We must be completely honest with someone if we want to live happily or for a long time in this world. It is right and natural to carefully consider who the person is that we choose for this intimate and confidential role.

If we belong to a religious denomination that requires confession, we will naturally turn to a designated person whose duty it is to listen to us. If we have no religious connections, we still do the right thing by talking to an ordained minister of a religion. We often find that such people quickly grasp and understand our problems. Of course, we may also encounter those who do not understand alcoholics.

If we cannot or do not want to do this, we should seek out a discreet, understanding friend among our acquaintances. This could be our doctor or psychologist. It could also be a family member, but we cannot disclose anything to our spouse or parents that would hurt or upset them. We have no right to save our own skin at the expense of others!

We tell the sensitive parts of our story to someone who can understand but is not personally affected by it. The rule is that we must be strict with ourselves, but always tactful towards others!  

[Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 69-70]

Big Book - Step 5

We set aside our pride and dive in. We illuminate every flaw in our character, every dark corner of the past. Once we take this step and conceal nothing, we find great joy in it. We can look the world in the eye.

We will experience perfect peace and relief. Our fears will vanish. We begin to feel the closeness of our Creator. Perhaps we already believed in the possibility of a spiritual experience, but now we will partake in a spiritual experience. We intensely feel the cessation of our drinking problem. We feel that we are walking hand in hand with the World Spirit on the broad path of life.  

[Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 70-71]