“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Roams 8:1 KJV
Shame is a common emotion associated with addiction because of the strong stigma attached. If you feel ashamed of your addiction or things you have done in the past because of your addiction, it is vital to learn how to let go. Shame is not always an easy emotion to identify as it can feel a lot like guilt. You might find yourself feeling awful for things you have done in your past. You might wish that you could go back and change those actions. You might even view yourself entirely in a negative light.
This emotion can affect your self-image and make you feel less deserving of love and empathy. Shame is an uncomfortable emotion and can cause you to internalize your feelings. To move on from shame, you must first identify where and what it stems from.
When using substances and suffering from addiction, it is common to develop shame due to the stigma surrounding addiction. Even though addiction is a disease, there can be a feeling of personal responsibility attached to developing an addiction. This sense of responsibility can occur if you have experienced trauma or untreated mental health disorders. This is why it’s important to gain a support system. A professional counselor can assist with helping you recover from addiction.
While you are responsible for your actions while under the influence, it is not necessary to loathe yourself for developing an addiction. Addiction should be viewed in the same light as heart
disease. A person might develop heart disease because they have not eaten well in the past, but that does not mean they do not deserve medical treatment or empathy for the pain that heart disease causes.
Letting go of shame does not mean letting go of responsibility. You should still hold yourself accountable. Clinging to shame by internalizing guilt and resentment for the pain you might have caused will not help you move forward. Shame can be challenging to shed if you are stuck in the past. There is not anything you can do to take back what has already happened. The only thing you can do is move forward, but you need to let go to accomplish this feat. This process is not easy, and it will not happen overnight.
If you have a counselor or a therapist, it might help to talk with them about the guilt you are still holding onto. A counselor can help you work through this remorse, identify the feelings, and understand how to let go. Most Importantly, the counselor will help you to forgive yourself because unresolved shame leads to isolation.
Shame only leads to isolation. When you allow inner shame to rule your life, you are only holding yourself back from your true potential. The past is in the past. Forgiving yourself and making
amends is a critical step in the direction of long-lasting recovery. Let go of the mistakes you have made and learn to love yourself fully and authentically. Letting go of shame will not happen overnight. It takes work to make amends with your loved ones, including yourself, but once you have confronted your past and let go, you can fully embrace the future.
Call Nuwell Counseling Services and grant yourself the opportunity to recover. Their team of online Christian Counselors is equipped to walk you through the proper steps that lead toward
healing and recovery. Reserve your free 30-minute consultation. They are eager to help you THRIVE. NuWell Counseling Services, online Christian Therapy made easy!!!
