I don't question your decision to keep her secret. I recovered from a decades-long alcohol addiction and I understand the shame. The stigma associated with addiction is nearly disabling and it derailed many of my attempts to recover. I don't believe that keeping recovery concealed is workable, long term, but it was helpful to me to "keep secrets" short term. I've learned to cast aside the remorse and shame associated with my addiction; it was the only way to heal. But I use a pseudonym here because of the stigma...... to protect my career/career opportunities.
Great topic! Thanks for sharing.