Where shall i say ive been all these years?

Question

Ive been alcoholic/drug addict for 20 years now im clean and people ask where/what ive been doing I have a mind freeze as I know from experience lying leads to more lies etc. on the other hand when I tell the truth people tend to want to get away sharpish.
Shall I tell people ive been in Broadmoor mental hospital as this seems an easy option,well believed and gets the same affect?

Answer 1

You should always tell them the truth.
If they back away from you, or avoid you, then that's their problem, and not yours.
They are probably very narrow minded people, and probably not worth knowing anyway. Any sensible people will be sympathetic, supportive and worth knowing.
Of course, you have to be patient and understanding, but in the end will end up with the Friends that you deserve.
Well done, good luck and don't be tempted, it's all worth it in the end, I have a friend who, a few years ago, went though what you are going through now.

Answer 2

Well, I'm not an alcoholic or drug addict, and I've been in mental hospitals. So, I'd hate for people to think that my time in hospitals was because of addiction, because it was for PTSD. Don't lie and say you were someplace you weren't--it's not good for you or for other people who have really been in hospitals. I mean, plenty of mentally ill people have substance abuse issues, but I'd hate for people to think that "mental illness" means that I have a problem that I really don't.

Just say you had some personal problems that you had to work out. If you trust the person, you can say that you had substance abuse issues, but you're clean now and you want to start your life over. Be honest, and if people ditch you because of it...it sucks, and I know that from experience, but you really aren't losing anyone important if that's the way they react. You need to be around caring, supportive people who are mature enough to realize that people have problems and they can get over problems, too. Just be honest, find out who your true friends are, and avoid the other people like the plague.

Answer 3

Congratulations on being clean!! Keep it up, I'll be rooting for you.

By all means, tell them your story! In the shortened version of course. Something like:

'Well, I got carried away with drugs and alcohol and after 20 years I decided I had enough. So I checked into a clinic, got clean, and damn do I feel good!'

Be positive about it! Be happy that you are now clean. If people act negatively in the face of your positive attitude and words then so be it, let them walk away! You have brighter things to look forward to and the sooner these losers leave you the sooner the people that deserve your time will arrive.

Answer 4

As you have already found out, lies beget lies. If people shun you for telling the truth, then I wouldn't let them figure in any future plans that you may have. You will find people that understand the problems that you have had in the past, and they will help you stand tall again. Remember, true friends are like diamonds, precious and rare; false friends are like autumn leaves, found everywhere. Get out and make some friends. Most of all, keep in mind 'one day at a time.'

Answer 5

I see UR dilemma, tricky 1.
My suggestion is 2 down-grade as much as possible & try not 2 joke 2 much about it. They'll get the wrong idea.
It is going 2 B difficult but not impossible, worded carefully.
2 admit 2 being hospitalised 4 mental health is nothing 2 B ashamed of, but people can B narrow-minded.
U've beaten drugs/alcohol, U can do this.
Good Luck.
:)

Answer 6

somewhat of being adverse appropriate to the area, turn it right into a favorable. Make arrangements with a wellbeing midsection or medical to speak with adults who're bothered by emphysema or different appropriate illnesses to smoking. talking with adults who smoked and asking questions as to how they have been given started will supply her a attitude of ways existence could be if she keeps to smoke. additionally, monitoring who she hangs out with after college might help too. Get her in contact in an interest and if money is a controversy, have her volunteer someplace the place she would be in a position to make a distinction. toddlers have an inclination to smoke, drink or do irrelevant events while they are bored. She has too lots time in her palms. remember you're her place sort. good success!

Answer 7

Your past should not be held against you. If people are hostile about it, they're not the kind of people you want to know anyway.
The fact that you've overcome it is a great credit to you and you should be proud of this achievment. Perhaps you would be more comfortable among people like yourself, who understand the terrible struggle you've had.
I have several friends and relatives with similar history and they get much satisfaction going to AA and NA meetings. It helps them stay on track and find fellowship and REAL friends.

Answer 8

Don't tell them you were in Broadmoor,it's for the criminally insane,not only will they run,they'll call the cops as well in case you escaped.Just tell them you went through a bad time & would prefer not to talk about it.

Answer 9

I was out of "legit" society for 5 years from drugs, when people ask me where I've been I just tell them I had some things to work through and sort out.They pretty much leave it alone after that!

Answer 10

Listen mate a know where your coming from you dont need to tell people your life story because your not the only one try and put everything to the back of your mind and get on with your life its to short to make excuses to people who are just trying to be nosey true friends should just help and respect you their not stupid they have brains as well you know.