Guilt Versus Shame
Guilt and shame often get lumped together, but in recovery – whether from active addiction, compulsive collecting, or gambling behaviors – they operate very differently. Understanding that difference can be the turning point between staying stuck and beginning to heal. Guilt is behavioral. It shows up as an internal signal that something we did didn’t align with our values. “I spent money I said I wouldn’t.” “I hid something.” “I crossed a boundary.” When guilt