Working Through Shame in Addiction Recovery

Often, people who experience addiction may feel ostracized or isolated due to their alcohol and drug use. Sometimes addiction can cause the user to push away the ones closest to them. This may happen due to shame and societal views of people who struggle with addiction. It is important to note that if you are struggling with addiction, you do not need to be ashamed of yourself. Taking the steps to work toward getting better is a difficult and brave thing. It is hard to change your life and make strides in treatment. Addiction knows no race, gender, or class. Anyone can struggle with addiction and substance use, and everyone is worthy of treatment and help. West Coast Recovery Centers believes that overcoming shame in addiction is a critical part of the recovery process. 

Getting over shame can be difficult, but education and treatment can help. As you learn more about what addiction is and how it functions, you can take back control of your life. Treatment is for everyone, and it can help to reduce the intensity of cravings, triggers, and other difficult symptoms as you restore your health in sobriety. Moreover, addiction treatment will give you the tools that you need to make healthy changes in your life, including overcoming challenging emotions like shame. 

Shame in Addiction Recovery

For many, feeling shame in addiction can surface as individuals become more self-aware of the ripple effects of their substance abuse even well before they seek treatment. Societal stigmas and expectations can contribute to feelings of guilt and shame. Sometimes addiction may cause people to lose their jobs, housing, and overall social support. Further, these things can contribute to reduced self-esteem and cause the user to isolate. This isolation and difficulty continues to grow shame, which can stop someone from seeking help. 

Getting help is an integral part of ceasing addictive behavior and restoring well-being in sobriety. Although shame is a commonly shared experience for those in active addiction, it is important to know that you deserve help and assistance. Despite what some may believe, addiction is treatable. Getting help can be overwhelming, but it is an important step to start your recovery. 

Nobody is above the pressures and struggles of mental health that cause people to turn to substances. If you understand how addiction works, it may help alleviate some of the shame that you feel.

Understanding Addiction

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines drug addiction as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.” It is important to note that addiction is classified as a disease, and it is something that the user needs assistance in ceasing. Drug use deeply affects brain structure and functioning, causing individuals to continue partaking in substance use despite the consequences it may be causing to their lives. 

The chronic drug use associated with addiction undoubtly affects an individual's quality of life. While there is a societal stigma on addiction, it is important to note that it is possible to happen to anyone. You do not need to feel shame in addiction. Many risk factors can contribute to the development of an addiction. All people can develop substance use disorder (SUD) and will need similar help to get their life back in control. Once you recognize how your addiction works, you can start making steps to get help and stay clean.

Importance of Treatment

Addiction comes from underlying mental struggles that may influence you to use drugs. When you enter addiction treatment, you will work with a therapist to understand the underlying reasons that you feel compelled to use. A therapist will help you work through these issues and provide you with resources to keep yourself healthy in sobriety. This includes things like psychoeducation, healthy coping and stress management skills, and, if necessary, medication. 

If you put off treatment for your SUD, you are heightening the risk of adverse effects on your health. Long-term use of substances can cause extensive damage to your physical and mental health. It puts you at higher risk of overdose and can cause long-term damage to your body. Getting treatment early can help you control these negative effects, and give control of your health back to you. 

While many people may feel guilt or shame about their drug use, it should not stop them from getting treatment. Taking the step to get treatment is a brave and commendable one, and can help you get healthy again. Even though societal stigma may make you feel shame at times, it is important to know that having an addiction is not something to be ashamed of. West Coast Recovery Centers believes that treatment is for everyone, and can help you get healthy again. 

Societal stigma can cause people to feel ashamed for experiencing addiction. Addiction is a chronic disease that causes difficulty in avoiding substance usage and oftentimes requires people to reach out for help to get clean. It is important to understand that anyone can experience addiction and to not let shame stop you from getting treatment. If you are struggling, you deserve to get help. Treatment can help you get off of substances and give you the tools to stay off of them. Getting addiction treatment can help you put your health back into your control. To learn more about overcoming shame in addiction recovery, we can help. Call West Coast Recovery Centers today at (760) 492-6509.