Addiction recovery is a journey that can be filled with many emotions. While there is often a sense of relief and hope as you begin to move away from substance abuse, there can also be a lot of shame and guilt about the past.

It's important to recognise these feelings and work through them in order to fully heal and move forward in a healthy way.

Here are some tips on how to overcome shame and guilt in addiction recovery: 

• Understand that addiction is a disease: It's important to recognise that addiction is not a moral failing or a weakness, but rather a disease that affects the brain and behaviour. This can help to lessen the shame and guilt that you may be feeling.
• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer a friend. Recognise that recovery is a difficult process and that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. 
• Seek support: Talking to a therapist or joining a support group can be incredibly helpful in overcoming feelings of shame and guilt. You can learn from others who have gone through similar experiences and gain a sense of community and belonging.
• Practice forgiveness: Forgiving yourself can be a difficult process, but it's an important step in healing. Recognise that you are not defined by your past mistakes and that you have the power to change your future. 
• Let go of shame: Shame can be a powerful emotion, but it's not productive or helpful in the recovery process. Try to let go of shame by recognising that it is a feeling that doesn't serve you, and focus instead on self-improvement and growth.
• Focus on the present: It's easy to get caught up in thoughts about the past, but it's important to focus on the present and what you can do to move forward. Make small goals and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.
• Practice gratitude: Gratitude can help shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. Take time to reflect on the things that you are grateful for and appreciate the progress that you have made. 

In conclusion, overcoming shame and guilt in addiction recovery is a process that requires patience, self-compassion, and support. By recognising that addiction is a disease, practicing forgiveness and self-compassion, seeking support, and focusing on the present and gratitude, you can begin to let go of negative feelings and move forward in a healthy and positive way. Remember, recovery is a journey and every step forward is a step in the right direction.