57: Breaking Free from Shame--How Guilt Fuels Addiction and Triggers Relapse

Shame is one of the most dangerous emotions in early recovery. It replays past mistakes, whispers that change is impossible, and often pushes people toward relapse. In this conversation, Steven T. Ginsburg explains how shame becomes “the toolbox of the enemy,” trapping people in cycles of unworthiness. He highlights the importance of confronting our “old stat sheets”—the mental records of past failures—and introduces the 10th step as a powerful “shame buster.” By taking responsibility and mak...