My first time I really shared my addiction issues publicly was a post I made on Facebook back on November 5th, 2012. It was around the anniversary of the passing of my dear friend Lisa. My love for my friend and my grief over her passing were part of what pushed me towards full recovery. I had no idea how overwhelming the response would be from my friends, family and co-workers. I was especially amazed by how many people sent me inbox messages about their own struggles or struggles of their loved ones. I am really motivated to write more about my experience after that. It became clear to me that I really was not the only person struggling, and people found relief in knowing that they were not alone. Here is that post from 11/05/12:
Most of you know that I have been sober for a long time now. I quit drinking over 8 years ago. I am now also celebrating 6 months of recovery from my hardest obstacle yet: eating disorders. I always debate whether I should share such personal information about my recovery, and I usually come to the same conclusion. Even if 99% of my Facebook friends think it is too much information to share, there is always the chance that 1% may be suffering from something similar, and they may get some hope from my experience. I am always happy to receive private messages with questions. I am just happy to be living a sane life, working, paying my bills, spending time with my dog and my family without being crushed by the constant tyranny of my addictions.
When my friend Lisa passed away a two years ago, I was left feeling guilt as well as grief. I was dying slowly every day that I was not getting help. Lisa would have given anything to have an opportunity to recover from cancer the way that I had opportunities to recover from my problems with food. I knew that treatment was available if I could just take the step and get help. My only impediments were my fear and my pride. It took another year and a half, but I finally took action last May. Part of me did for the opportunity that Lisa did not have. The other part of me did it for myself because I just was not ready to quit living yet.
Thank you to everyone who had a hand out to help. You know who you are, my angels of love and patience and kindness.
PS, 4/25/13- Lisa, you are always with me.
Authentic and Abstinent 
I admire your honesty and courage. I’ve really enjoyed your posts, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog.
I still remember the first time I addressed my sobriety on Facebook–I had posted a picture of a wine glass that was huge, like a 1 gallon glass!, and I joked, “sure, now that I’ve quit drinking I find the perfect wine glass…”
I’m sure Lisa is smiling upon you. 🙂
~ Christy
Thanks for your feedback. It is amazing how quickly we can find bonds with strangers through shared struggle. 🙂
So true… I feel bonded especially since I’ve battled eating disorders and grief in my recovery too.
I try to keep a blog roll of many of us in recovery on my home page, I’ll add you to it this weekend. Feel free to explore it– the sober blogging community is wonderful and so supportive.
I just started going through them now. Thanks for the heads up.