Overcoming Shame: A New Perspective on Alcohol and Recovery with Passages Malibu
For many, the experience of shame after drinking is as familiar as the act of drinking itself.
This emotional aftermath can feel crippling, but at Passages Malibu, we view it as a pivotal entry point for transformative recovery. Since 2001, we’ve led the addiction treatment industry with a non-12-step approach that not only educates but also inspires individuals to reclaim their lives from alcohol.
Understanding Shame in the Context of Alcohol Use
Shame is a deep-seated emotion that can surface after engaging in behavior you regret while under the influence of alcohol. This feeling is often intensified by alcohol’s ability to impair judgment, leading to actions that conflict with one’s values or self-image. But why does alcohol so frequently lead to poor decisions and subsequent shame?
The Impact of Alcohol on Decision-Making
Alcohol affects the brain’s frontal lobes, which are responsible for judgment, impulse control, and reasoning. When these functions are impaired, making thoughtful decisions or considering the long-term consequences of one’s actions becomes challenging. This often leads to behavior that might never occur under sober circumstances, subsequently triggering feelings of shame once the effects of alcohol wear off.
The Passages Malibu Approach: Healing and Empowerment
At Passages Malibu, we believe that addressing the underlying causes of alcohol use is critical to overcoming shame. Our treatment programs are designed to empower individuals by focusing on healing and self-understanding rather than guilt and blame.
Tips for Getting Sober and Overcoming Shame
- Reflect on the Roots: Understand what drives your alcohol use. Is it stress, anxiety, or perhaps an attempt to escape from past traumas? Addressing these root causes can reduce the reliance on alcohol.
- Develop New Coping Strategies: Replace drinking with healthier activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. These can improve your mental health and reduce the likelihood of making decisions that lead to shame.
- Seek Professional Help: Therapy can be a safe space to explore the reasons behind your drinking habits and develop new, healthier patterns. At Passages Malibu, personalized therapy is a cornerstone of our treatment approach.
- Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with people who support your recovery goals. This can include sober friends, support groups, or family members who encourage your sobriety.
Questions to Consider
- What am I trying to escape from when I choose to drink?
- How do my actions under the influence align with my values and self-image?
- What steps can I take today to make a positive change in my relationship with alcohol?
A Path to Redemption
Shame does not need to be an endpoint; we see it as a catalyst for change at Passages Malibu. Overcoming the shame associated with alcohol use is possible, and it starts with understanding the psychological and emotional ties that bind you to these patterns.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward recovery and want to do so with dignity and respect, visit our website to learn more about our innovative approach to addiction treatment.
