Peter shares in his article that initial guilt is a healthy response for him. However, shame and lingering guilt were very detrimental to his long-term recovery. He needed to understand how these harmed his recovery and what he could do to move out of guilt and shame as soon as possible—so that he could continue on his journey.

Have I experienced guilt or shame when completing a Fourth-Step inventory? Have I sought experience, strength, and hope from my sponsor and many members in the Program on how to deal with the guilt and shame? Why or why not?

In what ways have I strived for transformation? How has that striving helped dispel any negative self-perceptions? Is it clear to me that striving to hand over persistent guilt and shame is vital for my long-term recovery?

When memories resurface, does any initial guilt or shame linger, causing unnecessary pain? Would I be willing to begin looking for guilt and shame and identifying it when it pops up? Am I willing to stop beating myself up? Am I willing to acknowledge all the good that I strive to do and accomplish by giving my life to God in this Program? Am I willing to acknowledge my great worth and value, just as I am?

Will you use this article for a discussion topic at your home group? Send a story of your own recovery journey to essay@sa.org.