Although the AMA acknowledged alcoholism was a disease in 1956, and former US Surgeon General Everett Koop declared nicotine addiction to be a public health issue, there are still folks out there who consider quitting to be no more than a matter of will power. For those who have never been addicted, it can be hard to understand that addiction is a disease needing treatment, just like diabetes. Without treatment, the disease is fatal. With treatment, the disease is not ever cured, but the quality and quantity of life can be greatly enhanced. The author also knows felons who have served their time, functionally illiterate people who struggle to read the literature, and people who have lost their jobs, homes, and families as they spiraled down through their disease.
Addiction is an equal opportunity disease.
Twelve Step groups hold a tradition of anonymity. If you believe you have something to lose by being seen at the group meeting, then so does everyone else attending the meeting. The open meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend, thus your presence will not be considered an acknowledgment that you have a problem. You can find out whether a meeting is open or closed by checking for the appropriate codes describing the meeting in the relevant directory, or by calling the telephone number of the appropriate group and asking for open meetings. You do not have to stop using before you go.