[madisgram]

i hope this article may spark interest in someone who feels guilt or shame re their drinking history. when we notice our drinking has become a problem the guilt/shame that comes with it may cause one to drink more to numb those feelings. this may cause the cycle of more abusive drinking.

Feelings of Guilt

Many drug and alcohol abusers know that what they are doing is wrong, even though they keep doing it. Some addicts feel guilt for their actions. Some realize the pain they’ve caused loved ones, or the financial trouble they got themselves into because of their addiction. These occasional feelings of guilt may not be enough to overcome the urge of an addiction, however, and so the substance abuse continues.
Other people do feel guilty every time they use, or every time they drink.

A drug addict or alcoholic can feel shame over what other people may think of them, but this attitude actually keeps people from seeking treatment.

http://www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork...bstance-abuse/

[splitimage]

Thanks for posting this article madisgram. I know shame was a big part of what kept me from getting help when I first realized I had a problem. And shame has made it hard for me sometimes to come back from relapses.

I try not to feel shame now for my drinking past. It is what it is, and I have a disease. But it does still crop into my feelings occassionally.

Whenever that happens, I try to immediately refocus on the positive stuff I'm doing now for my recovery.

splitimage

[hopefultoday]

Thanks Madisgram! I know I feel guilt and shame because of my drinking. I'm 4 months sober but need to get to a face to face meeting. I just can't walk in. Even sat in the parking lot last night but couldn't do it! I think a lot may have to do with the guilt and shame.....and maybe my extreme fear!

Thanks for posting this

[madisgram]

Originally Posted by hopefultoday

Thanks Madisgram! I know I feel guilt and shame because of my drinking. I'm 4 months sober but need to get to a face to face meeting. I just can't walk in. Even sat in the parking lot last night but couldn't do it! I think a lot may have to do with the guilt and shame.....and maybe my extreme fear!

Thanks for posting this

i love your screenname, hopeful. here's a suggestion, everyone who has walked thru that door the first time felt like you do now. and you don't have to do anything but sit down. it's not any different than going to a new store if u get what i mean. in the rooms are ppl just like you. they understand. and congrats on 4 months sobriety. i hope you let us know once you've taken the next step and go to a meeting. you have the willingness and that is the key.