Should I tell roommate to-be I'm overcoming a drinking problem?

[Bonnie77]

I'm working through a drinking problem. The last straw was when I made a complete fool of myself, my friends had to take care of me and I awoke on the bathroom floor at the New Year's Eve party. I haven't been drunk since!

I work a stressful job. Unfortunately I started drinking to deal with stress. Since the New Year's Eve party I've chose other ways to deal with problems. But I also don't keep liquor in the house because it's too tempting. On a positive note abstaining from alcohol has improved my prayer frequency.

I recently moved to a new city and got a new job. I'll be moving into a house with a co-worker. So I will have a roommate soon. Problem is we're both in our 20's and she likes to party occasionally. I'll be social but I'm afraid to drink. I haven't been without alcohol that long. I'm making progress and don't want to relapse.

Fortunately I stay busy. Whether it be work, church or other hobbies. So I don't have the urge or time to go out and drink to intoxication . I think I'll be okay if I have a roommate that likes to have friends over to drink. It will be a good test because temptation is everywhere in this world. I need to learn to deal with it it!

What do you think I should do? Do you think I need to disclose my struggles? I don't want my roommate or her friends to worry about me. I don't mind if they drink--I just can't join them. I noticed a problem before I became an alcoholic spiraling out of control. But I don't want my boss to find out. We were supposed to disclose things like that on the job app. No I didn't mention my drinking problem when applying.

Thanks for any thoughts, advice or prayers!

 

[lashla]

I think it's great that you're viewing this as an opportunity to grow stronger in your conviction not to drink. I think living in a sober environment would be ideal for your recovery, but it sounds like you are aware of the additional challenge you face.

Absolutely tell your roommate. Don't be worried about inconveniencing them with your path to recovery- this is your living space! If you don't tell your roommate, she (or her friends) might invite you to join them and you don't want to have to explain yourself. Just have a private conversation with roommate and ask her to be mindful of what your going through.

 

[RuthD]

I wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers.

 

[epluribus36]

Have you ever heard the phrase, "we're only as sick as our secrets"? Keeping your sobriety a secret seems strange to me. Shouldn't you be proud to be sober?

Also, I would find it problematic to live in an environment where folks drink, if I had just quit drinking. Kinda like, if I had just quit smoking, I wouldn't want to go out to smoky bars for awhile.

Just thoughts.

 

[Autumnleaf]

Tell them you are allergic to alcohol.