Shame Core
This early life experience is one of the strongest roots of shame.
What is Childhood trauma
“I did something bad” describes this feeling.
What is guilt?
True or False: Talking about shame usually makes it stronger.
What is false?
Feeling guilt or regret motivates someone to apologize and make amends.
What is a healthy way of experiencing shame?
A short phrase you can repeat to challenge shame is called a…
What is an affirmation?
People with substance use disorders often feel shame about this cycle.
True or False: Guilt can sometimes motivate positive change, while shame often leads to hiding or secrecy.
What is true?
Speaking about shame out loud interrupts this harmful cycle: use → shame → silence → more use.
What is the shame-addiction cycle?
Believing “I am a bad person and unworthy of love” after making a mistake.
What is an unhealthy way of experiencing shame?
This mindfulness practice can help reduce shame over time.
What is meditation or self-compassion practice?
Shame makes us believe this negative core message about ourselves such as
“I am bad” describes this feeling.
What is shame?
Shame can only survive if it stays hidden.
What is True?
Using shame as a signal that you’ve crossed your own values and need to realign.
What is a healthy response to shame?
One long-term recovery tool for overcoming shame is…
What is building healthy relationships, therapy, or 12-step programs?
Shame often drives people to these two opposite extremes in relationships.
What is withdrawal/avoidance OR people-pleasing/perfectionism?
Shame leads to “I am not enough,” while guilt can lead to this healthy next step.
What is accountability, change, or making amends?
Sharing shame stories in recovery takes this quality that often feels scary but builds connection.
What is vulnerability?
Isolating, hiding, or lying about mistakes out of fear of rejection.
What is an unhealthy response to shame?
True or False: A recovery tool can include asking for help before a relapse happens.
What childhood experiences often plant the seed of shame?
What is criticism, neglect, trauma, or abuse?
This feeling often makes people want to hide or withdraw.
What is shame?
Silence, secrecy, and judgment make shame grow. Name one thing that makes shame shrink.
What is sharing, empathy, connection, or compassion?
Talking about shame with a safe person, therapist, or group to reduce secrecy.
What is a healthy way to cope with shame?
Shame grows in silence. This tool reduces shame by sharing with safe people.
What is connection or talking about it?