Shame is the inner experience of being "not wanted." It is feeling valueless, and rejected. Being addicted to a drug is shameful and even if an individual tries to practice soberness the society taunts him and brings his morale down. Like cancer, HIV or any other disease addiction is also a disease, so there is no need to feel shameful about it as you are in the process of recovering.
Addiction and Shame
Usually an individual starts taking excessive drugs and gets addicted to them when he is going through a tough phase in life or his past haunts him. This addiction makes an individual self- destructive as he is unable to control his emotions and can even harm the people around him. The past incidents and addiction mix up together to affect the self- esteem of an individual. And after sometime, the person gets used to this atmosphere and starts believing and living in the world of low self-esteem.
Even if a person plans to leave all his addiction and starts taking preventive measures to practice soberness, shame and guilt are the feelings which do not go away that easily. The feeling that they have done wrong deeds in the past due to their addiction is really a matter of shame for them. Such feelings create immense psychological pressure and stress, forcing a person to start consuming drugs again for relief.
Overcoming Guilt and Shame
Feeling of guilt and shame is very normal at the initial stage of recovery as your past actions may haunt you. But instead of letting them affect your self- esteem, you can adopt the following ways for speedy recovery:
- The best way to live a normal life is moving on, just admit your past mistakes and move on.
- Accept those responsibilities which you ignored in the past and take desired steps to fulfil them.
- No one can change his past or actions committed in the past, so forget about it and concentrate on your present behavior.
- If you feel guilty about hurting your loved ones in the past then you confront them and say sorry or do something to compensate your past actions.
If you or any of your friends or relatives is facing shame issues or any other issues while recovering then Quapaw House is the right place for you as this licensed behavioral health center offers residential services, therapies and counselling sessions which help an individual to move on and be a better person.
Don’t feel overburdened by the sins which you have committed in the past as it may slow down your progress during recovery, rather concentrate on the life which is waiting for you ahead.
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