If your co-workers knew or suspected that you're in

[raccoon]

AA, but you don't want to go public with it, how would you handle it?

What if they directly ask you? What could you say if you don't want to go offical with it?

[NMDemDist2]

1. it's an anonymous program

tell or don't tell but if you're new maybe be discreet

why is it an issue? are they hoping you're getting your act together? or are they looking for a weakness?

I usually say I'm a member of a spiritual group or community improvement committee :evilgrin: if I think it's no one's business but with co-workers I don't usually make a secret of it if directly asked

what's going on?

[Critters2]

2. "Community improvement committee" That's very good! I'll remember that! nt

[Critters2]

3. I don't keep it a secret. In fact, I sometimes think I'm as public about it as I am,

because I can play it as a sympathy card when I screw up in some way. "Yeah, that Critters. She's a real fuck up. But you know, she has problems. She has to go to a 12 step program". I actually worry that I use it in that way. Which is yet another new and creative way to beat myself up. Beating myself up is a major character defect of mine. So is hijacking threads. :)

These are anonymous programs, which means only you can honestly make public your involvement in the program. Of course, it' tricky if you're asked directly. Me, I'd answer in the affirmative, but if you didn't want to, I think it's okay to deflect the answer in a way that feels comfortable to you. In fact, I wouldn't find fault with you if you denied involvement in the program, since it really is only your business to make membership public. Do what you need to to keep your life together and continue in your recovery.

Why can't people just mind their own business?!

[get the red out]

4. Can it help someone or not?

Or will it harm me? I have to ask myself those questions. I think if my boss knew, it might harm me some in reputation with him, even after working for him for over 4 years and being sober the entire time, though he wouldn't make me leave my job or anything. I think he would look at me differently, somewhat less-than. I might end up pretty uncomfortable if he knew.

The "second in command" in our office wouldn't give a damn and wouldn't look down on me, I'm pretty sure.