Recovery - How to get over Feelings of Guilt | Recovery And Treatment For Alcohol and Drug Addicts

Recovery - How to get over Feelings of Guilt

Recognize that guilty feelings are normal and we all have it.
Yes, we all get them! sometimes they even feel avoidable. Maybe something you did when you drank or used drugs, physically hurt or said something to someone and don't remember, lost your job because of your addict behavior , hurting and stressing you family members.

Apologies are usually a good thing to do but sometimes that can be tough! I am still feeling guilty of certain things i have done and have yet to apologize for my actions. I am hoping that i will soon one day.

Think through with why your actions brought you to feeling guilty in the first place.
A great way ( I feel that works ) is to sit down in a quiet environment with no interruptions and try to recollect what happened. This may be tough if you were in a "Blackout" like myself many many times!
There are many times I still to this day hear from others what crazy and stupid things i have done ( like dancing on top of a pool table and getting thrown out) !

Learn from those actions and assure to attempt not to ever repeat them. Recognize that we're all human, and this may not be possible, but make a personal promise to do better.
As in step #2 above, find a quiet place and start writing down everything you can remember . You will be amazed how much memory will come back to you after writing!

Apologize to someone, if your actions hurt someone. This will help alleviate some of the guilt, and hopefully the person you hurt will accept your apology. I have done this several times and it is in human nature for caring people to accept your apology. If they don't, don't feel guilty or down on yourself. Just be happy that you made the effort and i am pretty sure that person will give it some thought to your honest actions.

Take lessons from people in Recovery: AA or N.A. Many people who go to these meetings are "old timers" who would love to give you advice no matter how crazy your questions are. Most of them have been in your shoes and totally understand. Realize each day is a new beginning filled with promise, hope and the opportunity to start over.

Don't linger over the actions that might have caused the guilt. by lingering over guilty feelings too much may cause you to take the easy way out and Drink or Drug. Your temptations may come back to surface. if you feel those negative feelings coming over you, please call someone, a family member, friend, or anyone on your list of phone numbers at any of the A. A. or N. A. meetings you have gone to. It always helps me to call someone just to release those negative feelings and most of the time, i feel much much better after the phone call is over.

Each time a guilty feeling arises, rather than billowing in it, take one optimistic step. For instance, if you feel guilty about having to pay late bills, try calling them and see if you can make a smaller payment to satisfy your account. I have done this several times and 99% of the time, it worked out for me!

Do a good deed. Help out in charities or fund raiser events. Or even a food drive for the homeless. Open doors for people when going into stores, ask an elder person if you can carry their groceries to their car for them. Go to a church and see if they need any assistance.
I have done this and felt really good afterwards. But try your hardest NOT to wait around for a "Thank You". Be as self-less as possible.

Only Seek medical assistance if it is really needed. You might have a psychological or medical condition that may be more serious that you think. Be careful about any medication they may prescribe to you especially if it gives you a "High" feeling. You do NOT want that!

Thank You For Reading This Article ! And I Hope Your Recovery Goes Well! :)

Dave L.(Recovering Addict)

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