Good morning Tina,
It will take some time for the feelings of shame and embaressment to pass. It took a couple months for me to stop having sudden flashes of it that would send heat through my face.
I am one of those that think it was the right thing to do to tell your partner. From the self serving perspective that you will need all the help you can get to tackle this demon addiction. Keeping secrets while you try and deal with counseling, doctor’s appointments, financial appointments would have been very difficult. You would have had all sorts of feelings about keeping these things secret along with the addiction and the debt. I hope he can and will continue to support you. He is currently processing his feelings. I’m sure there will be some anger at some point. Even if just frustration at the financial mess. These days can be hard to get through. But look at what you are finally facing. This addiction has been chasing you for 18 years. Now you are turning and facing it. Very brave! you can do this.
Laura