One of the great things about being in recovery is the choices that you get to make. When you’re using, your choices are pretty much limited, but in recovery life just seems to open up. One of the choices that many people make is the choice to either remain anonymous in their recovery, or to disclose it to whomever they choose. This is a common topic in 12 step meetings. Do you tell people that you are in recovery? The choice is yours. When High Profile People Are In Recovery It seems like there are only a handful of people in the public eye who talk openly about their addiction and recovery. Even fewer of those who do are women. While it’s certainly okay for celebrities and other high profile people to keep their anonymity, it’s always nice when they disclose their status as a recovering addict or alcoholic, and talk openly about their choices, what brought them to recovery, and how they share a message of hope with others. Helping To Remove The Stigma From Addiction One of the reasons why it’s important when celebrities talk about addiction and recovery is because it helps to remove some of the stigma and stereotypes around addiction, especially when the celebrity is a well-known and respected one. Jamie Lee Curtis: Open About Her Struggle And Her Solution Jamie Lee Curtis isn’t as much in the spotlight as she has been in the past, but she is still a name that people recognize. From her early years as Hollywood’s “Scream Queen” to her action roles and her work as a children’s author, Curtis has had a long, successful career both on and off the screen. Amidst her success, she became addicted to opiate painkillers and alcohol. Her disease progressed, the way it does, until she reached a point where she no longer wanted to live that life anymore. Curtis chose to make her struggle public, which for anyone in the spotlight, is a huge risk. This is particularly the case for women, whether they are in Hollywood or not. Although great strides have been made in taking the stigma out of addiction, it is still alive and well, and for women is particularly harsh. There is simply more judgment. Giving Back And Making A Difference In addition to talking about her own sobriety, Curtis has done her part to help others. She remains outspoken about addiction and the tragedy it brings. She has been outspoken about the deaths of other celebrities, their lives lost to the disease of addiction. This heartfelt piece written by Curtis is a moving response to the death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Setting A Good Example Jamie Lee Curtis is a good example of a strong woman in recovery. There is a tremendous amount of pressure on women everywhere to be everything to everyone — and to look good while doing it. Not only has Jamie Lee Curtis overcome her addiction, she has also confronted her feelings of insecurity about her physical appearance, and acknowledges how these feelings contributed to her addiction. Her outspoken approach has included television interviews, written interviews and public appearances. She has stated that she believes her transparency will make a difference, and she plans to continue to raise awareness and raise funds to help people who are struggling with addiction. Now, with over 15 years sober, Curtis is back in the spotlight with a new show, and a movie set to be released in 2016. Getting Help For Addiction If you are a woman who is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol Wayside House can help. Don’t continue on alone, you can get help from a women’s treatment program that understands the unique challenges that women face. Our program was created for women, by women, and provides a safe, supportive and nurturing environment. Call 561-278-0055 to find out more and schedule a confidential consultation.