sacraficing certain aspects of a relationship or friends are worth living out our true happiness.. Be who you are meant to be... not what you think others expect you to be.... Stand up to who you WANT to be.. be proud.. humble yourself and begin a new journey.. if they are worth it they will respect you and be so proud.. Best Wishes!!!

~lolo

you know what? when i was younger i had a damn good looking body but i found in the acapulco nude beach no one was the least bit impressed by mine. it just so happened it was a gay beach. i bet your family already knows but if i were you i would not tell them a damn thing until change is in progress. after all, what would be the point otherwise?

my family knew about my problem because i had seizures, psychiatrict breakdowns, alcohol poisoning, and almost constant suicide attempts. it's a family disease so i wasn't much of a shocker. though they were none too happy given my predesessers. actions.....

you'd be surprised at what people know - you THINK they don't know - but they know.

Oh hun I never had to. It was obvious I was an alcoholic. lol

I think it depends on your family and those 'closest' to you. I knew that if I told my family they wouldn't really help me. They're very manipulative. Only tell the ones nearest to you if you really trust them. I would have been emotionally blackmailed. Didn't need that. If it feels right then tell them. If not hold yourself accountable to someone else, to a group, to your doctor, sponsor, therapist etc. Just needed to share that bit. Best

If you believe they will be helpful to your recovery tell them.