Shame, Guilt, and Alcoholism

Increase your understanding of the link between alcoholism and shame and guilt with this tremendously important book that adds to our understanding of the total recovery process. This practical volume authoritatively defines the often elusive terms of shame and guilt and provides constructive suggestions to therapists for treating alcoholic clients and affected family members who are suffering from excessive quantities of shame and guilt. Shame, Guilt, and Alcoholism thoroughly explains to therapists the significant differences between shame and guilt as displayed by clients'experiences of failure, primary responses and feelings, precipitating events and involvement of self, and origins and central fears. Author Potter-Efron includes creative approaches to the general treatment of shame and guilt, explores the positive functions of shame and guilt, describes the conscious and subconscious defense mechanisms against shame and guilt, and highlights the very crucial family behaviors that initiate and encourage shame and guilt. Shame, Guilt, and Alcoholism adds immeasurably to our understanding of the total recovery process.

Autorentext

Ron Potter-Efron, Bruce Carruth

Inhalt

Contents Preface

• Overview: Shame, Guilt, and Alcoholism
• The Positive Value of Moderate Shame
• Defenses Against Shame
• Shame Generating Messages and Behaviors in Families of Origin
• Family Shame Themes With Active and Newly Recovering Alcoholics
• Treatment of Shame--General Considerations
• The Treatment of Shame With Alcoholic Clients
• The Positive Value of Rational Guilt
• Defenses Against Guilt
• Guilt-Generating Messages and Behavior From the Family of Origin
• Common Guilt Themes in Families With Active and Newly Recovering Alcoholics
• Treatment of Guilt--General Considerations
• The Treatment of Guilt With Alcoholic Clients
• Creative Approaches to the Treatment of Shame and Guilt: Helping the Adult Child of an Alcoholic (Patricia S. Potter-Efron)
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Shame, and Guilt
• Final Notes
• Author Index
• Topic Index