October 2005

Secret Keepers in the News

by John Prin
Addiction Counselor
Did you hear that America's cigarette smokers are now Secret KeepersSM too? That's right, according to Joseph P. Kahn of the Boston Globe,* the number of "secret" smokers is increasing. "I feel like the office drug addict," confessed Donna, a receptionist in Chelsea, Mass. "They all think it's nasty. They'd all look down on me if they knew I smoked."

In at least one state, Georgia, teachers and other public employees risk losing their health insurance for a year if they're caught lying about their smoking habit, states Kahn. What drives some smokers to cloak their habit in secrecy? Most agree that the social stigma is reason enough to disguise it. And because of smoke-free office buildings, hotel rooms, bars and restaurants, smokers have been pushed into quasi-exile.

Some authorities consider hiding it is as bad as cheating on your spouse, because not being truthful drives a huge wedge in a relationship. "It's feeling like a criminal that's disturbing," said Donna.

If you are dealing with secret-keepingSM issues, whether related to smoking or not, contact me for help. Once a 2-pack a day smoker myself until quitting 31 years ago, I can help you learn to conquer the secret-keeping attitudes and tricks that keep you trapped.

Email John Prin your thoughts.

You can also reach me at 952-941-1870 or read my books, Stolen Hours: Breaking Free From Secret Addictions. and the sequel, Secret Keeping: Overcoming Hidden Habits and Addictions.

* Mpls. Star Tribune, Sept 15, p. E3