Guilt and Shame – Recovered 952

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Many addicts start feeling more and more guilty as they reach the late stages of recovery. As mental clarity returns, the reality of the mistakes you’ve made become clear. Knowing all the struggles your family and friends went through to get you into treatment can cause addicts to feel a lot of shame. They don’t want you to feel shame; they want to feel better. The following are some tips for avoiding crippling shame during recovery.

The 2020 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held July 2–5, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan with the theme “Love and Tolerance is our Code.” A.A. members and guests from around the world will celebrate A.A.’s 85th year at this event with big meetings held Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning in the Ford Field Stadium. Other meetings, scheduled or informal, will take place throughout the weekend in the COBO Center in downtown Detroit.

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.



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First thoughts?

What is the difference between guilt and shame?
Guilt is an internal emotion. It’s the general unpleasantness that you feel when you believe you have done something wrong, regardless of other circumstances. Shame is what you feel when people notice what you’re doing, decide it’s wrong — or just stupid — and look down on you. While guilt is associated with morality, shame is not.

What was it like handling negative emotion early in program?
Why is it important to “feel the feelings?”

What guilt and shame did you come into program with?
Did you share these things at meetings?
What part of the program helped?
Were other people ashamed of your behavior before program?
How did you know?
How did you cope with this early in program?
How did you forgive yourself?
How can empathy help you forgive yourself?
Talk about service work here…

Have you ever been ashamed of yourself since program?
What character defect was in play that lead to this behavior?
How did you handle it?
How do you change your actions?

Gult is an emotion that can be helpful or it can be toxic.
How can you tell the difference?

How can steps 8 and 9 help?
How can prayer help?
How can the fellowship help?
How can service work help?

What would you say to the new person about Guilt and Shame?

Check out this episode!

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