Many people with substance use disorders experience shame as a result of the stigma of substance abuse, failure to control their substance use, and failures in role functioning. Understandably, people are motivated to avoid or reduce this extremely painful affect. Unfortunately, when the emotion of shame itself becomes the target of avoidance, this may exacerbate shame in the long run, even though it may provide some relief in the short term. In a similar way, while negative self-conceptions are painful, direct change efforts can paradoxically increase the frequency and regulatory power of negative self-conceptions. Results of this study suggest that acceptance and mindfulness-based interventions may help people to step out of a cycle of avoidance and shame and move toward a path of successful recovery that leads to more stable reductions in shame and to more functional ways of living.
