How to Handle Guilt & Shame from the Past

In sobriety, clarity often arrives like a double-edged sword. You begin to see yourself—and your past—through clearer eyes. While this awareness can be empowering, it also invites some of the heaviest emotions: guilt and shame. You might find yourself haunted by memories of what you did, who you hurt, or who you became in your addiction. These emotions, if left unchecked, can quietly erode your progress and self-worth.

Contents

● Chapter 1: Understanding Guilt vs. Shame

● Chapter 2: Why These Emotions Surface

in Recovery

● Chapter 3: Facing the Past Without

Getting Stuck In It

● Chapter 4: The Power of Making Amends

● Chapter 5: Practicing Radical

Self-Forgiveness

● Chapter 6: Letting Go of the Labels and

Stories

● Chapter 7: Turning Regret Into Purpose

● Chapter 8: Talking About the Past

Without Shame

● Chapter 9: When You Feel Like You Don’t

Deserve to Heal

● Chapter 10: Moving Forward with Grace

and Self-Respect