How to Navigate Guilt and Shame in Recovery

How Do Feelings of Guilt and Shame Feed Addiction?

People with continuous, deeply felt shame of themselves tend to be isolated, with closely held feelings of being unlovable and unworthy. In turn, this is linked to depression and the use of drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication.

In addition, the use of alcohol and drugs causes more feelings of shame. It also lowers self-esteem and adds to the constant cycle of viewing yourself as unable to cope and feeling inferior. This shame spiral can only be ended by a significant intervention. Individuals who feel unworthy of help or even to ask for help don’t usually seek professional treatment on their own. Often, they’ll get help for addiction when family or friends motivate them.

Effects of Guilt and Shame on Recovery

Several studies have shown that analyzing emotional problems in substance abusers is important because people in recovery experience different levels of shame and guilt than the general population.

Literature has suggested that the emotions people feel after their bad behavior are related to outcomes–especially that feelings of guilt can play a part in changing behavior constructively and feelings of shame can harm such behavior development.

However, in the context of substance abuse, these two emotions often occur simultaneously. The actions you might be guilty of do involve the self. And since they involve the self they also involve shame, particularly if the guilt is ongoing. The weight of all that guilt can lead you to want to escape by using substances. Guilt appears to be a common struggle for individuals in recovery.

How Do Guilt and Shame Affect Overall Health?

Self-harm is a major public health issue associated with the risk of suicide and substantial psychological pain. Guilt and shame may be important emotions in self-harm. A “guilt complex” refers to the ongoing belief that you did something wrong or will do something wrong and can lead to feelings of:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Sleeping problems
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

Feelings of shame are another common result of a guilt complex. Due to the shame, a person may be isolated from other people, causing a detrimental impact on relationships and making it hard to find strong social support.

Overcoming Guilt and Shame in Recovery

Everybody messes up from time to time and frequently, with those mistakes come feelings of guilt, shame, self-condemnation, and humiliation. Fortunately, if you learn how to forgive yourself and let go of the guilt, you can get past these negative effects and live better. Here are some tips for lightening your load:

• Name your guilt and accept responsibility: unaddressed guilt will stick around and make you feel worse
• Find the source: Admitting to mistakes is important, but it’s equally important to notice when you blame yourself for things you can’t control.
• Apologize and make amends: A sincere apology can help to repair the damage after you’ve done something wrong. You might not be forgiven right away, but a sincere apology can help you Making amends means committing to change.
• Learn from your mistakes: You can’t fix everything but you need to accept what happened and leave it in the past.
• Practice gratitude: Rather than feeling guilty when you need support, develop gratitude by thanking your loved ones for their support, showing them your appreciation clearly, acknowledging opportunities you’ve gotten because of their support, committing to “pay it forward” once you’re on more solid footing and challenge thoughts that lead to guilt.
• Forgive yourself: Forgiveness for yourself and others is a key part of self-compassion
• Talk to people you trust: You’re not alone. Don’t let guilt and shame isolate you

Find Healing and Break the Stigma at Golden Gate Recovery

To discuss the connection between addiction and shame, it’s important to start working with an experienced psychotherapist or recovery coach for either individual or group therapy. Learning to view your mistakes as behaviors, not a reflection of your self-worth is necessary to break the cycle.

Golden Gate Recovery, in Martin County, CA, is an accredited drug and alcohol rehab for men. We have certified addiction specialists experienced in treating individuals with substance use disorder and mental health issues, which often go hand in hand. Our therapists are well-versed in approaches that will help you learn to see mistakes as behaviors and not as a representation of your self-worth. Additionally, being a single-gender rehab promotes more open and relaxed communication among the people in treatment.

Furthermore, breaking the cycle of guilt and shame in recovery and reconnecting with family, friends, and coworkers is essential for healing. Learning to accept that these people love you and that you’re part of a loving network can be hard, but is possible through therapy.

Levels of Care

At Golden Gate Recovery in Marin County, CA, we provide clients with several levels of care. Based on specific needs and circumstances, we create a comprehensive treatment program. Our team is prepared to support you through your recovery from outpatient rehab to sober living homes after your formal treatment is completed. You will never be pushed forward or held back if it’s not right for you.

So now you have to be honest with yourself. Instead of allowing the guilt, shame, and denial to grow and fester, it’s time to make that most important step. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it’s okay to reach out for help. You have questions and we are happy to provide the answers. Contact us today to set up an appointment or just talk.