The biggest excuse in our brains that stops us from seeking treatment is our shame. Shame in addiction may feel like it has control over your actions, but rehabilitation can undo this damage. While there are stigmas associated with substance abuse, these are being quickly dispelled by new science and treatment. We want our clients to know that nothing should prevent them from a better life, including our perception of ourselves. Addiction should not hold you hostage. This article discusses how habit can give us a feeling of shame and how these emotions are not true to life.
The Difference Between Guilt and Shame
Guilt and shame are incredibly similar feelings. However, the two have significant differences, and it’s critical to understand them. Feeling guilty is usually because you did something wrong or made a commitment but didn’t follow through. For instance, lying about not being accessible for the night even if you had nowhere to go or saying something rude to a friend while drinking. Guilt is usually the first emotion to surface in this situation. It’s instinctual and usually occurs from feeling bad about either the problem or in general.
Shame is the second emotion following guilt. It’s the internalization of responsibility and the belief that you’re wrong because of the bad things you’ve done, whereas guilt is admitting and feeling bad about doing something you shouldn’t have. The emotion of shame is considered a “self-conscious emotion.” Understanding guilt and shame is crucial because it may impact your perspective. This may, in turn, affect how you behave and react. Guilt frequently inspires you to make amends with someone you’ve wronged, apologize, or correct a mistake. However, shame influences negative and self-deprecating thoughts and self-destructive behaviors. Shame is especially dangerous because it can perpetuate addictive habits, furthering your cycle of destruction.
Why Shame Impacts Addiction
Using and abusing substances is openly condemned by society and the media. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights this clearly through a 2016 report that revealed deeply rooted stereotypes drive fear and blame that keep people in the shadows, avoiding help that could be life-changing or even lifesaving.
When you’re a victim of addiction, you can feel the active eyes of people around that may be judging you for your actions. This continual shame from addiction fuels the need to return to the substances that make you forget about this judgment. It’s a vicious cycle that never seems to leave you alone. Shame is a powerful negative force that keeps us from doing the things we love and keeps us on a path of self-destruction.
According to PLoS One, this effect of shame is multiplied by any early-on adverse experiences. Substance use is a mechanism by which some individuals cope with negative feelings. When it’s too much to handle the truth, they turn to a substance that removes negativity. This is referenced as the “shame addiction spiral.” In other words, shame is a barrier to reducing stimulant use because it eliminates any possibility that you deserve better. The step to eliminating shame is believing you can and should deserve better in your life. It is a mental and emotional battle that’s worth fighting.
How to End Shame
As we make our next steps toward a life of health, we have to break the cycle of regret and shame that keeps us from growing. As you emerge from active addiction, it’s easy to be critical of yourself and the things you did while you weren’t sober. Yet, nobody should stay a victim of the shame that only exists to harm oneself. The first step in moving from the past is asking for forgiveness from those you hurt, which is necessary for recovery. They might not forgive you immediately, but you will be clean from the situation. All we can do is commit to a new direction.
The next step is forgiving yourself. It takes time to develop self-forgiveness. Yet, it’s more productive and helpful for you to reflect on your prior behavior. What is important are the decisions you make today, not your past mistakes. Take over what you can control and move forward with courage. Only you have the power to change your life, and you can do it flawlessly.
Ending the Cycle
At First Steps Recovery, we see your pain. We see the continual loop you find yourself in and want to break it alongside you. Clearing the noise that you are indebted to in the past is the first step in holistic health. The next step is getting your body and brain back to complete strength. When you leave our facilities, you will be equipped with the tools to live a shame-free life of sobriety. With that newfound ability, you’ll be glad you didn’t listen to the life of guilt and shame.
The damage that may result from substance abuse may be significant, but it’s not the end of the story. First Steps Recovery wants to rescue you from the wreckage because we know how harmful addiction can be. We have qualified staff members and clinicians to assist you day and night, walking you through the most challenging parts of treatment. You will soon be past the detoxing, and on your way to full recovery and lifelong sobriety. We sympathize with your suffering and pledge to put all our efforts into restoring your joy. You deserve a healthy life. Call us at (844) 489-0836 to learn more about how First Steps Recovery can be of assistance.
The damage that may result from substance abuse may be significant, but it’s not the end of the story. First Steps Recovery wants to rescue you from the wreckage because we know how harmful addiction can be. We have qualified staff members and clinicians to assist you day and night, walking you through the most challenging parts of treatment. You will soon be past the detoxing, and on your way to full recovery and lifelong sobriety. We sympathize with your suffering and pledge to put all our efforts into restoring your joy. You deserve a healthy life. Call us at (844) 489-0836 to learn more about how First Steps Recovery can be of assistance.
