I am considering talking about my struggle with--and recovery from--addiction in my personal statement. I am 11 years into recovery with an academic record that reflects this: I had 2 semesters of sub2.5 gpa when I was 18 followed by a 3 year gap. But then at 21 I began treatment and at 22 I returned to school and got straight As and -A's through undergrad and graduate school, along with some moderate professional success.

Addiction is a big part of my personal story, but there is nothing in my record (disciplinary action, arrests, DUI's) that would require me to disclose this fact about myself. So, I'm a little torn. Do I needlessly risk being potentially judged negatively for my past struggle with addiction or does my 11 years of continuous recovery speak to the fact that my past with addiction is not a liability (and perhaps an asset) ?