Today one of our classes is
concerning Shame in our
recovery, the instructor Fred
tells us that shame is the painful
feeling or belief that we are
flawed as human beings and is
a serious barrier to recovery
from substance dependency. He
tells us that we have to develop
positive supportive relationships
and coping skills to overcome
shame.
Fred goes on with the discussion
and now comes the time to get we
veterans involved. It just happens
he calls on me first, and I have the
feeling he is picking on me. The
question is, what is a shameful
experience you can think of. My
mind sort of goes blank as if it does
not want to answer the question. I
come up with, staying at the Salva-
tion Army, Fred does not buy that
so I say, when I had to admit to
myself that I was a drunk, a alcoholic.
Fred seems to buy that and so does
another veteran who speaks without
being called on and affirms, that it
was also very shameful for him. I
think to myself, idiot, I don't nee you,
to second the motion. Fred moves
on to other veterans and the hour
soon ends, I am grateful, I did not
want another question thrown at
me, but I have a lot more classes on
this subject. I really don't look
forward to them.
I start thinking, I really did not
know what I expected in this
program, but it certainly was not
digging that deep into my soul.
Author: Alden Morrison
Alcoholic Veteran
