Is shame a barrier to sobriety? A narrative analysis of those in recovery

Abstract

Aims: Experiencing shame can be a risk factor for relapse for people recovering from alcohol dependence, but for some it may act as a necessary protective factor for preventing relapse. Knowing how best to manage shame is therefore an important issue, yet the precise nature of the relationship between shame and alcohol dependence remains largely unexplored. Research questions: (1)In what ways do participants tell their stories of shame? (2) How is shame experienced and/or understood by those in recovery from alcohol dependence? Method: Eight participants were recruited from Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) groups and invited to tell their story of recovery. Stories were then analysed using a narrative analysis, focusing on how participants narrated their stories and made sense of their experiences of shame in particular. Findings: Participants spoke about an inherent deep-rooted negative view about themselves, which was present long before alcohol dependence developed. Alcohol served as a means of connection to others and a way of artificially relieving feelings of worthlessness. Recovery was about finding somewhere safe to talk about feelings of shame and make sense of these experiences. Conclusions:The results indicate that management of shame is an important component of recovery programmes for alcohol dependence.

“It’s Just Flourishing Hope Everywhere”: The Experiences of Incarcerated Men Sharing Their Stories

“…Part of this narrative often involves shame and self-judgment, which lowers self-esteem and hinders one’s ability to integrate a more positive sense of themselves (D. N. Evans et al, 2017; Sawer et al, 2020).…”

“…When a person uses substances, they often create a negative narrative of themselves built upon societal stereotypes of addiction (McConnell, 2016). Part of this narrative often involves shame and self-judgment, which lowers self-esteem and hinders one's ability to integrate a more positive sense of themselves (D. N. Evans et al, 2017;Sawer et al, 2020).…”

“…The act of storytelling provided both the tellers and the listeners a unique opportunity to understand more fully the person who exists underneath the labels of "criminal," "addict," and "prisoner" (Bove & Tryon, 2018;Reith & Dobbie, 2012). In this sharing, participants confronted the shame and stigma they felt as a result of their substance use and criminal history while creating new experiences (Sawer et al, 2020). Storytelling is an important strategy to challenge addiction archetypes and to rewrite their self narrative and reimagine a new future with an identity they define (McConnell, 2016).…”

Shame and guilt activations: Associations and sociodemographic differences among ploysubstance abusers

“…The author claimed that people with substance use disorder (SUD) reported a higher level of guilt than those who didn't use drugs (7). Additionally, shame can be a barrier to recovery from the treatment of addictive behaviors (8). Shame predicts a tendency to relapse, the severity of relapse, and a decline in mental and physical health.…”

“…Based on the researchers' initial review of related literature, it was found that limited studies have been conducted on this topic in Pakistan among inpatient poly-substance abusers. Some researchers have claimed shame and guilt are detrimental to treatment-seeking behaviors (4,7,8,13), and others proved these are important to make reflections on wrongdoings (14,15). The relationship between shame and guilt activations is still unclear in inpatient polysubstance abusers.…”